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Porter Beck #1
The Bitter Past
In the tradition of Craig Johnson and C. J. Box, Bruce Borgos's The Bitter Past begins a compelling series set in the high desert of Nevada featuring Sheriff Porter Beck…
Porter Beck is the sheriff in the high desert of Nevada, north of Las Vegas. Born and raised there, he left to join the Army, where he worked in Intelligence, deep in the shadows in far off places. Now he's back home, doing the same lawman's job his father once did, before his father started to develop dementia. All is relatively quiet in this corner of the world, until an old, retired FBI agent is found killed. He was brutally tortured before he was killed and clues at the scene point to a mystery dating back to the early days of the nuclear age. If that wasn't strange enough, a current FBI agent shows up to help Beck's investigation.
In a case that unfolds in the past (the 1950s) and the present, it seems that a Russian spy infiltrated the nuclear testing site and now someone is looking for that long-ago, all-but forgotten person, who holds the key to what happened then and to the deadly goings on now.
Porter Beck is the sheriff in the high desert of Nevada, north of Las Vegas. Born and raised there, he left to join the Army, where he worked in Intelligence, deep in the shadows in far off places. Now he's back home, doing the same lawman's job his father once did, before his father started to develop dementia. All is relatively quiet in this corner of the world, until an old, retired FBI agent is found killed. He was brutally tortured before he was killed and clues at the scene point to a mystery dating back to the early days of the nuclear age. If that wasn't strange enough, a current FBI agent shows up to help Beck's investigation.
In a case that unfolds in the past (the 1950s) and the present, it seems that a Russian spy infiltrated the nuclear testing site and now someone is looking for that long-ago, all-but forgotten person, who holds the key to what happened then and to the deadly goings on now.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2023
About the author
Bruce Borgos
9 books260 followersBruce Borgos is the author of three - soon to be four - novels. His latest, THE BITTER PAST, is the first in a mystery series starring Sheriff Porter Beck of Lincoln County, NV. Book #2, SHADES OF MERCY, is scheduled for publication in July, 2024.
Visit his website at: https://www.bruceborgos.com/
or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BruceBorgos
or catch him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/bruceborgos....
Visit his website at: https://www.bruceborgos.com/
or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BruceBorgos
or catch him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/bruceborgos....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 579 reviews
June 8, 2023
The Bitter Past manages to combine an espionage thriller, a police procedural and historical fiction all in one. I enjoyed learning about the nuclear testing that went on in the Nevada Desert back in the 1950s. It was a time when the US was determined to solidify their advantage over the Russians, even if it meant harming their own civilians.
The story follows Porter Beck, the county sheriff, following in his father’s footsteps. Porter was previously an army intelligence agent, so it’s a given the man is smart. When an old retired FBI agent is found murdered and tortured, a current FBI agent, Sana Locke, shows up to help with the investigation. They develop an uneasy partnership. The dead man was investigating something from the 1950s which tied into the second storyline.
Meanwhile, a young Mormon woman has gone missing from a polygamist camp.
The book contains a great set of characters. In addition to Porter and Sana, we have Porter’s “sister” Brinley, who has her own set of talents.
The story flips back and forth between the present day and 1957 when the nuclear testing was ongoing.
The writing is such it was easy to envision every scene. By the end, you do need to suspend belief a bit as it reaches the book’s climax. But this was great entertainment mixed with the historic aspect. I will definitely be looking out for book two in the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
The story follows Porter Beck, the county sheriff, following in his father’s footsteps. Porter was previously an army intelligence agent, so it’s a given the man is smart. When an old retired FBI agent is found murdered and tortured, a current FBI agent, Sana Locke, shows up to help with the investigation. They develop an uneasy partnership. The dead man was investigating something from the 1950s which tied into the second storyline.
Meanwhile, a young Mormon woman has gone missing from a polygamist camp.
The book contains a great set of characters. In addition to Porter and Sana, we have Porter’s “sister” Brinley, who has her own set of talents.
The story flips back and forth between the present day and 1957 when the nuclear testing was ongoing.
The writing is such it was easy to envision every scene. By the end, you do need to suspend belief a bit as it reaches the book’s climax. But this was great entertainment mixed with the historic aspect. I will definitely be looking out for book two in the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
July 19, 2024
4.5⭐️
When a retired FBI Agent is found tortured to death in his home in Lincoln County Nevada, Sheriff Porter Beck finds himself roped in on an FBI investigation headed by Agent Sana Locke, into an information leak that may have triggered the current chain reaction of events. Beck is ex-Army, having served as a foreign area officer for a large part of his career, so he is well aware of the danger that is looming when evidence indicates a connection between the present-day murders and a 1950s covert operation linked to a nuclear testing site in the region. When the bodies begin to pile up, Porter and his department team up with Locke to find the killer. Complicating matters further is the disappearance of a teenage bride from a neighboring community. Are the cases connected?
The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos is a riveting thriller that combines elements of murder mystery, crime procedural, and international espionage thriller. The novel is well-structured and consistently paced. The suspenseful narrative is presented in dual timelines – present-day and 1950s Nevada - both of which are well-developed. The present-day narrative is shared from the first-person POV of Porter and the past timeline is shared from the perspective of another character whose role is crucial to the plot. The novel does feature a large cast of characters, but at no point do the threads of the story become too convoluted or difficult to follow. Porter Beck is an interesting protagonist and I would love to see how the author continues his arc as the series continues.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and am eager to read the next book in the series.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by James Babson, which made for an engaging immersion read.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
When a retired FBI Agent is found tortured to death in his home in Lincoln County Nevada, Sheriff Porter Beck finds himself roped in on an FBI investigation headed by Agent Sana Locke, into an information leak that may have triggered the current chain reaction of events. Beck is ex-Army, having served as a foreign area officer for a large part of his career, so he is well aware of the danger that is looming when evidence indicates a connection between the present-day murders and a 1950s covert operation linked to a nuclear testing site in the region. When the bodies begin to pile up, Porter and his department team up with Locke to find the killer. Complicating matters further is the disappearance of a teenage bride from a neighboring community. Are the cases connected?
The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos is a riveting thriller that combines elements of murder mystery, crime procedural, and international espionage thriller. The novel is well-structured and consistently paced. The suspenseful narrative is presented in dual timelines – present-day and 1950s Nevada - both of which are well-developed. The present-day narrative is shared from the first-person POV of Porter and the past timeline is shared from the perspective of another character whose role is crucial to the plot. The novel does feature a large cast of characters, but at no point do the threads of the story become too convoluted or difficult to follow. Porter Beck is an interesting protagonist and I would love to see how the author continues his arc as the series continues.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and am eager to read the next book in the series.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by James Babson, which made for an engaging immersion read.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
September 26, 2023
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. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
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. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
July 24, 2023
The Bitter Past (Porter Beck, #1) by Bruce Borgos was a very suspenseful and compelling book that was written in alternating timelines. In present day Nevada, out in the secluded desert landscape, a brutal murder occurred. A retired FBI agent was murdered and was recently discovered. The circumstances by which the murder was committed was so unorthodox and horrific that it left the local authorities wondering who could have committed such a crime and why. The Bitter Past also focused on an act of espionage that occurred during the Cold War era. In this period of time, spies from the Soviet Union were instructed to infiltrate certain areas of the United States to gather intelligence and information to send back to the Soviet Union. One area of interest to the Soviet Union was the atomic testing sight located in the Nevada desert. A young Russian man, determined to gain access to this facility, made the necessary contacts and gained the trust of the people he needed to help him so that he he could steal the nuclear weapon the Americans were testing and get it into the hands of the Soviet Union. Shortly after the spy from the Soviet Union accomplished his mission, he vanished. The FBI never gave up looking for this spy.
Porter Beck grew up in the high desert of Nevada. After completing his schooling, Beck joined the Army, worked in intelligence and got to travel a lot. When Porter Beck returned to Nevada, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became sheriff. He now acted as caregiver for his aging father who was beginning to suffer from dementia. One minute his father was lucid and the next minute he would be asking the same question he had just asked only minutes before but had no recollection of it. For the most part, Beck’s job as sheriff was pretty straightforward. The cases his team got were usually easily handled and pretty mundane. That was until a retired FBI agent who lived in a very secluded area was murdered in a way that would traumatize even the most seasoned police officers. Sheriff Beck was determined, more than ever, to find out who committed this brutal murder and why. He had a good team and his instincts and training in intelligence served him well. The FBI saw it fit, though, to send one of their own agents in to investigate this case. Sheriff Beck soon learned that the murdered FBI agent had been obsessed in trying to find the Russian spy who disappeared back in the 1950’s. Could the retired FBI agent’s murder have been linked to Russian spy? Did the murderer suspect that the retired FBI agent was getting too close to discovering who the spy had been and where he was now? What was the murderer looking for? Was the murderer still at large and if so was he dangerous? Would Beck be able to gather enough clues and evidence to get to the bottom of this case?
The Bitter Past was a very good first book to begin this series. It captured my attention right from the beginning. I enjoyed the alternating timelines. Growing up in the 1950’s, although I was quite young, I do remember hearing about the atomic testing facilities. I remember even more so hearing about the poor and unsuspecting people who suffered from the fallout of the explosions from the atomic testing and became quite sick as a result. The American government and its people strongly believed that atomic testing was absolutely essential in lieu of the constant threat of the Soviet Union. Unfortunately, no one saw the consequences that those testing sites posed or the long term effects.
The two storylines came together flawlessly by the end. There were several twists and turns that I did not see coming. I felt that the ending was quite satisfying. I look forward to seeing where Bruce Borgos takes the series from here. The audiobook that I listened to was narrated very well by James Babson. I recommend this debut novel if you enjoy murder mysteries coupled with a bit of espionage.
Thank you to Recorded Books for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Porter Beck grew up in the high desert of Nevada. After completing his schooling, Beck joined the Army, worked in intelligence and got to travel a lot. When Porter Beck returned to Nevada, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became sheriff. He now acted as caregiver for his aging father who was beginning to suffer from dementia. One minute his father was lucid and the next minute he would be asking the same question he had just asked only minutes before but had no recollection of it. For the most part, Beck’s job as sheriff was pretty straightforward. The cases his team got were usually easily handled and pretty mundane. That was until a retired FBI agent who lived in a very secluded area was murdered in a way that would traumatize even the most seasoned police officers. Sheriff Beck was determined, more than ever, to find out who committed this brutal murder and why. He had a good team and his instincts and training in intelligence served him well. The FBI saw it fit, though, to send one of their own agents in to investigate this case. Sheriff Beck soon learned that the murdered FBI agent had been obsessed in trying to find the Russian spy who disappeared back in the 1950’s. Could the retired FBI agent’s murder have been linked to Russian spy? Did the murderer suspect that the retired FBI agent was getting too close to discovering who the spy had been and where he was now? What was the murderer looking for? Was the murderer still at large and if so was he dangerous? Would Beck be able to gather enough clues and evidence to get to the bottom of this case?
The Bitter Past was a very good first book to begin this series. It captured my attention right from the beginning. I enjoyed the alternating timelines. Growing up in the 1950’s, although I was quite young, I do remember hearing about the atomic testing facilities. I remember even more so hearing about the poor and unsuspecting people who suffered from the fallout of the explosions from the atomic testing and became quite sick as a result. The American government and its people strongly believed that atomic testing was absolutely essential in lieu of the constant threat of the Soviet Union. Unfortunately, no one saw the consequences that those testing sites posed or the long term effects.
The two storylines came together flawlessly by the end. There were several twists and turns that I did not see coming. I felt that the ending was quite satisfying. I look forward to seeing where Bruce Borgos takes the series from here. The audiobook that I listened to was narrated very well by James Babson. I recommend this debut novel if you enjoy murder mysteries coupled with a bit of espionage.
Thank you to Recorded Books for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 30, 2024
Crime, mystery, thriller, conspiracies, comedic relief - and more!
The character development was well thought out and the dual timelines were a nice touch - added more richness to the plot and build up.
There was even an epic twist towards the end that had me asking, what the heck just happened?? In the best way possible.
Great series debut. I can't wait to get to read some more Porter Beck! Bring on book 2, Bruce!!!
The character development was well thought out and the dual timelines were a nice touch - added more richness to the plot and build up.
There was even an epic twist towards the end that had me asking, what the heck just happened?? In the best way possible.
Great series debut. I can't wait to get to read some more Porter Beck! Bring on book 2, Bruce!!!
August 1, 2023
Thanks so much to all of you NetGalley reviewers for the very kind words about THE BITTER PAST! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the first of what we believe will be a long series starring Sheriff Porter Beck.
Looks like our book launch party will be at the National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas on July 22, with a number of signing events at bookstores across the west to follow!
If you would like to preorder THE BITTER PAST, here's how you can do it:
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250848075?...
- Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/9781...
- Books-a-Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/product/...
- Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/3214/978125084...
Looks like our book launch party will be at the National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas on July 22, with a number of signing events at bookstores across the west to follow!
If you would like to preorder THE BITTER PAST, here's how you can do it:
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250848075?...
- Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/9781...
- Books-a-Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/product/...
- Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/3214/978125084...
July 29, 2024
Didn't enjoy this one as much as the second in this series, but it was still SOLID!
Beck is called in to investigate a gruesome murder on an elderly man. Decisions made in the past will answer questions as to what is going on today as he races to also solve an abduction of a wife from the LDS community and piece together fragments of the past to solve the case!
Family doesn't always come wrapped in neat little bows!
Solid 4 stars!
Beck is called in to investigate a gruesome murder on an elderly man. Decisions made in the past will answer questions as to what is going on today as he races to also solve an abduction of a wife from the LDS community and piece together fragments of the past to solve the case!
Family doesn't always come wrapped in neat little bows!
Solid 4 stars!
May 27, 2024
Apparently, Russia has successfully had spies living in America in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, especially at the height of the nuclear age and Cold War. But something happened to one of the spies back then that caused him to want to leave his position and defect.
What really occurred at the Nevada Test Site?
“‘I am sorry for what occurred in 1957. I was young, and I was a patriot, but you were asking me to do something horrible.’”
And, why would whatever happened all those years ago suddenly become an issue in present time for the current Sheriff, Porter Beck?
Well, when a horrific murder is discovered of a retired FBI agent, what could this have to do with this long-ago and forgotten Russian spy?
And why are these Russian assassins hunting down other 80+-year-old citizens around Lincoln County?
Meanwhile, Clem Edwards wife Michaela is missing, and her bike has been found with blood on it. And the Sheriff knows that the statistics of finding her alive are getting dimmer, especially with Russian assassins on the loose.
Could her disappearance be related to the current case?
Now, the Sheriff is being told an FBI Agent, Sana Locke is being brought in on the case to assist. Will Sheriff Beck and Agent Locke be in time to stop these killings?
Readers will be given hints of the past through varying chapters, as the investigation unfolds.
With pages turning faster than my fingers could flip them, this spell-binding thriller mystery will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. And the twists and surprises will be exactly what readers need to make this story the one they want to pick up next!
What really occurred at the Nevada Test Site?
“‘I am sorry for what occurred in 1957. I was young, and I was a patriot, but you were asking me to do something horrible.’”
And, why would whatever happened all those years ago suddenly become an issue in present time for the current Sheriff, Porter Beck?
Well, when a horrific murder is discovered of a retired FBI agent, what could this have to do with this long-ago and forgotten Russian spy?
And why are these Russian assassins hunting down other 80+-year-old citizens around Lincoln County?
Meanwhile, Clem Edwards wife Michaela is missing, and her bike has been found with blood on it. And the Sheriff knows that the statistics of finding her alive are getting dimmer, especially with Russian assassins on the loose.
Could her disappearance be related to the current case?
Now, the Sheriff is being told an FBI Agent, Sana Locke is being brought in on the case to assist. Will Sheriff Beck and Agent Locke be in time to stop these killings?
Readers will be given hints of the past through varying chapters, as the investigation unfolds.
With pages turning faster than my fingers could flip them, this spell-binding thriller mystery will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. And the twists and surprises will be exactly what readers need to make this story the one they want to pick up next!
June 23, 2023
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Bruce Borgos, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
When I saw this book by Bruce Borgos, I was both curious and intrigued by the premise. Borgos mixes the intensity of a Cold War era thriller with a modern police procedural to deliver a piece sure to appeal to many. Strong writing and great characters help the story come together and keep the reader forging ahead well into the night, as they flip pages to learn the truth about a small community in Nevada and its connection to a nuclear test site. Borgos is one to watch and has me wanting to come back for more in this series.
Porter Beck enjoys his life as a sheriff in rural Nevada. Having spent his early years there with his father as the head lawman, Beck dabbled in the Army and Intelligence before returning to take up the sheriff role. The bucolic community is rocked when a former FBI agent is found murdered, having been severely tortured. While Beck is willing to use his resources, he is soon visited by someone from the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office, wanting to liaise. This raises many red flags and Sheriff Beck won’t stand down until he gets some answers.
It would seem the victim has ties to investigating a nuclear test site in the area during the late 1950s. What took place there was so secretive that Beck is surprised when he learns about it, but even more stunned to know that there could be a killer out there trying to silence anyone with intel from what happened.
While Beck and Special Agent Sana Locke work to track down the killer, a young girl in a surrounding community disappears, thought to be the target of a kidnapping. Working both cases, Beck and Special Agent Locke soon find key pieces about the cases and how events from the past might be playing out before them. A killer lurks out there, not willing to stand down, forcing Beck to take on a role no small-town sheriff could have imagined. However, it’s what he discovers that leaves Beck even more flummoxed. A great series debut by Bruce Borgos that has me ready for more Porter Beck!
I always enjoy discovering new authors, as it gives me a chance to contrast their work with some of those with whom I have an ongoing reading relationship. Bruce Borgos impressed me from the outset with his strong storytelling abilities and never let up throughout. The narrative is balanced by both past and present threads, which run parallel for most of the novel, but intersect at key moments. Characters from both these narratives fit perfectly into their respective stories and leave the reader feeling as though they are in the middle of the action. There is an especially great banter between Beck and Locke, both personal and professional. I can only wonder if Borgos is planting the seeds for a larger story arc with these characters. Plot twists and development throughout is strong and keeps the reader guessing, though some aspects are understandable predictable, especially with a Cold War angle. I can only wonder what is to come for Porter Beck in the series, as this book was labeled the first in what I hope is a strong collection over the coming years. I have Bruce Borgos on my radar and cannot wait to see what’s on the horizon.
Kudos, Mr. Borgos, for the great series debut. I hope you have lots to come!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
When I saw this book by Bruce Borgos, I was both curious and intrigued by the premise. Borgos mixes the intensity of a Cold War era thriller with a modern police procedural to deliver a piece sure to appeal to many. Strong writing and great characters help the story come together and keep the reader forging ahead well into the night, as they flip pages to learn the truth about a small community in Nevada and its connection to a nuclear test site. Borgos is one to watch and has me wanting to come back for more in this series.
Porter Beck enjoys his life as a sheriff in rural Nevada. Having spent his early years there with his father as the head lawman, Beck dabbled in the Army and Intelligence before returning to take up the sheriff role. The bucolic community is rocked when a former FBI agent is found murdered, having been severely tortured. While Beck is willing to use his resources, he is soon visited by someone from the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office, wanting to liaise. This raises many red flags and Sheriff Beck won’t stand down until he gets some answers.
It would seem the victim has ties to investigating a nuclear test site in the area during the late 1950s. What took place there was so secretive that Beck is surprised when he learns about it, but even more stunned to know that there could be a killer out there trying to silence anyone with intel from what happened.
While Beck and Special Agent Sana Locke work to track down the killer, a young girl in a surrounding community disappears, thought to be the target of a kidnapping. Working both cases, Beck and Special Agent Locke soon find key pieces about the cases and how events from the past might be playing out before them. A killer lurks out there, not willing to stand down, forcing Beck to take on a role no small-town sheriff could have imagined. However, it’s what he discovers that leaves Beck even more flummoxed. A great series debut by Bruce Borgos that has me ready for more Porter Beck!
I always enjoy discovering new authors, as it gives me a chance to contrast their work with some of those with whom I have an ongoing reading relationship. Bruce Borgos impressed me from the outset with his strong storytelling abilities and never let up throughout. The narrative is balanced by both past and present threads, which run parallel for most of the novel, but intersect at key moments. Characters from both these narratives fit perfectly into their respective stories and leave the reader feeling as though they are in the middle of the action. There is an especially great banter between Beck and Locke, both personal and professional. I can only wonder if Borgos is planting the seeds for a larger story arc with these characters. Plot twists and development throughout is strong and keeps the reader guessing, though some aspects are understandable predictable, especially with a Cold War angle. I can only wonder what is to come for Porter Beck in the series, as this book was labeled the first in what I hope is a strong collection over the coming years. I have Bruce Borgos on my radar and cannot wait to see what’s on the horizon.
Kudos, Mr. Borgos, for the great series debut. I hope you have lots to come!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 27, 2023
3.5⭐
Genre ~ police procedural
Series ~ Porter Beck, #1
Setting ~ Nevada
Publication date ~ July 18, 2023
Page Count ~ 310 (22 chapter)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 1 minutes
Narrator ~ James Babson
POV ~ single 1st & 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ now and the past (1957), espionage, spy, torture, murder
Beck is former military intelligence, and now the sheriff in a small town in Nevada. He's working on a case that brings FBI agent, Sona, in.
I thought all characters were well developed. I liked both Beck and Brinley, his sister. I could have done without the insta-love between Beck and Sona.
I was at 3 stars for most of the book, but decided to round up because I liked that I didn't see the twist coming. I'm not big on espionage thrillers, or historical fiction for that matter, but I do like dual timelines and I felt they were nicely tied together. I'm not sure if I'll pick up the next book in the series or not right now. It comes out in July 2024, so I have some time to decide.
I was fortune enough to have a kindle copy and an audio copy.
Narration notes:
He was pleasant to listen to.
*Thanks to the author, Mintour Books, St Martins Press, RB Media and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ police procedural
Series ~ Porter Beck, #1
Setting ~ Nevada
Publication date ~ July 18, 2023
Page Count ~ 310 (22 chapter)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 1 minutes
Narrator ~ James Babson
POV ~ single 1st & 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ now and the past (1957), espionage, spy, torture, murder
Beck is former military intelligence, and now the sheriff in a small town in Nevada. He's working on a case that brings FBI agent, Sona, in.
I thought all characters were well developed. I liked both Beck and Brinley, his sister. I could have done without the insta-love between Beck and Sona.
I was at 3 stars for most of the book, but decided to round up because I liked that I didn't see the twist coming. I'm not big on espionage thrillers, or historical fiction for that matter, but I do like dual timelines and I felt they were nicely tied together. I'm not sure if I'll pick up the next book in the series or not right now. It comes out in July 2024, so I have some time to decide.
I was fortune enough to have a kindle copy and an audio copy.
Narration notes:
He was pleasant to listen to.
*Thanks to the author, Mintour Books, St Martins Press, RB Media and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
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August 11, 2023
This book was pretty non-stop action. This book is set to be the first in a series set in a small Nevada town. Sheriff Beck is called to the scene of a retired FBI agent and given his history with his military service he instantly knows there is more than appears at the crime scene. Current FBI agent Sona comes to investigate the man’s death and the two of them work together to figure out what is happening. This book jumps between present and past tense when a Russian spy was sent to Nevada to investigate a secret testing base for nuclear weapons. The story wasn’t bad although I felt somethings were a little cheesy for me. I didn’t love the instant love story between Beck and Sona as it didn’t mesh with the rest of their professional story line. I loved the past tense storyline a lot. I would definitely read another book in this series.
May 28, 2023
Why haven't I heard of this author before?!!
The opening scene in this book is enough to make you lose your lunch and is not for anyone with a weak stomach. However, after that, this is one of the most enjoyable crime thriller and espionage suspense stories that I've read in a long time. I usually read historical or literary fiction most of the time, but I am so very glad that this book came to my attention. For me, this book was a true gem! There was the right balance of everything. It has a good storyline, likeable characters, easy flow, mystery, wit, thrills, twists and surprises. If this is truly the start of a new series, I will be first in line to read the next one.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Sara Beth Haring at St Martin's Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this exciting book to read in exchange for an honest review. I am happy to recommend this to my family and all my friends. #TheBitterPast.
The opening scene in this book is enough to make you lose your lunch and is not for anyone with a weak stomach. However, after that, this is one of the most enjoyable crime thriller and espionage suspense stories that I've read in a long time. I usually read historical or literary fiction most of the time, but I am so very glad that this book came to my attention. For me, this book was a true gem! There was the right balance of everything. It has a good storyline, likeable characters, easy flow, mystery, wit, thrills, twists and surprises. If this is truly the start of a new series, I will be first in line to read the next one.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Sara Beth Haring at St Martin's Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this exciting book to read in exchange for an honest review. I am happy to recommend this to my family and all my friends. #TheBitterPast.
March 7, 2023
42 billion ⭐s
To say I loved The Bitter Past would be quite the understatement. Everyone else is chasing Bruce Borgos for my favorite book of the year. When I was thoroughly horrified at the beginning of the book then all of a sudden I'm crying from laughing is when I knew I had found my soulmate. Maybe two of my favorite jokes are held within The Bitter Past. Violent, unique and fresh, The Bitter Past is filled with unforgettable characters in a unique setting and has my highest recommendation (if that was actually a thing).
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced
To say I loved The Bitter Past would be quite the understatement. Everyone else is chasing Bruce Borgos for my favorite book of the year. When I was thoroughly horrified at the beginning of the book then all of a sudden I'm crying from laughing is when I knew I had found my soulmate. Maybe two of my favorite jokes are held within The Bitter Past. Violent, unique and fresh, The Bitter Past is filled with unforgettable characters in a unique setting and has my highest recommendation (if that was actually a thing).
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced
July 10, 2023
Told in two timelines, The Bitter Past is a combination of historical fiction, mystery, and espionage.
1950's The nuclear race is on! A young Russian spy has infiltrated a nuclear testing site in Nevada.
Present - Porter Beck is the sheriff in a community north of Las Vegas, Nevada where his father once was sheriff. He came home to help care for his father who now had dementia.
When a retired FBI agent is found brutally murdered, the clues point back to the 1950s and the nuclear testing site. Things get even more interesting when an FBI agent working alone shows up and begins to help Porter with his investigation. Porter will rely on the skills he learned as an intelligence officer in the Army to help with his investigation.
I struggled a little with the writing and found that I was never fully invested in the plot. When there are two timelines, I tend to enjoy one over the other. I found that I enjoyed the timeline in the past more. I wanted to know if the Russian spy would ever get caught, what he would learn, would he get away, etc. In the present, I never warmed to Sana, the FBI agent who showed up alone to help. I also didn't quite buy into the instant attraction between the Porter and Sana. In fact, I found it annoying. Although I enjoyed Porter, it was his sister, Brinley, who became a favorite for me. She had a personality where the other characters felt more stereotypical to me.
I did enjoy how the author brought the two timelines together. I found this to be well thought out and a nice touch. But it was not enough to get a higher rating from me. For me, this book was a bitter pill to swallow.
Others are enjoying this much more than I did. Please read their reviews as well.
*Buddy read with Brenda
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
1950's The nuclear race is on! A young Russian spy has infiltrated a nuclear testing site in Nevada.
Present - Porter Beck is the sheriff in a community north of Las Vegas, Nevada where his father once was sheriff. He came home to help care for his father who now had dementia.
When a retired FBI agent is found brutally murdered, the clues point back to the 1950s and the nuclear testing site. Things get even more interesting when an FBI agent working alone shows up and begins to help Porter with his investigation. Porter will rely on the skills he learned as an intelligence officer in the Army to help with his investigation.
I struggled a little with the writing and found that I was never fully invested in the plot. When there are two timelines, I tend to enjoy one over the other. I found that I enjoyed the timeline in the past more. I wanted to know if the Russian spy would ever get caught, what he would learn, would he get away, etc. In the present, I never warmed to Sana, the FBI agent who showed up alone to help. I also didn't quite buy into the instant attraction between the Porter and Sana. In fact, I found it annoying. Although I enjoyed Porter, it was his sister, Brinley, who became a favorite for me. She had a personality where the other characters felt more stereotypical to me.
I did enjoy how the author brought the two timelines together. I found this to be well thought out and a nice touch. But it was not enough to get a higher rating from me. For me, this book was a bitter pill to swallow.
Others are enjoying this much more than I did. Please read their reviews as well.
*Buddy read with Brenda
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
June 10, 2024
This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, police procedural, mystery novel. It has alternating timelines, with elements of historical fiction, in its depiction of the nuclear testing of the 1950's. There is a likable and intelligent male protagonist, wit, a touch of humor, vividly described settings, murder, mystery, intrigue, suspense, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. My favorite character is the male protagonist's sister, who has a unique talent and plays an important role in the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and Mr. Bruce Borgos, who provided me with a complimentary copy of this fantastic novel as a precursor of "Shades of Mercy", of which I have been given an advanced reader copy. This is my honest opinion.
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and Mr. Bruce Borgos, who provided me with a complimentary copy of this fantastic novel as a precursor of "Shades of Mercy", of which I have been given an advanced reader copy. This is my honest opinion.
May 13, 2024
“Science never sleeps.”
New-to-me author Bruce Borgos got my attention with that shocking introduction and managed to maintain it until the last page!
I loved the opportunity to solve the crimes, discover why someone went missing or went undercover, and learn so much about Area 51/Delta, downwinders, the Dragon Lady, Project 57, Operation Plumbob, empty graves, the FLDS, and land-based ICBMs, to name just a few!
In addition to my appreciation of Burgos's ability to show not tell, I loved being able to work alongside the detectives to realize why a certain crime could not have been labeled a suicide.
Although I smiled at the connection between Special Agent Sana Locke and Sheriff Porter Beck and was interested in their crime-solving, it was Freddie Meyer’s plot that I found the most compelling.
I can’t wait for the next Porter Beck Mystery!
I was gifted this copy by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
New-to-me author Bruce Borgos got my attention with that shocking introduction and managed to maintain it until the last page!
I loved the opportunity to solve the crimes, discover why someone went missing or went undercover, and learn so much about Area 51/Delta, downwinders, the Dragon Lady, Project 57, Operation Plumbob, empty graves, the FLDS, and land-based ICBMs, to name just a few!
In addition to my appreciation of Burgos's ability to show not tell, I loved being able to work alongside the detectives to realize why a certain crime could not have been labeled a suicide.
Although I smiled at the connection between Special Agent Sana Locke and Sheriff Porter Beck and was interested in their crime-solving, it was Freddie Meyer’s plot that I found the most compelling.
I can’t wait for the next Porter Beck Mystery!
I was gifted this copy by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 15, 2022
Big thanks to both Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Bitter Past!
This entertaining book is set in Nevada's high desert. The first timeline is set in the present and features Sheriff Porter Beck, with the second one taking place in the 1950s during the testing of nuclear bombs. (I appreciated that the 1950s chapters had headings that said "The Past." It's beyond my comprehension why some authors don't do that.) The intriguing characters grabbed me from the beginning and I found the sheriff's humor nicely offset the serious parts of the book.
The Bitter Past deals with the dicey cost of doing the right thing. I hope this will be a series because I want to know what happened after the last paragraph of the book!! This was definitely an impressive first book.
I enjoyed reading the author's notes, especially where he thanked his wife and wrote "When I told you in the second grade this was going to happen, you didn't believe me, did you?"
This entertaining book is set in Nevada's high desert. The first timeline is set in the present and features Sheriff Porter Beck, with the second one taking place in the 1950s during the testing of nuclear bombs. (I appreciated that the 1950s chapters had headings that said "The Past." It's beyond my comprehension why some authors don't do that.) The intriguing characters grabbed me from the beginning and I found the sheriff's humor nicely offset the serious parts of the book.
The Bitter Past deals with the dicey cost of doing the right thing. I hope this will be a series because I want to know what happened after the last paragraph of the book!! This was definitely an impressive first book.
I enjoyed reading the author's notes, especially where he thanked his wife and wrote "When I told you in the second grade this was going to happen, you didn't believe me, did you?"
June 26, 2023
It began with a grisly torture and murder of a former FBI agent. Sheriff Porter Beck had seen more than his share of gruesome crime scenes. But nothing could compare to what was in front of him. And the motive befuddled him until FBI agent Sana Locke showed up at his office doorstep looking to investigate the crime.
When crime scene evidence began to point toward covert operations dating back to the nuclear testing era, Sheriff Beck and Agent Locke team up to solve not only the murder, but also that secrets that lay behind it.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Bitter Past. The novel combined two genres that I love — historical fiction, and mysteries/thrillers.
The story unfolds through dual timelines and dual points of view. This method of storytelling works excellently for this particular novel. Not only did I get transported back in time to learn of the historical significance on the present day crime, the dual points of view really united and blended everything perfectly.
There are numerous characters with a number of aliases. I stumbled in the beginning. But as the story progressed, it got easier to navigate and identify each of them. I did like the main character of Porter Beck and going forward, Porter will probably evolve into someone who I would admire due to his snarky humor and deductive skills.
The Bitter Past is the first novel in the Porter Beck series. It certainly won’t be my last. Four solid stars.
I received a DRC from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
When crime scene evidence began to point toward covert operations dating back to the nuclear testing era, Sheriff Beck and Agent Locke team up to solve not only the murder, but also that secrets that lay behind it.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Bitter Past. The novel combined two genres that I love — historical fiction, and mysteries/thrillers.
The story unfolds through dual timelines and dual points of view. This method of storytelling works excellently for this particular novel. Not only did I get transported back in time to learn of the historical significance on the present day crime, the dual points of view really united and blended everything perfectly.
There are numerous characters with a number of aliases. I stumbled in the beginning. But as the story progressed, it got easier to navigate and identify each of them. I did like the main character of Porter Beck and going forward, Porter will probably evolve into someone who I would admire due to his snarky humor and deductive skills.
The Bitter Past is the first novel in the Porter Beck series. It certainly won’t be my last. Four solid stars.
I received a DRC from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
August 17, 2023
Just a brief note.
This is a combination of a historical fiction, police procedural and espionage thriller.
I rarely read espionage fiction, but this one was interesting and I thought that it was very entertaining.
I enjoyed the writing, the dual timeline and the storyline, although I did not care for the characters.
The interaction between the main character and his female partner may not please everyone, as it may be seen as being very sexist.
But the pace is very engaging, which makes this book a page turner.
Don’t be turned off by the gory and disturbing opening.
There is a dog, a basset hound and blood tracer, named Bugsy, the same name as my Boston terrier.
I did listen to the audiobook while simultaneously reading the book, which made it a very pleasant experience.
e-book (Kobo): 290 pages (default), 90k words
Hardcover (Minotaur Books): 320 pages
Audiobook narrated by James Babson: 10 hours (normal speed)
This is a combination of a historical fiction, police procedural and espionage thriller.
I rarely read espionage fiction, but this one was interesting and I thought that it was very entertaining.
I enjoyed the writing, the dual timeline and the storyline, although I did not care for the characters.
The interaction between the main character and his female partner may not please everyone, as it may be seen as being very sexist.
But the pace is very engaging, which makes this book a page turner.
Don’t be turned off by the gory and disturbing opening.
There is a dog, a basset hound and blood tracer, named Bugsy, the same name as my Boston terrier.
I did listen to the audiobook while simultaneously reading the book, which made it a very pleasant experience.
e-book (Kobo): 290 pages (default), 90k words
Hardcover (Minotaur Books): 320 pages
Audiobook narrated by James Babson: 10 hours (normal speed)
June 9, 2023
This is the first in what is to be a series featuring Lincoln County, Nevada Sheriff Porter Beck. After serving in Army intelligence, Beck returns to his hometown in the high desert as sheriff, a position once held by his elderly father who is in beginning stages of dementia. The usually quiet police department is rocked when a retired FBI agent is found tortured and murdered. When Sana Locke, a current FBI agent, shows up to investigate, the story is off on a thrilling ride involving nuclear testing in the 1950s and Russian spies. The relationship of occurrences in the 50s to the present day story is told in alternating chapters entitled “the past.”
I really liked the plot and found the story an engrossing, fast paced, action packed thriller. I wasn’t as enamored of the characters, especially Porter Beck. I was really put off by his constant sexualization of Sana. He kept turning her into a sex object rather than a fellow professional. I also was very uncomfortable with the character of Sana, for reasons I won’t go into because of spoilers. There are a few story threads here, Borgos weaves them together nicely.
There are a lot of good mystery series out there. I think this one has a lot of potential; I just hope that Porter grows up a bit and starts treating women with more respect.
Thanks to #netgalley and #stmartinspress #minotaurbooks for the ARC.
I really liked the plot and found the story an engrossing, fast paced, action packed thriller. I wasn’t as enamored of the characters, especially Porter Beck. I was really put off by his constant sexualization of Sana. He kept turning her into a sex object rather than a fellow professional. I also was very uncomfortable with the character of Sana, for reasons I won’t go into because of spoilers. There are a few story threads here, Borgos weaves them together nicely.
There are a lot of good mystery series out there. I think this one has a lot of potential; I just hope that Porter grows up a bit and starts treating women with more respect.
Thanks to #netgalley and #stmartinspress #minotaurbooks for the ARC.
May 13, 2023
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 18, 2023
Fans of C.J. Box will devour Bruce Borgos’ newest novel. A gripping police procedural set in the Nevada desert, “The Bitter Past” is the first in the Porter Beck series of novels, and it will leave readers gasping!
After leaving the Army, Porter Beck returned home to the Nevada desert, and is now working as the sheriff, the position his father held before dementia claimed his mind. A retired FBI officer is found in his home, tortured and murdered, and signs point to a decades-old incident from the county’s nuclear involvement. Beck and his team are soon joined by the FBI, led by agent Sana Locke, but the crime scene is still doused in mystery and time is running out.
“Past” is an engaging read, narrated in two time periods. First, obviously, is in the present day where Beck and his team are leading the investigation. Then, a Russian operative has infiltrated the American nuclear war program in Nevada, hiding in plain sight as a security officer. The past and present intersect in an unexpected and deliciously twisted way, as Borgos flowing, creative plot suspensefully builds to a powerhouse ending.
I liked the characters, although Beck was portrayed as a little too “country bumpkin” for me, especially for someone who worked as a secret operative in the U.S. Army. Something didn’t sit right with me when it came to Sana (which made sense to me later as the plot developed), but I was not a fan of hers from the jump. She was unprofessional, leaping into bed with Beck during an investigation, and who was intimidated by any other remotely attractive female that was within her vicinity (such as Beck’s sister). Beck’s struggle with his father’s dementia was emotional and heartbreaking and it gave Beck a softer, human side which I appreciated.
The police investigation kept me turning the pages, with its non-stop action and government conspiracy coverups. There was even a side plot where a young woman is kidnapped from a Mormon commune, and Borgos still managed to make everything come together smoothly.
I love C.J. Box and Borgos’ Porter Beck novels are right up there as far as tension and plot fluidity. I look forward to reading more of Beck and his team!
Expected publication date: July 18, 2023
Fans of C.J. Box will devour Bruce Borgos’ newest novel. A gripping police procedural set in the Nevada desert, “The Bitter Past” is the first in the Porter Beck series of novels, and it will leave readers gasping!
After leaving the Army, Porter Beck returned home to the Nevada desert, and is now working as the sheriff, the position his father held before dementia claimed his mind. A retired FBI officer is found in his home, tortured and murdered, and signs point to a decades-old incident from the county’s nuclear involvement. Beck and his team are soon joined by the FBI, led by agent Sana Locke, but the crime scene is still doused in mystery and time is running out.
“Past” is an engaging read, narrated in two time periods. First, obviously, is in the present day where Beck and his team are leading the investigation. Then, a Russian operative has infiltrated the American nuclear war program in Nevada, hiding in plain sight as a security officer. The past and present intersect in an unexpected and deliciously twisted way, as Borgos flowing, creative plot suspensefully builds to a powerhouse ending.
I liked the characters, although Beck was portrayed as a little too “country bumpkin” for me, especially for someone who worked as a secret operative in the U.S. Army. Something didn’t sit right with me when it came to Sana (which made sense to me later as the plot developed), but I was not a fan of hers from the jump. She was unprofessional, leaping into bed with Beck during an investigation, and who was intimidated by any other remotely attractive female that was within her vicinity (such as Beck’s sister). Beck’s struggle with his father’s dementia was emotional and heartbreaking and it gave Beck a softer, human side which I appreciated.
The police investigation kept me turning the pages, with its non-stop action and government conspiracy coverups. There was even a side plot where a young woman is kidnapped from a Mormon commune, and Borgos still managed to make everything come together smoothly.
I love C.J. Box and Borgos’ Porter Beck novels are right up there as far as tension and plot fluidity. I look forward to reading more of Beck and his team!
July 18, 2023
My Two cents
Bruce Borgos, series debut, The Bitter Past, is a strong, plotted, intelligent, complicated story that explores little-known history. I instantly enjoyed Sheriff Beck's witty narrative, even though he comes across as sexist when he has fun sizing up Agent Santa Locke, who is called in to help him with the mystery around a gruesome discovery, "Zero body fat, a BMI built for a BMW. Right off a New York runway if she was so inclined." ~Beck. Normally that would be a turn-off for me. Still, Bruce Borgos won me over with his cast of fascinating, amusing, damaged characters and their witty, humorous dialogue that offsets the tension.
There is plenty of action with a race against time element. The barren, haunted Nevada desert is an unforgiving backdrop that drives the tension forward. However, the characters will have me reading the second book in the series.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
This was a Traveling Friends read with Debra who had a different reaction to the book then I did. Check out her review to see.
Bruce Borgos, series debut, The Bitter Past, is a strong, plotted, intelligent, complicated story that explores little-known history. I instantly enjoyed Sheriff Beck's witty narrative, even though he comes across as sexist when he has fun sizing up Agent Santa Locke, who is called in to help him with the mystery around a gruesome discovery, "Zero body fat, a BMI built for a BMW. Right off a New York runway if she was so inclined." ~Beck. Normally that would be a turn-off for me. Still, Bruce Borgos won me over with his cast of fascinating, amusing, damaged characters and their witty, humorous dialogue that offsets the tension.
There is plenty of action with a race against time element. The barren, haunted Nevada desert is an unforgiving backdrop that drives the tension forward. However, the characters will have me reading the second book in the series.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
This was a Traveling Friends read with Debra who had a different reaction to the book then I did. Check out her review to see.
July 24, 2023
Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of this one. The plot was ok, but what really got to me was Sheriff Beck's attitude towards the female agent, Sana. So many unnecessary comments about her appearance, her figure, their potential future togethert (even though they'd literally just met). Anyone else who made those types of comments toward a female colleague would most likely be charged with sexual harassment. I understand it's a small part of the book but it bugged me and affected my opinion on the rest of the story.
August 26, 2023
Made it 50% and the sexism finally drove me away. Main character is a small town cop dealing with murder. A female FBI agent comes, and the descriptions of her are pretty "Breasting boobily." The small town cops keep explaining police procedure to her as if she's a 12 year old who has never seen a cop TV show.
A star for the interesting background of people in the small town all dying from radiation caused by nuclear tests. Otherwise, made me want to slap the author soundly.
A star for the interesting background of people in the small town all dying from radiation caused by nuclear tests. Otherwise, made me want to slap the author soundly.
July 18, 2023
This is a compelling thriller set in two timelines. In the present day, Sheriff Porter Beck is investigating the grisly murder of a retired FBI Agent. He is almost immediately joined in his investigation by another FBI Agent, because there is more to this murder than it seems. In 1956, a Russian agent infiltrates a nuclear testing site, trying to help his country win the cold war. At the same time, the deadly consequences of radiation poisoning are starting to come to light.
This book started out with a bang in the aftermath of a brutal murder, and the action didn't stop. The plot is not only intriguing, but it also takes us back to the nuclear testing in the Nevada Desert as we follow a Russian agent who is posing as a likable young American man. In the present timeline, the murder investigation is action-packed and will keep the reader riveted.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
This book started out with a bang in the aftermath of a brutal murder, and the action didn't stop. The plot is not only intriguing, but it also takes us back to the nuclear testing in the Nevada Desert as we follow a Russian agent who is posing as a likable young American man. In the present timeline, the murder investigation is action-packed and will keep the reader riveted.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
February 22, 2023
4.5 stars.
This is a huge page turner. Just loved it and will write a better review closer in time to pub date. One caveat - pretty graphic start but then it settles down.
This is a huge page turner. Just loved it and will write a better review closer in time to pub date. One caveat - pretty graphic start but then it settles down.
November 10, 2022
A great take on the cold war, nuclear bomb testing's impact on the people and environment of rural Nevada and a brutal, torturous present-day murder that has its roots in 1957. Porter Beck is the sheriff in a rural, sparsely populated area of Nevada, not too far from Las Vegas. The office is understaffed and Porter is struggling to integrate a local police department that was merged with his office. Within a day of the torture/murder of an elderly man, the beautiful Sana Locke, a DC FBI agent appears, making clear that Washington is seriously interested.
Borgos does a nice job establishing the various characters in this first entry of a series, unrolling back stories and information naturally and definitely hooking us in. We learn a lot about the impact of nuclear testing in the area on the health of the residents, their children, farm animals, etc. The book shifts between a Soviet Union spy infiltrating the testing program in 1957, burrowing deeply into a family connected to the work and the work of the site itself and the present day murder. Porter Beck has some surprising skills that up the intrigue. (Avoiding spoilers here). This was well written, well plotted and I expect to keep up with this series. Recommend!
Borgos does a nice job establishing the various characters in this first entry of a series, unrolling back stories and information naturally and definitely hooking us in. We learn a lot about the impact of nuclear testing in the area on the health of the residents, their children, farm animals, etc. The book shifts between a Soviet Union spy infiltrating the testing program in 1957, burrowing deeply into a family connected to the work and the work of the site itself and the present day murder. Porter Beck has some surprising skills that up the intrigue. (Avoiding spoilers here). This was well written, well plotted and I expect to keep up with this series. Recommend!
October 22, 2023
What a great story and introduction of Porter Beck. The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos is one of the books I saw people on social media like and it looked like something for me. It sure is just what I like to read, I love these smalltown mysteries and this one is a great addition to all the other I read and follow. What a great set of characters and a superbly told story. It also have some twists I didn't see coming. It start with a brutal killing and evolves to a really suspense filled story told in two time periods. There is only one thing I still wonder, where did the b__b go? Is it still out there in the desert? I will definitely get the second book and enjoy it when it comes out.
August 16, 2023
4.5 stars!!
I am so thrilled to have finally read a debut mystery (that will become a series) and LOVE IT the way I did this one. This book was really fantastic and I immediately told my husband he needs to read it.
Everything worked for me in terms of plot and pacing. I learned more about the US Nuclear Program (made me reconsider watching Oppenheimer), an area of the country I really haven't read much about as well as the historical sections that read like a spy thriller/historical fiction. There were no weird transitions from time periods and the plot twists were exciting and believable. I both listened to this and read the book and I would happily recommend either format. This was a terrific debut.
I am slightly downgrading because there was something that irked me that I couldn't get over. The main character (whom I really liked overall) made some overt and sexist observations about a female character a number of times and it was kind of off putting. Porter Beck shows a lot of humility and empathy for his community and people he works with so it was sort of weird. I don't know if the author wrote it this way to appeal more to male readers? I think the book would appeal without having done this. It only occurred in the beginning so this was a blip on the radar, but something I wanted to mention.
Despite the above, I still highly recommend the series - it was one of the best debut mysteries I've read in years. It would also make a great series to option for TV. Can't wait to read the next one!
Review Date: 08/16/2023
Publication Date: 07/18/2023
I am so thrilled to have finally read a debut mystery (that will become a series) and LOVE IT the way I did this one. This book was really fantastic and I immediately told my husband he needs to read it.
Everything worked for me in terms of plot and pacing. I learned more about the US Nuclear Program (made me reconsider watching Oppenheimer), an area of the country I really haven't read much about as well as the historical sections that read like a spy thriller/historical fiction. There were no weird transitions from time periods and the plot twists were exciting and believable. I both listened to this and read the book and I would happily recommend either format. This was a terrific debut.
I am slightly downgrading because there was something that irked me that I couldn't get over. The main character (whom I really liked overall) made some overt and sexist observations about a female character a number of times and it was kind of off putting. Porter Beck shows a lot of humility and empathy for his community and people he works with so it was sort of weird. I don't know if the author wrote it this way to appeal more to male readers? I think the book would appeal without having done this. It only occurred in the beginning so this was a blip on the radar, but something I wanted to mention.
Despite the above, I still highly recommend the series - it was one of the best debut mysteries I've read in years. It would also make a great series to option for TV. Can't wait to read the next one!
Review Date: 08/16/2023
Publication Date: 07/18/2023
July 22, 2023
Sorry this took my a long time to finish! I started it in March ... then life happened and I put it down. Finally finished it this week (okay, I started over because it had been awhile!)
The Bitter Past is a solid launch of a new series. I really like the main character, Sheriff Porter Beck and look forward to seeing where he goes from here. Normally, I don't like books with alternating timelines, but this was handled deftly and I didn't feel lost. A terrific debut!
The Bitter Past is a solid launch of a new series. I really like the main character, Sheriff Porter Beck and look forward to seeing where he goes from here. Normally, I don't like books with alternating timelines, but this was handled deftly and I didn't feel lost. A terrific debut!
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