The dynamic between Royce and Maxwell is the main draw of this story. The mystery is interesting, but the medical and police procedures don't feel very realistic. The small town drama is extremely realistic though. Been there. Done that.

This is an entertaining listen if you are looking for a cozy mystery with a bit of romance.

DNF after 68%. I thought I'd be able to make it to the end, but then I decided I had suffered enough.

The premise was cute - this is basically a cosy mystery set in a small Texan town, featuring city doctor Maxwell Thornton and town sherriff Royce Callum. After reading the preview, I was intrigued enough to buy it but what I initially thought was quirkiness was just plain bad or mediocre writing. I should really stop giving writers the benefit of the doubt - after 30 years as a reader I should just trust my gut and screw all those other reviews.

Anyway. Basically this was written like a mediocre fanfiction, including painfully awkward sex scenes and lots of glossing over details. The plot requires a lot of suspension of disbelief, especially Royce's behavior in the middle. The only reason I'm giving this two stars is because I really liked Maxwell, but not enough to make myself read any more of this. I think what angered me the most was how condescending Royce was toward Maxwell - and the fact that the author probably didn't intend it to come across this way makes it even worse.

Well, other people seem to have liked this, but I really didn't.

Strange Medicine

A good first book in a new mystery series! I’m not the biggest fan of Maxwell but I’m sure I’ll enjoy him the more I get to know him. Royce is a saint!

Well, this book was delightful! I just loved the characters, the story and mystery, and, of course, Grumpy!

Maxwell is a doctor who has left the big city for a fresh start in a small town. He's a bit standoffish, and when he first arrives, he is shocked at how laid back and lenient things are at his new office, and how nosy his new patients are. Royce is the town sheriff, and when the two meet there is definitely mutual interest from both.

I loved the blend of romance as Maxwell and Royce try to figure out what they are to each other, and with the mystery of what's going on at Maxwell's home/office and the murder. It kept me entertained right from the start, fast paced but not overly so. I really look forward to seeing how Maxwell and Royce's relationship continues to grow in the next book! I hope to learn more about the both of them, their pasts, and especially more about Royce since I felt like we knew a lot more about Maxwell than we did Royce.

Kinda ends on a cliffhanger, more with the situation, definitely not with our couple. Can't wait to read the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed the story; looking forward to the the rest if series.
Maxwell is a big fish in a small pond, having moved from the big city to set up a local general practice. He is not amused that he is the new focus of local gossip, even though he gives the townsfolk plenty of fodder. When he meets Royce, the local sheriff, there is an attraction, though neither man is sure about the other.
The mystery/murder that occurs is intriguing. We get to see the 2 men learn to give a little, trust a bit more - the beginning of a tentative liaison forming. Maxwell becomes a little less prickly, but not enough to keep him from being crabby. I liked that about him!

out of the sc wynne books that i’ve read, this might be the weakest intro to a series. the characters are condescending, mystery clear as day (the suspect pool is so limited, you can’t go wrong), and developments not very believable. i bought the next two audiobooks during a sale so i’ll keep listening but with tempered expectations.

4.5 stars.🌟 This one was a goodie. From the start to the finish of this I was glued. A great romance and mystery story. This had me guessing with the why's and who the baddies are. Brilliantly written with both POV's, including hot sexy scenes. Oops it ends with another murder to solve with the next book.
I liked Maxwell straight off for his determination to stick it out and stay up to the challenge. 😂he has a lot to learn about small towns.. The story progresses with them getting to know each other but a major stoppage was when someone's found dead in Max's pool.
Maxwell moved to a small town from LA to be there local GP Doctor.
Sheriff, Royce 39 yrs hits it of with Max straight away.

Maxwell is a fish out of water. Having moved from LA to a small town in Texas, he was trying to start over. Rather than being a surgeon, he was the town's new GP. He thought being in a small town meant that he could keep to himself. Boy was he wrong. A scene much like that in Doc Hollywood, all of Rainy Dale flocked to see him. Including the Sheriff Royce Callum.

There was a spark between the two of them, but unfortunately, strange things began to happen to Maxwell, all centering around his house. Things get complicated. Maxwell and Royce work to find out what is going on before more people can be hurt.

I loved finding out about Maxwell's childhood, which explains a lot about why he is so aloof and uptight. Some of my favorite parts were when Royce took it upon himself to teach and show Maxwell how to be a more compassionate person.

I had planned to read the next book in the series, [b:Scalpels & Psychopaths|56885427|Scalpels & Psychopaths (Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries, #2)|S.C. Wynne|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1612001866l/56885427._SY75_.jpg|87871444], but the cliff hanger at the end of this one just solidified that decision for me.