As I mentioned in the above review, I read Shades of Mercy first, before picking up the first in the series.

The characterization is much better and the plot equally exciting in Shades of Mercy. The author has toned down Porter Beck's snark, but leaves his wit; the minor characters all have more depth; and the plot involves a hacker that that commandeers a military drone and targets...a prize bull.

As you can imagine the military and the government are all up into the search for the hacker, but Sheriff Porter Beck (whose background in military intelligence and familiarity with his county and its geography) has a childhood connection to the man whose prize bull was targeted and something isn't adding up for Beck.

Beck suspects sixteen-year-old Mercy Vaughn is the hacker, but he's not ready to reveal all he thinks he's figured out, especially since Mercy herself becomes a target. With help from his small team and his sister Brin, he needs to keep some of his suspicions to himself, especially when Mercy disappears.

Full of action, with much better character development than in the first book, Porter Beck's team has progressed into a familiar ensemble of characters that a reader wants to see more of--accompanied by plots that keep the reader guessing. While I ended up liking The Bitter Past, Shades of Mercy is even better and shows the author's growth in melding plot and characters while dealing with some problematic topics.

(A new character who hopefully will be seen in future books is Charlie Blue Horse. Beck never calls her just Charlie, he always uses her full name and gets a kick out of saying it. It seems that the author has a Golden Retriever by the name of Charlie Blue Horse.)

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, & Minotaur Books

Review scheduled for April 29, 2024

336 pages

Publication date: July 16, 2024

This one was emailed to me and asked to review. Lots of action and bad guys energy. A different read then I would normally go for but surprisingly it was decent and good pace .

In the usually quiet high desert of Nevada, Sheriff Porter Beck faces one of his greatest challenges—a series of unlikely, disturbing, and increasingly deadly events of unknown origins in Shades of Mercy.

Normally, the high desert of Nevada manned by Beck and his 12-person police department is quiet. However, one of Beck's childhood friends is the latest to succumb to a new wave of particularly strong illegal opioids, while another childhood friend is targeted by a military drone, hacked and commandeered by an unknown source. The hacker is apparently local, which means they are Beck's problem.

Beck's investigation leads him to Mercy Vaughn, the one known hacker in the area. The problem is that she's a teenager, locked up with no computer access at the secure juvenile detention center. When Mercy disappears, Beck understands that she's in danger and time is running out for all of them.

Shades of Mercy was a gripping novel from start to finish. The author did a good job of unraveling the story and providing enough details to not bog down the scenes. The pacing was good and held my interest.

I would recommend this book and this author.

#NetGalley @StMartinsPress

This bok improves this series. I hope there are more to come. Characters are interesting. This plot is complex with multiple bad guys.

Anita Lustrea and Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira's *Shades of Mercy* takes readers on a journey to 1954, a time of simmering racial tensions, in the close-knit community of Watsonville, Maine. Fourteen-year-old Mercy Millar grapples with societal constraints, yearning for independence and a blossoming sense of femininity. Complicating matters are her deepening feelings for Mick, a young Maliseet man. Their interracial bond blossoms in the shadows, a testament to the enduring power of love in the face of prejudice.

*Shades of Mercy* transcends the boundaries of a simple love story. The novel delves into the complexities of small-town life in the mid-20th century. Racial divisions become starkly evident when a white woman elopes with a Maliseet man, igniting long-held prejudices. Mercy and Mick's forbidden love story becomes a powerful symbol of the struggle for equality amidst societal disapproval.

The narrative also explores Mercy's coming-of-age. As a teenager, she navigates the complex terrain of adolescence, grappling with societal expectations and her evolving sense of self. When Mick is falsely accused of a crime, Mercy embarks on a courageous quest to clear his name. This pursuit of justice showcases her strength and determination.

Lustrea and Rivadeneira meticulously recreate the social fabric of 1954 Maine. Readers are transported to a bygone era with its distinct small-town atmosphere and racial dynamics. The historical context adds depth and authenticity to the story. The characters, especially Mercy, are well-developed and relatable. Mercy's journey of self-discovery resonates with readers, while her forbidden love for Mick adds a layer of emotional intrigue. The novel also sheds light on the pervasiveness of racial prejudice and the ongoing fight for justice in American society.

However, it's important to consider that *Shades of Mercy* weaves together coming-of-age elements with historical fiction and threads of Christian faith. This multifaceted approach may not appeal to every reader. Additionally, the pacing might feel slower for some who prefer fast-paced plots.

Overall, *Shades of Mercy* is a poignant and thought-provoking novel. It explores themes of love, prejudice, and the pursuit of justice. This captivating read is a good choice for those who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of romance and a strong social conscience.

The book is filled with non-stop action as a hacker wreaks havoc and an influx of fentanyl puts the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department under immense pressure to solve the crimes. To add to the chaos, a teenage inmate goes missing and multiple government agencies are investigating a drone incident.

Beck is the protagonist who has a multi-faceted personality, and he tackles his physical limitations with humor and grace. The story also features some secondary characters like his stuntwoman sister, Brinley, and a Nevada Highway Patrol officer named Charlie Blue Horse. A lot is going on here, and the plot gets a little complicated, but the action is constant and the story moves quickly as Beck has his hands full with wildfires, and government agents.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the eARC.

Highly entertaining!

As someone with friends & family connected to Law Enforcement, a shooting enthusiast and having spent some time in the Nevada desert, this story resonated on many levels.

Porter Beck ("Beck") is the Sheriff of a small department in rural Nevada. When his childhood friend's $80,000 prize bull is blown to bits, he doesn't buy the reasoning given by the Feds that rolled in right behind this odd event. Also, his friend's cattle ranch is oddly lush and ostentatious given the drought and poor return most ranchers are seeing.

Technical and global espionage, opioid deaths, drone attacks, and Beck's deteriorating vision all force him to rely upon his military experience and excellent instincts while trying to solve these mysteries. And oddly enough, a teenage girl confined to a youth detention center (with minimal access to computers) seems to be at the root of most of this.

Fast paced and enjoyable.

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and Bruce Borgos for the eARC.

Oh my goodness, this was so good!! I was a little skeptical when I first started reading it that it would be more military than thriller but I was so wrong. This book reads like NCIS on steroids. I love the different plot lines with May/Mei and up until the very end I still wasn't sure which side she was on. I really felt bad for the sheriff with his eyesight but loved the tie in with his military training to be just second nature. Thank you for allowing me to read this copy.

You don’t need to have read the first book in the series to read about Porter Beck, the sheriff in the desert of Nevada, facing a number of crises, beginning with the death of a friend from an illegal opioid after dealing with pain and addiction for years. Sadly, it’s not that uncommon. What is uncommon is for a U.S. drone to be hacked and made to do things it was definitely not approved by the government to do. This leads him to a teen, Mercy, who is incarcerated for hacking. She doesn’t have access to computers, but maybe she has insight into what’s going on. Then, Mercy goes missing, and, amid terribly wildfires, Beck and his team set out to determine where she is. Multiple bad guys are in play, which makes the story fun.

NetGalley provided an advance copy of this novel, which RELEASES JULY 16, 2024.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In the usually quiet high desert of Nevada, Sheriff Porter Beck faces one of his greatest challenges—a series of unlikely, disturbing, and increasingly deadly events of unknown origins. Bruce Borgos masterfully weaves a tale that combines mystery, suspense, and a touch of the unexpected in "Shades of Mercy."

Sheriff Porter Beck, now back in his hometown after decades away, is tasked with maintaining law and order in the vast, tranquil expanse of Nevada. But tranquility is shattered when a childhood friend succumbs to a new wave of particularly strong illegal opioids. Another friend, an enormously successful rancher, becomes the target of a military drone, hacked and commandeered by an unknown source. The hacker, local enough to call out Beck by name, presents a unique challenge—one that Beck cannot ignore.

Characters

- Porter Beck: Our tenacious and resourceful sheriff, determined to unravel the mysteries plaguing his community.

- Mercy Vaughn: (My FAVORITE character, I hope she becomes a recurring character) The one known hacker in the area, locked up in a secure juvenile detention center. There's something about her that doesn't sit quite right with Beck.

- Supporting Cast: Borgos introduces a cast of well-drawn characters, each with their own secrets and motivations.

Tech vs Talent -The clash between modern technology (the military drone, hacking, etc.) and traditional law enforcement methods (Beck's investigative skills) adds depth to the story.

Friendship and Loyalty - Beck's loyalty to his childhood friends drives him to uncover the truth, even when it puts him in danger.

Borgos delivers crisp prose, vivid descriptions, and a sense of place that transports readers to the Nevada desert. His pacing keeps the pages turning, and the suspense builds steadily.

What Sets "Shades of Mercy" Apart?

- Unconventional Mystery: Borgos blends elements of mystery, thriller, and espionage, creating a unique reading experience.

- Character Dynamics: The interplay between Beck and Mercy adds complexity to the plot.

- Atmosphere: The high desert setting becomes a character in itself, with its stark beauty and hidden dangers.

In conclusion, "Shades of Mercy" is a 100-proof mystery that leaves you craving more. Whether you're a fan of Craig Johnson's novels or simply enjoy intelligent storytelling, this book deserves a spot on your reading list.

Bruce Borgos has crafted a compelling sequel to "The Bitter Past," and I eagerly await further adventures with Sheriff Porter Beck.

Note: Trigger warning for sensitive readers regarding a scene involving injured cattle.

Wow! What a great read! The complexity of the story and the ways in which the characters intertwine made it impossible to put this book down. Beck and Brin are easy to love and cheer for, but with this book, Borgos brought together a vast array of characters that kept the plot interesting and speeding along. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Shades of Mercy by new to me author B. Borgos, published by St. Martin's Press, is book two in the Porter Beck Series.
For best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order. The previous book is The Bitter Past.
Sheriff Porter Beck has his next case laid out for him when bodies show up out of the blue.
Angsty, suspenseful, complex and unique, reading this book was a pleasure.

When special agent Maddox comes to Nevada to see Sheriff Porter Beck, he wants Beck to help him find out who's tech smart enough In his county to hack a government military drone. It seems that the drone targeted a prize bull at the Double J Ranch. Was this a warning. or a general threat? So along with Beck and a detective based in Reno , it seems that a young offender at the county youth center, might be responsible , but she had no access to a computer or other tech hardware, to be able to do it.
With wild fires spreading across large open areas that need to be contained , a large caravan of UFO believers that were coming to Area 51, a drug cartel and gun runners working in the area, a Chinese spy in their midst and the suspect has gone missing.. Beck is short staffed but needs to figure out what is really going on before things escalate.
An exciting thriller, with twist and turns, in this second Sheriff Porter Beck adventure. All of the previous characters are here along with some new ones, to help in solving the latest mystery.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read the e-galley of "Shades of Mercy".

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 16, 2024
“Shades of Mercy” is the second novel in the Sheriff Porter Beck series by author Bruce Borgos. A taut, engaging novel that turns the normally quiet and remote high desert of Nevada on its heels as multiple agencies (some secret, some not-so-secret) converge to find one lone girl who is more powerful than any of them even know.
Sheriff Porter Beck is trying to adapt to his rapidly decreasing eyesight, managing his job as Sheriff with the help of his support dog, Columbo. When a childhood friend overdoses on a particularly lethal brand of opioids, Beck has only begun to investigate when another friend, now a very successful cattle rancher, is targeted by a military drone, a drone that has been hijacked by an unknown hacker. When the hacker calls Beck out by name and begins to send him classified information, Beck is soon caught up in a whirlwind of drug kingpins, foreign spies and teenage hackers, and is fighting to save the life of a young girl in the middle of it all.
Sheriff Porter Beck and I were lucky enough to get acquainted in his first novel, “The Bitter Past”, and I was grateful for the oppourtunity to read his second adventure. Although novels like these don’t need to be read in any particular order (nor do you need to necessarily read all of the novels in the series), I always enjoy them more when I can start from the beginning.
Beck and his twelve-person crew are the underdogs in this novel, facing up against all of the big names (NSA, FBI, DOD, etc.) and, of course, coming out on top. Set in the steaming hot Nevada desert, “Mercy” is a non-stop thrill ride that had me turning the pages so quickly, I had finished the book before I even knew the end was near.
“Mercy” is perfect for police procedural readers who like hometown detectives who like to play outside the rules. Beck is smart, sharp and unassuming, which makes him a force to be reckoned with and when you add the adorable Columbo, they’re a pair that can’t be matched.
I thoroughly enjoy Borgos’ Beck series and I hope I am able to come along for the entire ride.

Sheriff Porter Beck suffers the tragic loss of a friend. Another friend has collateral damage from the destruction of a prized bull. And, drones and self-driving vehicles are out of control. Teenage friends. What do they have in common? In midst of raging forest fires, Porter himself is dealing with loss of night vision, and fears for the rest of his career. Is he the connection between these events? His sister, Brinley, his Pop, and a new “deputy”, Columbo help solve the mystery. Another fast-paced page turner in the Porter Beck series. Can’t wait for the next installment!

Porter Beck. The name sounds like a rugged ale with a smooth after taste, doesn’t it? You’d be wrong. Porter Beck is a sheriff in a Nevada’s desert country in Shades of Mercy. After years - decades, really - away from home, he’s back, doing the same work his dad did. Now, he lives with his father, who has dementia, and Beck, as most folks call him, has trouble with his eyesight at night, but he still manages a department of twelve. They battle an opium epidemic and take calls about everything else you can imagine, including taking calls about raging fires that threaten to destroy property and livestock. On the 5th of July, Beck gets an unusual call. There’s been a mystery blast at the ranch of an old high school buddy that triggers one of the strangest investigations Beck has ever been a part of. He’ll need all his military experience and then some to solve this case. Beck proves to be a smart, savvy, experienced lawman who uses every advantage and resource available to get the job done.

Beck soon learns that the attack was caused by a drone, which leads him to a hacker. This is a curious thing because the hacker is a teenage girl, Mercy Vaughn, who is currently locked up for an incredible crime. Wait! This becomes even more complex! In Mercy, he's met an unusually intelligent opponent. As the plot develops, there are other elements at work. Borgos has spun quite a wild and wooly tale, folks! If you like a fast-paced story filled with action, you’ll find that here. There are some shades of the Wild West with gun fire, killing of humans and animals, and other reckless deeds. Some readers may want to skip this book for those reasons. The hacking seems futuristic, but because we already have self-driving vehicles, it may not be far-fetched. It’s frightening!

The finale provides a satisfying twist. All’s well that ends well. Will there be a third Porter Beck novel? I hope so!

I received a digital copy of Shades of Mercyin return for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Bruce Borgos.

Thank you to St Martin’s press, Minotaur books, NetGalley, and the author for this ARC.
Having recently been introduced to the author and having read The Bitter Past, I was excited to receive this next installment. The book starts off with a bang, literally. Beck is a man with a strong belief system in right and wrong yet is willing to consider the gray. He takes nothing for granted but will examine and make his own determination.
The idea of these high value machines as the target of hacking is bone chilling but handled well. The action is non-stop, and the characters are engaging. There is a solid conclusion to the various events with a solid clue that there is likely to be a book three (and I’ll be one of the first in line to access it!).

High octane second instalment of the Porter Beck series. Man, was I excited to get this book as the first book was a stellar debut for sure! This time he has to deal with his failing night vision, and his father’s dementia. Still love the Nevada desert setting, characters, and the action. With a sherif like Beck, he will do what is necessary, even if he has to break some rules.

Can’t wait for book three!

I received a free ARC ebook of Shades of Mercy from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Second in the Porter Beck series, this mystery can be read as a standalone. Porter, the local sheriff and former intelligence officer, is losing his night vision. His training has attuned his other senses but he is at a severe disadvantage when dealing with the bad guys. Here, a Mexican drug cartel, a local drug dealer, Chinese spies, an American agent/spy and an extraordinary, young, brilliant hacker combine to set off a series of dangerous encounters right in the midst of wildfire season. Porter must remain three steps ahead of these competing forces.

This novel is a very enjoyable read.

Bruce Borgos hits the home run again with this engaging mystery-thriller that’s as timely as it is action-packed. From drug epidemic to a new era of hacking warfare, this thriller is a delight to read.

Full review to be posted on https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/kashif-hussain