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Bill Gastner Mystery #1
Heartshot: A Posadas County Mystery
"...readers will enjoy this caper...and curmudgeonly charmer Gastner." -Publishers Weekly Posadas County, New Mexico has very few mean streets and no city-slick cop shop. But it has an earnest, elected Sheriff and his aging Undersheriff-William C. Gastner. Pushing sixty, widower Bill has no other life than in law enforcement-and doesn't want one, even if he's being nudged gently toward retirement. Then big time trouble strikes. A car full of teens, running from a stop by Deputy Torrez, goes airborne into a rocky outcrop, killing all five kids and revealing a package of cocaine under the seat. Has someone brought big-time crime to the county. Bill is now dealing with grieving parents-one of whom starts packing a gun. Then a second explosion of violence fells an undercover cop. Under pressure, the sheriff's department pulls together to make a formidable team. Its weak spot may be Bill whose mind is too tough to crumble but whose body, long mistreated, gradually succumbs to stress. Ignoring all advice-and sense-he pilots the case to a final dramatic, midair confrontation where the fate of the killer-and the cop-will be decided.... Steven F. Havill lives near Albuquerque, New Mexico with his wife Kathleen, a writer and artist. A dedicated high school biology and English teacher by day, Havill earned both his B.A. and M.A. from the University of New Mexico. Heartshot is the first of 14 mysteries featuring Undersheriff Bill Gastner.
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First published March 1, 1991
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About the author
Steven F. Havill
38 books256 followersSteven F. Havill is an American author of mysteries and westerns.
Havill lives in Raton, New Mexico, with his wife Kathleen. He has written two series of police procedurals set in the fictional Posadas County, New Mexico; along with other works.
Havill lives in Raton, New Mexico, with his wife Kathleen. He has written two series of police procedurals set in the fictional Posadas County, New Mexico; along with other works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
October 23, 2014
I'm bumping this up a star because he's a new author for me. It was a solid 3 star book with an interesting hero, a fat old cop who drives himself too hard. Good mystery & motives, neat methods, too. He must have some air time. Made me feel like I was in the cockpit during one memorable event.
October 8, 2020
Added a 5th star after recent reread, primarily as lead to series, one that has me enjoying the characters with added pleasure upon visiting with them again. Badger Bill is my favorite cop.
His love for the restaurant, Don Juan ... led me to read an informative history about the last conquistador ...
The Last Conquistador: Juan De Onate and the Settling of the Far Southwest
Do wish Mr Havill would add a county librarian to his cast. There are times in his tales when I'm reminded of county department head meetings and issues.
***
Some spoiler type stuff from early in the book: Under-sheriff Bill Gastner was military from 1946-66. A gunnery sergeant with two tours in Korea. He joined the county sheriff's department in 1966 and this story starts 20 years later.
page 5 - " ... Hell, 210 pounds for five feet eight inches wasn't that bad. It's just that the extra pounds tended to collect immediately behind the Sam Browne belt.
... "'I got one (son) on the West Coast, and one down in Corpus. And a daughter in Flint, Michigan, and another one in New Britain, Connecticut.'" (The children rarely appear in any of the series stories. The wife, long dead, came from an exotic locale.)
The department's few deputies include Robert Torrez and Estelle Reyes who have become sheriff and under-sheriff as the series has progressed over the nearly 30 years since it started.
His love for the restaurant, Don Juan ... led me to read an informative history about the last conquistador ...
The Last Conquistador: Juan De Onate and the Settling of the Far Southwest
Do wish Mr Havill would add a county librarian to his cast. There are times in his tales when I'm reminded of county department head meetings and issues.
***
Some spoiler type stuff from early in the book: Under-sheriff Bill Gastner was military from 1946-66. A gunnery sergeant with two tours in Korea. He joined the county sheriff's department in 1966 and this story starts 20 years later.
page 5 - " ... Hell, 210 pounds for five feet eight inches wasn't that bad. It's just that the extra pounds tended to collect immediately behind the Sam Browne belt.
... "'I got one (son) on the West Coast, and one down in Corpus. And a daughter in Flint, Michigan, and another one in New Britain, Connecticut.'" (The children rarely appear in any of the series stories. The wife, long dead, came from an exotic locale.)
The department's few deputies include Robert Torrez and Estelle Reyes who have become sheriff and under-sheriff as the series has progressed over the nearly 30 years since it started.
May 11, 2020
4 Stars for Heartshot: Bill Gastnet Mystery Series Book 1(audiobook) by Steven F. Havill read by Rusty Nelson. I enjoyed this mystery. It’s a good audiobook. I like that it’s set in New Mexico.
July 3, 2012
Unfortunately for my book budget, this is one of the free downloads that made it to my 'must buy' list after the first book.
The author could have been going down my personal list of 'likes' when he planned this series. Small western town as the setting, sensible representation of modern day county law enforcement and characters and attitudes that fit in this scenario. Main characters are an aging undersheriff and a younger, sensible and bright female deputy, both of whom go about the business of law enforcement with a minimum of angst, something I appreciate since it seems to be the exception in most current series.
The plot was believable, the issues were things small town law enforcement things that are dealt with in real life now plus an interesting twist at the end.
While this is not a edge-of-your-seat read, it moves well, with enough tension at the conclusion to make the ending satisfying. While it may not appeal to readers who like lots of action and high speed chases, it is a solidly crafted police procedural that holds up in comparison to two of my other favorite series set in the west, the Longmier series by Craig Johnson and the Gabriel DuPre series by Peter Bowen. The pace is relaxed and the characters are old friends by the time you get through the first book.
The author could have been going down my personal list of 'likes' when he planned this series. Small western town as the setting, sensible representation of modern day county law enforcement and characters and attitudes that fit in this scenario. Main characters are an aging undersheriff and a younger, sensible and bright female deputy, both of whom go about the business of law enforcement with a minimum of angst, something I appreciate since it seems to be the exception in most current series.
The plot was believable, the issues were things small town law enforcement things that are dealt with in real life now plus an interesting twist at the end.
While this is not a edge-of-your-seat read, it moves well, with enough tension at the conclusion to make the ending satisfying. While it may not appeal to readers who like lots of action and high speed chases, it is a solidly crafted police procedural that holds up in comparison to two of my other favorite series set in the west, the Longmier series by Craig Johnson and the Gabriel DuPre series by Peter Bowen. The pace is relaxed and the characters are old friends by the time you get through the first book.
May 30, 2018
Recommended by a GRs friend, I was only able to get the CD version. Since I am mostly listening to audio books right now, that works okay, but finding uninterrupted time is more difficult. I enjoyed the mystery, but it took me awhile to warm up to the curmudgeon protagonist, aging Undersheriff-William C. Gastner. Overall, I enjoyed the book, and since author, Havill has written fourteen mysteries in the series, I will try another one if I can get an audio version.
October 15, 2012
FREE **** An Amazon reviewer said about this book that he stopped reading after the first few paragraphs because the narrator/protagonist, Undersheriff Bill Gastner, is old and fat. I'm ashamed to say I nearly had the same reaction, but I kept reading. The reviewer's loss, my gain. I enjoyed this book.
Gastner is the anti-hero's anti-hero. He eats too much of the wrong stuff, he smokes, and he's made no effort to build any kind of life for himself outside of his work. As the book opens, he's afraid that the newly-elected glad-handing Sheriff is going to squeeze him out of the department.
But author Havill doesn't slide into cliche. The new Sheriff is a political animal, not a cop, but rather than try to eliminate the older, more-experienced lawman, he acknowledges his own limitations and throws all his support behind Gastner.
I like the way Havill writes Gastner. His investigation is slow, plodding, unflappable, and inexorable, just the way you'd expect an old lawman to operate. The plot isn't slow and plodding, though. It moves right along, all the while giving us a good look at New Mexico and its history.
Lots of memorable characters and local color and an unexpected but completely believable climax I really enjoyed.
First of the Posadas County series. Don't miss it!
Gastner is the anti-hero's anti-hero. He eats too much of the wrong stuff, he smokes, and he's made no effort to build any kind of life for himself outside of his work. As the book opens, he's afraid that the newly-elected glad-handing Sheriff is going to squeeze him out of the department.
But author Havill doesn't slide into cliche. The new Sheriff is a political animal, not a cop, but rather than try to eliminate the older, more-experienced lawman, he acknowledges his own limitations and throws all his support behind Gastner.
I like the way Havill writes Gastner. His investigation is slow, plodding, unflappable, and inexorable, just the way you'd expect an old lawman to operate. The plot isn't slow and plodding, though. It moves right along, all the while giving us a good look at New Mexico and its history.
Lots of memorable characters and local color and an unexpected but completely believable climax I really enjoyed.
First of the Posadas County series. Don't miss it!
August 2, 2013
This book was such a surprise. Heartshot is the first in a series. When I first saw the cover and read the description I dismissed it as a typical "Western" novel. I love Robert Parker and his Spenser novels and Havill's main character is like a Southwest Spenser. The writing is clean, crisp and well done. Although you as the reader probably know the bad guy by halfway through the novel, Havill does a marvelous job of using that to increase the suspense. I found I couldn't put the book down. Not only that, the first book was free for my Amazon Kindle but then I had to read the whole series. The writing is excellent in all the ones I've read so far. The Posada County Series is also a great read. Havill's love for the New Mexico countryside shines but doesn't overwhelm the books. Havill is a writer I have just discovered but what a pleasure to read his work.
April 1, 2012
He's older, put on some weight, mainly behind the belt buckle, he's a bit crusty. He's the type of guy who walks along, occasionally stubs his toe, yelling loudly, "GOD-DAMN THAT HURTS!", to everyone or no one. He's set in his ways, yet he's not bad at home cooking and he's a widower, .. which explains a lot.
The town, is small, stuck in New Mexico, the cafe food is all right, the parks' got some trees, and a fountain, grass dries out in the summer. Other than that, it's a long way to a museum and Friday night High School football is king, ..which about sum's it up.
Kids get in trouble, some die, same with the the parents. Lucky thing is, they got this sheriff, even though he's a bit old, overweight and all that other stuff, cause, he's also got a big heart, and, he's kinda mule headed when it comes to bad guys.
Small town sheriff makes good, he could care less, ..been there before. Tomorrow's another day, and there will be more work to be done. Screw-up? And, you're the town goat, ..been there to.
Comfortable mystery, with a good guy, easy to like, ..like a crusty old Grand Pop.
The town, is small, stuck in New Mexico, the cafe food is all right, the parks' got some trees, and a fountain, grass dries out in the summer. Other than that, it's a long way to a museum and Friday night High School football is king, ..which about sum's it up.
Kids get in trouble, some die, same with the the parents. Lucky thing is, they got this sheriff, even though he's a bit old, overweight and all that other stuff, cause, he's also got a big heart, and, he's kinda mule headed when it comes to bad guys.
Small town sheriff makes good, he could care less, ..been there before. Tomorrow's another day, and there will be more work to be done. Screw-up? And, you're the town goat, ..been there to.
Comfortable mystery, with a good guy, easy to like, ..like a crusty old Grand Pop.
May 8, 2017
Slow start to the book and suddenly you are hooked and can not put it down.
January 15, 2020
My two favorite types of mysteries are police procedurals and historical mysteries, and Steven F Havill’s Posadas County series is a wonderful example of the former, spanning more than twenty titles and two main protagonists.
This book, Heartshot, is the first in the series (plus or minus a prequel or two), and since I was lucky enough to happen upon the series when there were already a lot of titles available, I sort of binge read them all, starting first with one of the later titles, which I picked up at a used bookstore, but then backing up and reading them in order from the beginning.
I think part of the reason I like police procedurals is that, as an engineer, I like logic and method, and Heartshot is a nice example of this. Undersheriff Bill Gastner knows his town and the people in it, knows his team, knows human nature, and makes use of the info he has to work through the case. Although in this case, the suspect turned out to be who I thought it was from pretty early on in the book, I still really enjoyed the natural-seeming path towards the solution. Sometimes the journey can be better than the end!
Another reason I like police procedurals is that they often have great descriptions of their settings, and again, Heartshot delivers, with eloquent descriptions of Posadas County that really ring true and let me picture the scenes in my mind. My dad’s family is from New Mexico, and descriptions of the desert, the mountains, the border region – all remind me of the New Mexico that I know.
And yet another reason I like police procedurals is that a long-running police procedural series will usually follow a group of people over many books, giving them more time to develop as characters than a stand-alone or short series does. So thinking about Heartshot, it’s fun to see early incarnations of series characters like Bobby Torrez, Estelle Reyes (who later becomes the main protagonist in her own right), and others.
All-in-all this is a great first book in a great series, which I like even more than Ed McBain’s much better known 87th Precinct series. If you like police procedurals, try this series – I think you’ll get hooked.
This book, Heartshot, is the first in the series (plus or minus a prequel or two), and since I was lucky enough to happen upon the series when there were already a lot of titles available, I sort of binge read them all, starting first with one of the later titles, which I picked up at a used bookstore, but then backing up and reading them in order from the beginning.
I think part of the reason I like police procedurals is that, as an engineer, I like logic and method, and Heartshot is a nice example of this. Undersheriff Bill Gastner knows his town and the people in it, knows his team, knows human nature, and makes use of the info he has to work through the case. Although in this case, the suspect turned out to be who I thought it was from pretty early on in the book, I still really enjoyed the natural-seeming path towards the solution. Sometimes the journey can be better than the end!
Another reason I like police procedurals is that they often have great descriptions of their settings, and again, Heartshot delivers, with eloquent descriptions of Posadas County that really ring true and let me picture the scenes in my mind. My dad’s family is from New Mexico, and descriptions of the desert, the mountains, the border region – all remind me of the New Mexico that I know.
And yet another reason I like police procedurals is that a long-running police procedural series will usually follow a group of people over many books, giving them more time to develop as characters than a stand-alone or short series does. So thinking about Heartshot, it’s fun to see early incarnations of series characters like Bobby Torrez, Estelle Reyes (who later becomes the main protagonist in her own right), and others.
All-in-all this is a great first book in a great series, which I like even more than Ed McBain’s much better known 87th Precinct series. If you like police procedurals, try this series – I think you’ll get hooked.
July 27, 2021
This is a new series for me and I read the audiobook. This is one of the best narrators I’ve ever heard so that contributed immensely to my enjoyment of this book. The action starts immediately with 5 teens dying in a car crash and stays interesting and well paced throughout. I really liked all the characters, especially the sheriff and am really excited about finding a series that will keep me going for quite awhile.
April 13, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. The mystery is interesting although not too hard to figure out (at least I did which is unusual). However the protagonist is wonderful. It's great to see a 60 something man not grouching about the "young whipper-snapper", instead encouraging the young to learn from him. I'll be reading the rest of the stories in this series.
January 7, 2014
Dated.
April 1, 2020
~Suspenseful, small town, police drama
~This review contains a SPOILER.
~By the time I’d reached the half way point in the story there are already nine deaths…coincidental or related…murder or unfortunate events…and are they related to the town’s drug issue?
~A good police procedural…with the town depending on both the crusty old seasoned sheriff and the young up and coming detective. I liked the character development…we got just a glimpse into the backstory of a couple of the main characters. I am sure that we will see further development in future books.
~I really love the location and the author did an excellent job describing both the landscape and individual locations.
~There was plenty of action…the required amount of plot twists and turns, and ample surprises. I was definitely caught off guard by a couple of the deaths.
~There was some profanity…but, it was no more than in real life and was not over done.
~I don’t normally like to do spoilers…however, there seems to be a lot of negative review concerning this one specific part of the plot. Therefore, I am going to allow a SPOILER. The flight scene was a bit of a stretch…though, I have read of real-life situations where an unqualified person has been talked through the process of flying an aircraft. It is possible. The author did not make a “super hero” out of the character…it did not work out perfectly…but, reasonably.
~The author must really be a small aircraft pilot. The descriptions of the flying, the instrumentation, the action and reaction of the plane was very precise. I felt that this technical writing added to the story…it was only one chapter. Many “murder mystery” books go into great detail about ballistics or fingerprint or certain other police investigative procedures. I don’t think it was too much.
~I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written police mystery.
~This review contains a SPOILER.
~By the time I’d reached the half way point in the story there are already nine deaths…coincidental or related…murder or unfortunate events…and are they related to the town’s drug issue?
~A good police procedural…with the town depending on both the crusty old seasoned sheriff and the young up and coming detective. I liked the character development…we got just a glimpse into the backstory of a couple of the main characters. I am sure that we will see further development in future books.
~I really love the location and the author did an excellent job describing both the landscape and individual locations.
~There was plenty of action…the required amount of plot twists and turns, and ample surprises. I was definitely caught off guard by a couple of the deaths.
~There was some profanity…but, it was no more than in real life and was not over done.
~I don’t normally like to do spoilers…however, there seems to be a lot of negative review concerning this one specific part of the plot. Therefore, I am going to allow a SPOILER. The flight scene was a bit of a stretch…though, I have read of real-life situations where an unqualified person has been talked through the process of flying an aircraft. It is possible. The author did not make a “super hero” out of the character…it did not work out perfectly…but, reasonably.
~The author must really be a small aircraft pilot. The descriptions of the flying, the instrumentation, the action and reaction of the plane was very precise. I felt that this technical writing added to the story…it was only one chapter. Many “murder mystery” books go into great detail about ballistics or fingerprint or certain other police investigative procedures. I don’t think it was too much.
~I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written police mystery.
March 9, 2019
I didn't start this series in the order they were written, having read "Twice Buried" last year. With that book I wasn't overly impressed, however "Heartshot" delivers like a ...well like a heartshot! Undersheriff Bill Gastner is a very likable character. Bill has compassion, is overweight, stubborn and tough. He seems to know his limitations, except when it comes to physical exertions. His fellow law officers are an assorted bunch, some very capable and a couple bumblers, all easy to relate.
This short read, moves quickly and the mystery is good and if you pay attention, not that tough to figure.
If you like the Walt Longmire books, you'll probably like the Bill Gastner series. Bill's a lot like
Walt, just not quite as fit, clever or introspective. Somehow, at least in this book, Steven Havill through Gastner makes it work and work well. He shows a degree of determination that not even Longmire can touch.
This short read, moves quickly and the mystery is good and if you pay attention, not that tough to figure.
If you like the Walt Longmire books, you'll probably like the Bill Gastner series. Bill's a lot like
Walt, just not quite as fit, clever or introspective. Somehow, at least in this book, Steven Havill through Gastner makes it work and work well. He shows a degree of determination that not even Longmire can touch.
July 24, 2012
This is the second book in the Posadas County Mystery series that I have read, even though it is the first book in the series. It was nice to get some of the back story to the characters that I missed by starting with a later book in the series.
I liked this book a lot. It was a fast read - not because it was light, but because the plot was engaging and made me want to finish the book quickly. The characters are well thought out and complex enough to make them real to the reader. The plot to this book was also sufficiently non-transparent enough so that the reader wouldn't know the answer to the mystery too soon. I actually didn't have any clue until I was almost finished with the book.
I would definitely recommend this book to my friends that enjoy mysteries. It's also good for those that like books set in small towns. I plan on continuing to read this series of novels.
I liked this book a lot. It was a fast read - not because it was light, but because the plot was engaging and made me want to finish the book quickly. The characters are well thought out and complex enough to make them real to the reader. The plot to this book was also sufficiently non-transparent enough so that the reader wouldn't know the answer to the mystery too soon. I actually didn't have any clue until I was almost finished with the book.
I would definitely recommend this book to my friends that enjoy mysteries. It's also good for those that like books set in small towns. I plan on continuing to read this series of novels.
February 20, 2009
PROTAGONIST: Undersheriff Bill Gastner
SERIES: #1
SETTING: New Mexico
First in the series. Havill does a nice job with the characterization, with his lead an older man with health issues. The members of the police department have potential to be very interesting. The plot was a little weak. Am planning to continue with the series, as it shows promise.
SERIES: #1
SETTING: New Mexico
First in the series. Havill does a nice job with the characterization, with his lead an older man with health issues. The members of the police department have potential to be very interesting. The plot was a little weak. Am planning to continue with the series, as it shows promise.
October 10, 2025
In this excellent first installment of the series, Undersheriff Bill Gastner will face a new challenge in his jurisdiction, drugs. Moving from Mexico, Posadas is perfect environment for the distribution of drugs. While fighting his health issues he has to deal with a new sheriff, who is a used car salesman and knows nothing of law enforcement, a devastating car accident that takes the lives of five teenagers, and a kilo of cocaine found in the wreckage of the car.
The office decides to seek the help of Chief White of Gallup who offers the services of a 21 year old officer, Art Hewitt, from his department. Art is so young looking that he can pass as a high school student, and he is fast. He has proven himself highly capable, and slides into the undercover position smoothly. He faces a father who is grieving and has bought a gun to seek revenge on whoever brought the drugs into his life, and that of his dead son, who was driving the car that was registered to him. But when he sees Art trying to get a buy going, he charges and both of them die. Then a high football player who knows some of the drug stuff going on is murdered. In his pocket is a piece of a model airplane, a very large one. When following up, Bill suspects a local retired doctor. His daughter had died of an overdose. He sets up a trap in which he plans to interrogate the doctor, while fishing in Mexico. However, the doctor sees through his ruse, and in the flight to Mexico in the doctor's plane he is faced with a man who suspects he is caught and is talkative. He confesses that his intent on revenge has been successful. When his daughter died, the community did nothing. He started bringing drugs into the community, a few kilos at a time in model planes, that were undetected flying just under his plane coming back from Mexico.
He is aware of Bill's heart condition. His doctors were ready to do surgery after some tests, but Bill fled the hospital and with the help of Detective Estelle Reyes continues their serious investigation. Dr Sprague thinks that Reyes has just been following Bill's orders, and won't be an obstacle, and he is unaware that Bill's son, a naval pilot has been informed of Bill's intention with Harlan. Bill was warned about hypoxia, and its dangers to his health. But he thought Sprague would go after him with a gun. He has a tape recorder going, and he has a gun. But as Sprague sets the autopilot to slowly ascend to higher and higher elevation, Bill begins to realize he is in danger of passing out and dying. He pulls his gun, orders Harlan to return to Posadas, which Harlan refuses to do. So, Bill shoots him dead. He is now faced with a dead pilot getting the plane landed without dying. He is helped by the escort and short flying lesson provided by Everett Wheeler, another pilot nearby. It is dicey and exciting flight as he brings the plane down safely though not without some destruction. He wakes up having had a quadruple bypass.
Though the stupid move of thinking that his sudden wish to go fishing would not be suspect to the doctor, he does solve the case and bring accolades to the department. The new sheriff who proves to be an astute leader is going after grant money and with the success of the case and the obvious vulnerability of the area to drugs, is planning on increasing the size of the department. He has promoted Reyes to Sgt. and is hiring two more detectives. A very fine start to this series. I look forward to the next installment. The only flaw in the story is the highly unbelievable direction Bill takes in talking Sprague into a fishing trip. He had just risked his life by leaving the hospital after collapsing, with a life-threatening heart condition. Sprague does not believe that he would do fishing without the case solved. And what did Bill think would happen if he shot Sprague on the plane. It didn't seem to occur to him that his plan might not go smoothly. Not exactly a believable plot move. Otherwise, the story was fast-paced and riveting.
The office decides to seek the help of Chief White of Gallup who offers the services of a 21 year old officer, Art Hewitt, from his department. Art is so young looking that he can pass as a high school student, and he is fast. He has proven himself highly capable, and slides into the undercover position smoothly. He faces a father who is grieving and has bought a gun to seek revenge on whoever brought the drugs into his life, and that of his dead son, who was driving the car that was registered to him. But when he sees Art trying to get a buy going, he charges and both of them die. Then a high football player who knows some of the drug stuff going on is murdered. In his pocket is a piece of a model airplane, a very large one. When following up, Bill suspects a local retired doctor. His daughter had died of an overdose. He sets up a trap in which he plans to interrogate the doctor, while fishing in Mexico. However, the doctor sees through his ruse, and in the flight to Mexico in the doctor's plane he is faced with a man who suspects he is caught and is talkative. He confesses that his intent on revenge has been successful. When his daughter died, the community did nothing. He started bringing drugs into the community, a few kilos at a time in model planes, that were undetected flying just under his plane coming back from Mexico.
He is aware of Bill's heart condition. His doctors were ready to do surgery after some tests, but Bill fled the hospital and with the help of Detective Estelle Reyes continues their serious investigation. Dr Sprague thinks that Reyes has just been following Bill's orders, and won't be an obstacle, and he is unaware that Bill's son, a naval pilot has been informed of Bill's intention with Harlan. Bill was warned about hypoxia, and its dangers to his health. But he thought Sprague would go after him with a gun. He has a tape recorder going, and he has a gun. But as Sprague sets the autopilot to slowly ascend to higher and higher elevation, Bill begins to realize he is in danger of passing out and dying. He pulls his gun, orders Harlan to return to Posadas, which Harlan refuses to do. So, Bill shoots him dead. He is now faced with a dead pilot getting the plane landed without dying. He is helped by the escort and short flying lesson provided by Everett Wheeler, another pilot nearby. It is dicey and exciting flight as he brings the plane down safely though not without some destruction. He wakes up having had a quadruple bypass.
Though the stupid move of thinking that his sudden wish to go fishing would not be suspect to the doctor, he does solve the case and bring accolades to the department. The new sheriff who proves to be an astute leader is going after grant money and with the success of the case and the obvious vulnerability of the area to drugs, is planning on increasing the size of the department. He has promoted Reyes to Sgt. and is hiring two more detectives. A very fine start to this series. I look forward to the next installment. The only flaw in the story is the highly unbelievable direction Bill takes in talking Sprague into a fishing trip. He had just risked his life by leaving the hospital after collapsing, with a life-threatening heart condition. Sprague does not believe that he would do fishing without the case solved. And what did Bill think would happen if he shot Sprague on the plane. It didn't seem to occur to him that his plan might not go smoothly. Not exactly a believable plot move. Otherwise, the story was fast-paced and riveting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2023
You must, truly must, read this for the airplane scene. That’s all I’m going to write about that but trust me.
Undersheriff Bill Gastner is 60, a bit heavy, and an incessant smoker. The new sheriff is an elected official who knows how to gladhand but not how to use handcuffs. He’s working on ways to edge Gastner out the retirement door as the book opens.
Ah, nothing like Independence Day in southern New Mexico, especially if you’re a teenager. The five kids were keen on making their own fireworks by frying their brains with some serious blow one of them had acquired. They head off to a manmade quarry filled with water where kids in the county go if they want to engage in forbidden behaviors including swimming in the cold lake.
Deputy Bobby Torrez drives near the five partiers but stays well back so as not to scare them into doing something ridiculous. His caution isn’t enough. The kids see him and take off. They crash their car, and all five are dead on impact. They lodged the brick of cocaine securely under the front seat, but the cops found that, too.
Gastner waves off symptoms of a heart attack as he methodically works the investigation with Estelle Reyes, the new deputy who will play a far bigger part in the series as it goes forward.
Did I mention that airplane scene? Holy heartrate!
Undersheriff Bill Gastner is 60, a bit heavy, and an incessant smoker. The new sheriff is an elected official who knows how to gladhand but not how to use handcuffs. He’s working on ways to edge Gastner out the retirement door as the book opens.
Ah, nothing like Independence Day in southern New Mexico, especially if you’re a teenager. The five kids were keen on making their own fireworks by frying their brains with some serious blow one of them had acquired. They head off to a manmade quarry filled with water where kids in the county go if they want to engage in forbidden behaviors including swimming in the cold lake.
Deputy Bobby Torrez drives near the five partiers but stays well back so as not to scare them into doing something ridiculous. His caution isn’t enough. The kids see him and take off. They crash their car, and all five are dead on impact. They lodged the brick of cocaine securely under the front seat, but the cops found that, too.
Gastner waves off symptoms of a heart attack as he methodically works the investigation with Estelle Reyes, the new deputy who will play a far bigger part in the series as it goes forward.
Did I mention that airplane scene? Holy heartrate!
August 23, 2020
Bill Gastner is overweight and near retirement age. He is the most experienced person in the Posada County Sheriff’s Office in southern New Mexico. He is the undersheriff and runs the day to day policing. The sheriff is elected and is a politician/administrator. Bill is 100% cop. When several teenagers die in a horrific car accident it is a tragedy. But when a brick of cocaine is found under the front seat it becomes more. The thought of drugs amongst the high schoolers sends Bill into overdrive. But Bill has a big problem, and it is his heart. He ignores all the classic warning signs - dizziness, fatigue, chest pressure. He tells himself he is just tired. When one of the grief stricken parents is killed as he tries to play vigilante and shoots an undercover officer, Bill can’t stop. More kids are at risk. Bill pushes himself until his passes out at yet another death scene. Even knowing the doctors are concerned about his heart, Bill leaves the hospital and puts himself in danger to find the source of all this death. Bill is a good protagonist, you want him to win out before his heart gives out.
August 7, 2019
Une agréable lecture avec un policier qui ne passe pas son temps à courir les filles ou à se noyer dans l'alcool Quelques longueurs cependant surtout dans la dernière partie (pour qui n'est pas branché aviation) qui m'ont fait hésité entre 2 et 3 étoiles Un 'fond' assez classique, mais Bill Gastner est un personnage intéressant, lucide, qui sait faire preuve d'empathie, et donc, que je suivrai avec plaisir dans une prochaine enquête ...
A pleasant reading with a policeman who does not spend his time chasing women or drowning in alcohol A few lengths however especially in the last part (for who is not connected aviation) who made me hesitate between 2 and 3 stars A rather classic 'background', but Bill Gastner is an interesting, pleasant character , whom I will follow with pleasure in his next investigation ...
A pleasant reading with a policeman who does not spend his time chasing women or drowning in alcohol A few lengths however especially in the last part (for who is not connected aviation) who made me hesitate between 2 and 3 stars A rather classic 'background', but Bill Gastner is an interesting, pleasant character , whom I will follow with pleasure in his next investigation ...
April 21, 2018
I discovered Steven F. Havill and his Posadas County Mysteries by picking up a book at a Goodwill store (50 cents!). I read "Nightzone" first and liked it enough to order "Heartshot" on Amazon.
Havill's style is easy and approachable. "Heartshot" and "Nightzone" are both kind of cotton candy reads for me. Pleasant but nothing that will keep me up at night.
Havill is good at developing characters and the mysteries are not easy to unravel, although the reveal - the solution - certainly makes sense. Unfortunately, like many serial mystery writers, the books become formulaic and predictable. I would give it a higher rating if Havill had spent more time presenting the investigation into the crimes and less time on side stories about what the characters are doing.
Havill's style is easy and approachable. "Heartshot" and "Nightzone" are both kind of cotton candy reads for me. Pleasant but nothing that will keep me up at night.
Havill is good at developing characters and the mysteries are not easy to unravel, although the reveal - the solution - certainly makes sense. Unfortunately, like many serial mystery writers, the books become formulaic and predictable. I would give it a higher rating if Havill had spent more time presenting the investigation into the crimes and less time on side stories about what the characters are doing.
November 30, 2025
Undersheriff William C. Gastner, 60, is a dead man walking - and he's the only one who doesn't see it.
Posadas County, New Mexico, is going through an unprecedented crime wave.
Gastner is unrelenting, even as his body tells him that he's pushing it too far.
Teenagers are dying and drugs are at the bottom of it.
But teens don't talk to the cops, or adults in general, so Gastner brings in a youthful police recruit from afar to go undercover and infiltrate their ranks.
It's a good idea but it proves a disastrous failure, one that leaves the investigation at an impasse ...
It's an interesting read with a central character who lives for his work and, outside of his adult children, has no other interests.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
4 Stars.
Posadas County, New Mexico, is going through an unprecedented crime wave.
Gastner is unrelenting, even as his body tells him that he's pushing it too far.
Teenagers are dying and drugs are at the bottom of it.
But teens don't talk to the cops, or adults in general, so Gastner brings in a youthful police recruit from afar to go undercover and infiltrate their ranks.
It's a good idea but it proves a disastrous failure, one that leaves the investigation at an impasse ...
It's an interesting read with a central character who lives for his work and, outside of his adult children, has no other interests.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
4 Stars.
February 3, 2020
I enjoyed this book until the end, otherwise I would have given it 5 stars. Undersheriff Bill was foolhardy in getting himself into a dangerous situation with the killer up in the air with no back-up. It was unbelievable how such a supposedly experienced and smart cop got himself cornered like that. Then the scenario with Bill flying and landing the plane as a total novice was exciting but still I suspended disbelief. One character I do admire is the hardworking and no-nonsense Estelle. For the most part, I like the series because I grew up in Albuquerque and my sister lives in Las Cruces. Reading about Posadas makes me nostalgic about my time in New Mexico.
April 4, 2025
This is an enjoyable introduction to a police procedural mystery series. Set in a small border town in New Mexico circa 1986, Undersheriff Bill Gastner is a tad overweight and pushing 60, a widower with four grown children who have lives in other parts of the country. Told from his point of view, the story begins with a car crash that kills 5 local teenagers with a kilo of cocaine found inside. He leads the case with a lively cast of co-workers and a number of suspicious townspeople. He is a very likable main character with good skills beneath his “aw shucks” exterior. The story itself became a tad too predictable in the end. But as a debut to a series it earns a solid 3 stars.
August 28, 2025
Have all of the series on my Kindle, but just now getting around to reading them. I should have been reading a review book, but it's been a stressful week, and I needed brain candy. (Will start review book tomorrow and probably get it read.)
Loved the setting of this book. Even though it was in a made up county in south western section of New Mexico, it felt like it could have been set anywhere in the state, even the parts with mountains. The sheriff and the under sherrif and the only female of the force were nicely done, and I think I'm going to read the second in the series before moving on (after the review book). Only complaint is that it took soooo long to land the plane.
Loved the setting of this book. Even though it was in a made up county in south western section of New Mexico, it felt like it could have been set anywhere in the state, even the parts with mountains. The sheriff and the under sherrif and the only female of the force were nicely done, and I think I'm going to read the second in the series before moving on (after the review book). Only complaint is that it took soooo long to land the plane.
January 9, 2025
An easy enough read. The first in the series about Bill Gastner, a New Mexico Undersherriff in Posadas County. I have read so many great reviews about his latest novel, “If It Isn’t One Thing…” that I wanted to get familiar with the characters. There are 27 books in this series! So I may jump ahead and read his latest. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the plot line was interesting. Cocaine was making its way into the county and teenagers were dying because of it. Bill Gastner and his partner Estelle Reyes solve the mystery with an almost bang up finish.
September 1, 2018
Sheriff Gaston of Posados, New Mexico is overweight, over sixty and overworked. He also smokes and good at ignoring his own health. His job just got a lot more stressful with a horrible car accident with 5 dead teenagers and a kilo of cocaine found in the car. This is the 1st book in the series. I like the characters and the story. The weather is not appealing but the author balances it out with some picturesque landscapes.
November 15, 2018
In Posadas County, in southern New Mexico, five teenagers are killed in a car crash. Leading the investigation is under sheriff Bill Gastner and Posadas’ only detective, Estelle Reyes. Gastner, who has a lot more guts than common sense, manages to narrate the story through a heart attack and a ridiculously risky dénouement. A quite good procedural and an exciting kickoff to a new series.
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