If It Isn't One Thing . . . is the 27th Posadas County mystery by Steven Havill. Released 4th March 2025 by Severn House, it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This is an ensemble returning cast and a solid western mystery. The
central players have a long and varied history together. There are
familial and generational connections (and not always in a positive
manner). Despite being the 27th (!!!) book in this series (which is a spinoff
of an earlier series), the author is a technically adept writer and
sufficient backstory is written in to provide readers who are new to the
characters without info-dumping. Readers coming in to the story will be able to keep up without problems, though the long history the returning characters have will give spoilers for some earlier developments.
There will be inevitable comparisons to the Longmire mysteries, and
though they're both western law enforcement mysteries (and not
procedurals) based around the sheriff's department, they're clearly
distinct from one another and neither is derivative. (The fan base
likely has a large overlap though).
The plotting is loosely interwoven with a few main subplots which had a
tendency to meander a bit, but reached a satisfying/surprising
denouement. The book is distinctly character driven and for fans
familiar with the series, it will feel like catching up with old
friends.
Well written and no-frills engaging. Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or home library acquisition, or a short-or-long binge/buddy read project. These are good stories for readathons as well, engaging but not too demanding or depressing.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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