the setup…
Porter Beck is the sheriff of Lincoln County, located in the deserts of Nevada. Though he was born here, Beck has only recently returned after his long stint in Army Intelligence. Things are relatively uneventful so when a retired FBI agent is found brutally murdered it raises suspicions and rightfully so, particularly when FBI Special Agent Sana Locke shows up the next day to investigate. After examining the murder scene, Beck knows that there’s more going on here than a robbery gone wrong.
the heart of the story…
Beck’s prior military career informs him here and it took me a bit to catch on. The story transitions between the present and the past (1957), involving Russian spies and the beginnings of the nuclear testing program. Think the urban legend Yuri concept and you’ve got the idea. It’s somewhat complex but not overly so as I didn’t have any difficulty keeping up and found it deeply interesting. I liked Beck’s skills, intellect and sharp wit but could have done without his objectification of the women around him. His first encounter with Sana Locke had me gritting my teeth and every one that followed kept throwing me out of the story. I’m hoping that dissipates because otherwise, I liked and respected Beck as a law enforcement officer.
the narration…
I enjoyed the narrator who seemed to have captured Beck’s personality really well and handled all those Russian accents authentically. If there’s a book #2, I’m in again for the audio version.
the bottom line…
The mystery elements were exceptional and I liked how the past eventually connected with the present. The continuing secondary characters were effectively introduced and fleshed out, made distinctive enough that they’re memorable. I had a tough time with Agent Locke and Beck’s relationship with her, as well as the inappropriate sexist references that were unacceptable in this day and age. It felt off given Beck’s history and worldliness so I hope that improves in the series. But the strength of the mystery, espionage and intrigue helped compensate and the twists were rather stunning. Never saw them coming though I had a whiff before the reveals. I’m definitely continuing the series if more books are to come…as long as the gender nonsense disappears.
Book Info
- Release Date: July 18, 2023
- Series: Porter Beck #1
- Narrator: James Babson
- Audio Length: 10 hours, 1 minute
- Publisher: Recorded Books
Listen to a Sample!
Goodreads | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Blue Mood Café 
Fab review Jo, but what a shame about the sexist references!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Nicki💜 It cast a shadow on an otherwise compelling story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like a great story but I agree that sexist references have no part in a contemporary novel. Excellent review as always Jonetta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jodie💜 It was so out of place for a 2023 story.
LikeLike
Sorry to hear about the sexist comments but you were still able to enjoy the story and plan to continue the series. Great review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Marialyce💜 It was disappointing, and surprising, to see. The mystery was solid!
LikeLike
Well I loved this. The mystery and plot were all extremely interesting. I didn’t even notice the sexist nonsense. I guess I have somewhat turned a blind eye because it is so prevalent and getting worse these days than it ever was with the GOP attitudes. Sorry. I should be more aware. I’ve stopped ignoring political horrors and need to view my reading more skeptically too. I think I also give it more a pass because it is fiction. But it lays down norms and gets us to just accept things because we have seen it before and regularly, so I shouldn’t.
Anne – Books of My Heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Anne💜 I’m a feminist and probably a bit more plugged into this stuff than most. Porter’s first reaction to Sana was to compare her body to a BMW, which set my teeth on edge. Then he kept making all these comments that were laden with sexual innuendo. What irritated me even more was her not calling him out on it. She was a professional and deserved better (even though I didn’t like her). You and I are of a certain era where we had to overlook this stuff but I don’t anymore.
I hear you about the political stuff…makes my blood boil.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stunning twists – I love the sound of that. I will definitely have to keep my open for books by this author. Excellent review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tessa💜 This is his debut and he’s crafty with designing a mystery. Though some parts were predictable, the essence of it was gnarly.
LikeLike
Bummer about those sexist references. I hope they won’t continue doing that since otherwise this sounds like a stellar read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too, Suzanne. And it didn’t fit the character.
LikeLike
I understand your issues with the sexist nonsense. I hope it disappears if enough reviewers comment on it. I read the Lucas Davenport series by John Sandford years ago and it started with a lot of that, but as the series continued, it disappeared.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a great comparison, Carla💜 I paused on that series for that reason! Knowing that went away makes me want to resume it right away.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It took a few books before it happened, Jo.
LikeLiked by 1 person