Short mystery stories set in Texas

You can find some short mystery stories set in Texas at this link on Medium https://medium.com/@flowingwp/short-mystery-stories-set-in-texas-fb34b905b64f

If you enjoy fast-paced reads with a Lone Star flavor, then try the Bulverde Beat series by Ed Benjamin A series of short Texas mysteries featuring Harry Miles, a medically retired Air Force fighter pilot turned private investigator, and Luke Remington, a sheriff’s Office detective, set in rural Comal County, Texas. Each case is standalone and easy to read in a single sitting. 1. Mystery Explosion A prosecutor dies in a propane explosion — accident or sabotage? Harry is brought in when the case turns personal and political. Press enter or click to view image in full size 2. The Code A cryptic murder scene. A mysterious message. Harry and Detective Luke Remington must decode a secret that someone is willing to kill to protect. Press enter or click to view image in full size 3. Death on a Texas Highway A routine ride turns deadly when a deputy is ambushed on a lonely highway. Harry has seconds to act — and everything to lose. Press enter or click to view image in full size 4. Active Shooter A peaceful lunch is shattered when a mentally unstable gunman opens fire in a Mexican restaurant. Harry and Jennifer Brasco fight back. Press enter or click to view image in full size You can find these at you favorite online retailer.

Small-Town Crime; Big-Time justice

🕵️‍♂️ Small-Town Crimes. Big-Time Justice. Welcome to The Bulverde Beat — a gripping series of short Texas mystery stories featuring Harry Miles, a former fighter pilot turned private investigator.

Each story stands alone. No long chapters. No fluff. Just straight-up storytelling from the heart of rural Texas. 🔎 Explore the Series Start anywhere, or follow the order below: 🔥 Mystery Explosion – A fiery blast. A PI with questions. What really happened to the prosecutor? 📘 The Code – A murder. A cryptic message. A secret no one wants to expose. 🚗 Death on a Texas Highway – One second. One choice. Harry acts fast when a cop’s life is on the line. 🍽️ Active Shooter – Dinner turns deadly when bullets fly inside a quiet Mexican restaurant. 📘 Want to Buy the Full Stories? You’ll find all Bulverde Beat stories on your favorite ebook platforms: Google Play Books Amazon Kindle Apple Books Barnes & Noble Kobo Everand (Scribd) OverDrive / Libby Baker & Taylor cloudLibrary 📚 Just search “Ed Benjamin Bulverde Beat” on any of these platforms to grab your copy. Check it out on Google Docs at this link https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQOXD5mG3HPBblY5Pt4IlIhYabkz69vRa3lJHYvt5WTDT3lbBsqkiRr3gTBXHSurG-1opAuaYDx3zdP/pub

Gripping Tales of Texas Small Town Mystyeries

Welcome to The Bulverde Beat — a gripping series of short Texas mystery stories featuring Harry Miles, a former fighter pilot turned private investigator.

You can find information about them on Google Docs at the following link

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.

MEET HARRY MILES

Meet Harry Miles

Thank you for supporting independent authors. Ed

Discover Small-Town Justice in the Bulverde Beat Series

Discover Small-Town Justice in the Bulverde Beat Series By Ed Benjamin In Bulverde, Texas, justice moves quietly — but it never quits. The Bulverde Beat series delivers short, gripping mystery stories where the dark side of human nature and crime collide in a small-town setting. At the center is Harry Miles, a former Air Force fighter pilot whose life changed forever after a harrowing combat mission forced his medical retirement. After a dark period of despair and drinking, Harry began rebuilding his life. With the encouragement of his friend, Comal County Sheriff's Office detective Luke Remington — a former Air Force OSI agent — Harry now works as a private investigator. He uses his intuitive mind and Air Force experience to help solve cases the authorities can't close alone. These are stories of redemption, quiet courage, and relentless pursuit of truth. If you enjoy realistic mysteries with emotional depth and a strong sense of place, this series is for you. 📘 The Stories: 1. Mystery Explosion (99¢, Amazon Exclusive) A deadly blast claims the life of a county prosecutor. Was it truly an accident — or something far more sinister? 2. The Code (99¢, Amazon Exclusive) A brutal murder shatters the calm of a housing development outside Bulverde. What secret code prompted this ghastly murder? 3. Death on a Texas Highway ($2.99) A driver must make a split-second decision that will define his life — and someone else's. 4. Active Shooter ($2.99) Lunch turns deadly when an armed man starts firing in a local restaurant. Harry and Jennifer must act fast. 🧠 Why Readers Love Bulverde Beat: • Short, satisfying mystery stories • Strong characters with real backstories • A true Texas setting — no filters, just grit and heart Each story stands alone, so you can start with any title. 👉 Where to Read the Bulverde Beat Series: Available on Amazon, Google Play Books, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble Nook, Kobo, and other platforms via Draft2Digital. Just search “Ed Benjamin Bulverde Beat” or visit your favorite ebook store. If you enjoy Longmire, Walker, or realistic private detective fiction, Harry Miles will feel like an old friend with a few new scars. Thanks for reading and a special thanks for supporting independent storytelling. Ed Benjamin

Which Bulverde Beat Story Should You Read First?

Which Bulverde Beat Story Should You Read First? I get this question more than you might think. With four Bulverde Beat stories available, new readers often ask me where to jump in. The short answer? Any of them. I designed each story to stand alone — no cliffhangers, no required backstory, no homework. But if you're looking for my recommendation, I'd point you toward Bulverde Beat: Mystery Explosion. Why Start with “Mystery Explosion?” Here's the thing about first meetings: they matter. Mystery Explosion is where you'll meet Detective Luke Remington of the Comal County Sheriff’s Office, Mike Sellers, the Sheriff, and ex-fighter pilot turned Private Detective, Harry Miles, for the first time. You'll see how they work together, how they think, and what drives them when a case gets under their skin. The story opens with a county prosecutor dead in a fiery car explosion. Accident? Harry's gut and keen institution says otherwise. Luke’s sharp instincts agree. Together, they dig into what everyone else wants to write off as tragic bad luck. What you get in Mystery Explosion: Your first look at Luke's methodical, no-nonsense approach to investigation Harry's background as a consultant who sees angles others miss The rhythm of small-town Texas law enforcement — where secrets run deep A case that starts simple and peels back layers you won't see coming

But Really, Jump In Anywhere That said, don't feel locked in. Each Bulverde Beat story is built to welcome new readers: The Code — If you prefer psychological puzzles, start here. A brutal murder with a suspect who won't talk and a motive that blindsides everyone. Death on a Texas Highway — For readers who like moral dilemmas wrapped in mystery. A man faces an impossible choice, and the consequences ripple through everything. Active Shooter — If you want immediate tension, this puts Harry and Deputy Jennifer Brasco in the crosshairs of a deadly restaurant standoff. What They All Share No matter where you start, you're getting the same thing: clean storytelling that helps pay attention. Characters who feel real because they're based on people I've known. Cases that dig into what happens when justice meets human nature in a place where everyone's business is everyone's business. The 99¢ Entry Point Right now, both Mystery Explosion and The Code are available for 99¢ exclusively on Amazon. That's less than a cup of coffee for a story that'll stick with you longer. If you're curious about the Bulverde Beat but not sure if small-town Texas mystery is your thing, either of these makes for an easy test drive. My Honest Take The best mysteries don't need explosions every chapter or plot twists every page. Sometimes the most gripping story is a PI consultant who notices what others miss, a County Detective who follows procedure and asks the right questions, and a case that won't let go. If that sounds like your kind of read, welcome to Bulverde. 👉 Search "Ed Benjamin Mystery Explosion" on Amazon to start with Harry and Luke's first case. Or browse the full Bulverde Beat series at your favorite eBook retailer. Thanks for considering these stories — and for supporting the kind of mystery that honors both the reader's intelligence and the everyday heroes who keep our small towns safe.