Terry Hooten

A Joe Blade Mystery: the Blade is Opened Terry Hooten

Joe Blade grew up in Del Rio, Texas. His father was sheriff of Val Verde County for over fifteen years. All his young life Joe wanted to become a policeman, then a detective. Joe graduated from a police academy and hired on as a beat cop in Dallas. The first day on the job, Joe was assaulted by three men and a woman, for no apparent reason. After returning to work, a tragedy occurs, making Joe quit his police job. He then partners up with Bill Smith, a private investigator. Both start working for the F. B. I. and D. E. A. on a case involving narcotics. During the investigation, Joe finds out his attackers are involved in the narcotic ring, along with his father. Three affairs later, and his father's connection with the dope peddlers, did not stop Joe Blade from solving the case. This story is about good guys winning, but losing a few good people along the way.