Welcome to the Blog Tour for Magic City Murder by Bruce Hammack, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Magic City Murder
Series: Smiley and McBlythe Mystery Series #16
Author: Bruce Hammack
Publisher: Jubilee Publishing
Release Date: August 6, 2026
Genre: Mystery / Private Detective
A missing husband. A murdered journalist. A city where everyone has something to hide.
Blind former Houston homicide detective Steve Smiley and his partner Heather McBlythe take on what looks like a straightforward case: track down a missing husband so his estranged wife can finally file for divorce.
The simple case turns deadly when the body of the woman the husband has been living with is found in a Miami canal. She wasn't just the missing man's companion — she was an investigative journalist silenced before her story could see the light of day.
As Smiley and McBlythe dig deeper, they uncover a trail of political corruption and cartel money that someone powerful is determined to keep hidden. With a growing list of suspects, a city full of secrets, and a killer working in the shadows, Smiley must sort through the tangle of lies before whoever is cleaning up loose ends decides Smiley's next.
Pick up your copy of Magic City Murder today and follow Smiley and McBlythe from Houston to Miami as they chase down a missing husband and a killer who's running out of places to hide. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie-style whodunits who love clever plots, professional detective work, and clean reads without the gore, violence, or explicit content.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | BruceHammack.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub
More in This Series
About the Author
Bruce Hammack, a native Texan, began his professional writing career in the tenth grade when the local Rotary Club sponsored a writing contest for students in civics class. To the amazement of students and teachers alike, he won the prize of a twenty-five-dollar savings bond.
After retiring from a career in criminal justice, Bruce picked up the proverbial pen again. He now draws on his extensive background with law enforcement (and criminals) to write contemporary, clean read detective and crime mysteries.
An avid Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes fan, Bruce firmly believes the world can’t have enough whodunits. When not writing, he enjoys travel, classic whodunits and a quiver full of children and grandchildren. Having lived in eighteen cities around the US and the world, he now makes his home in the Texas Hill Country with his wife of thirty-plus years.
Connect with Bruce by visiting brucehammack.com to follow him on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Excerpt
“That’s not what you told us yesterday. What did you tell Detective Ruiz?”
Kate’s head dipped, and her words seemed to catch in her throat. “I told him Peter cleaned me out. His leaving hurt me. It still stings, so I made it sound like Peter took my money and ran. But that’s not how it happened. I agreed to loan him what I had in savings and my retirement accounts. We were going to build a publishing company together, and we worked like fiends to make the dream come true.”
Steve took a full breath through his nose and blew it out of his mouth. “We need to stop. Call Detective Ruiz right now and set the record straight before you go to jail.”
“Jail? Why would I go to jail?”
Heather explained in her lawyer’s voice. “If he hasn’t already done it, Detective Ruiz will check your financial records and those of Peter. When he sees you and Peter had full access to each other’s accounts, he’ll be back to ask you why you said or implied that he cleaned you out without your knowledge.”
“I don’t think I used those same words.”
Steve shot back, “Quit playing games, Kate. You’re a suspect in a murder case. Go to your room, let the seriousness of your situation sink in for a few minutes, then call Detective Ruiz.”
Tears fell again as Kate made a quick escape to the relative safety of her bedroom.
“At least she didn’t slam the door this time,” said Steve.
Tour Giveaway
(3) winners will each receive a signed paperback copy of Magic City Murder, a Smiley And McBlythe bookmark, a Reading Log, and book lover stickers!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 23, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
No comments:
Post a Comment