Raw, Twisted, and Relentlessly Southern: A Review of "Killers Can't Hide" by Travis Short

Murder, politics, and secrets simmer beneath the surface in Killers Can’t Hide, a Southern mystery novel by Travis Short, published by Publish Authority and book tour sponsored by iRead Book Tours. Told from the unreliable point of view of Delbert Cantrell, the prime suspect in his wife’s murder, this story weaves mystery, corruption, and personal flaws into a twisted tale of justice—or the lack thereof.

At the heart of the story is Carmen Cantrell—a glamorous former beauty queen found murdered on her horse ranch. With her estranged husband, Delbert, a wealthy contractor embroiled in a messy reelection campaign for sheriff, becoming the main suspect, the plot thickens quickly. He’s not alone in his fight, though. He recruits high-powered attorney Sydney Saperstein and local investigator Isadore Holt to help clear his name.

But the more they dig, the murkier the truth becomes. And the more you hear from Delbert… the more you question everything. Learn more below, and don't forget to enter the giveaway to win a copy of the book!

The Unreliable Narrator: A Smart Choice, But a Hard Sell

One of the most interesting and effective elements of this book is the decision to tell the story from Delbert’s perspective. It’s bold—and it works. As a reader, you’re constantly left wondering: Did he really do it? Or is he just a deeply flawed man? That uncertainty drives the tension throughout the story.

However, while Delbert is a compelling character, he’s also incredibly difficult to like. Egotistical, sexist, and dripping with stereotypical Southern bravado, he’s not a narrator you can easily connect with—or even tolerate at times. His derogatory remarks about women and inappropriate humor (including troubling jokes about minors) may turn off many readers, and for good reason.

There’s a raw, gritty realism to his character—but it comes at the cost of reader comfort. This book isn’t afraid to go dark and dirty, and depending on your tastes, that can either be a strength or a deal-breaker.

The Dialect Dilemma: Realistic or Overdone?

Another stylistic choice that stands out is the heavy use of Southern dialect and shortened words. While this technique aims to immerse the reader in the setting and voice, it often felt overdone. At times, it was a struggle to decipher what was being said, which pulled me out of the story.

A bit of regional flair goes a long way, but here it sometimes overshadowed the narrative flow. I appreciate the authenticity the author aimed for, but a slightly lighter touch might have made the dialogue more accessible.

Plot Twists & Pacing: The Story Shines

Despite the difficult POV and dense dialect, the mystery itself is where this book shines. The plot unfolds with plenty of twists and turns, keeping the reader on edge and guessing until the very end. As the investigation moves from the ranch to the American Southwest and even to Mexico, the stakes rise, and the suspense deepens.

The legal and investigative aspects are well-paced and engaging, offering a nice balance to Delbert’s abrasive narration. The supporting characters—especially attorney Sydney Saperstein and investigator Isadore Holt—bring much-needed perspective and professionalism to the chaos.

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag with Strong Mystery Bones

Killers Can’t Hide is not a cozy mystery or a character-driven drama—it’s a gritty, Southern noir that doesn’t hold back. If you’re a reader who enjoys flawed narrators, murky moral lines, and stories that challenge comfort zones, this one may be worth your time.

But if derogatory language, sexist humor, or overly stylized dialects are hard limits for you, be warned: this book might test your patience.

That said, the mystery itself is solid, and the twisty, unpredictable plot is well-executed. For a debut thriller that aims to unsettle, it succeeds in many ways—though it won’t be for everyone.

⭐ Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5 stars)

An intriguing, raw mystery with a lot of grit—but a tough narrator and dialect-heavy writing may divide readers.

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About the book:

Genre: Crime, Mystery

Pub. Date: May 2024

Publisher: Publish Authority

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Synopsis:

Glamour, passion, and horses are a deadly combination for Carmen Cantrell. When the former beauty queen is murdered on her horse ranch, the logical suspect is her estranged husband, Delbert Cantrell.  Caught in the throes of a bitter reelection campaign for sheriff, Delbert, a wealthy contractor, must find a way to clear his name. He enlists the help of renowned lawyer Sydney Saperstein and a local investigator by the name of Isadore Holt. Their investigation takes them to Mexico and the southwest USA. More murder, treachery, and romance keep the reader guessing as to the outcome. ​​

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