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Backwater
When a caller claiming to have abducted ten-year-old Andrea Curren refuses to provide her father with "proof of life," he turns the tables on the kidnappers and, if the girl is not returned within twenty-four hours, offers the amount demanded to anyone who can return his daughter safely, or kill the abductors. In this page-turner mystery, two local teens find themselves caught in the murky backwaters of a deadly hunt, as a professional killer and a retired newsman race the FBI to determine what has happened to Andrea Curren.
195 pages, ebook
First published August 10, 2012
433 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Allen Kent
24 books35 followersAllen Kent is the author of the popular “Unit 1” thriller series, the Whitlock Trilogy in historical fiction, and a number of other mysteries and action novels. His books are published in electronic form by Kindle Press and in paperback by AllenPearce Publishers. He lives and writes in rural southwest Missouri.
Kent is a former Air Force pilot and educator who spent four years of his early life living in Iran and England. He has traveled and worked extensively in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia – experiences that are often reflected in his writing.
Writing as Kent Farnsworth, Kent has also published two works of non-fiction: “Grassroots School Reform” and “Leadership as Service.”
He and his wife Holly are avid travelers, gardeners, and conservationists, and live in an eco-friendly home near the community of Neosho.
See: https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Kent/e/B...
Kent is a former Air Force pilot and educator who spent four years of his early life living in Iran and England. He has traveled and worked extensively in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia – experiences that are often reflected in his writing.
Writing as Kent Farnsworth, Kent has also published two works of non-fiction: “Grassroots School Reform” and “Leadership as Service.”
He and his wife Holly are avid travelers, gardeners, and conservationists, and live in an eco-friendly home near the community of Neosho.
See: https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Kent/e/B...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 12, 2020
This is a terrific book. A wealthy man is hit up for ransom after his young daughter goes missing. he relies on two crusaders to help him get justice. One, Janet, is an FBI agent who plays by the rules. The other is Micheal, a hitman with a heart of gold. heart-wrenching failures of the system and personal loss drove him to a more lethal form of justice. Janet and Micheal must face a growing attraction while they race to solve the case.
This book is engaging and engrossing. It keeps moving and the characters are multi-faceted. Plot is good. Overall completely satisfactory read.
This book is engaging and engrossing. It keeps moving and the characters are multi-faceted. Plot is good. Overall completely satisfactory read.
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August 29, 2019Great Read!
I truly enjoyed this book. I have read many of Kent''s books and each one is so different, but I believe this is the best! Interesting plot twists that keep you guessing all the way to the end. Great character development with a tantalizing ending that hints at a sequel. I certainly hope so!
I truly enjoyed this book. I have read many of Kent''s books and each one is so different, but I believe this is the best! Interesting plot twists that keep you guessing all the way to the end. Great character development with a tantalizing ending that hints at a sequel. I certainly hope so!
September 8, 2020
Interesting morality
The book was a recommended read from a Facebook post. It was well written and the plot very interesting. But, it was strange and thought provoking to have a hero with a moral ambiguity. I loved the interplay of the characters. I will need to read another from this author. A 4.7 out of 5 rating.
The book was a recommended read from a Facebook post. It was well written and the plot very interesting. But, it was strange and thought provoking to have a hero with a moral ambiguity. I loved the interplay of the characters. I will need to read another from this author. A 4.7 out of 5 rating.
November 10, 2023
Omg! That was a thrilling book ever! I highly doubt it..
That Micheal didn’t tell her the truth what exactly he does do in his own work…which I figured that he probably won’t tell her until she will finds out what he did in those killings…I feel bad for Traci ugh! She really doesn’t know what to do with him because he wanted to kill if she tells the police but she finally did it! Unfortunately her ex didn’t make it since he killed because he killed his daughter on her bike 🥲
Looking forward to read more books soon..
That Micheal didn’t tell her the truth what exactly he does do in his own work…which I figured that he probably won’t tell her until she will finds out what he did in those killings…I feel bad for Traci ugh! She really doesn’t know what to do with him because he wanted to kill if she tells the police but she finally did it! Unfortunately her ex didn’t make it since he killed because he killed his daughter on her bike 🥲
Looking forward to read more books soon..
June 18, 2020
Fast paced read with lots of plot twists. I enjoyed it very much.
September 16, 2019
The name is Bond. But Michael, not James. Michael Bond and “Backwater” are the latest creations of author Allen Kent. Michael is a lawyer who does not practice law; he has no office, no real office hours, and a client list that changes from year to year. So, what does Michael do? Quite simply, Michael is a modern vigilante. He delivers crude justice by any means for clients at a hefty price, one client at a time.
Backwater is an example of how Michael acquires a client, and how he delivers justice.
Blake Curren’s ten-year-old daughter has been abducted. Curren is a well-off real estate developer and construction manager along the Mississippi River in Quincy, Illinois. A disguised voice telephones demanding 500 thousand dollars for his daughter back but provides no evidence that the girl is alive. A mutual friend brings Curren and Michael Bond together. What does Curren want from Bond? The girl back or the kidnapper dead with confirmation that this person is the abductor and killer.
Bond soon finds that circumstances around the girl’s disappearance are obscured. Other people, like a retired newsman unbeknownst to Bond, and the local FBI special agent in charge, with whom Bond finds an attraction, are also working to solve the girl’s disappearance. More loose ends and contradictions keep appearing.
Bond keeps teasing certainties out of the morass of unknowns. He finally arrives at a conclusion with all the loose ends tied up.
”Backwater” is an outstanding mystery in which author Allen Kent pitts Bond’s intelligence against a seemingly unsolvable scenario. The characters, of which there are many, are realistic though at times appear dimwitted. Kent’s writing which flows easily through a complicated but enjoyable plot should keep mystery fans enthralled.
Two items which Kent might have handled differently are his descriptions and numbers of characters. Some descriptions are almost too wordy. This critic at times became so lost in descriptions that principal plot parts became lost so sentence or paragraphs needed rereading. Characters might benefit from being listed and described in order of appearance. However, knowing names and backstories might detract and even become spoilers to this otherwise finely crafted mystery novel.
Backwater is an example of how Michael acquires a client, and how he delivers justice.
Blake Curren’s ten-year-old daughter has been abducted. Curren is a well-off real estate developer and construction manager along the Mississippi River in Quincy, Illinois. A disguised voice telephones demanding 500 thousand dollars for his daughter back but provides no evidence that the girl is alive. A mutual friend brings Curren and Michael Bond together. What does Curren want from Bond? The girl back or the kidnapper dead with confirmation that this person is the abductor and killer.
Bond soon finds that circumstances around the girl’s disappearance are obscured. Other people, like a retired newsman unbeknownst to Bond, and the local FBI special agent in charge, with whom Bond finds an attraction, are also working to solve the girl’s disappearance. More loose ends and contradictions keep appearing.
Bond keeps teasing certainties out of the morass of unknowns. He finally arrives at a conclusion with all the loose ends tied up.
”Backwater” is an outstanding mystery in which author Allen Kent pitts Bond’s intelligence against a seemingly unsolvable scenario. The characters, of which there are many, are realistic though at times appear dimwitted. Kent’s writing which flows easily through a complicated but enjoyable plot should keep mystery fans enthralled.
Two items which Kent might have handled differently are his descriptions and numbers of characters. Some descriptions are almost too wordy. This critic at times became so lost in descriptions that principal plot parts became lost so sentence or paragraphs needed rereading. Characters might benefit from being listed and described in order of appearance. However, knowing names and backstories might detract and even become spoilers to this otherwise finely crafted mystery novel.
August 5, 2020
Excellent read.
This is my first Allen Lent book and I wasn't disappointed. Brilliant p!it and a blindside twist to finish. Really well written and totally plausible. I really look forward to reading more about McIntire and Bond. They make a dynamic impression and have the perfect vapour to allow a partnership to develope
This is my first Allen Lent book and I wasn't disappointed. Brilliant p!it and a blindside twist to finish. Really well written and totally plausible. I really look forward to reading more about McIntire and Bond. They make a dynamic impression and have the perfect vapour to allow a partnership to develope
August 22, 2019
I really liked this book. It kept my interest throughout. The author has a great way of writing. The story was unique. It was full of twists and turns. I loved the character's. The ending was unique and left me crying for more!! It is a great novel!
December 27, 2021
Backwater, my third outstanding read from author Allen Kent. Without wasting time the author takes off from the opening page like a fighter jet off an aircraft carrier. Outstanding Vigilante Justice/Domestic Thriller fiction, with well-written characters & plot you can buy into with unexpected twists & turns. Paul J. McSorley's narration adds to the pleasure of a well-written book. I look forward to reading more from this author and since I own a total of 19 books by him I eagerly look forward to reading more! “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
December 22, 2021
I listened to this book on audio and it was awesome! Bingeworthy! Oftentimes, I am too busy to read and having an audio handy to listen to while I work on a project is just the ticket. I hung on to every word waiting to hear what happened to little Andi. I agreed with how the father handled the ransom demand, too. The characters were written in great detail as well as was the storyline. I never dreamed the ending would be so logical. Since I am from the Midwest living along the Mississippi, it was a delight to read about Quincy, a town nearby. I highly recommend Mr. Kent's work.
June 26, 2021
Wow! Just wow!
This was a very good story. I'm always looking for a good thriller that's somewhat believable, that has strong characters, and good descriptive writing about places, people and circumstances. I like some good feels along the way. Also, Mr. Kent has a good editor. This filled the bill!
This was a very good story. I'm always looking for a good thriller that's somewhat believable, that has strong characters, and good descriptive writing about places, people and circumstances. I like some good feels along the way. Also, Mr. Kent has a good editor. This filled the bill!
November 1, 2022
Delicious
Like a good multi course meal it starts off slow then transitions to the next course. Building momentum as it enters the apex, the main course, if you will. Then slides into the final course, creating that satisfying feeling only a succulent sweet desert can create. Well written and attention holding. Good job Mr Kent.
Like a good multi course meal it starts off slow then transitions to the next course. Building momentum as it enters the apex, the main course, if you will. Then slides into the final course, creating that satisfying feeling only a succulent sweet desert can create. Well written and attention holding. Good job Mr Kent.
August 31, 2019
Very interesting story line
Don't we all, at least once, wish we could have Michael in our life? Makes for a very interesting story. I'm glad I found this book. I'm looking forward to reading more.
Don't we all, at least once, wish we could have Michael in our life? Makes for a very interesting story. I'm glad I found this book. I'm looking forward to reading more.
September 19, 2019
very different from books i usually read. Interesting characters and story line. lots of twists and turns. I wasn't prepared for the ending. It was a fast read and I couldn't put it down without knowing what was going to happen next. I have to admit I shed a few tears in places.
March 1, 2020
Great plot line twists.
Lots of characters who wove amongst each other. Good dialogue. Good background story. Good description of the events as they tired in emotionally and physically to one another.
Lots of characters who wove amongst each other. Good dialogue. Good background story. Good description of the events as they tired in emotionally and physically to one another.
June 13, 2020
Great book
I really liked this book. There were so many suspects in play it really kept your mind thinking. So there were a lot of twists and turns in this book.
The ending will surprise you.
I recommend this book.
I really liked this book. There were so many suspects in play it really kept your mind thinking. So there were a lot of twists and turns in this book.
The ending will surprise you.
I recommend this book.
July 8, 2020
Intriguing plot
Very interesting story with multiple plot lines and interesting characters. Their interactions can sometimes confuse the storyline but the end result surprises and gratifies the reader.
Very interesting story with multiple plot lines and interesting characters. Their interactions can sometimes confuse the storyline but the end result surprises and gratifies the reader.
July 23, 2020
Who killed Andie Curran?
Well put together story about the disappearance of Andie, a ten year old girl on the way home from school. Plenty of characters, but not so many you can't keep track of them.
Well put together story about the disappearance of Andie, a ten year old girl on the way home from school. Plenty of characters, but not so many you can't keep track of them.
December 20, 2020
Incredible read
I found the plot multifaceted and it sucked me in. Great job with the characters they were believable and its what made the plot complex. Plan to read the rest in the series.
I found the plot multifaceted and it sucked me in. Great job with the characters they were believable and its what made the plot complex. Plan to read the rest in the series.
December 21, 2020
A Complicated Abduction
The author has created an interesting plot with unexpected complications! His well developed characters capture the reader'attention. I look forward to reading more from this author.
The author has created an interesting plot with unexpected complications! His well developed characters capture the reader'attention. I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 28, 2021
I read the Unit 1 series before this one so I had gotten a later look at two prominent characters in this story. If you haven’t read that series and like this book, I highly recommend it. I really enjoyed the meeting and development and the mystery and journey this book took.
March 11, 2024
Twists and turns.
This book kept me reading, wanting to know what happened next. Many unexpected twists and turns kept me wondering and guessing. Thank you for your great writing talent and entertainment ment Allen Kent.
This book kept me reading, wanting to know what happened next. Many unexpected twists and turns kept me wondering and guessing. Thank you for your great writing talent and entertainment ment Allen Kent.
February 4, 2018
Backwater
Very good read. Liked the people and the way he portrayed them. Kept me guessing til the end. Looking for more of his books
Very good read. Liked the people and the way he portrayed them. Kept me guessing til the end. Looking for more of his books
May 13, 2018
Twist and Turns
This story was filled with multiple twists and turns , keeping the reader guessing how each person was involved . nice twist at the ending
This story was filled with multiple twists and turns , keeping the reader guessing how each person was involved . nice twist at the ending
October 7, 2018
Enjoyable!
Liked the characters..and kept hoping it would have a better ending ..though it was an interesting one. Read it in one afternoon
Liked the characters..and kept hoping it would have a better ending ..though it was an interesting one. Read it in one afternoon
August 23, 2019
Anwers
People looking forward to happening their lives . This book have an interesting group o characters and a wonderful twist at the end. Non-stop red.
People looking forward to happening their lives . This book have an interesting group o characters and a wonderful twist at the end. Non-stop red.
September 8, 2019
Well thought out
This was a good story, I loved how everything came together.
The end was satisfying. The characters were all interesting.
This was a good story, I loved how everything came together.
The end was satisfying. The characters were all interesting.
September 16, 2019
Good Book
Fascinating story
Good characters
Great twist at the end
Definitely worth a read
Fascinating story
Good characters
Great twist at the end
Definitely worth a read
September 27, 2019
i finished this book, but i was not intrigued by it.... I thought it was hard to follow
December 20, 2019
This one was smartly written and kept you on your toes. Just when you thought you knew what was happening boom bang schazam plot twist. Love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews