It was a richly crafted book that was engaging and well thought out . I felt the plot was propulsive and the setting was engaging and played in perfectly with the narrative
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review the book

The first title in this series, THE BITTER PAST, was absolutely terrific, one of the best mystery-thrillers I've read in years. SHADES OF MERCY fails to reach the same high standard that Bruce Borgos set for himself there..

The good: wonderful characters so beautifully drawn that they pull you in and hold you; vivid settings that become almost a character in themselves; and some really extraordinary writing.

The bad: the narrative that binds all those wonderful characters, great settings, and terrific writing together turns too often on coincidence and improbability; it's littered with silly plot holes sufficiently annoying to keep pulling you out of the story; and it has a painfully elongated ending which included a epilogue that was like the family dinner in ‘Blue Bloods,’ a neat reprise and wrap up for anyone whose attention might have wandered, and a clunky set up for next week’s episode.

The weak narrative felt like something that might have been rushed to get another book out quickly in order to capitalize on the success of the first title in the series. And that's a shame. These characters deserve so much better, and Bruce Borgos is undoubtedly a far better writer than this.

This series could be one of the great ones, if the publisher doesn't louse it up by pressing to get books out more quickly than they're ready. Maybe next time, huh?

This is the 2nd Porter Beck novel, and the 2nd I've read from the author.. I loved the first one, and I loved this. I could identify with the main character, who showed brains, humor and resourcefulness. The Nevada setting was rich and contributed to the story of a teenage hacker, a Mexican drug cartel and a crooked cattle rancher. The supporting characters were vibrant and well-defined. I can't wait for the next installment.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being given freely.