I honestly should have read book 1 first BUT I didn't that being said...

It was ok....I'd still recommend this book for people that like police procedural books but I'm not sure if this was for me.

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and the author for letting me read this book

A very interesting read. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this book. It wasn't really for me, but I am sure that it will be loved by the right audience.

Shades of Mercy by Bruce Borgos is a compelling and atmospheric crime thriller that blends elements of suspense, mystery, and deep character study. Set in the rugged backdrop of a small Nevada town, the novel follows Deputy Sheriff Mercer as he uncovers the secrets surrounding the murder of a local woman. Borgos masterfully weaves a narrative full of twists and red herrings, keeping readers on their toes throughout the investigation.

What stands out most in Shades of Mercy is the richly developed characters. Mercer, with his flaws and inner turmoil, feels incredibly real, and his relationship with the town’s residents—both allies and suspects—adds layers to the story. The small-town setting plays a crucial role in creating an atmosphere of isolation and distrust, and Borgos uses it to his advantage to heighten the tension.

While the pacing is generally solid, there are moments where the plot slows down, particularly in the middle of the book. Some readers might find these slower sections a bit tedious. However, the thrilling climax and resolution make up for any pacing lulls.

Thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC, following is my honest review.

Shades of Mercy is the second book on the Porter Beck series, but can be read as a stand-alone. This is a very well written and intriguing mystery by Bruce Borgos. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys police procedural mysteries.

The Porter Beck books are such a comfort to read. Beck is an intuitive cop who is losing his sight but not his powers of observation.
He, along with his sister Brin and a cast of characters become mired in a conspiracy involving a Mexican cartel leader, an American Rancher, an American government type,, and a representative of the Chinese government.
And a couple of young ladies, one of which may be a Chinese spy or planted spy or maybe not.

There are explosions, mayhem, some computer hacking, fire jumping a lot of action. All with a very satisfying conclusion.
I recommend. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me this ARC.

I really like this series and I hope it's going to be a long one! I really enjoy all the relationships Porter Beck has with the other characters in the book. I can't wait for the next installment. In the meantime, I am adding all of Bruce Borgos' books to my TBR!

Well done and fast paced thriller. Lately, I have been tending more toward reading cozy mysteries so when NetGalley offered this book to me as an advanced reader copy, I jumped at the opportunity to read something a bit more serious. I was not disappointed. Excellent plot line and good writing technique. Thanks to NetGalley but the opinion is my own.

I just finished reading Shades of Mercy by Bruce Borgos, and I’m so excited to share my thoughts with you!

This book is a gripping mystery thriller set in the high desert of Nevada, and it’s packed with suspense, action, and intriguing characters. Borgos’ writing is both sharp and evocative, making it a real page-turner.

One of my favorite moments is when Sheriff Porter Beck, the protagonist, discovers a hidden connection between a series of mysterious deaths and a brilliant teenage hacker named Mercy Vaughn. The way Borgos builds up the tension and reveals the clues is so masterfully done—it’s like putting together a complex puzzle. This scene perfectly showcases the book’s blend of mystery, tech intrigue, and the personal stakes for Beck.

What I love most about Shades of Mercy is its richly developed characters and the authentic portrayal of a small community dealing with big issues. Beck’s journey to uncover the truth while navigating his own personal challenges is both compelling and heartfelt. The supporting cast adds depth and complexity to the story, making it even more engaging.

If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns, Shades of Mercy is a must-read. Trust me, you’ll be hooked from the very first page!

Drop into another thrilling case with Sheriff Beck, and get ready for twists and turns that you will not see coming. From a teenage computer genius, to an old friend with something to hide, this mystery will wring your emotions in all direction

Shades of Mercy is the second book in the Porter Beck series, It is a stand-alone read but might be worth backtracking and reading the first in the series as well. It is a police procedural and mystery with many characters to keep track of.

It begins with a military drone disrupting a birthday party at the Double J Ranch. Beck reluctantly teams up with Special Agent Ed Maddox as they investigate the disturbance.

The book is extremely fast paced with a lot of action while being a wonderful addition the Porter Beck series. I loved the inclusion of Columbo Beck's canine companion. Columbo was a warm and endearing addition.

Shades of Mercy is a suspenseful, fast paced mystery that takes place in the Nevada desert. This is a well written book with sufficient character development to keep me coming back for the next book in the Porter Beck series.

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review an electronic ARC of this book.

This is the second book in the Porter Beck series that I have read. Shades of Mercy is another well-written page-turner by Bruce Borgos. I have grown to really like Porter Beck, the sheriff as well as the young hacker, Mercy. The mystery is intriguing and kept me engaged. Highly recommend for those who enjoy police procedural mysteries. I look forward to book 3 coming July 2025.

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

This book was a wild ride with spy’s , drones, and hackers it read like a movie. This is the second book in the series but the first that I have read so it can be enjoyed by itself but after reading this crazy book I might be going back to the first. The pacing was fast paced and the writing engaging. My only complaint was I felt a little disconnected from the characters but that could have been from me jumping in to the series in the second book. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

This is a new to me author. I started reading not really knowing what to expect, but I really liked it. Very engaging. I read it over two days and just gulped it down. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.

I enjoyed the second Porter Beck mystery even more than the first! This installment is another intricate, multi-layered thriller set in the Nevada desert. It centers around Mercy, a 16-year-old hacker seeking revenge, and the story is both gripping and full of suspense. I’m already looking forward to the next adventure!

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

I really enjoyed this book. This is the second in the series and I definitely look forward to more.

I love Porter Beck and each case he has been on has been thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat.

I found myself totally immerse in this Porter Beck book. I have the first one in the series, The Bitter Past, and will definitely be going back and reading it as soon as possible. This one had a lot of twists and turns, multiple storylines that keep you invested in the story. The characters are well developed and I enjoyed getting to know Porter and his family … especially his sister, Brinley. I look forward to getting to have more interactions with her in future books. This is a delightful crime thriller and while part of a series, you could read this one as a standalone. It has a lot to offer and you will be flipping through the pages quickly to get to the end and see if you can figure out all the clues.

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!

This is a fast-paced and action-packed crime drama with a great plot and compelling characters. it's set in a small town in Nevada and features a sheriff named Porter Beck.

Shades of Mercy was quite different from the first book in this series, and I actually enjoyed it more. The mystery was intriguing with plenty of twists and turns. I liked that it managed to have a happy ending that was a very satisfying conclusion. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I enjoyed reading Porter Beck #1, entitled The Bitter Past. The plot and characters of this second book just didn’t connect with me as well. The author is very talented and has a great imagination for creating these books, but this particular one didn’t reach me.
Thanks so much to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The publishing date is July 16, 2024.

"Shades of Mercy" by Bruce Borgos is a masterful blend of intrigue, emotional depth, and captivating storytelling. The book keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its myriad of plot twists, ensuring that the narrative remains fresh and unpredictable. The characters are well-developed and endearing, making it easy to connect with their journeys. Borgos's skill in crafting vivid scenarios allows readers to feel as if they are part of the story, experiencing every twist and turn alongside the characters. A standout theme is the concept of second chances, thoughtfully explored through multiple characters, adding a layer of hope and redemption to the complex narrative.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the protagonist, Beck, who struggles with his eye condition, a flaw that significantly influences his character development and decisions. This vulnerability makes Beck relatable and human, enhancing the reader's emotional investment in his journey. Additionally, the simultaneous unfolding of several plots creates a rich and dynamic reading experience. Borgos seamlessly interweaves these narratives, ensuring that each contributes meaningfully to the story. Given its intricate plot, lovable characters, and profound themes, "Shades of Mercy" deserves a 5/5 rating. Fans of the series should also consider reading the first book to appreciate the depth and continuity of Borgos's storytelling fully.