Magic City Murder: Read an Excerpt + Enter to Win

 

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

Book Excerpt

That’s as far as Heather got before Steve pushed away from the table. “Let’s go. I hope Manny won’t be with Kate when we arrive.”

“Should I call her?”

“That would give her a chance to tell us it’s not a convenient time.”

Heather recognized the tone in Steve’s voice. It reminded her of the woeful baying of a bloodhound who’d caught a fresh scent and was following it, no matter where it led.

Heather used her “cop-knock” on the door before Kate finally responded to let her and Steve in. Puffy eyes and a red nose marked the editor’s appearance.

Steve brushed by Kate and made for the recliner, speaking as he walked. “We need to talk to you, and I don’t really care if you had an unpleasant interview with Detective Ruiz.”

“How did you know he—”

Steve didn’t allow her to finish. “He didn’t clean his shoes after spending time at the crime scene. I smell the foul canal water with traces of Daniella’s body.”

Kate shivered and hugged herself as if she couldn’t let go.

Steve settled into the chair and asked, “How long did Manny stay?”

The answer came out in jerks and sputters. “I don’t know. An hour? Perhaps two? He all but accused me of …”

“A woman is dead, and interviewing suspects is what he’s paid to do. He asked tough questions because you’ve been withholding information. Go to the bathroom, wash your face, and come back ready to talk.” He paused, “By the way, we believe Peter is in Spain. When you come back, you can tell us what he’s doing there.”

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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.

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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.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!