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Dept 6 Hired Guns #2
Bloedgeld
Twaalf mensen zijn in koelen bloede neergeschoten en achtergelaten in de woestijn van Arizona. Het is aan Sophia St. Claire om uit te vinden wie de dader is, want zij is de nieuwe commissaris van Bordertown en ze weet niet waar ze moet beginnen.
Ze krijgt hulp van Roderick Guerrero. Hij heeft zijn werkzaamheden bij Department 6 tijdelijk neergelegd om haar te assisteren bij het onderzoek, en wat Sophia betreft is dat slecht nieuws. Misschien heeft hij zijn leven gebeterd. En misschien is hij goed in zijn vak. Maar omdat hij de onechte zoon van een rijke rancher uit de buurt is, is zijn verleden nogal beladen. En het feit dat zijzelf deel uitmaakt van dat verleden, maakt het er niet gemakkelijker op.
Ze worden aan alle kanten tegengewerkt, en al snel merkt Sophia dat er krachten spelen waar ze geen grip op heeft. Als de dader dan ook nog dingen over haar blijkt te weten die hij niet kán weten, is plotseling haar eigen leven in gevaar...
Ze krijgt hulp van Roderick Guerrero. Hij heeft zijn werkzaamheden bij Department 6 tijdelijk neergelegd om haar te assisteren bij het onderzoek, en wat Sophia betreft is dat slecht nieuws. Misschien heeft hij zijn leven gebeterd. En misschien is hij goed in zijn vak. Maar omdat hij de onechte zoon van een rijke rancher uit de buurt is, is zijn verleden nogal beladen. En het feit dat zijzelf deel uitmaakt van dat verleden, maakt het er niet gemakkelijker op.
Ze worden aan alle kanten tegengewerkt, en al snel merkt Sophia dat er krachten spelen waar ze geen grip op heeft. Als de dader dan ook nog dingen over haar blijkt te weten die hij niet kán weten, is plotseling haar eigen leven in gevaar...
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2010
81 people are currently reading
920 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
239 books7,001 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 4, 2015
Body Heat
4.5 Stars
Intense and exciting from the very first page.
The characterization in this book is exceptional. Each and every person in the small town from the hero and heroine to the lowliest deputy and the town prostitute are well written and no one is superfluous.
The balance between the romance and the suspense is excellent. Rod and Sophie have incredible chemistry and their lively banter is highly entertaining. Despite her inexperience with law enforcement, Sophie is always in control and never falls into the TSTL category. Rod, an Ex-Navy SEAL, is smokin' and his protective streak is so endearing.
The mystery is a compelling amalgamation of subplots that are cleverly interwoven. While they do have the potential to become confusing, they, nevertheless, come together quite seamlessly and it is easy to keep track of the twists and turns.
Overall, a very enjoyable romantic suspense read and I look forward to reading the final installment in the trilogy.
4.5 Stars
Intense and exciting from the very first page.
The characterization in this book is exceptional. Each and every person in the small town from the hero and heroine to the lowliest deputy and the town prostitute are well written and no one is superfluous.
The balance between the romance and the suspense is excellent. Rod and Sophie have incredible chemistry and their lively banter is highly entertaining. Despite her inexperience with law enforcement, Sophie is always in control and never falls into the TSTL category. Rod, an Ex-Navy SEAL, is smokin' and his protective streak is so endearing.
The mystery is a compelling amalgamation of subplots that are cleverly interwoven. While they do have the potential to become confusing, they, nevertheless, come together quite seamlessly and it is easy to keep track of the twists and turns.
Overall, a very enjoyable romantic suspense read and I look forward to reading the final installment in the trilogy.
September 4, 2010
It was a horrible experience that jump-started New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Brenda Novak's career-- she caught her daycare teacher drugging her children to get them to sleep. Deciding she needed to work from home, she penned her first novel, and has been a household sensation ever since. Other titles include: Trust Me, Watch Me, Stop Me, Dead Silence, Dead Giveaway, Dead Right, The Perfect Couple, The Perfect Murder, The Perfect Liar, and Mother, Please. She also heads an annual fundraiser for diabetes research every May. Brenda resides in Sacramento, California with her husband and five children.
New Chief of Police, Sophia St. Claire, has been catching flack ever since she took the job in Bordertown, Arizona. She's the youngest to hold such a position and she's a woman, not to mention she got where she is after the last Chief was fired for questionable behavior. A point most in town resent her for. But twelve people have been shot and left to rot in the hot desert sun, leaving Sophia feeling in over her head. Department 6 operative Roderick Guerrero's involvement isn't helping. The bastard son of a wealthy local rancher has returned to town to aid in Sophia's investigation, but they have a shared history they can't get past. Maybe he's different. Maybe he's grown up. But as they hunt for a ruthless killer hiding among them, it isn't only the desert that's sparking heat.
This is Book Two in the Department 6 Trilogy, with White Heat coming before, and Killer Heat releasing after.
The hero and heroine meet, or rather are reunited, after a few chapters in this story. There is such insane chemistry between them, and clever bantering, that I couldn't help but feel disappointed in the first part of the book, as once they were together, they shadowed everything else. That's not really a knock on the book so much as an applause for good characters. Usually in a Brenda Novak book the reader is in the killer's head as much as the main characters. Not so in this one. We are in tune to other suspects, but this book is different because there's not just one bad guy, making for a compelling read. What stands out most of all is the well-researched immigration issues, and it comes at you from all sides. You'll walk away from reading this with an entirely different aspect than when you went in. Bravo! A highly recommended read from a stand alone author.
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer,
Bookpleasures
New Chief of Police, Sophia St. Claire, has been catching flack ever since she took the job in Bordertown, Arizona. She's the youngest to hold such a position and she's a woman, not to mention she got where she is after the last Chief was fired for questionable behavior. A point most in town resent her for. But twelve people have been shot and left to rot in the hot desert sun, leaving Sophia feeling in over her head. Department 6 operative Roderick Guerrero's involvement isn't helping. The bastard son of a wealthy local rancher has returned to town to aid in Sophia's investigation, but they have a shared history they can't get past. Maybe he's different. Maybe he's grown up. But as they hunt for a ruthless killer hiding among them, it isn't only the desert that's sparking heat.
This is Book Two in the Department 6 Trilogy, with White Heat coming before, and Killer Heat releasing after.
The hero and heroine meet, or rather are reunited, after a few chapters in this story. There is such insane chemistry between them, and clever bantering, that I couldn't help but feel disappointed in the first part of the book, as once they were together, they shadowed everything else. That's not really a knock on the book so much as an applause for good characters. Usually in a Brenda Novak book the reader is in the killer's head as much as the main characters. Not so in this one. We are in tune to other suspects, but this book is different because there's not just one bad guy, making for a compelling read. What stands out most of all is the well-researched immigration issues, and it comes at you from all sides. You'll walk away from reading this with an entirely different aspect than when you went in. Bravo! A highly recommended read from a stand alone author.
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer,
Bookpleasures
March 28, 2015
The Bordertown Chief of police , Sophia St Claire has a killer on the loose,not everyone is happy with her new status apart from that someone has been killing undocumented immigrants a point blank.
It's a thrilling story with enough adrenaline rush, here some paragraphs from the book :
-The man laughed. “You think I’m a dirty cop—like the kind you have in Mexico?” José didn’t answer. “Forgive me. I am not trying to offend you, señor.” “Your smell offends me, amigo. You being where you don’t belong offends me. And the fact that every word out of your mouth is a lie offends me"
-"This oughta teach you spic cockroaches to stay in your own damn country,” he ground out, and pulled the trigger.
-"Why would anyone do this?” Debbie asked. That was the one question Sophia found easy to answer. “Hate.”“But who could hate enough to kill absolute strangers? I mean, yeah, maybe these people were breaking the law. I get tired of the situation with the illegals, too. We all do. But some of them are just plain…desperate. You can hardly fault them for wanting to be able to put food on the table"
_He didn’t touch his victims at all. He exterminated them like vermin. And the fact that he didn’t bother to even throw some brush over their bodies told her he was proud of his actions.
Something about the confidence with which this killer acted made Sophia believe he’d been around for a long time, that he was intimately familiar with the region and its politics, and that his hatred of illegal immigrants had recently been honed and sharpened.
She had to be careful. There were enough sexist jerks in Bordertown who thought her job should’ve gone to a man—even though the only viable candidate was a criminal himself.
-"Anger is so much easier than grief"
-"Racism is man’s gravest threat to man—the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reasons". —Abraham J. Heschel, rabbi and philosopher (1907–72
It's a thrilling story with enough adrenaline rush, here some paragraphs from the book :
-The man laughed. “You think I’m a dirty cop—like the kind you have in Mexico?” José didn’t answer. “Forgive me. I am not trying to offend you, señor.” “Your smell offends me, amigo. You being where you don’t belong offends me. And the fact that every word out of your mouth is a lie offends me"
-"This oughta teach you spic cockroaches to stay in your own damn country,” he ground out, and pulled the trigger.
-"Why would anyone do this?” Debbie asked. That was the one question Sophia found easy to answer. “Hate.”“But who could hate enough to kill absolute strangers? I mean, yeah, maybe these people were breaking the law. I get tired of the situation with the illegals, too. We all do. But some of them are just plain…desperate. You can hardly fault them for wanting to be able to put food on the table"
_He didn’t touch his victims at all. He exterminated them like vermin. And the fact that he didn’t bother to even throw some brush over their bodies told her he was proud of his actions.
Something about the confidence with which this killer acted made Sophia believe he’d been around for a long time, that he was intimately familiar with the region and its politics, and that his hatred of illegal immigrants had recently been honed and sharpened.
She had to be careful. There were enough sexist jerks in Bordertown who thought her job should’ve gone to a man—even though the only viable candidate was a criminal himself.
-"Anger is so much easier than grief"
-"Racism is man’s gravest threat to man—the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reasons". —Abraham J. Heschel, rabbi and philosopher (1907–72
January 31, 2018
The second book of the Dept 6 series by Novak doesnt continue the story but gives us another story about the people in Dept 6. Which is no problem because like the first one, the story keeps your interest and keeps you turning the pages.
This one takes place near the Mexican border where illegal aliens are crossing but someone is killing them as they come over. Chief St Claire is the new chief of police and she must solve the case along with showing the town a woman can do the job. Rod, from Dept 6, comes in to help and not only is there a romance, but both of them soon find out there is something going on behind the scenes when one of the townspeople gets killed.
This one takes place near the Mexican border where illegal aliens are crossing but someone is killing them as they come over. Chief St Claire is the new chief of police and she must solve the case along with showing the town a woman can do the job. Rod, from Dept 6, comes in to help and not only is there a romance, but both of them soon find out there is something going on behind the scenes when one of the townspeople gets killed.
September 8, 2015
The second book in Brenda Novak's exciting Dept 6 Hired Guns series. A fairly new author to me. I find that Ms Novak's style of writing works very well for me. A good balance of suspense and romance. The characters were likable and well drawn. The plot engaged me from the beginning and held on until the end.
Read
November 7, 2015I feel I must first qualify my review by saying, prior to deciding to read this series, I was reading a lot of pure hard core Mystery/Suspense/Thrillers. When looking around for my next book/series, this series was recommenced and on sale. I have read multiple books by Brenda Novak before, so I immediately purchased the entire trilogy.
I found the first book in this series torture to get through, but since I purchased the entire trilogy, I thought I'd give this a try.
Why are all her female leads in this series, supposedly strong capable women yet their actions and attitudes throughout the novels do nothing but undermine this initial assertion. The female lead is the captain of the small town's police department. We are lead to believe that she is a good, smart, honest cop. Yet she seeks out the stupidest, most irrational/dangerous methods to solve the problems she encounters. Her attitude is "well I survived last time, so I'll survive this time."
This book seemed to start off better than the first, but honestly I'm not sure if I want to try to make it to the end.
I found the first book in this series torture to get through, but since I purchased the entire trilogy, I thought I'd give this a try.
Why are all her female leads in this series, supposedly strong capable women yet their actions and attitudes throughout the novels do nothing but undermine this initial assertion. The female lead is the captain of the small town's police department. We are lead to believe that she is a good, smart, honest cop. Yet she seeks out the stupidest, most irrational/dangerous methods to solve the problems she encounters. Her attitude is "well I survived last time, so I'll survive this time."
This book seemed to start off better than the first, but honestly I'm not sure if I want to try to make it to the end.
June 28, 2020
Meh, 2.5 stars
visualize a ditz with tattoos who reminds herself she's the Chief of Police.
visualize a ditz with tattoos who reminds herself she's the Chief of Police.
December 28, 2015
2 ½ stars. Ok for romantic suspense but generic writing. Contrivances and stupidity bothered me.
Author used too many bad guys. Police chief Sophia is searching for a serial killer. Early in the story we see Leonard plant bugs in her home, car and office. He uses what he hears against her and causes problems. Next Sophia talks to someone and the reader learns he is also a bad guy who plans to harm her but she doesn’t know it. Other bad guys are added later. It’s a conspiracy of people Sophia trusts or interacts with, and gradually as the story progresses new ones come to light - not the best kind of plot for me.
Examples of contrivance and stupidity. 1. Sophia and Rod escape a dangerous situation but part ways because someone wants to show Rod something. This was an artificial contrivance that was carried on far too long to extend the mystery. The guy could have told Rod about a picture he saw - which was a clue to the killer’s identity. But he took Rod away from Sophia when she was fleeing from killers. The guy makes Rod wait in the car while he soothes his wife who is upset about something. Then they eventually go to a place where he shows Rod the picture. 2. During this separation Rod and Sophia have cell phones but they don’t tell each other what is going on. Sophia almost gets killed and is at the hospital with another victim. She should walk outside the hospital door and call Rod to tell him what happened but she doesn’t because a little boy wants her to stay with him in the waiting room. She says come with me for a minute while I make a call. The boy doesn’t want to so Sophia stays with him and does not make the call. Shootings and murders are happening but she won’t call Rod? 3. Sophia hears gun shots inside a house. She goes inside and finds someone safe. She puts her gun on the bed and goes over to comfort that person. Meanwhile bad guy walks in with his gun. Sophia’s gun is too far away to reach. There was more stupidity.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Cris Dukehart was good. But at times her reading of general narration (non-dialogue) was too much like reading. Other narrators read non-dialogue parts with a sense of wonder or curiosity. Hers wasn’t as good. But she was good enough, just not the best. I was pleased that she used a quality microphone screen - so I did not hear her breaths.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 11 hrs and 29 mins. Swearing language: none that I recall. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting: current day Border Town, Arizona. Book copyright: 2010. Genre: romantic suspense.
Author used too many bad guys. Police chief Sophia is searching for a serial killer. Early in the story we see Leonard plant bugs in her home, car and office. He uses what he hears against her and causes problems. Next Sophia talks to someone and the reader learns he is also a bad guy who plans to harm her but she doesn’t know it. Other bad guys are added later. It’s a conspiracy of people Sophia trusts or interacts with, and gradually as the story progresses new ones come to light - not the best kind of plot for me.
Examples of contrivance and stupidity. 1. Sophia and Rod escape a dangerous situation but part ways because someone wants to show Rod something. This was an artificial contrivance that was carried on far too long to extend the mystery. The guy could have told Rod about a picture he saw - which was a clue to the killer’s identity. But he took Rod away from Sophia when she was fleeing from killers. The guy makes Rod wait in the car while he soothes his wife who is upset about something. Then they eventually go to a place where he shows Rod the picture. 2. During this separation Rod and Sophia have cell phones but they don’t tell each other what is going on. Sophia almost gets killed and is at the hospital with another victim. She should walk outside the hospital door and call Rod to tell him what happened but she doesn’t because a little boy wants her to stay with him in the waiting room. She says come with me for a minute while I make a call. The boy doesn’t want to so Sophia stays with him and does not make the call. Shootings and murders are happening but she won’t call Rod? 3. Sophia hears gun shots inside a house. She goes inside and finds someone safe. She puts her gun on the bed and goes over to comfort that person. Meanwhile bad guy walks in with his gun. Sophia’s gun is too far away to reach. There was more stupidity.
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Cris Dukehart was good. But at times her reading of general narration (non-dialogue) was too much like reading. Other narrators read non-dialogue parts with a sense of wonder or curiosity. Hers wasn’t as good. But she was good enough, just not the best. I was pleased that she used a quality microphone screen - so I did not hear her breaths.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 11 hrs and 29 mins. Swearing language: none that I recall. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 2. Setting: current day Border Town, Arizona. Book copyright: 2010. Genre: romantic suspense.
October 9, 2019
I just couldn't get into this. The plot felt a little predictable as it was being fleshed out. I could not make myself interested in the protagonist. I gave it about 80 pages, but finally had to put it down. So many books, so little time. Life is not worth wasting it on books that don't hold your interest.
April 24, 2011
A fun page turner but not a thinking person's book. The main characters are too wrapped up in their own emotions to make them creditable law enforcement personnel. The good guys are all good and the bad guys are horrible. But I read it all in a few days and did want to find out who dun it.
October 10, 2020
3.5 stars
I struggled with this one. I just could not like the heroine at all, but the suspense is amazing as usual with Ms. Novak’s books. I also enjoyed the narrator. Happy reading and listening!
I struggled with this one. I just could not like the heroine at all, but the suspense is amazing as usual with Ms. Novak’s books. I also enjoyed the narrator. Happy reading and listening!
August 12, 2010
Book two in Novak’s Heat series brings forth a topic that is just as volatile as the one in White Heat. Immigration is an issue that many of us feel passionately about. Even before I got into the book, I knew it wasn’t a topic that I would want to read in a fiction novel. The religion in White Heat was fanaticism at its finest and something that I didn’t take issue with at all. It was so extreme to one side that it was something that I could read while feeling somewhat detached. Not so with Body Heat. Since I’m not reading a newspaper or political book, it’s not something that I’m exactly looking for.
Sophia St. Claire is Bordertown, Arizona’s new Chief of Police. She’s set out to prove herself to the city council and the town that she has what it takes. Sophia has no idea that she will have to start proving herself almost as soon as she’s in office. When someone starts executing illegal immigrants as they come across the border, Sophia wonders exactly how she’s going to solve the murders when she has so much going against her.
Her nemesis and the man that was the assumed Chief of Police is Sophia’s number one suspect. Honestly he seemed to be the most likely person. For that reason, he went way to the bottom on my list. For one, the guy was a loose cannon. After the first chapter and getting a look into the mind of the killer (albeit a brief one), it was clear that he was stone cold. It was also clear that Sophia needed to stop looking at grudges and start looking at real suspects.
Roderick Guerrero hasn’t been back to Bordertown since his mother died when he was a teenager. Being the bastard son of one of the richest men in the town did little for Rod growing up. He was still the son of an immigrant, something that he was never able to forget. Not that Rod wanted to; Rod loved his mother and protected her honor fiercely. He grew up hating his father and swore that he would never forgive him for the shame he put his mother through.
For that reason alone, it’s strange that Rod agrees to go to Bordertown at his father’s request. It’s soon evident that Rod needs to close the door on his past and the only way to do that is to go to Bordertown and face said past. He had no idea that he would be facing Sophia St. Claire, the girl of his teenage dreams.
I’m just not sure about the rest of the book. I didn’t like Sophia’s hotheadedness. It didn’t go along with the personality necessary to be the police chief of a small town. Sophia let her emotions run hot and didn’t think of how her actions would affect things later. It would be fine it she wasn’t in a position of authority. Since she was in a position of authority, she just came off as somewhat childish and immature. She always seemed to want to get the better of Rod. Considering they were trying to stop a murderer, her actions seemed trite.
Rod wasn’t much better with his constant need to push his father away. He got better, but it took him a little too long in my book. I was planning on starting the third book in this trilogy, but decided to give myself a little time off. I think I need it.
3.5 out of 5.
Sophia St. Claire is Bordertown, Arizona’s new Chief of Police. She’s set out to prove herself to the city council and the town that she has what it takes. Sophia has no idea that she will have to start proving herself almost as soon as she’s in office. When someone starts executing illegal immigrants as they come across the border, Sophia wonders exactly how she’s going to solve the murders when she has so much going against her.
Her nemesis and the man that was the assumed Chief of Police is Sophia’s number one suspect. Honestly he seemed to be the most likely person. For that reason, he went way to the bottom on my list. For one, the guy was a loose cannon. After the first chapter and getting a look into the mind of the killer (albeit a brief one), it was clear that he was stone cold. It was also clear that Sophia needed to stop looking at grudges and start looking at real suspects.
Roderick Guerrero hasn’t been back to Bordertown since his mother died when he was a teenager. Being the bastard son of one of the richest men in the town did little for Rod growing up. He was still the son of an immigrant, something that he was never able to forget. Not that Rod wanted to; Rod loved his mother and protected her honor fiercely. He grew up hating his father and swore that he would never forgive him for the shame he put his mother through.
For that reason alone, it’s strange that Rod agrees to go to Bordertown at his father’s request. It’s soon evident that Rod needs to close the door on his past and the only way to do that is to go to Bordertown and face said past. He had no idea that he would be facing Sophia St. Claire, the girl of his teenage dreams.
I’m just not sure about the rest of the book. I didn’t like Sophia’s hotheadedness. It didn’t go along with the personality necessary to be the police chief of a small town. Sophia let her emotions run hot and didn’t think of how her actions would affect things later. It would be fine it she wasn’t in a position of authority. Since she was in a position of authority, she just came off as somewhat childish and immature. She always seemed to want to get the better of Rod. Considering they were trying to stop a murderer, her actions seemed trite.
Rod wasn’t much better with his constant need to push his father away. He got better, but it took him a little too long in my book. I was planning on starting the third book in this trilogy, but decided to give myself a little time off. I think I need it.
3.5 out of 5.
October 1, 2010
The second installment in Department 6 series has Roderick Guerrero, the best friend of the heroine in the first book, as the hero. The topic of this book is really in the now, illegal immigration. Brenda Novak apparently did a lot of homework. She painted a realistic picture of the problem with sympathetic presentation from both sides of the fence. I can't help but sometimes felt like I was reading a documentary. That is not typically a bad thing. I do love my reading meaty. But the pacing can need some work since I found the two books I've read of hers so far slowed to a craw in the middle.
Another minus is the mood. Eventhough we get most of the perspectives coming from the two leads who were both on the law enforcement side, I still felt like a strayed dog getting kicked over and over the whole time while they were being picked on left and right. By the end of the book I was practically depressed
With that being said, Brenda Novak is an author I wouldn't abandon. I admire that she's not afraid to touch difficult issues. Her books are gritty and definitely will leave you impression. 3/12 stars.
Another minus is the mood. Eventhough we get most of the perspectives coming from the two leads who were both on the law enforcement side, I still felt like a strayed dog getting kicked over and over the whole time while they were being picked on left and right. By the end of the book I was practically depressed
With that being said, Brenda Novak is an author I wouldn't abandon. I admire that she's not afraid to touch difficult issues. Her books are gritty and definitely will leave you impression. 3/12 stars.
July 18, 2014
Brenda Novak does her homework and this book proves it. Bordertown, AZ does exist in our universe but it certainly could based on actual towns in Arizona.
I grew up in Douglas, AZ years ago when walking across the border meant you wear going to visit relatives or buy fresh slaughtered beef in Agua Prieta (Stone or Hard Water).
Douglas sits on the border and is the northern end of a long valley coming up from Mexico. The valley has a history as being a preferred route to Los Estados Unidos by bandits and smugglers, going both North and South.
Bordertown is having trouble with border crossers; they are being killed on the stateside of the border in numbers large enough for the Chief of Police, Sophia St. Claire, to become involved.
Her characters are well drawn and realistic - as long as you suspend belief that the agent sent to Bordertown, Roderick Guerrero, just happens to be the bastard son of the largest and most profitable rancher in Cochise County.
The father publicly recognizes his son for the first time and that sets off a family explosion that runs on the periphery of the entire book.
I grew up in Douglas, AZ years ago when walking across the border meant you wear going to visit relatives or buy fresh slaughtered beef in Agua Prieta (Stone or Hard Water).
Douglas sits on the border and is the northern end of a long valley coming up from Mexico. The valley has a history as being a preferred route to Los Estados Unidos by bandits and smugglers, going both North and South.
Bordertown is having trouble with border crossers; they are being killed on the stateside of the border in numbers large enough for the Chief of Police, Sophia St. Claire, to become involved.
Her characters are well drawn and realistic - as long as you suspend belief that the agent sent to Bordertown, Roderick Guerrero, just happens to be the bastard son of the largest and most profitable rancher in Cochise County.
The father publicly recognizes his son for the first time and that sets off a family explosion that runs on the periphery of the entire book.
July 25, 2015
After searching for book after book that could live up to the standards of my picky reading habits, I finally found a book that was intriguingly and deliciously good (yes, I used delicious to describe a book). As a college student who is going to school to become an English major, and hopefully an author, good books are becoming harder and harder to find. I almost didn't read this book because of the cover ( you know what they say, dont
judge a book by it's cover). This book surprised me because it turned out to be an amazing book. The author wrote with great detail without overdoing it. The description planted a great visual in my mind. The characters were realistic, the plotline kept me on my toes , and the writing was almost to perfection. I think this author has become one of my favorite writers. Also there was some funny parts in the novel that gave me a good chuckle. I have already started recommending this to other readers. I really enjoyed this one
judge a book by it's cover). This book surprised me because it turned out to be an amazing book. The author wrote with great detail without overdoing it. The description planted a great visual in my mind. The characters were realistic, the plotline kept me on my toes , and the writing was almost to perfection. I think this author has become one of my favorite writers. Also there was some funny parts in the novel that gave me a good chuckle. I have already started recommending this to other readers. I really enjoyed this one
June 6, 2016
Bordertown Arizona's new chief of police Sophia St. Claire was frustrated that her job is on the line since she couldn't solve who is killing illegal Mexican crossing the border for hopes of a better life. The count is now up to 12 dead and in desperation Roderick Guerrero (Rod) was asked help. However, Sophia jilted the half-breed at their high school prom so this was the perfect opportunity to not only show off his ex-Navy Seal training, but he could repay her by getting her fired. Too bad Rod wouldn't listen when warned not to enter her crime scene, too bad he made her look even more incompetent by disarming her in public, too bad he wouldn't pull over in hot pursuit when she chased after him to retrieve her weapon. No no no. Rob understands now just how fucking pissed off his actions made Sophia when she woke him up out of a dead sleep and tasers his ass, not once, but twice. It was too bad for Sophia that Rod happened to butt naked at the time. Can you imagine it? WOW! roflmao
August 9, 2014
Gave up about half way through. The heroine got on my nerves big time. Reviewers of this book praise the heroine for not being TSTL, really? What she does the first night the hero is in town is stupidity of monumental proportions. I found her awful and annoying. I quite liked the hero and wanted him to find another love interest. It would have made for better reading too. An extra star was added for the interesting premise of the book and the research (but no stars for the semi-reactionary politics).
October 2, 2010
run of the mill, boy likes girl, girl tries not to like boy, murder interrupts love, murder solved, boy and girl are together!
June 22, 2016
Overall an interesting mystery though I thought a lot of the carrying on was over the top. The romance was alright as well.
June 8, 2012
The city council meeting was far more crowded than any Sophia had attended before. She sat nervously in her uniform at the front of the room, facing the five council members who'd fired her. Paul Fedorko gave her a fleeting, apologetic smile, Liz Torres flushed every time their eyes met and Richard Lantus acted preoccupied, as if this was business as usual. But this wasn't just another meeting. In the week since Gary and James had been arrested, they'd buried Stuart Dunlap and Leonard Taylor. She'd removed bugs removed planted by Leonard from her home, office and vehicle--bugs she never would've known about except for a text message they found on Gary's phone. And the county sheriff and two members of the city council--Neil Munoz and the mayor--had already been named as suspects in a corruption investigation, with others in the works.
Although Neil Munoz was a no-show, Mayor Schilling presided as usual, trying to keep up appearances in hopes of convincing Bordertown's citizens that he'd been falsely accused. And maybe that was true. Too many had been swept up in Gary's "coffee" enterprise to believe they's all known what was happening. Sophia believed it was just Leonard and the sheriff who were aware of the truth. The others had been duped. Ever since news of what Gary was really doing had broken several other people, including the Simpsons, had stepped forward to say they'd been invited to participate, too, as investors, and had refused for one reason or another. But they all said it seemed legitimate. Gary used other people's capital to grow his illegal business but he paid a fair return, so no one was any the wiser.
The mayor pounded his gavel. "Can we come to order here? Quiet, please. Quiet. We'd like to get started."
Cameraman from ABC News and CNN crouched at the side of the room, recording what the mayor had to say. Sophia could tell the inclusion of such "outsiders" bothered Schilling; he had too much pride to stand there as an accused man. But there was enough going on even without the news media, who crowded into every foot of space not already taken up by a Bordertown resident. Most people had come early to be sure of getting a seat. Recent events had stirred up a surfeit of emotion, and folks had come out to have their say, to complain to their elected officials as well as their neighbors and the press.
Ever since that terrifying night at the Boot and Spur, Sophia herself had spent hours talking with reporters. Mostly she'd told them how glad she was to have it all behind her. The safe house was closed down, and although one of the two men who ran it had escaped, he was an illegal immigrant himself who'd probably returned to Mexico. And she no longer had to worry about James shooting innocent people. But now she was uneasy again. One detail remained. She was about hear whether or not she'd receive an offer to continue on as chief of police.
Drawing a deep breath, she turned to look for Rod and found him sitting at the back, his injured leg stretched out in the aisle. She knew it hurt him to bend it, but he was getting around and had insisted on coming. He was sitting with Bruce, which made her smile. They'd managed to forge the beginnings of a friendship over the past few days. Yesterday Bruce had taken Rod fishing. Rod had acted as if it wasn't any big deal, but she could tell he was secretly excited. She'd loved packing his lunch, then helping fry the trout he brought home.
Unfortunately Edna and Patrick weren't quite as willing to embrace Rod. Bruce was still struggling to deal with the division in his family caused by their resistance, but at this point a division was to be expected. Patrick's wife was one of the investors in Gary's sham of a business, and she was being investigated along with all the others.
When Sophia caught Rod's eye he motioned to his left, and she shifted her gaze. A few rows away she Rafe, who'd come with his grandmother. Starkey was still in the hospital, but his prognosis had improved dramatically. He claimed as a result of what he'd been through, that he was going to turn his life around and be a better parent to Rafe. Sophia figured she'd believe it when he proved it, but at least he now had the chance.
"As you know, we've had some unfortunate..occurrences in Bordertown during the past few months and weeks," the mayor began when he's finally managed to call the room to order. "I can't comment on all of it because the investigations are ongoing. But the FBI will get the mess straightened out and those who have broken the laws will be punished."
Sophia wondered if that might include him--but again her gut told her no.
"In difficult times a rare few prove themselves to be made of stern stuff," he went on. "We call those individuals heroes." He paused to his words a theatrical flair. "And tonight we'd like to honor our own hero. Chief St. Claire, will you please stand? We have something we'd like to present to you for your outstanding service on behalf of Bordertown.
Sophia had been hoping they'd reconsider firing her. she hadn't expectd an award. She stood to the sound of thunderous applause while Paul Fedorko read a proclamation the council had signed and framed.
"Thank you for service above and beyond the call," he said when he was done. Then he gave her the plaque along with the microphone so she could respond.
"Does this mean I get to keep my job?" she asked.
Everyone laughed, and Paul nodded. "Of course. I'm sure we'll all sleep better at night knowing we have such a capable chief of police, right, folks?"
There was more applause. Rafe even stood to clap. But Sophia raised a hand to silence everyone. "Thank you. I'm truly flattered. By the way, you'll be happy to learn that the ballistics from the spent shell casings and the bullets taken from the victims match the gun found on the suspect."
While she talked, Sophia spotted Detective Lindstrom on the left, toward the middle. she didn't look happy with the accolades Sophia was receiving, but Sophia didn't care. She knew they'd never be friends. Charlie Sumpter, back from his family reunion, was in the crowd, too. He'd been as surprised as anyone by what James had done. Sophia was pretty sure he hadn't realized what he'd inveted in, either. And he probably wasn't alone in that. Exactly who was aware of what was going on and who wasn't still had to be sorted out.
Notably absent were James's parents. Sophia had been out to visit them and had seen how much they were struggling with the actions of their son. Because of his attitude toward illegal immigrants and everything he'd had to say on the subject, Kevin felt he was partially to blame.
Anne was absent, too. She was taking Gary's arrest as hard as Sophia expected; she'd also heard the rumors that they'd been having an affair, which had reached her just a few days ago. But she understood what Leonard had been attempting by spreading those rumors, and she wasn't blaming Sophia for Gary's incarceration, which had come as a complete shock to her. Sophia believed that her mother would work through her loss and eventually file for divorce. she was still an attractive woman; she'd find another man to take care of her, which was what her happiness seemed to hinge on.
"We think we might also have some DNA evidence that places the suspect at the scene of one of the murders," she went on. "We're still waiting for that to come in. But the case looks solid. I'd like to assure you that the worst is behind us. We'll have a difficult time over the next few months as we heal from our collective wounds, but if we pull together we'll make it." Her gaze strayed to Rod, who was grinning proudly. "And now I must admit that I don't really deserve the award the council just gave me. I couldn't have accomplished what was done without the help of Rod Guerrero, one of our own who returned in our hour of need and worked tirelessly, without compensation, to make sure we were safe."
The crowd clapped and stomped, with rod's father cheering loudest, but Rod interrupted. "Are you kidding?" he said, giving them his cocky, sexy smile. "I got exactly what I wanted."
"What did you want?" someone called, playing along.
"I got the girl," he said, and then the crowd really went wild.
Later, when Rod lay next to her in bed, sliding his fingers up and down her arm and staring out the window, he said, "Tomorrow, will you go somewhere with me?"
"Where?" she asked.
"To the cemetery. It's about time I paid my respects to my mother."
"Of course."
He curled around her. "She would've liked you, you know."
A moment later Sophia couldn't help asking, "Are you okay with staying in Bordertown, Rod?" Can you really be happy here?"
"I think this is where I'm supposed to be. All roads lead home--at least for now."
"What will you do about Department 6? I hate to ask you to quit your job?"
"I talked to Milt earlier. I'm not quitting my job. I'm going to open an extension office." He winked at her. "And I'll try to recruit the chief of police."
Although Neil Munoz was a no-show, Mayor Schilling presided as usual, trying to keep up appearances in hopes of convincing Bordertown's citizens that he'd been falsely accused. And maybe that was true. Too many had been swept up in Gary's "coffee" enterprise to believe they's all known what was happening. Sophia believed it was just Leonard and the sheriff who were aware of the truth. The others had been duped. Ever since news of what Gary was really doing had broken several other people, including the Simpsons, had stepped forward to say they'd been invited to participate, too, as investors, and had refused for one reason or another. But they all said it seemed legitimate. Gary used other people's capital to grow his illegal business but he paid a fair return, so no one was any the wiser.
The mayor pounded his gavel. "Can we come to order here? Quiet, please. Quiet. We'd like to get started."
Cameraman from ABC News and CNN crouched at the side of the room, recording what the mayor had to say. Sophia could tell the inclusion of such "outsiders" bothered Schilling; he had too much pride to stand there as an accused man. But there was enough going on even without the news media, who crowded into every foot of space not already taken up by a Bordertown resident. Most people had come early to be sure of getting a seat. Recent events had stirred up a surfeit of emotion, and folks had come out to have their say, to complain to their elected officials as well as their neighbors and the press.
Ever since that terrifying night at the Boot and Spur, Sophia herself had spent hours talking with reporters. Mostly she'd told them how glad she was to have it all behind her. The safe house was closed down, and although one of the two men who ran it had escaped, he was an illegal immigrant himself who'd probably returned to Mexico. And she no longer had to worry about James shooting innocent people. But now she was uneasy again. One detail remained. She was about hear whether or not she'd receive an offer to continue on as chief of police.
Drawing a deep breath, she turned to look for Rod and found him sitting at the back, his injured leg stretched out in the aisle. She knew it hurt him to bend it, but he was getting around and had insisted on coming. He was sitting with Bruce, which made her smile. They'd managed to forge the beginnings of a friendship over the past few days. Yesterday Bruce had taken Rod fishing. Rod had acted as if it wasn't any big deal, but she could tell he was secretly excited. She'd loved packing his lunch, then helping fry the trout he brought home.
Unfortunately Edna and Patrick weren't quite as willing to embrace Rod. Bruce was still struggling to deal with the division in his family caused by their resistance, but at this point a division was to be expected. Patrick's wife was one of the investors in Gary's sham of a business, and she was being investigated along with all the others.
When Sophia caught Rod's eye he motioned to his left, and she shifted her gaze. A few rows away she Rafe, who'd come with his grandmother. Starkey was still in the hospital, but his prognosis had improved dramatically. He claimed as a result of what he'd been through, that he was going to turn his life around and be a better parent to Rafe. Sophia figured she'd believe it when he proved it, but at least he now had the chance.
"As you know, we've had some unfortunate..occurrences in Bordertown during the past few months and weeks," the mayor began when he's finally managed to call the room to order. "I can't comment on all of it because the investigations are ongoing. But the FBI will get the mess straightened out and those who have broken the laws will be punished."
Sophia wondered if that might include him--but again her gut told her no.
"In difficult times a rare few prove themselves to be made of stern stuff," he went on. "We call those individuals heroes." He paused to his words a theatrical flair. "And tonight we'd like to honor our own hero. Chief St. Claire, will you please stand? We have something we'd like to present to you for your outstanding service on behalf of Bordertown.
Sophia had been hoping they'd reconsider firing her. she hadn't expectd an award. She stood to the sound of thunderous applause while Paul Fedorko read a proclamation the council had signed and framed.
"Thank you for service above and beyond the call," he said when he was done. Then he gave her the plaque along with the microphone so she could respond.
"Does this mean I get to keep my job?" she asked.
Everyone laughed, and Paul nodded. "Of course. I'm sure we'll all sleep better at night knowing we have such a capable chief of police, right, folks?"
There was more applause. Rafe even stood to clap. But Sophia raised a hand to silence everyone. "Thank you. I'm truly flattered. By the way, you'll be happy to learn that the ballistics from the spent shell casings and the bullets taken from the victims match the gun found on the suspect."
While she talked, Sophia spotted Detective Lindstrom on the left, toward the middle. she didn't look happy with the accolades Sophia was receiving, but Sophia didn't care. She knew they'd never be friends. Charlie Sumpter, back from his family reunion, was in the crowd, too. He'd been as surprised as anyone by what James had done. Sophia was pretty sure he hadn't realized what he'd inveted in, either. And he probably wasn't alone in that. Exactly who was aware of what was going on and who wasn't still had to be sorted out.
Notably absent were James's parents. Sophia had been out to visit them and had seen how much they were struggling with the actions of their son. Because of his attitude toward illegal immigrants and everything he'd had to say on the subject, Kevin felt he was partially to blame.
Anne was absent, too. She was taking Gary's arrest as hard as Sophia expected; she'd also heard the rumors that they'd been having an affair, which had reached her just a few days ago. But she understood what Leonard had been attempting by spreading those rumors, and she wasn't blaming Sophia for Gary's incarceration, which had come as a complete shock to her. Sophia believed that her mother would work through her loss and eventually file for divorce. she was still an attractive woman; she'd find another man to take care of her, which was what her happiness seemed to hinge on.
"We think we might also have some DNA evidence that places the suspect at the scene of one of the murders," she went on. "We're still waiting for that to come in. But the case looks solid. I'd like to assure you that the worst is behind us. We'll have a difficult time over the next few months as we heal from our collective wounds, but if we pull together we'll make it." Her gaze strayed to Rod, who was grinning proudly. "And now I must admit that I don't really deserve the award the council just gave me. I couldn't have accomplished what was done without the help of Rod Guerrero, one of our own who returned in our hour of need and worked tirelessly, without compensation, to make sure we were safe."
The crowd clapped and stomped, with rod's father cheering loudest, but Rod interrupted. "Are you kidding?" he said, giving them his cocky, sexy smile. "I got exactly what I wanted."
"What did you want?" someone called, playing along.
"I got the girl," he said, and then the crowd really went wild.
Later, when Rod lay next to her in bed, sliding his fingers up and down her arm and staring out the window, he said, "Tomorrow, will you go somewhere with me?"
"Where?" she asked.
"To the cemetery. It's about time I paid my respects to my mother."
"Of course."
He curled around her. "She would've liked you, you know."
A moment later Sophia couldn't help asking, "Are you okay with staying in Bordertown, Rod?" Can you really be happy here?"
"I think this is where I'm supposed to be. All roads lead home--at least for now."
"What will you do about Department 6? I hate to ask you to quit your job?"
"I talked to Milt earlier. I'm not quitting my job. I'm going to open an extension office." He winked at her. "And I'll try to recruit the chief of police."
December 13, 2020
I had this entire series in audio or else after the first bad installment I wouldn't have bothered with this one but I gave it a shot......and gave up after about 30% of the book. I read/listen to books for entertainment not for authors to try to push their political viewpoints on me. This book was all black & white - the "good" people are all good & innocent and the "bad" ones are pure evil & full of hate. Yet some of the "good" characters were knowingly breaking the law and the "bad" characters weren't evil or hateful just because of their beliefs or desire to want to keep their home safe.
Sophia was a horrible person who accepted a prom date with Rod then got a better offer & didn't even have any decency to tell him - let him show up at her house the night of dance to find her already gone with another guy and let the school find out she did this to him. She didn't get any better with age so was near impossible to like. I finally gave up on the book when Sophia used a battering ram to enter into Rod's hotel room then tasered him twice for no reason. Rod should have filed charges against her & gotten her fired but not in this ridiculous story - instead this is when the 2 decide to start working together. Pure stupidity and since I knew it would just get worse, I gave up; too many other books to waste time on this garbage!
Sophia was a horrible person who accepted a prom date with Rod then got a better offer & didn't even have any decency to tell him - let him show up at her house the night of dance to find her already gone with another guy and let the school find out she did this to him. She didn't get any better with age so was near impossible to like. I finally gave up on the book when Sophia used a battering ram to enter into Rod's hotel room then tasered him twice for no reason. Rod should have filed charges against her & gotten her fired but not in this ridiculous story - instead this is when the 2 decide to start working together. Pure stupidity and since I knew it would just get worse, I gave up; too many other books to waste time on this garbage!
August 12, 2017
Once again I am not disappointed! What an amazing story line. Having lived in Sierra Vista and Southern Arizona I found many of the conditions, discriminations, and descriptions to be spot on...excellent research was done!
This book had me spellbound from the beginning. It was filled with action, romance, danger, mystery, regret, forgiveness, hope, and promise...and well 12 murders to be solved!
The fact that so many UDAs were killed and yet not that many people in Bordertown really cared until one of their own was killed made me irate. EACH of the UDAs had a mother, a father, and possibly a sibling but sadly they were not looked upon as people. I know this is fiction but it is very close to the truth!
Thank you Brenda Novak for another wonderful read!!
Moving on to Killer Heat!!!!
This book had me spellbound from the beginning. It was filled with action, romance, danger, mystery, regret, forgiveness, hope, and promise...and well 12 murders to be solved!
The fact that so many UDAs were killed and yet not that many people in Bordertown really cared until one of their own was killed made me irate. EACH of the UDAs had a mother, a father, and possibly a sibling but sadly they were not looked upon as people. I know this is fiction but it is very close to the truth!
Thank you Brenda Novak for another wonderful read!!
Moving on to Killer Heat!!!!
October 9, 2020
Body Heat (Dept 6 Hired Guns, #2) was a great read by Brenda Novak. There were twelve people that have been shot and left to rot in the desert. Sophia St. Claire is the new chief of police in Bordertown, Arizona. It is her job to find out who is killing these people, but it isn’t easy to figure out. She receives help from Roderick, a man who works for Department 6. But she thinks his past will make it hard to get the answers needed. He is the bastard son of one of the local wealthy ranchers. I really enjoyed reading Sophia and Rod’s story and can’t wait to read more by Brenda Novak.
July 5, 2018
The hope of a new and better life, they cross from the border town of Mexico. Dehydrate, tired, almost there, and met with death, too young, and for what purpose. Sophie is the new chief of police, and glad to have help, but not if it is Rob. The chemistry between them, and their banner is an added bonus to this story. The plot catches you, as you are with the couple crossing from the beginning. Now you want answers, how many have died, and the reasons.
January 13, 2018
This book was fantastic. From the beginning you knew what the chief of police thought but as time went on and rod from department 6 got involved with all the killings things starting happening outside of shooting people and a lot was uncovered..highly recommend it for anyone that loves mystery and good romance
May 19, 2020
Book #2 in the Dept 6 Hired Gun Trilogy. This is Roderick Guerrero’s story - he returns home after being away for fourteen years at the request of his father because someone is killing undocumented immigrants crossing the border from Mexico into Arizona and that person has killed twelve persons so far. See what problems happen when he arrives in town and meets up with the chief of police.....
August 13, 2017
Teenage love scorned, brutal murders, he done it! No he done it! Falling in love again! Who really done it, wow! What a page turner! Read this awesome book to find out who is doing what to whom, you will be very surprised. I sure was!
February 12, 2020
Wonderful nail biting read
This is a book with so much action going on you don't want to stop reading. Love and action go together in perfect harmony in this beautifully written book.
This is a book with so much action going on you don't want to stop reading. Love and action go together in perfect harmony in this beautifully written book.
December 24, 2024
Body Heat
This was an interesting story about racism, border crossin gs, and polical corruption in a small border town. Unfamiliar with bordertow n s, this was an educational story to read. I enjoyed the characters in this book.
This was an interesting story about racism, border crossin gs, and polical corruption in a small border town. Unfamiliar with bordertow n s, this was an educational story to read. I enjoyed the characters in this book.
June 6, 2017
I had never read Brenda Novak's mysteries and this was exception. Liked the characters especially Rod. This kept one guessing until the very end.
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