This book was an adrenaline rush from page one and then meandered through the middle of the story setting up a surprising ending. Colter Shaw is a great character, and I plan to read more stories featuring his “finder” business. I received an ARC from NetGalley, and the opinions expressed are my own.

Having enjoyed watching the adapted for television version of Jeffrey Deaver’s books featuring the character of Colter Shaw, I expected South of Nowhere to play out much like the show, CBS’s Tracker. I was correct in that the Shaw family members portrayed in the book are in keeping with those in the TV show. However, South of Nowhere, the fifth in the book series but the first for me, was bigger and better, far surpassing what a one hour story can convey in terms of drama, excitement, suspense and characterization. I will continue to be a fan of The Tracker but look forward to supplementing my interest in Colter Shaw and his heroic exploits through the novels.
Colter Shaw is a tracker of missing persons, escaped convicts, and those running from the law. He aids the police in solving crimes. Colter is referred to as a rewardist but prefers to call himself a reward seeker, the monetary rewards being payment for the jobs he decides to take on. Shaw travels the country in a RV. He likes to work alone and depends on the survivalist skills his parents, Ashton Shaw and Mary Dove Shaw, a physician, passed on to him, Ashton Shaw, a murder victim, instilled his doctrines and beliefs in Colter and his brother, Russell and sister, Dorian. Ashton lived as he taught and Colter relies on his father’s teachings and examples to effectively work resourcefully as a professional tracker helping people, catching bad guys and fighting disasters.
The setting of the story is rural Northern California. Dorian is a disaster response specialist with her own company and reaches out to her brother when the need becomes urgent to locate a family of four whose car was swept away in flooding waters when a levee begins to fail in the small town of Hinowah. Both Dorian and Colter offer their services for free as it grows more certain that the levee will collapse and the residents must be evacuated, a task made difficult due to the reluctance and refusal of many to cooperate.
Many questions need answering. After Colter is attacked by a big man he names “Bear’ while attempting to rescue the family, suspicions of sabotage begin to arise. If it is sabotage, who has motive? Will the village completely wash out? Did a woman, 26 years old, who was driving the car in front on scenic route 13 when the levee collapsed, survive? Is a mining company or a local farmer involved? Or companies in the nearby town?
Subplots involve Mary Dove, the family compound and a figure from the family’s past.
Although I hope to never have to put them to the test, the story taught me quite a few survivalist tips. The characters were well drawn, memorable, and imperative to the storyline. The narrative was action packed, terrifying and anxiety provoking while it also brought up environmental concerns, information regarding the indigenous history of the area, and questions about natural resources. The politics of governmental aid and how it is disbursed during a crisis was also highlighted in the plot.
Colter Shaw is a protagonist to be admired. I look forward to catching up with him in the first four books in the series. Reward yourself by reading South of Nowhere.
I would like to thank NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an advance copy of this book and the opportunity to write an honest review.

A very suspenseful and entertaining Colter Shaw story.
Colter and his sister Dorion are working together to save a small town in No California from
flooding as the main levee collapses.
As the story builds so does the intrigue surrounding what is really happening here.
when signs begin to appear that the levee might have been sabotaged and deliberately
blown up to ensure flooding, the action ramps up and everyone becomes a suspect.
Colter is his usual independent, well evened character with determination to get to the bottom
of this regardless of who is behind it.
Throw in some family stress and the story becomes another Deaver classic.
Great read.

I found South of Nowhere to be a very exciting novel. Without any spoilers, the tension built up in several parts of the book had me at the edge of my seat and staying up late to finish reading. The characters are likable and well defined and there is a conclusion with an unanticipated surprise. My sole criticism (and one that keeps me from giving the book a fifth star) is the inclusion of excerpts from the fantasy book one of the characters is writing. I found it very distracting and completely unwarranted!
I thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam (and especially Jeffrey Deaver for writing this exceptional novel) for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"South of Nowhere" by Jeffery Deaver is a heart-pounding thriller that takes readers on a wild ride through the treacherous landscapes of Northern California. Deaver, known for his masterful storytelling and intricate plots, delivers yet another gripping tale with this latest installment in the Colter Shaw series.

The story follows Colter Shaw, a skilled tracker and reward seeker, as he races against time to save a small town from a catastrophic flood. With the help of his sister, Dorion, a disaster response specialist, Colter must navigate the murky waters and uncover the truth behind the levee's collapse, as he works to save survivors.

Deaver's ability to create a palpable sense of urgency and suspense is evident throughout the novel. The foggy, rain-soaked setting adds to the tension, making every moment feel fraught with danger. The pacing is relentless, with surprising twists and turns.

Colter Shaw is a compelling protagonist, with a blend of rugged determination and vulnerability that makes him relatable and likable. His interactions with his sister and the townspeople add depth to the story, highlighting the importance of family and community in the face of adversity.

The supporting characters are well-developed; Deaver excels in creating multi-dimensional characters that feel real and authentic, enhancing the overall reading experience.

This story explores themes including resilience, survival, family, and the impact of natural disasters on small communities. Deaver handles these themes with sensitivity and insight, providing a thought-provoking backdrop to the thrilling plot.

"South of Nowhere" is a thrilling and emotionally resonant novel that showcases Jeffery Deaver's talent for crafting suspenseful and engaging stories. With its richly atmospheric setting, complex characters, and intricate plot, this book is sure to captivate readers from start to finish. Whether you're a long-time fan of Deaver or new to his work, *South of Nowhere* is a must-read that will leave you breathless.

I could read a Colter Shaw novel every month..Glad there is a series on tv now. really liked how this book brought the Shaw family together.

Very well plotted out Good twists love Mr. Deaver
Fast paced offering several mini stories within
Got lost with main character since read out of sequence but still followed the plot

This was a strong fifth book in the Colter Shaw series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the feel of this book. It had that element that I enjoyed from the previous four books in this series. Jeffery Deaver has a strong writing style and enjoyed the feel of this story and that there is a tension to this.

In Jeffery Deaver's fifth in the Colter Shaw series, South of Nowhere (G.P. Putnam's Sons 2025), Colter Shaw, son of a survivalist family and expert tracker, works with his sister, a disaster response specialist, to find a family washed away when a levee collapses. Task completed, the real job isn't when it's apparent the levee's demise might have been man-instigated and the reasons ongoing. The plot is as complicated as the mystery. For example: While trying to save a family of four on a ticking clock of limited air, Colton is attacked. Why? Another: One of the car's caught in the collapse might be a fiancée who uses the disaster to escape a narcissistic boyfriend. And no surprise: There are a myriad of small town politics that play into whodunnit and whobenefits. Colter must solve these moving parts before the next piece of the nefarious plan occurs. Underpinning everything Colter does is a list of rules taught him by his father, meant to cover every survivalist situation his son might face. We learn them as Colter employs them. Rules like:

"Never be without a means of escape..."

"Never be without access to a weapon..."

"Never assume what appears innocent is not a threat..."

I read the first four of this series and was excited to grab this one. I love survivalist stories, how man overcomes the impossible, and this didn't disappoint. A warning: Stay frosty because there is a lot to remember as the plot unfolds. If you love clever stories with lots of intricate pieces, strap yourself in and be ready for anything.

The levee is breaking. Why is the levee breaking and who is behind it and what are the reasons? Colter Shaw becomes involved as he gets a cryptic message from his sister to come help. This book continues with side subplots and you don’t know where they will lead. Fantastic read!

Review: A story line to nowhere, more like. Stud man dude, Shaw, is a not-bounty hunter with a heart of gold (he does pro-bono work sometimes) and in this instance, he is going to help a small town with problems.

Besides the narrative plot which is rambling, confusing and wholly unbelievable, the characterization is OTT. Shaw is fairly one-dimensional but is an expert at everything like his sister. He also has a half-sister he never knew about because his brilliant professor dad hid it. The character development was weak and the movement did nothing to enhance said development.

I recieved this ARC for an honest review

0.2/5