The premise of the book was intriguing, offering a blend of mystery and historical elements that promised a compelling read. Borgos certainly creates a palpable atmosphere, and there were moments of tension and revelation that kept me engaged. The writing itself is solid, and it's clear the author has a good grasp of storytelling mechanics.

However, I found that the narrative didn't quite achieve the momentum or emotional depth I had hoped for. The pacing, at times, felt a bit slow, making it a challenge to stay fully immersed. While the plot had its twists, some felt predictable, and the characters, while present, didn't always resonate with me on a deeper level. I appreciated the effort in weaving together the various threads, but the execution occasionally left me wanting more.

Overall, "The Bitter Past" is a decent effort, and it might appeal to readers who enjoy a slower-burn mystery with a historical backdrop. It has its strengths, but for me, it landed as an average read.

Wow! I read this action packed thriller from cover to cover without coming up for air. This is a book that catches your attention and holds it through the last pages. It keeps you guessing with several twists, each one more mind blowing than the last.

This is the first book in the Porter Beck series and my first read from Bruce Borgos. I can't wait to read book 2 in this series.

Thank you Netgalley and Minotaur Books. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I read the second Porter Beck book and when the opportunity presented itself to read the first book in the series, I knew I had to take advantage of it. The characters are well developed and I loved getting to know Porter Beck. The dual timeline was handled well and will keep you on the edge of your seat as the story begins to unravel mysteries from the 1950s to present and Russia’s interest in our nuclear testing. Great twists and turns that will have you invested in the story as you work alongside Porter to figure out why a death was not ruled a suicide. There was so much to like in this book … mystery, wit, likeable characters, clues, surprises, a shocking revelation. I cannot say enough positives about this book. And I am now anxiously reading to read the third book in the series. Looking forward to many more adventures with Porter Beck.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Crime
Fiction
Mystery
Mystery Thriller
Suspense
Thriller

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I have read by this author. I really enjoyed it and will be looking for more of his books to read. I loved the story line and all the characters. I thought all the characters had great growth. I would definitely recommend this book.

I read #BruceBorgos second novel, Shades of Mercy, and it was very good. However, he has a flair for writing VERY graphic and emotional scenes, that could upset some younger readers and people who are sensitive. I fall into the second category, so although I enjoyed parts of his second book, I will not be reading his first book, #TheBitterPast, which has a tremendously gory and disturbing murder of an FBI agent.

I appreciate #Netgallely, #BruceBorgos and #StMartinsPress for allowing me to read both books in exchange for my unbiased opinion. I would say that Mr. Borgos is an excellent writer, but I wish he would tone down the upsetting scenes whether it's people or animals he's killing.

Porter Beck is a sheriff in rural Nevada, succeeding his father. When a former FBI agent is found murdered, following torture, Beck's skills as a former intelligence officer are needed. He is joined by Special Agent Sana Locke from the FBI’s Las Vegas field office, raising questions for him. The murder seems to tie back to the victim's own investigation of a nuclear test site in the late 1950s, with someone seeking to make sure information remains undiscovered. Meanwhile, there are some strange goings-on, including a disappearance in a nearby commune, which may or may not be related. Beck's father has memory issues, and his sister is a bit odd. They must all work together to solve the mystery of who killed the FBI agent and what was the big secret that led to the murder. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

The writing in The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos was very good. I don't believe I'm the best audience for this book however, I did think it was good and glad I read it.

The story begins in present day and then switches back and forth from present to past. The dual timeline going back to 1950’s entertains Russian espionage, police procedure, murders Nevada nuclear testing ground. The current timeline investigates the agents murder and secrets that have been hidden for years. I’m reading his 1st and I am really enjoying it. His writing style suits me. The dual timeline works beautifully in the book. Another plus is that I’m from Nevada so I’m loving the backdrop.
The Bitter Past begins with a horrendous murder (include lines from the murder) in the middle of nowhere in Nevada. A 74 year old FBI agent is tortured alive, flesh splayed from his body, face blow torched, teeth removed and fingers broken in positions that are beyond reasonable
No evidence is found and the search is on for a ruthless demonic killer. FBI agent Sana joins the local team, headed by sheriff Beck. Her and Beck get off to a rough start, but eventually their relationship becomes playful. As Beck calls it law enforcement playful
Borgis has a fun quick sense of humor. His prose are perfect I love his use of words and the metaphors that he frequently uses. At times, it feels like he is talking to his reader or talking in his own head, which the main character does quite a bit.
Character development are spot on Beck is down to earth, likable with a sense of humor.
Just a warning that the roles between Beck and Sana are a bit mysogonistic, but I believe that Beck’s character only perceives this in his head. He actually has great respect for her.

Bruce Borgos is a very interesting author. Great plot lines and writing style. While the opinion is my own, I have NetGalley to thank for an advanced reader copy.

I *really* enjoyed this book! It's such a captivating storyline, going back and forth between the present-day case and events from the 1950s, and the way factual bits from that timeframe are woven into the story, it makes it quite believable. The reveals throughout the story kept me turning page after page to see what would happen next, and they made perfect sense within the plot and the information provided to us without it being totally obvious, which is always a delicate balance. Beck is a great main character, and I'm excited to read the next installment soon.

4.5 stars

**I received a free copy from NetGalley and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and comments contained within are my own.**

I received a copy from NetGalley. Two timelines. A spy mystery. Interesting characters with a lot of back story. I look forward more in this new series.

This is the first book by Bruce Borgos that I have read. It was well written, and I really enjoyed the page turner of a story. I also liked the character development, and I am glad to hear this is the first in a series starring Porter Beck. This was a good mystery, police procedural which is one of my favorite genres. The setting in Nevada was spot on. I will be forwarding this book recommendation to my dad as well as the rest of the book clubs that I participate in. I am thrilled to have found a new author to follow.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital copy. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this part police procedural/part espionage thriller! It is told in past and present timelines which I like. In the present, the local sheriff, Porter Beck, is investigating the murder of a retired FBI agent. Clues point to a mystery surrounding a nuclear testing site in the 1950s. In the past, the reader is transported to the '50s and follows a Russian spy who has infiltrated that nuclear testing site. I found both timelines equally interesting, fast paced and well written. I liked the all characters especially Porter's sister. I enjoyed how both timelines tied together in the end and I thought that was well done. I both listened and read the book and I really enjoyed the narrator. I would recommend it and I plan on reading the next one in the series!

Hey book lovers! 📚✨ Just finished "The Bitter Past" by Bruce Borgos and I am blown away! This book is an incredible blend of suspense, history, and unforgettable characters.

Borgos’s writing is so engaging and atmospheric—you’ll be hooked from the first page. The way he intertwines the past and present is masterful. One scene that really stood out was when the protagonist uncovers a long-buried secret that changes everything. It’s intense and so well done!

The characters are richly developed, each adding depth to the intricate plot. If you’re into mysteries that keep you guessing and historical backdrops that are vividly brought to life, "The Bitter Past" is a must-read. Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down. Happy reading! 🌟📖

#BookReview #MustRead #BruceBorgos #MysteryReads 📚✨

Bruce Borgos (https://bruceborgos.com) is the author of four novels. The Bitter Past was published in 2023 and is the first novel in his Porter Beck mystery series. It is the 69th book I completed reading in 2024.

Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence and mature language, I categorize this novel as R.

Sheriff Porter Beck serves in Lincoln County in the high desert of eastern Nevada. He had left years earlier and joined the US Army. His career path there led him into intelligence work and dark ops. Retired, he has taken on the job of County Sheriff from his father. The relatively quiet life in rural Nevada is disrupted when retired FBI agent Ralph Atterbury is found brutally tortured and then murdered. Evidence is uncovered that takes Beck’s investigation back to the early days of the Cold War, when atomic tests were ongoing in the Nevada desert.

In 1955, a young man, Freddie Meyer, shows up in Las Vegas looking for work. He finds a job at the newly opened Dunes Hotel and Casino. There, he meets Katherine ‘Kitty’ Ellison, and before long, they are a couple. She invites him home after several dates, and he meets her father, Dr. Roger Ellison.

Freddie and Dr. Ellison get along well. Ellison is one of the research team leaders at the atomic test site. Freddie is ambitious, and Ellison, thinking of his daughter, wants to help him get ahead. Before long, with the help of Ellison, Freddie is working at the test site as a security guard.

Unbeknownst to anyone in the US, Freddie is a Russian spy. He was trained in Russia and sent to the US to penetrate the atomic weapons program. At first, Freddie does his duty to Mother Russia, reporting everything he can. Eventually, the authorities catch on, and he barely escapes from the atomic test site. Afterward, he disappears and, in a change of heart, breaks all contact with his Russian handlers.

Atterbury had been searching for the Russian agent for years, continuing after his official retirement. Because Atterbury was formerly an FBI agent, Agent Dana Locke is dispatched from Washington to follow the local murder investigation. Locke and Beck work closely during the investigation, and before long they become romantically involved.

The murder of Atterbury is tied to Russian agents who are still looking for Freddie. While he could be anywhere, Beck believes he is still somewhere in Nevada, very likely in Lincoln County.

Will Freddie be found? Who will get to him first? Will the Russian agents be caught?

I enjoyed the 8.5+ hours I spent reading this 310-page mystery. The story bounces back and forth between the 1950s and the current day, but the transitions are very smooth.The plot is a bit complex and has a nice twist at the end of the book. I had the chance to read the sequel to this novel, Shades of Mercy. It is nearly as good as this one was. I recommend them both. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 5 out of 5.

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This is my first encounter with Bruce Borgos, and his story-telling techniques and flow in the story have really impressed me. The way the past and the present are bound together in the plot is close to flawless, and the twists and turns of the story line are credible and adds a dynamic to the book that makes it a really easy and interesting read.
The combination of the espionage and crime/mystery elements along with the personal dilemmas for the main charachter, Sherif Porter Beck, work out wonderfully, and the book is among my absolute favorite reads of the year. 5 stars without doubt or hesitation!

I enjoyed the first Sheriff Beck book. This had a dual timeline between the present and the 1950s. It was interesting to hear about the nuclear arms race from this perspective. Other than a few descriptions of women in the beginning that should have been edited, this was a good read and I would recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

What a fantastic book linking the past with the present in a great mystery/murder. You will love this book I'm sure of it! Give it a try. Thank you Bruce for a great book and look forward to #2!

I almost didn’t make it to page 2 of this novel after the over-the-top grisliness of the crime scene on page 1. Eventually I picked the book up again and am glad I did. If you can make it to the next page, you will be rewarded with a gripping present-day story with roots in the 1950’s, when nuclear testing was taking place in the Nevada desert. The investigation requires Sheriff Beck to collaborate with the occasionally uncooperative personalities in his department as well as a federal agent to figure out what modern-day murders might have to do with Russian spies more than half a century ago. The hero combines language and operational skills honed in a previous career in intelligence with perfect recall (that irresistible real-life superpower) and an appealingly Holmesian capacity for deduction. The action features procedural-style investigation, the compelling drama of a high-stakes thriller, and a family story. It’s well worth sticking around for the second page and beyond.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for a digital advance review copy.

The sheriff of a town in Nevada, Porter Beck, is investigating a murder. It's rare to have big crimes in his jurisdiction. This story leads to some very interesting history, right there in his region.

The mystery element in this story goes between two different time periods, which is a writing technique I really like. It's fun to see the differences in the different times. This mystery stretches all the way back to 1953, when there were nuclear tests in the desert. The murdered man was a retired FBI agent. He had been on a case looking for a Russian agent. The Russian agent was active in the 1950's and somehow modern agents believe this agent is still living in the area. They are out to find him.

Beck has assistance from his adopted sister, who is an expert with firearms. Beck also has something wrong with is eyes, such that he can't see at night. This causes him to get into some dangerous situations. The investigation leads them to uncover some very intriguing history of the area. I loved the plot twist at the end.

This was a very interesting read and I recommend this series. This is the first book in the series, of which there are now two books. I like the characters of Beck and his sister and hope to see more from this author.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.