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Summer Of the Beast
SUMMER OF THE BEAST
Two homicide detectives investigate a series of brutal murders in the mountains of southern Arizona during an unusually hot summer.
Two homicide detectives investigate a series of brutal murders in the mountains of southern Arizona during an unusually hot summer.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2011
336 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 4, 2018
Two homicide detectives go after a crew of bank robbers and killers, and wind up investigating what they believe is a serial killer. Bodies are seemingly ripped to pieces without leaving any footprints or clues behind. What they discover is much more than what they expected to find... and much more dangerous.
There were things I really liked about this story, and there were things I didn't particularly care for. This book is a mix of crime, a bit of paranormal, and a slice of sci-fi.. a little something for everyone. It takes place during an extremely hot Arizona summer and the rolling heat is palpable under this author's pen.
The first chapter blew me away! Fast-paced action, rough and tough detectives, savage killers .. what's not to like? Unfortunately it didn't continue in that vein. The story premise is a good one, but the descriptive narrative was just too much. I lost interest when condiments on the detectives' sandwiches became the focal point.
Because I did like the characters, story premise and book cover, I rated it 3 stars. Not the best book I've ever read ... and certainly not the worst.
I wish to thank the author for providing the digital copy of Summer Of The Beast. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
There were things I really liked about this story, and there were things I didn't particularly care for. This book is a mix of crime, a bit of paranormal, and a slice of sci-fi.. a little something for everyone. It takes place during an extremely hot Arizona summer and the rolling heat is palpable under this author's pen.
The first chapter blew me away! Fast-paced action, rough and tough detectives, savage killers .. what's not to like? Unfortunately it didn't continue in that vein. The story premise is a good one, but the descriptive narrative was just too much. I lost interest when condiments on the detectives' sandwiches became the focal point.
Because I did like the characters, story premise and book cover, I rated it 3 stars. Not the best book I've ever read ... and certainly not the worst.
I wish to thank the author for providing the digital copy of Summer Of The Beast. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 14, 2022
Excellent in every way.
This is one of those books you don't want to end. Exciting and with heart pounding action well spaced with an intricate plot. Rivera and Palmer are excellent characters, likeable and real. The Beast had me wondering what it was until the masterful reveal. No spoilers, but I can tell you, you will be surprised at it. In short, a good novel. If you like thrillers and bloody monster horror, you will not be disappointed.
This is one of those books you don't want to end. Exciting and with heart pounding action well spaced with an intricate plot. Rivera and Palmer are excellent characters, likeable and real. The Beast had me wondering what it was until the masterful reveal. No spoilers, but I can tell you, you will be surprised at it. In short, a good novel. If you like thrillers and bloody monster horror, you will not be disappointed.
February 21, 2022
Loved this book! Action, yes hello. I really liked the team of Palmer and Kino, and Sharon was pretty cool too. Sure takes a wild twist in the last little bit, but if you roll with it you will be happy. Books that let your imagination soar are perfect for me.
I would happily read any more adventures that this trio gets up to.
I would happily read any more adventures that this trio gets up to.
January 29, 2022
Enjoyable cryptid story
Although a little far fetched with the detective and forest ranger joining the special forces but it was a fun story. Liked the characters and cryptid was an interesting mix. Wasn't sure what kind of creature would be the killer but that was different.
Although a little far fetched with the detective and forest ranger joining the special forces but it was a fun story. Liked the characters and cryptid was an interesting mix. Wasn't sure what kind of creature would be the killer but that was different.
February 21, 2022
AWESOME, AWESOME AND AWESOME!
This keeps you reading all night long! Great storyline, I thought it might be a stupid read for me but I was hooked shortly after I started. I am going to check to see if there are any more by this author!
This keeps you reading all night long! Great storyline, I thought it might be a stupid read for me but I was hooked shortly after I started. I am going to check to see if there are any more by this author!
June 15, 2022
Tons of potential. Just needs some polish.
The good first. Great concept, decent pacing, clear direction, and likable hero.
Now for the not good. Clear lack of research into Law Enforcement, characters lack a clear voice of their own, dialogue is unnatural and repetitive, and characters are too quick to believe in the more fantastic elements of the story.
In summation, the book felt like a rough draft of something much better. It just needed a bit of polish and revision to reach it's full potential.
The good first. Great concept, decent pacing, clear direction, and likable hero.
Now for the not good. Clear lack of research into Law Enforcement, characters lack a clear voice of their own, dialogue is unnatural and repetitive, and characters are too quick to believe in the more fantastic elements of the story.
In summation, the book felt like a rough draft of something much better. It just needed a bit of polish and revision to reach it's full potential.
April 10, 2018
A beast of a story
This tale has an air of something the military would do and the e excitement keeps going i recommend this
This tale has an air of something the military would do and the e excitement keeps going i recommend this
August 30, 2024
This whole story was ridiculous. The only reason I finished it was because I needed to know what the creature was and I wish I didn’t. It was a disappointment. The “monster” seems like a child was told to described the scariest creature they could imagine then try to add some sci-fi spin to it to make it seem like a clever possibility.
The main character is a mediocre white man’s fantasy idea of himself. Alcoholic cop that does what he wants to “follow his gut” and becomes a hero despite making a mess of things because he somehow caught the bad guy, even though he really didn’t, it was his partner who is treated like a sidekick even though he is more capable than him. I should have stopped reading when the main character pats himself in the back for consoling a distraught woman instead saying out loud that her ass looked hot because it was the sensible thing to do.
The main character is a mediocre white man’s fantasy idea of himself. Alcoholic cop that does what he wants to “follow his gut” and becomes a hero despite making a mess of things because he somehow caught the bad guy, even though he really didn’t, it was his partner who is treated like a sidekick even though he is more capable than him. I should have stopped reading when the main character pats himself in the back for consoling a distraught woman instead saying out loud that her ass looked hot because it was the sensible thing to do.
July 13, 2022
Oh my word!
This book is a mix between a new western with bad guys and good guys, which turns into homicides and then Jurassic Park type secret squirrel schemes by the US government. I couldn’t put this book down. On the edge of my seat during the day 1/2 it took me to read it. I won’t ruin it for you by a lengthy tell all ”book report” review. All I can say is if you love excitement, love the west, good lawmen versus crooks and secrets from US government gone wrong. You will want to read this book! I am now hooked on Michael Burns and am racing to get his next book on my Kindle app. Loved this book!!
This book is a mix between a new western with bad guys and good guys, which turns into homicides and then Jurassic Park type secret squirrel schemes by the US government. I couldn’t put this book down. On the edge of my seat during the day 1/2 it took me to read it. I won’t ruin it for you by a lengthy tell all ”book report” review. All I can say is if you love excitement, love the west, good lawmen versus crooks and secrets from US government gone wrong. You will want to read this book! I am now hooked on Michael Burns and am racing to get his next book on my Kindle app. Loved this book!!
May 16, 2022
one of the best!
I hate reading the plot in a review so I’m
Not going to do that. What I am going to do is tell you the truth, I read this book 2 weeks ago and have yet to return it to Kindle Unlimited. Why?? Because I couldn’t come up with the words to justify how excellent this book was. The story unfolded so perfectly, the plot was so…wow! I’m giving it 5 stars, and naming it the best crypto, horror, mystery book of the year. Trust me… you will get engaged and not put it down!! Thanks to the author for a great read!
I hate reading the plot in a review so I’m
Not going to do that. What I am going to do is tell you the truth, I read this book 2 weeks ago and have yet to return it to Kindle Unlimited. Why?? Because I couldn’t come up with the words to justify how excellent this book was. The story unfolded so perfectly, the plot was so…wow! I’m giving it 5 stars, and naming it the best crypto, horror, mystery book of the year. Trust me… you will get engaged and not put it down!! Thanks to the author for a great read!
February 3, 2023
Fast and Very Clever
This story took two very real feeling detectives and places them on the trail of a killer who is tearing up the American southwest. Along their path towards the killer, they will encounter new friends, adversaries from the government and the U.S.military, health scares, pretty girls and Native Americans. They will travel through cities and deserts. They will climb mountains and go spelunking in caves. They will even stop the killer, go on a diet, get in shape and get the girl. What more could anyone ask for? This was a pretty great book!
This story took two very real feeling detectives and places them on the trail of a killer who is tearing up the American southwest. Along their path towards the killer, they will encounter new friends, adversaries from the government and the U.S.military, health scares, pretty girls and Native Americans. They will travel through cities and deserts. They will climb mountains and go spelunking in caves. They will even stop the killer, go on a diet, get in shape and get the girl. What more could anyone ask for? This was a pretty great book!
March 16, 2024
While plenty of suspense, it did tend to drag. I’m all in favor in savoring the build-up, but the creature didn’t even make an appearance in the story until page 300.
It’s a bit predictable, pretty easy to guess the nature of the beast and how it came to arrive in the Arizona mountains. Once we finally encountered the creature in the story, it was quite impressive as an element of horror. It would have been more satisfying to have met the beast earlier in the telling.
A couple of romance/sex scenes that didn’t add anything to the story should have been edited out.
Two characters really stand out. Both were successfully developed and added unique charm to the cast. Kino is the Mestizo sidekick with a unique set of skills making him a great detective. Mr. Meeker is the surly old rancher who is quite lovable in his own special way. We do not get satisfactory closure on his story line by the end. What happened to Meeker?!
Cannot recommend.
It’s a bit predictable, pretty easy to guess the nature of the beast and how it came to arrive in the Arizona mountains. Once we finally encountered the creature in the story, it was quite impressive as an element of horror. It would have been more satisfying to have met the beast earlier in the telling.
A couple of romance/sex scenes that didn’t add anything to the story should have been edited out.
Two characters really stand out. Both were successfully developed and added unique charm to the cast. Kino is the Mestizo sidekick with a unique set of skills making him a great detective. Mr. Meeker is the surly old rancher who is quite lovable in his own special way. We do not get satisfactory closure on his story line by the end. What happened to Meeker?!
Cannot recommend.
December 19, 2023
Horrifying and an attention trapping Book
The book grabbed your attention right from the first and held on to you all through the book. There are two Deputies investigators and Lots of FBI people.Also there is the Air Force and the whole Army is in Arizona. Looking into several murders that looked like they were killed by a very large animal. Lot of exciting reading. I thank the author it was a great book
The book grabbed your attention right from the first and held on to you all through the book. There are two Deputies investigators and Lots of FBI people.Also there is the Air Force and the whole Army is in Arizona. Looking into several murders that looked like they were killed by a very large animal. Lot of exciting reading. I thank the author it was a great book
August 4, 2024
Good book - could use some editing
The storyline held my attention, but I found the conversations between the characters to be stilted. it made for choppy reading. For that reason, I gave the book a 3-star rating. Otherwise, it was an intensely-moving action and horror combo.
If you can get past the writing style, you are in for a wild ride!
The storyline held my attention, but I found the conversations between the characters to be stilted. it made for choppy reading. For that reason, I gave the book a 3-star rating. Otherwise, it was an intensely-moving action and horror combo.
If you can get past the writing style, you are in for a wild ride!
September 2, 2025
This is actually two stories in one. There is first the human monster that has to be dealt with, then there is the not human monster that absolutely has to be dealt with yesterday!!! The reader is kept in suspense as to what this other thing is. I am sure all readers were surprised! Get a copy and be surprised yourself.
November 26, 2025
Good story!
Very interesting. It was, at times a real page Turner. But, rough to read. The editing was poorly done.
The plot was amazing and horrifying. It makes one wonder...
Is it truly possible that somewhere in this world, there could actually be agents of evil plotting such carnage?!?
Very interesting. It was, at times a real page Turner. But, rough to read. The editing was poorly done.
The plot was amazing and horrifying. It makes one wonder...
Is it truly possible that somewhere in this world, there could actually be agents of evil plotting such carnage?!?
April 28, 2022
adventures and instinct
Appreciated that Matt and Kino relied on their natural abilities to track and find the bad guys but when it comes to dealing with a created monster it may not be enough. Enjoyed the roller coaster
Appreciated that Matt and Kino relied on their natural abilities to track and find the bad guys but when it comes to dealing with a created monster it may not be enough. Enjoyed the roller coaster
June 18, 2022
Good book
Before buying this i read some of the reviews and i got to agree, this was one of the better in the genre, good caracthers, nerve rattling horror and a good storyline, the ending tells me there might be a follow up but im just guessing, hope so though
Before buying this i read some of the reviews and i got to agree, this was one of the better in the genre, good caracthers, nerve rattling horror and a good storyline, the ending tells me there might be a follow up but im just guessing, hope so though
June 19, 2022
something new!
I’m hoping this book gets a sequel. A police procedural and creature feature, the author takes time to let us get to know the characters and wonder at what the perpetrator of a series of horrific multiple murders is.
I’m hoping this book gets a sequel. A police procedural and creature feature, the author takes time to let us get to know the characters and wonder at what the perpetrator of a series of horrific multiple murders is.
June 20, 2022
Very fun scary book.
Enjoyed this novel. The characters were likable and believable. The story builds quickly and twists nicely. This author writes really good books. On to the next one!
Enjoyed this novel. The characters were likable and believable. The story builds quickly and twists nicely. This author writes really good books. On to the next one!
October 4, 2022
Good read
Started off a little slow. Picked up quickly. I couldn't put it down. I read it between devices. Charging one while reading on the other. I really hope that this story becomes a series.
Started off a little slow. Picked up quickly. I couldn't put it down. I read it between devices. Charging one while reading on the other. I really hope that this story becomes a series.
October 26, 2022
Entertaining
Good characters, story actually had continuity and made sense. The monster was definitely not what I expected. Though I was hoping for a different origin for the monster, I enjoyed this book
Good characters, story actually had continuity and made sense. The monster was definitely not what I expected. Though I was hoping for a different origin for the monster, I enjoyed this book
December 24, 2022
Scary
What made this book so scary, is the science, this could actually happen! The story line is great, the lead up and introduction to the main characters were great. Good read for anyone who has a hankering for a horror mystery.
What made this book so scary, is the science, this could actually happen! The story line is great, the lead up and introduction to the main characters were great. Good read for anyone who has a hankering for a horror mystery.
January 22, 2023
Good characters and plot
Found this two book series which I enjoyed which lead to another series he wrote, Nemesis. Takes a interesting plot into why we don't and shouldn't trust government to be honest with a bloody cost.
Found this two book series which I enjoyed which lead to another series he wrote, Nemesis. Takes a interesting plot into why we don't and shouldn't trust government to be honest with a bloody cost.
March 15, 2024
Good book by Michael Burns
Good character development without getting boring. I liked the primary characters and their various talents. Initially, the book was suspenseful but not predictable. Very good thriller.
Good character development without getting boring. I liked the primary characters and their various talents. Initially, the book was suspenseful but not predictable. Very good thriller.
October 16, 2025
Summer of the beast
This was excellent! I actually started with the middle book went to the end and then read this one last and everyone was great the Antagonists and all the characters were great. I can’t wait for the fourth book to come out.
This was excellent! I actually started with the middle book went to the end and then read this one last and everyone was great the Antagonists and all the characters were great. I can’t wait for the fourth book to come out.
April 8, 2022
Started out okay but was preposterous by the end. stilted dialogue
April 28, 2022
The book was well written,
.The progression of the charaters was easy to follow and the plot was fast paced!!!
.The progression of the charaters was easy to follow and the plot was fast paced!!!
June 3, 2022
Surprise read
I was surprised by the steady pace and character development. I look forward to the next book. The story line felt new.
I was surprised by the steady pace and character development. I look forward to the next book. The story line felt new.
June 4, 2022
Average
Really lost me in the last third of the book. Not much story here. The bioengineering premise is not believable.
Really lost me in the last third of the book. Not much story here. The bioengineering premise is not believable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews