I don’t know why I kept putting this one off because once I started I could not stop. The descriptions of nature were so calming and beautiful and then the plot was much more than I expected. Loved it!

Peter Heller is a wonderful wordsmith and he has proven it once again with this captivating sequel to his previous novel (The river) a very entertaining thriller set among the beautiful and magical landscapes of the Colorado Rockies.
Once again we meet Jack, a young man haunted by the accidental death of his best friend and currently employed as a fishing guide at an exclusive resort in the mountains. But unfortunately nothing is as it seems in this quiet environment and pretty soon Jack will stumble upon some strange shenanigans at the resort...
A very suspenseful novel build with enough twists and turns to keep.the reader on pins and needles all the way to the end. A very accomplished fictional journey and a beautiful ode to the natural wonders of Colorado.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Knopf for this terrific ARC

I couldn't put this down! Atmospheric, tense, and quiet-yet-propulsive. I was happy to follow Jack after The River and fell in love with Heller's writing even more.

Jack is a fishing guide at an exclusive resort in the Colorado Rockies. He and his client Allison K. become suspicious of the true purpose of the resort and choose to investigate, putting their lives in danger. I don't know much about fly fishing but it doesn't matter because Heller's glorious descriptions of the Colorado wilderness and a heart pumping ending make this thriller immensely readable.

We are 3 years into the pandemic (or is it a new strain, who knows). While the world is back on lockdown, money has a way of softening the inconvenience. One such cushion is the Kingfisher Lodge. A boutique fishing outfit that caters to the uber rich. Set amongst bountiful trout streams deep in the Rockies, the beautiful and the shamelessly rich can kill time being pampered and personally guided to where the fish are biting.

Guests are assigned to individual guides. Local fishing experts who will ensure that the fishing is nothing short of spectacular. A new guide is just off his orientation. Jack is a son of Colorado who went back east for college, but when a black cloud descended on him back in the NH wilderness, he returned to CO to recover. And what better way to recover than to get paid to fish, something he does quite well.

Jack's first client is Alison, a pop singer of some note, not that Jack has any clue about the current pop music scene. But she's no newbie. A North Carolina native who grew up country can handle a rod, hook, and bait with the best of 'em. That means Jack's entry into luxury fishing should be pretty easy.

The assignment suits him. As they explore the streams, a creek against the current reveals barb wire fencing, guard dogs, and a mansion on a distant hill. The shoreline shows evidence that something had died here. Given the remoteness of the Lodge, the remains could be anything.

The clientele seems a smidge off. Alison is normal, as rich pop singers go, but the others seem peculiar. Some days they are quite personable. Other days they seem drugged. And a bunch don't seem to have much interest in fishing.

Jack and Alison are well suited for each other. Curious types they are. Willing to go snooping around at all hours of the day and night. And what they find will chill you right down to your marrow.

I've since learned that this is Heller's 2nd book about Jack. First is called The River and you can bet I'll be looking for it. Jack is an easy character to pull for, given a couple of heartbreaking episodes from his past. Heller contributes to NPR, Outside Magazine, Men's Journal, with lots of kayaking experience. Read this guy's 'About' segment on his website and I'm betting you'll be jealous.

Available August 24, 2021

ECD

Peter Heller always presents a strange mix of natural beauty and violence. Jack is running away from his old life so when an opportunity to become a fishing guide at a swanky lodge in remote Colorado happens he jumps. The scenery is beautiful , the fish are plentiful and he is enjoying being around his first client a superstar singer who is really a nature girl. Soon however the ideal job feels fishy and Jack and Alison begin to explore the area around the lodge a bit more. There seem to be more big fences and security than one would think necessary for a fishing lodge and they see things they shouldn't. They realize that they have waded into deep water but it may be too late. Readers will be hooked from the first page. Peter Heller is Gary Paulson for adults. Readers of high adventure and mystery in natural settings will enjoy this. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

I am a big fan of Peter Heller and have read and enjoyed every one of his stories. Even though his settings and characters are very far from my day to day life, I enjoy the depth of character exploration and the atmosphere each of his novels has.

"The virus had mostly burned itself out and been vaccinated against, and other novel viruses had moved over the world and hit different countries more or less hard, and economies had convulsed and adjusted, those who could afford it spent more and more time on retreat in the remotest places. Like these mountains. The densest cities were still the most dangerous. And vacationing deep in the mountains when possible had become a cultural habit more than anything."

This is the first novel I've read that takes place "after" covid and has incorporated one version of what the world might look like into the novel. I loved that it was part of the story but not the point of the story. The way it was woven in made it feel natural.

This is the story of a guide who takes a job at this elite fishing lodge and is paired with a famous singer who is there to fish. Even though the story contains both of them and you hear bits and pieces about the singer to pull together somewhat of an image of who she is, the story is really about the guide. We don't really hear her innermost thoughts or her motivations much of the time.

The guide, like many of Heller's characters, is rugged and layered and no-nonsense with a deep and abiding sense of justice. So when he realizes something fishy is going on at this lodge, he can't not do something about it.

This book is both quiet and fast. It's both a mystery and a bit of a character study. The atmosphere is strong both in the wilderness and in the lodge itself.

I loved every minute I spent with it.

With gratitude to Knopf and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The latest from Peter Heller, The Guide is the story of a man running from grief – only to find his way into something much worse.

Kingfisher Lodge, also known as “Billionaire’s Mile” to locals, sits in the heart of Colorado and encompasses some of the most pristine river around.

Offering guided fishing, it’s where Jack finds himself employed as a guide, following a tragedy he’d rather let himself forget. The idyllic surroundings can’t keep him from noticing that something just isn’t right, though – and the heavy gates and fences are starting to look less like measures to keep the public from private land, and more like they are keeping something in.

What a stunning book. Jack may be the protagonist, but the main character is Colorado itself. Peter Heller’s stunning descriptions brought it to life around me – when I paused in my reading, I found myself taking a moment to come back, it was so vivid. It’s not overly flowery language, but precise and evocative; it made it so easy to sink into the story.

Speaking of the story, that’s just as interesting and precise as the surroundings; and where they’re beautiful, what’s going on in them is anything but. The world Peter Heller describes is one not too removed from our own; ever-mutating coronaviruses have circulated for over three years, leaving tourism (and stability) mostly to the rich. There are hints of more, but it’s relatively subtle; some species mentioned as being almost extinct, nods to a world where inequality has surpassed our own.

While this is a relatively short novel, there’s a lot going on in these pages. Jack is a surprising character, with the courage and confidence of a much older man. He’s knowledgeable about much more than just fishing and ranch life – he’s well read, insightful and follows his convictions up with action. He’s a protagonist that’s easy to root for, and who won’t let an invested reader down.

The Guide is an excellent book, one to sink into and enjoy in one sitting, if you can. Readers will be transported, and find themselves just as wrapped in the mystery as Jack himself.

Peter Heller’s The Guide is an amazing follow-up to his novel, The River. This book entrances the reader from the very beginning. Love how he brings a follow-up to Jack’s story from The River and loved the relationship he has with Allison. This book has great imagery, plot, and building suspense. I didn’t want it to end!! This book was a wonderful getaway from reality. I felt like I was there; that is how wonderful Heller painted the scenery. Loved, loved, loved!! Cannot wait for his next novel!! #TheGuide @PeterHeller

The Guide is kind of a sequel to The River, in that it takes place a few years after the events of The River and again follows Jack. However, readers do not need to have read The River to enjoy this book. It is set a year or two in the future, and incorporates the pandemic as a subtle background threat throughout the novel. Like The River, The Guide begins peacefully and slowly gets more and more ominous. My one critique was that there was SO many descriptions of fishing!

I absolutely adored The River, and this book unfortunately fell a bit short. Where The River was a deep emotional journey through the wilderness with nature as a main character, The Guide was more of a thrillery ride where nature was a throwaway part of the background. This was the first time I’ve read a book featuring COVID, which I feel the book did a good and not hammering you over the head job with it. Yet the character that I had grown to love as well as the introduction of Alison K didn’t come to life for me.

Feeling the need for a change of pace from helping his father on their ranch, Jack takes a job as a personal fishing guide in remote Colorado. Kingfisher Lodge is a private get-away from the rich and famous, a place to relax and enjoy the outdoor beauty after three years of COVID-19 pandemic.

Author Heller writes beautifully, and his experience as an outdoorsman, whitewater kayaker and fly-fisherman shine through his lush, sensual descriptions that make you feel as if you’re standing in the middle of the river with Jack, taking deep breaths of the mountain air and watching leaves fall into the sparkling water, as he guides you to pick the right fly or make the perfect cast.

But Jack quickly notices something is amiss. There are security cameras on the water, trail cams in the woods. An unpleasant dread permeates the supposedly happy camaraderie of the VIP clients, who return from spa treatments looking like the walking dead, and refuse to give any explanation.

He begins to quietly investigate, with the help of Alison, the country music star he’s been paired with for fishing. The more they dig, the deeper they get—and when the stakes become clear, the chilling chase begins.

You don’t have to love fly fishing the way Heller and his character Jack do to enjoy the mystery, murder and romance in The Guide. Although if you do love to fish, I’m guessing you will be enthralled by this book. Heller makes the river a central character, one I was eager to explore.

You also don’t have to read Heller’s previous book, The River (2020), to enjoy this one. But that novel introduces Jack’s character and his tragic backstory. So try them both. You have time to read the first book before this one comes out in August.

Peter Heller will always be a favorite author of mine and I was so excited to get my hands on this ARC. Jack (from The River) takes a job as a guide at Kingfisher Lodge, his way of moving on from the past. This Lodge caters to the wealthy and desirable people of the world and they come from all over. Jack's first client is Alison, a singer by trade, but an already excelled fisherman by nature. The two hit it off and right away. Alison is not the only guest staying at the lodge, a few other couples are there and their itinerary seems a bit ~different.

Soon we are hearing screams in the night, un-explained people, and more. As the two confide in each other and navigate the things they are finding out we learn more about this Lodge. The Guide is one to remember and such a fun, unique story.

Thank you NetGalley, Knopf Publishing Group, and author Peter Heller for this ARC!

Loved the outdoor setting and atmospheric tone of this book. My patrons love a great thriller and outdoor thrillers seem to be a particular favorite. This one did not disappoint. I can't wait to add it to our library!

So glad to realize this is a sequel of sorts to The River, a great book by this author.
Fast paced and well written, it transports the reader right into the heart of the American wilderness.

The Guide follows Jack, a ranch hand who had recently taken a job at a reclusive fishing resort in the mountains of Colorado, safe from the viruses that have ravaged the world.  His job is to guide the rich and famous along a river that spans a good mile and a half of rough terrain.  For his first client, Jack is paired with Alison K., a well-known Americana musician from the hills of North Carolina.  On their first day together, Jack and Alison accidentally wander past the property line into neighboring territory and Jack receives a warning shot for his actions.  Outraged, Jack begins investigating the owner of the adjacent property and begins to notice strange things happening around the resort.  Is there more to this retreat than he was told?

This is my second experience with Peter Heller.  A few years ago, I had picked up and read Heller’s The Dog Stars (one of my first ARCs, I believe) and absolutely loved it.  For whatever reason, I’ve yet to check out any of Heller’s subsequent novels until now.  It should be worth noting that the character of Jack that appears in The Guide is from Heller’s previous novel, The River.  While I wish I had known that going in, I don’t believe The River is required reading to enjoy The Guide – although I will absolutely go back and check it out.

Heller has a wealth of experience as a travel and adventure writer, so it’s not surprising that he writes about nature in a way that makes you long to be out in the wilderness.  Given where this novel ends up though, it may not be somewhere you’ll envy before long.  Like the river they fish, there are many twists and turns along the way.  This story goes to some truly insane places that while they may seem outlandish, are completely plausible in what will become our post-COVID world.  While it’s true that we often underestimate humanity’s capacity for good, we often shelter ourselves from acts of selfishness and horror.

The true strength of The Guide is Heller’s exceptional connection to the outdoors and how he lovingly crafts the world which his characters inhabit.  The relationship that fosters between Jack and Alison led to some wonderful back and forth between the two that I could have used more of, but given the brisk pace of the story, it just wasn’t possible.  I think the ending and the reveal of the novel’s central mystery will likely stick with me, but I’m not sure if that’s a good thing as I still can’t decide whether or not I liked it.  I had an enjoyable time getting there, though.  I suppose that’s just like fishing – it’s not the catching of the fish that you often desire, it’s the time spent on the water.

Jack is back in Peter Heller’s new book The Guide! Peter Heller is the master of naturalist page-turning fiction, and The Guide had been no exception. After The River, Jack now finds himself as a fishing guide at an upscale retreat-like resort where celebrities and the top 2% come to enjoy nature. Jack is immediately assigned a famous singer- going by Allison K- since anonymity is everything at this resort. Jack immediately begins to notice something is a bit off, but I won’t spoil it for you. I was so happy to be reading about Jack again- since I just loved Jack and Wynn in The River. The only negative I would say is that it went a bit too far too quickly at the end. I think when Peter Heller works with naturalist fiction and more subtle threats or danger with characters- he is golden. An example would be, of course, the forest fire in The River- which was so beautifully done. This book is a compelling page-turner though, that you will want to lay outside in nature to read.

This book was not bad. It is a pretty solid 3.5 stars, a one-and-done read. Our good ol’ country boy gets an awesome new job as a guide, taking rich and famous people fishing on this super expensive and exclusive and secluded property. Except maybe our good ol’ boy isn’t as good as he appears… maybe he has… some pain in his past!!! Dun dun duuuuuun! That only partially gets explained. When he begins to suspect that maybe things aren’t all on the up-n-up, he and the only other honest person on the property - the beautiful, famous, rich, interested, and utterly perfect in every way heroine (hereinafter called the Unicorn) - must figure out what is going on before it is too late. Luckily, (and I do mean luckily), EVERYTHING just magically falls into place for the unicorn and the good ol’ boy. They happen to be in the right place at the right time every time, they happen to know the right people, they happen to knock something over and find a hidden message. It kind of takes away from the suspense of you know these two are going to step in a pile of rainbows and come away with a pot of gold every time. Also, be prepared for a LOT of talking about fly fishing. The book can be accused of dragging on in some places as you hear very many descriptions of how it feels to be at one with your fishing rod. It was good, I read the book in one sitting, but I definitely glazed over any sentence that had the words “fish”, “fly”, “rod”, or “cast” in it and that made the book significantly shorter. But there have got to be some people out there that THIS is the fishing/thriller crossover they have been waiting for, so… there is a niche for everyone. It wasn’t quite what I expected, on a secluded mountain I assumed they would be hunting the deadliest prey of all… but they weren’t, so that was a surprise.

I received an ARC, but my opinions are all mine.

The plot: what happens when the fishing lodge you are working for seems to have a shady side business for the wealthy. This was my first "happening during the pandemic" read and my first Peter Heller book. The mystery was solid and the characters were likeable. While I didn't find the ending a surprise, the suspense and action made up for it. Recommended.

My second book by this author, who , in addition to writing is an avid outdoorsman and famous worldwide in white water kayaking circles.A good thriller, with a plot appropriate both to the pandemic and the recent anti-aging mania. The location is a trout fishing lodge, and anyone who fishes, especially any trout fisherman, will thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the author’s encyclopedic knowledge. A good quick read.