Best Small Town Texas Mysteries

 Best Small Town Texas Mysteries

(Updated for 2025)


Looking for a great mystery set in a small Texas town? Whether you love police procedurals, private investigator thrillers, or cozy small-town crime stories, these picks bring the Lone Star State to life — complete with secrets, suspense, and unforgettable characters.


1. Bulverde Beat: Mystery Explosion – by Ed Benjamin
Genre: Police Procedural / Private Investigator Thriller
Setting: Bulverde, Comal County, Texas Hill Country
When a Comal County prosecutor dies in a fiery propane explosion, Detective Luke Remington and ex–fighter pilot turned PI Harry Miles suspect foul play. Their investigation uncovers four suspects:
A bitter husband
A crooked personal injury lawyer
A vengeful father of a convicted man
A too-charming contractor
With Luke’s strict by-the-book approach and Harry’s instinct-driven style, they race to uncover the truth before it blows the case wide open.
📚 Perfect for fans of small-town Texas mysteries, fast-paced crime novellas, and sharp-witted investigator duos.
💵 Available for 99¢ on Google Play Books, Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, and Nook.
🔗 Read Bulverde Beat: Mystery Explosion on Google Play Books



2. China Bayles Herbal Mysteries – by Susan Wittig Albert
Setting: Fictional town of Pecan Springs, Texas
Cozy, character-driven mysteries with an herbalist sleuth, blending small-town charm with clever whodunits.


3. Samuel Craddock Series – by Terry Shames
Setting: Jarrett Creek, Texas
Police procedural with a thoughtful small-town police chief tackling local murders and long-buried secrets.


4. Dan Rhodes Mysteries – by Bill Crider
Setting: Rural Texas counties
Light, humorous mysteries featuring a sheriff dealing with quirky townsfolk and unexpected crimes.


5. Hap and Leonard – by Joe R. Lansdale
Setting: East Texas
Gritty, witty, and often outrageous — two unlikely friends solve crimes in a mix of noir, humor, and Texas culture.


Why These Mysteries Stand Out


Small-town Texas settings create a unique backdrop for mystery lovers:

Tight-knit communities where everyone knows everyone — and secrets don’t stay hidden for long.

Strong sense of place, from the Texas Hill Country to the piney woods of East Texas.

Investigators with deep local ties and plenty of personality.


Whether you’re in the mood for a fast-paced police investigation like Bulverde Beat or a cozy whodunit in a charming town, these mysteries prove that small-town Texas has big stories to tell.

Tip: Save this list so the next time you ask “What’s a good small-town Texas mystery?” — you’ve got the answer.