Sometimes after a first book, the second isn't as good. That's NOT the case with 'Shades of Mercy'. It's as good, if not better than the first 'The Bitter Past.'. Beck's corner of the world is not so quiet anymore. Like all the country, fentanyl is taking over, and they are trying to get a hold on it. There's drones that are being highjacked by someone and doing scary things. There's a teenage girl that isn't as sweet and innocent as she looks. Will Beck be able to get a hold on everything?

Borgos continues to develop the character of Beck. I like the fact that Beck comes across as just a regular guy dealing with what life hands him. Beck is the MC, but Borgos doesn't forget about the minor characters that help the book. Borgos has developed them and they all have grown a bit since the first book. Borgos writes about the government in a way that comes across as real. We all now that the government hides things from us, and Borgos addresses this head on, so far in both books. Beck is becoming my favorite MC in Police Procedurals, Conspiracy and Crime genres. I enjoyed the Area 51 story. I can't wait for the 3rd book. Borgos left a little cliff hanger and I want to know what Beck is going to do. Hurry up and write, Borgos!!

Published July 16, 2024

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

😊 Happy Reading 😊

#netgalley #saintmartinpress #minotaurbooks #bruceborgos #shadesofmercy #arc #readmytbr #readmykindle #readaway2024

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.

This is an easy, fast paced, rural police thriller that will be one people like to pick up. Was it ground breaking or super memorable? Probably not. Did I enjoy it anyway? Absolutely.

Shades of Mercy is perfect for fans of Longmire and Joe Pickett, while they wait for the next book to be released in those series.

Sheriff Beck is investigating a hacked military drone in rural Nevada. His county has a whole lot of land and a dearth of people, including his small police force of only twelve officers. With such a small suspect pool, he zeros in on the sole local hacker. But when she in turn disappears, his mission changes to a rescue operation.

This book is so much fun. Sheriff Beck has unique quirks like night blindness and an in depth knowledge of the locals in his small, but spread out, hometown. His dog, Columbo, is immeasurably cute despite flunking out of both drug and bomb sniffing school. His father, the former Sheriff, is struggling with dementia but still has time for a few snarky asides. All of the characters, including the rural big sky setting that seems like its own character, are fully fleshed out. This is a police procedural so armchair detectives can mostly take a break from detecting and just watch the plot play out.

Overall, Shades of Mercy doesn’t add much to the quirky rural police procedural sub-genre. However, it is a fun read that is a pleasant way to spend a weekend. 4 stars!

Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

This is the second installment in the Porter Beck series and I am glad to see where it is going. We are getting to know some characters more and going on new adventures with them.

In Shades of Mercy we are dealing with the very real issues of drug and gun trafficking. While there was a scene that I could have done without, I really enjoyed this book. More of this one was set up in Northern Nevada, an area I was not as familiar with as the first book, but that did not dampen my enjoyment.

I cannot wait to see where Bruce takes Porter Beck and the rest of the cast in the next book.

I love this book. Fast paced action packed thriller. Teenage computer hacker, Chinese agents, Mexican drug cartel, and a local small town Sheriff, who can't see in the dark, combine to make a edge of your seat story.

Shades of Mercy is the second book in the Porter Beck series. It takes place a few months after the events in The Bitter Past. Beck is brought into an investigation where his close friend had a prize bull killed by a drone that had been hacked. This book had it all. I did find the plotline a little over the top (the Chinese secret agent angle was a little over the top). But it didn't affect how I liked the book.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Mystery
Triggers: Drug Addiction.

Mercy is a teen who has found herself incarcerated for stealing millions of dollars. She is genius level smart, especially with computers, and when her knack for hacking becomes an issue, the U.S. Government will stop at nothing to prevent her from using her skills.

Beck is a small-town police officer. He knows the townspeople, has friends he grew up with, and now, has to track down drugs that are somehow killing his residents. As he tries to unravel the mystery behind where the drugs are coming from and who is behind it, Beck is thrust into the middle of a government operation that he knows smells off.

With the military sniffing around and some shifty characters entering his town, Beck will have to figure out if he can trust the fellow alphabet officers who've started to invade his town. Mercy will have to decide where her loyalties will fall. Mercy's life is staked high in this game of cat and mouse.

This was a good mystery. It was a little chaotic in the beginning, but I enjoyed watching the characters really learn to trust themselves and each other, even with the mystery behind what was going on, but overall, this was a fun read. I can't wait to see if she's in the next book.

This is the second book in the Porter Beck series. It’s a fast paced, action packed mystery. It’s thrilling and full of suspense. The plot is riveting and held my attention. It’s a very good read.

Plot in short: Sheriff Beck is investigating the death of a childhood friend. The FBI gets called in & soon a story unravels about espionage, drugs, nuclear weapons and revenge.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this book! Sheriff Porter Beck is back and so much is happening once again with a plot that builds in intensity as you read. The thing I love about this book is the fast paced action, vivid detailed descriptions that make you feel like you’re in the high desert & diverse characters. It’s almost like you’re watching a movie! I loved the way the book tied together a Mexican cartel, a military attack drone targeting a rancher & a 16 year old hacker. It kept me guessing and fully invested throughout.

If you are looking for an incredible mystery with twists, intrigue and a main character with a witty sense of humor, then this is the book. Sheriff Porter Beck patrols the county with his Deputy Frank Columbo aka Bo, his dog. He is slowly losing his night vision due to a medical issue, but his sharp mind, his instinct and his Army background as an investigator give him an advantage over the criminals as well as other law enforcement. When a government plane’s computer is hijacked, a prized bull is blown up. This is only the beginning of this complex mystery. Beck can’t believe that a sixteen-year-old girl, a brilliant computer hacker, may have been able to take over the plane’s controls. Meeting Mercy Vaughn soon changes his mind. He now believes she is capable, but how since she is not allowed access to computers. He is further dealing with the growing problem of fentanyl in his county, a second incident of a vehicle’s computer hijacked, a fire out of control and now Mercy is missing. I wanted to know how this would all end, but I also didn’t want it to end! Loved it! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Shades of Mercy by Bruce Borgos is a book that will draw the interest of many readers as a tech mystery. Of course, Beck has other cases that need to be solved at the same time.

Another solid military thriller in the Porter Beck series! Porter is intelligent, tough, compassionate and a real book Daddy! The plot was slightly more outlandish this time around, but still just as well thought out and expertly paced. I think you’ll love the fast pace, the complex shadow play, and the amount of heart in this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy. These opinions are my own.

This is a fast-paced suspense novel that kept me engaged and entertained. I stayed up way too late finishing it!

Sheriff Porter Beck is losing his eyesight, but that doesn't stop him from protecting his county and its residents. He has a dry sense of humor and is able to put pieces together that others cannot. He has a smart and talented sister that plays an integral part in the story. I think Brinley might be my favorite character. Either her or Beck's dog, Colombo. Colombo is a washout in the various careers he tries as a canine, but while he may not succeed at any one of them, he does retain enough knowledge to help save the day in several instances.

This book is not short of strong characters. From the cartel to a young hacker to a Chinese spy and even some Area 51 enthusiasts, this novel has no shortage of action.

Set in the Nevada desert, there is plenty of space to commit crimes. Many take advantage of this, but Beck does his best to shut it all down. It isn't easy work, but he has a crack team that helps him make Nevada a better place. We don't see all of the characters from the first book, but they are mentioned. If you are into conspiracy theories, there are several in this book with representatives from the various alphabet organizations. But of course, they can't tell you that.

There were times that I had a bad feeling about some of the characters and what they might do, and while I didn't know exactly, I wasn't too far off the mark suspecting nefarious plans from a few of them.

I enjoy a good suspense thriller book, and this one filled the bill. There is even a little heart in it with Beck's father dealing with dementia and Beck's failing eyesight.

We give this book 5 paws up.

Shades of Mercy is the second book in the Porter Beck series. Beck is the Sheriff in a normally quiet Nevada county. Lately, things have been anything but quiet and readers find him leading an investigation that brings about surprising results. Sheriff Beck is an interesting protagonist. In spite of vision issues, he is a deliberate and capable man. He is a critical thinker and savvy. Plus, he has a new partner who is an English Lab named Frank Colombo, aka as " Bo".
Shades of Mercy is a well plotted, fast-moving story that is packed with action. There is continuing mounting tension and vivid depictions of both the settings and the scenes. Engrossing and skillfully told, this book is well worth reading. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Incredible book filled with events to shake you up. High level computer hacking of missile laden drones, smuggled drugs, deaths, and everyone searching for a girl with different motives. An edge of your seat thriller.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books for accepting my request to read and review Shades of Mercy -- A Porter Beck Mystery on NetGalley.

Published: 07/16/24

Stars: 4

Beck is back. This is the second book in the series. I liked the story, the characters and the storytelling.

There is profanity sprinkled throughout.

At 70% I was ready for the conclusion. It was time to put all the pieces together. There was quite a bit being rounded up with different agencies and sites; I do understand that. By 80-85% I was frustrated and put the book down. After a couple of hours and a fresh cup of coffee I was relaxed and liked the ending.

There is a pattern with me believing the endings are sketchy. Borgos (not spoiling) did this in book one. I'm not an attorney or politician, so perhaps the ending is realistic.

I think this is smart and I would have picked this up on publication day for my father, etc.

loved this romance and her mom wants her to date this guy she has these amazing friends who are all dealing with different relationship issues . loved that she found her way in the job and found love

Bruce Borgos has become one of my all-time favorite authors. Bitter Past, the first book featuring Nevada Sheriff Porter Beck, was absolutely outstanding and unforgettable. Shades of Mercy continues this trend of excellence.

When I finished Bitter Past last year I was eager for the next installment in the series and wanted Borgos to hurry up and write already, but as soon as I started reading this book, Shades of Mercy, I realized his pace is perfect and well worth the wait. Every word, every scene, every interaction must have been meticulously planned and crafted, worked over, corrected and changed until I ended up with this exquisite book in my hands, but all that talent and skill and hard work are invisible to the reader; the writing is not dry or dull or labored or forced or overly precise, but instead just rolls along smoothly. Every word selection is perfect. As before, the writing is strong, the plot well-crafted, perfectly paced and logical.

Author Borgos knows how to get a story going and keep it moving. There are no long flowery introductions to people and descriptions to set the scene. Instead, the action begins immediately and all you need to know about the people, the place and the level of danger is woven into the explosive beginning. You are hooked before you’ve finished the first paragraph.

Shades of Mercy is a mix of levity and frightening suspense. The newest member of the sheriff’s department is a dog named Frank Columbo, Bo for short. Initially we think Bo is a man and we learn Beck likes him partly because he has a cool name for a cop, is quiet, pays attention most of the time, and loves a good cup of coffee. Then we learn that Beck mostly likes him because he is a dog. And probably also because Bo helps him navigate in the dark and shadows as Beck tries to hide the progression of his retinitis pigmentosa that more and more affects his ability to do his job and will eventually take his sight. Beck is such an interesting man. He’s somehow sophisticated and folksy at the same time, almost a little too funny but also so intense. Living the small-town sheriff life his father lived for years, but also ex-military with friends or contacts in every government agency you can think of. He respects authority, as sheriff he is the authority, but he’s never afraid to push back. A loner, not a flirty ladies’ man but definitely a man of action when he’s interested.

But Borgos is a master at mixing that small-town comfort and routine with a sudden dose of danger, like a sudden epidemic of crime and drug overdoses, kidnapping, torture and murder, mixing in such a variety of people and government agencies that contain good, bad and worse members. Contrasting the usually quiet desert life with evil influence and consequence from within the town and outside the country. Borgos seamlessly switches from one scenario to the other, leaving you breathless trying to keep up.

The combination of such an interesting, complex main character and an action-packed, suspense filled, perfectly paced and satisfying plot is irresistible. Tell me you can’t hear Beck say, “And Al Pacino is not the brother of cappuccino. . . . Some things are obvious,” and not like this man. Or that you can’t help but wonder where that military drone came from, who is operating it and to what end, where the drugs are coming from? What even are they? What exactly is being smuggled? I could spend years learning more and more about Beck and enjoying being enveloped in such exciting stories. What will come next with his vision? Right now he’s a daylight man, and still sheriff. So smart, so intuitive, losing his sight is a really big deal. Is there another job waiting around the corner? What will that mean for his relationship with his family, especially his father who suffers from dementia?

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books for providing an advance copy of Shades of Mercy via NetGalley. I was thrilled to receive it, thoroughly enjoyed it, and recommend it without hesitation. I am hoping for another book featuring Porter Beck, but author Bruce Borgos’s writing is so exquisite I will be happy with anything he writes. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

"Shades of Mercy" has a little bit of everything -- teenage hacker extraordinaire, drug smuggling and gun running, a cartel, the opioid epidemic, a county sheriff losing his eyesight (i.e., with a disability), old friends who have grown apart, Chinese spies, forest fires, military drones, the NSA, complicated relationships, etc. The story has plenty of action and intrigue. The plot is complex and well developed, but even as the reader pieces together the various aspects of the story, the reader will likely be surprised by the intricacies and machinations involved.

Having finished "Shades of Mercy", I want to read the first book in the Porter Beck series.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books & author Bruce Borgos for this arc!

Sheriff Porter Beck is back in full force with book 2 of this crime thriller series! Right away I knew I was going to love this guy! He’s witty, snarky & so smart! Nothing gets by him! The story itself is fast paced & action packed & will keep your heart racing to the finish! It’s like reading an action flick! Computer hackers, Mexican cartel, smuggling, military intel & more!

I really like the characters in Beck’s circle of people, too! They all bring their own uniqueness to the table & yet are easily relatable & kinda fun!

Note: Book 1 from the series: THE BITTER PAST is where we first meet Sheriff Beck & his crew as they work a case from the 1950s Cold War era brought to the surface by a brutal murder from the present. This one’s filled with Russian spies, nuclear test sites & espionage! Guys, it’s really good!

You don’t have to read these books in order, but do yourself a favor & just go ahead & grab ‘em both! You’ll thank me later!