The Bitter Past is a mix of murder mystery in the present day and espionage set during the Cold War with a missing Russian spy who knows what nearly happened all those years ago in the past. This book started with a bang, keeping me invested in the present and past. It got messy during the middle but ended strong, setting up a new series.

Porter Beck is a sheriff out in the desert dealing with a gruesome murder not often seen out in the desert that draws the attention of the feds. I liked Beck; he was a solid lead for a new series. He was intelligent and fierce but not bitter, and he had limitations that would make things interesting in the future. Unfortunately, the secondary characters tend to fall more into stereotypes than fully fleshed-out characters, but it's still just the first book; there is time to let them build into more than just stereotypes. I liked Brinley; she seemed like someone who always wanted to escape small towns but was fiercely loyal to her family. She and Beck treated their father very lovingly, and I loved their relationship. I wasn’t a fan of how the author handled Brinley”s mental health issues. Hopefully,

The writing is decent. Sometimes, the dialogue was choppy, and I found it repetitive and confusing to follow as characters repeat verbatim what the other just said. I know repeating and adding when talking in certain situations is ordinary, but reading gets confusing. The writer knows much about Nevada and cares about crafting and keeping the area he loves safe.

After a strong start, the middle in the present time gets a little lost as it introduces too many plot elements that get muddled. Yes, they impacted the main story, and I found them unnecessary. I wish they had spent more time in the past. The scenes from the 50s were the book's best part, and the middle sections keep going while the present timeline gets a little lost. As Beck spends more and more time with the people of Nevada suffering from the fallout of nuclear testing, he slowly sees the truth of what the Cold War is doing and could do to both Americans and Russians. It's a good, tight narrative that keeps the book moving toward its conclusion.

Ultimately, I figured out who the Russian spy was and how the characters were not who they were; as much as I like not being able to predict the twist, there is a satisfaction in having your suspicions play out, and I got that from the book. Granted, who the Russian spy is has a lot of misdirection that makes you think it could be other characters, but it never feels forced.

Bitter Past was a good start for a new mystery series, and I look forward to seeing where it goes and how the revelations in this book will impact the main character and supporting characters.

I want to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All options are my own.

One of my favorite recent TV series was the ironically named “The Americans,” about a family of Soviet sleeper agents masquerading as ordinary Americans during the Reagan era. Go back one generation, and Russian agents do the same thing in Bruce Borgos’ imaginative new action thriller, “The Bitter Past.” In the book, Borgos combines nuclear-test-era intrigue with a modern-day crime thriller featuring a hero who will remind readers of similar fictional lawmen like Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire.

The protagonist of “The Bitter Past” is Porter Beck, the fictional sheriff of the real-life Lincoln County, NV, due north of Las Vegas’s Clark County. The county has only 6,000 residents, but is the seventh-largest county in the United States. So, when Beck investigates the torture and murder of Ralph Atterbury, a retired FBI agent, the case taxes the resources of his tiny department. He gets some help in the form of Sana Locke, an active FBI Special Agent. She has been called in to assist in this case of a murder in the Bureau’s family.

Beck and Locke discover that the dead, retired agent was searching for a Russian sleeper agent who came to the United States in the 1950s. His mission was to spy on the U.S. nuclear testing program. The sleeper later defected, providing the FBI for many years with valuable intelligence about ongoing Russian espionage activities. Now, decades later, some modern-day Russian agents believe the former sleeper is still alive and living in Lincoln County. They tortured Atterbury in an unsuccessful attempt to learn the sleeper’s whereabouts. “The Bitter Past” also has a parallel storyline, set in the 1950s, describing that sleeper agent and his espionage activities. Fans of “The Americans” will appreciate reading that the man with a shadowy past can ingratiate himself with a nuclear scientist and his daughter to get a job at the testing facility.

Although “The Bitter Past” has a complex storyline, it’s reasonably easy to follow. The author clearly identifies his present-day and 1950s sections. Porter Beck narrates the present-day scenes, while the 1950s segments are told in the third person. The plot resembles a tricky whodunit, with clues scattered throughout the book, which the author eventually ties together. Several characters and situations are not what they first appear to be, and the story has several twists and surprises. I figured out the main twist, but the author fooled me several other times until the last couple of chapters. Further, the author gradually reveals the mystery’s answers, so the book doesn’t get bogged down with lengthy information-dump explanations that slow down the pace.

The protagonist, Porter Beck, is a good action series hero. He seems almost too well-qualified to be a Podunk county sheriff (as the author explains, his father was sheriff for many years previously). Beck has extensive army intelligence training, including a convenient previous undercover assignment in Russia, which helps make him a shrewd detective and handy with many firearms. However, he’s no Superman, but, like Superman, he’s got a weakness. Beck suffers from night blindness. And, as anyone familiar with the principle of Chekhov’s gun knows, that weakness figures into the plot at a crucial moment.

“The Bitter Past” also has some entertaining supporting characters. The villains are rather bland and have the unfortunate habit of spouting cliched dialogue that seems to come from a 1950s Red Scare thriller. However, Beck’s subordinates aren’t a group of Barney Fifes. Instead, they are surprisingly adept in weapons training and classical police work. The most entertaining supporting character (who returns in the second novel in this series) is Beck’s adopted sister, Brinley. She’s even more of a firearms expert than he is (she moonlights as a firearms consultant for film projects). She and Beck form a two-person special forces attack squad when the need arises.

I also enjoyed the attention to geographic detail the author includes in the book. Bruce Borgos comes by this naturally since he’s a longtime resident of the Lincoln County area. But for those who think Nevada is just Las Vegas plus a lot of nothing, “The Bitter Past” shows how much there is to that nothing. The author notes the county is home to the notorious Area 51 of UFO fame. Area 51 is next to Area 13, where the sleeper agent worked as a security guard and the Air Force conducted its nuclear tests. Agent Locke gets rudely introduced to Lincoln County’s vast expanse when her directive to Beck to take her to the Atterbury crime scene turns into a two-hour trek over dirt roads through rugged country. They then have an equally lengthy trip to Las Vegas, where the novel’s dead bodies (there are more murders in the book) are taken for autopsies.

“The Bitter Past” requires more than the usual suspension of disbelief found in complex thrillers of this nature. However, much of the story, especially the segments set in the past, is grounded in historical facts regarding the nuclear tests that were conducted then without adequate concerns for human safety. Once readers accept the central premise of the sleeper agent, much of the ensuing plot is at least marginally plausible.

I enjoyed “The Bitter Past” a great deal and hope to read further Porter Beck adventures. Ideally, I’d like to see him take on more of the typical run of cases a rural Nevada sheriff would encounter, similar to those that challenge Walt Longmire or Joe Pickett. I hope the author tones down Beck’s descriptions of the book’s women in sometimes sexist terms that seem to come from a 50s pulp novel. However, “The Bitter Past” is a sweet introduction to a present-day action crime series.

NOTE: The publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. However, the decision to review the book and the contents of this review are entirely my own.

This story is told in first person by Porter Beck interspersed with “alternate” chapters from the past in third person following the story of a Russian spy in the 1950s who seeks out a position at a local nuclear testing site. Beck is the sheriff of a small town in Nevada, north of Las Vegas, a job that he pretty much took over from his father who is now ill and needs care. His army intelligence background gives him a unique perspective when he’s called to the scene of a grisly murder in his normally quiet jurisdiction. The victim was a retired FBI agent and Beck is quickly joined in his investigation by a current FBI agent.

I really enjoyed the characters and community in this story. Beck’s background and family complications made for a complex protagonist. The former nuclear facilities in the area have left lasting effects that influence the story and characters. There’s also a local sect of FLDS in the area. The main characters quickly discern that someone is torturing locals trying to find information about the location of a spy who fled revealing Russian secrets to the government. Beck and his department race to find the former spy before the Russians and their hired guns can.

This was a quick, adventurous read and I'm looking forward to continuing the series. Recommended to mystery readers that enjoy police procedurals and espionage.

Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur for a copy provided for an honest review.

This was such an interesting book!

Thank you so much for the invite to read this series! The twists and surprises in this book were never ending, which honestly kept it interesting. I enjoyed the main characters sense of humor and side jokes/comments he would make.

The mystery itself was twisted and had a very surprising ending. I can't wait to read book 2!

Bruce Borgos's The Bitter Past masterfully intertwines a historical espionage tale with a modern-day murder mystery, creating a riveting narrative that keeps readers engaged. Set in the stark, high desert of Nevada, the story follows Sheriff Porter Beck, whose return to his hometown from a career in Army Intelligence places him at the center of a chilling investigation. The brutal murder of a retired FBI agent leads Beck into a web of secrets dating back to the nuclear age, blending historical intrigue with contemporary crime-solving in a compelling and original way.

The novel's mid-speed pace allows for a thorough exploration of both the 1950s espionage subplot and the current investigation without losing momentum. Borgos skillfully balances the dual timelines, creating a richly layered narrative that unfolds with just the right amount of suspense. The unique setting and complex characters, particularly the enigmatic Sheriff Beck, add depth to the story, making it a standout in the mystery genre. Fans of Craig Johnson and C. J. Box will appreciate this fresh yet familiar approach to crime fiction.

The Bitter Past is a dual timeline story set in and around the part of the Nevada desert that is home to the Nevada Test Site/Proving Grounds, where the US military tested nuclear devices in the 1950's. In the present timeline, Sheriff Porter Beck is called to a scene where a former FBI agent has been brutally tortured and murdered. Current Special Agent Sana Locke shows up to work with Beck on the case, providing enough information to suggest the killing is connected to a Russian spy still hiding in the U.S. and something that happened at the Nevada Test Site over 60 years ago and has been a closely guarded secret since. Beck is an interesting, smart and likable character. His military background gives him unique insight into what's happening and he's able to connect dots that nobody else sees. The plot is strong and well-paced, giving enough clues that I could guess at some of the surprises, but not all.
I was provided a digital copy of this book by the publisher to read and review in anticipation of book 2 in the series, "Shades of Mercy", and I am so glad to be introduced to this series, it is definitely going on my "must read" list!

The Bitter Past is the first book in the Porter Beck series. Set in Nevada (in dual timelines), it follows a KGB spy trying to infiltrate the nuclear program in the desert. Sixty years later, it follows Sheriff Porter Beck's investigation into the gruesome murder of a retired FBI agent. Each storyline was well-written and kept me on my toes. The author tied the two storylines in an explosive reveal I didn't see coming.

Thank you St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for allowing me to read and review The Bitter Past -- A Mystery on NetGalley.

Published: 07/18/23

Stars: 3

Deteriorated.

I was impressed right away. I liked the characters and the story as it was evolving. I was happy to see this was book one in a series-- great, I like smart books and a series is a dream come true. Things were moving along smoothly, this wasn't over-the-top and it wasn't childish. I had a good ol' grown up mystery.

And then the descent started with the profanity somewhere after 50%. My initial thought was there is the obligatory F word. Before disgust can settle in Borgos takes the character on a swearing tirade leaving me disgusted. (I had already mentioned my high hopes for the new to me author and the series in a couple BookTube sprints.)

I followed through with my NetGalley commitment and finished the book. (As I was approached to read the second book first, I found The Bitter Past on my own. I will keep my obligation to Shades of Mercy.)

The final third of the story left me unhinged. I guess the plot could happen, it felt unrealistic to me. If he took out the profanity, he has a smart book -- the kind I would watch as a movie. But, I wouldn't want to watch a spy with dementia accessing a nuclear weapon and I didn't like reading it.

Wowsers, what a book for a first in a new series. I don't know how Borgos did it, but he was able to combine 3 different genres and it make it work. He wrote a police procedural, spy thriller and a historical fiction book all in one. His take on going back to the past, was one I have never seen before and to be worked wonderful!

Porter Beck is a vet with a special skill set. He is now Sheriff of Lincoln County in Nevada. Right next door is Area 51. When his deputies come across a dead body after doing a wellness check, the government is soon knocking on his door. As the bodies start piling up, he knows he's not being told everything.

Borgos started developing Beck:s character and I can't wait to see where he goes with Beck from here. I enjoyed learning about the nuclear side of the book and what went on in 1956-1957. Amazing first book in what I think will be a great series.

First published July 18, 2023

Thanks to Netgalley, Saint Martin Press, Minotaur Books and Bruce Borgos for the E-Arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

😊 Happy Reading 😊

#netgalley #stmartinpress #minotaurbooks #bruceborgos #thebitterpast #arc #readmytbr #readaway2024 #readmykindle

Bruce Borgos delivers with the second installment of his Porter Beck mystery series. I always look for original mysteries set in unique locales, and Beck's rural Nevada crime series checks both boxes. Who knew so much could happen in this remote corner of the desert? The proximity of Sherrif Beck's county to Las Vegas and Reno allows for some city moments to add variety. The cast of characters represents the diversity many people don't realize makes up Nevada. Plus, with top-secret military happenings ongoing in Lincoln County and its remote highways comprising common smuggling routes, there are a lot of opportunities for future plots. Keep writing, Bruce Borgos! I want more, more, more.

Mystery lovers who follow CJ Box and Tony Hillerman will probably enjoy this series. It's an excellent pick for road trippers through the West or anyone who enjoys rugged outdoor settings.

When I read the first volume in the series, I wasn't very happy with Beck's overly lecherous behavior toward a female FBI agent (some readers DNFed the book because of this). I think Borgos got the message because the female characters in this book are brilliantly wrought. I'm looking forward to Beck's next adventure.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me an electronic ARC in exchange for a review.

3.25 Stars
A former FBI agent is tortured and murdered in a small town in Nevada, where Porter Beck is the sheriff. As the investigation begins into this, the FBI sends in an agent to help with the case. Porter was in Army intelligence for many years and knows that there is something not quite right with this murder and with this agent. This story is told alternating with a story of a Russian spy that infiltrated Area 51 during the 1950's.

The story started a little slow for me, mostly because of the 1950's portion of the book. I normally love a dual timeline book but for some reason this one felt like an interruption in the story. The two stories did finally connect in a very surprising and satisfying way, though, but it was a slow burn. I found Porter Beck to be a really interesting character and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

If you are a fan of murder mysteries with small town feel, you will like this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the advanced copy of this in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an e-copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

The Bitter Past
A Porter Beck Mystery, Book One.
By Bruce Borgos

One Sentence Summary

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.

My Thoughts

I almost put this book down immediately after starting it. The description of the murder scene was graphic and something I wasn’t prepared for. But I didn’t, and I’m glad I stuck with it, for the most part. Here’s what I liked about the novel.
The sheriff is a flawed character, devoted to his family and his job. His supporting cast are well-written characters. The mystery is complex, involving past nuclear tests, foreign agents, and FBI. The chapters alternate between past and present, weaving together a complicated plot.
What I didn’t like was the way the female federal agent was written. She came across as a stereotype—a female agent more interested in sleeping with the sheriff than doing her job. It came off, to me, as a woman not able to act professionally, and I almost stopped reading. But I didn’t. I needed the mystery solved and so I finished the book. All in all, this is a solid debut novel.

This is the start of the Porter Beck series. The book is well written with an interesting cast of characters. The story is told in dual timelines - the past from the perspective of a Russian spy in the Cold War era of the late 1950s and the present from the perspective of a small town sheriff investigating a murder and a potential kidnapping. The storyline is interesting and keeps you entertained until the end.

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 started in the 1950s and goes to the present, it seems that a Russian spy infiltrated the nuclear testing site and now someone is looking for that long-ago person, who holds the key to what happened then and what is going on in the present.

This is a well-written book with well developed characters describing a critical time in history. I was offered an ARC by the publisher through NetGalley on the second book in this series but was also offered this first book in the series. I am glad that I read them in order as it explains much of the action and characters in the second book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book whose author kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

Thank you Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the chance to read The Bitter past by Bruce Borgos, and is the 1st book in the Porter Beck series. I started to read this earlier but found it a bit too graphic for me. Told in two timelines, 1950's and present day, while I enjoyed parts of the story, I am just not a fan of the espionage plotline. 21/2 stars

I really enjoyed listening to this crime thriller and I thought the narrator, James Babson, did a fantastic job. I loved the snarky humor throughout the book that helped lighten the tension of the plot line. I learned more about the potential secrecy of our government and I found it interesting how little we do know. The novel is well-written, paced well, and full of action and adventure. Everything I enjoy in this type of book.

I was offered the second book in this series to read and review through NetGalley. But I started with this one first, to make sure I understood the main character.Although more of a cozy mystery reader, this story quickly drew me in and kept me reading. The chapters change between past and present events but neatly ties it all up at the end (loved the twist!). I liked the character of Porter Beck, and the huge handicap (night blindness) the author gave him, forcing him to compensate on multiple occasions. I also liked the relationship he had with his adopted sister and his police team. For those of us who were around in the 50s, this story definitely hits home, because we lived through some of the events discussed. I can't wait to get into the 2nd book in this series. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book received through NetGalley and all opinions are strictly my own.

In this past/present told story, you will learn about the 1950's in Nevada and how that affected present day. Porter Beck is the sheriff in the high desert of Nevada, north of Las Vegas. Between his father's early dementia, his sister's life style and hunting for the killer of a retired FBI agent., he has his hands full. He is ex-Army intelligence officer and is in the early stages of night blindness. An FBI agent shows up to assist Porter with the killing and is taken by her beauty. How do all of these things tie together? The story was one I could not put down and really had to pay attention to the list of who's who. About 2/3 of the way through, I thought I began to figure it out but the real ending was a twist I never saw coming. This is a first book in a series. I hope there will be more than the two presently published.

Bruce Borgos has joined my list 9f favorite mystery authors. The Bitter Past is an intriguing blend of things that happened in the 1950's with the present day. It's a very well written book that makes you stop and think about what could have happened.

Great read! I really enjoyed this first book in the series by Bruce Borgos. This book encompassed a wide range of elements. It included suspense, mystery, action, murder, and many unexpected plot developments. The plot was captivating and kept me engrossed to the very end.. I'll certainly suggest giving this book a read as it was truly worthwhile. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this book!