Agates Are Forever: A Nick Cameron Mystery

by Logan Terret

For fans of Western mystery novels like C. J. Box’s Joe Pickett series and Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire Mysteries comes a witty, thrilling mystery fueled by diverse characters and set against the stunning backdrop of the Arizona desert.

Nick Cameron is a PhD geologist of independent means who boxes for fun, packs a Colt Commander, and has a knack for finding bodies—dead and alive.

When an agate heiress arrives in Quartzrock, Arizona, on the eve of a gem show, she asks Nick for help selling some gemstones—and soon becomes a suspect in the bizarre murders of two prominent lapidaries. Stalked by the mysterious killer, she and Nick dodge police while Nick works with his friend Frankie Benally—a Navajo jewelry artist and brilliant armchair detective—to unravel the case. But even Frankie is stumped—until, at an isolated hacienda deep in the Sonoran desert, Nick meets the great-granddaughter of a soldadera who served with Pancho Villa’s División del Norte.

Along the way, Nick gets help from an old-fashioned gentleman sheriff, a crusty army retiree, and a clutch of feisty dames. He navigates plot twists and red herrings that would make Sam Spade reach for the aspirin. And he does it all with deadpan humor that’ll make you spit up your bourbon.

280 pages, Paperback

Published January 21, 2025

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

(2.75 stars)
I had high hopes for this book, after seeing comparisons to some well-known western mystery writers, but this one just didn’t live up to those expectations. That being said, there were definitely some positives: great descriptions of the landscape (Arizona, northern Wisconsin and Mexico), a dry sense of humor from the main character, Nick Cameron, and interesting secondary characters.

The plot was pretty convoluted, partly centering around agates (as per the title) and partly centering around mysterious gold-filled rocks and long-abandoned gold mines. The story is told in first person; Nick Cameron’s voice was very odd - he talks like an old-time “noir” detective, referring to women as dames, for example. That was very confusing at first, because the story was obviously occurring in the current day (references to cell phones, etc.). Eventually he explained that he grew up on a steady diet of old detective fiction. He also regarded every woman as a possible sexual partner, which was totally off-putting, especially combined with the whole “dame” thing.

While I didn’t love this book, I want to thank Book Sparks for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Michelle Godard-Richer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caught my attention because of the setting in Arizona combined with a murder mystery. Although this book has that Western theme, it didn't have that predictable type of storyline which I liked. Nick Cameron is an independent geologist hired by Theo to sell valuable Agates and finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery. Nick and his friend, a Navajo jewelry artist Frankie, work to unravel the mystery. I enjoyed the contemporary storyline with unique characters, the Western influence, the humour, and the plotting. If you want a different type of murder mystery with an interesting sleuth, this is a great book. Thank you Book Sparks for the gifted book.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not the right reader for this book.

Initially, I was extremely confused about the era in which this story takes place. Nick, our MC, talks like someone from an old-time noir crime story from the 1940s or ‘50s. He refers to women as “dame” or “dish,” and comments on their “volcano breasts.” So I assumed this was historical fiction. But then we get references to texting, KFC, and Elon Musk, so nope, this is current.

I couldn’t make sense of the odd language used in the current setting. It made Nick seem pretentious and, I’m sorry, ridiculous. Also, the misogyny. Ugh.

We don’t get any character development at all. Nick tells us some things about himself as we go along, but all of the characters lack depth and complexities.

The plot just sort of steam-rolled along, with some sharp corners and hairpin turns. I couldn’t get invested in any of it.

But this is a me thing. If noir crime fiction appeals to you, then you might love this book.

*I received a free copy from Booksparks.*

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Nick Cameron mystery series. Nick has a PhD in geologist and his talent really shines in this book. There was a lot of cool facts about gems sprinkled throughout the story. Nick also has a dry sense of humor and the way he speaks I found it to be unique. While I enjoyed the mystery and gems storyline, I was a bit confused to the time period but I just rolled with it. I’m also not entirely sure how I feel about some of the POC references. But overall, it was a unique read with gems, and a western mystery.

A very special thanks to Booksparks for the gifted copy.

[dianas_books_cars_coffee]

Independently wealthy PhD geologist Nick Cameron is approached by an agate heiress in Quartzrock, AZ. She wants Nick to help her sell her gemstones, but when she becomes the prime suspect in the murder of two lapidaries, she needs his help to prove her innocence. With the help of his friend, Frank Benally, a Navajo jewelry maker/armchair detective, he starts to investigate. But he needs to be careful since he's being stalked by the killer. Can he prove her innocence and find out who really committed the murders and why?

I honestly still don't know how I feel about this book, and I'm not sure how to rate it. It was an intriguing read but also very slow, and the writing style really wasn't for me. This book is marketed to fans of C.J. Box and Craig Johnson, which is why I wanted to read it, but honestly, it wasn't anything like their books. I did enjoy the storyline, and Nick Cameron being a geologist was really interesting. He also drives a 911, and we all know how much I love those. There was a bit of mystery and suspense, and the last few chapters were exciting. There was definitely a list of colorful characters, and I did enjoy the setting. If you're into Western Mysteries, I would give this one a try. Just because it wasn't my favorite doesn't mean it won't be yours.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

✧ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ꜰʀᴇᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ, @booksparks.

➤ 𝚂𝚈𝙽𝙾𝙿𝚂𝙸𝚂

For fans of Western mystery novels like C. J. Box’s Joe Pickett series and Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire Mysteries, this witty, thrilling tale set in the Arizona desert follows Nick Cameron, a PhD geologist with a knack for trouble. When an agate heiress arrives in Quartzrock and becomes a suspect in the bizarre murders of two lapidaries, Nick teams up with his friend Frankie Benally, a Navajo jewelry artist and sharp-witted armchair detective, to unravel the case. Dodging police, a relentless killer, and red herrings galore, Nick encounters a colorful cast of allies—from a gentleman sheriff to a Pancho Villa descendant—solving the mystery with sharp humor and plenty of grit.

➤ 𝚃𝙷𝙾𝚄𝙶𝙷𝚃𝚂

This sharp debut combines Western grit, noir swagger, and biting humor into a wild, sun-drenched romp through the Arizona desert. Nick Cameron, a wisecracking geologist with a talent for landing in hot water, is as likable as they come, and the supporting cast is just as fun. The dialogue snaps, the setting sizzles, and Quartzrock, Arizona, feels so real you’ll want to pack sunscreen. With its clever blend of twists and charm, this mystery keeps you guessing (and grinning). Fans of quirky characters and smart storytelling will be hooked. I can’t wait to see where Nick’s misadventures take us next in this series!

[serysbookspace · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

⛏️Agates Are Forever: A Nick Cameron Mystery
🔍by Logan Terret
⛏️Available NOW

This geological murder mystery made for such an entertaining read! We follow Nick Cameron, our geologist protagonist who gets swept into a puzzling mystery while on the job.

I have learned that I love the historical fiction and literary fiction genres and I feel like this read has touches of both scattered throughout. Though this story is set in modern day Arizona, (which made for an excellent backdrop!) it definitely reads as though it’s a western mystery from back in the day with the unique dialogue and characteristics!

I really enjoyed the geological terms and glimpses as what life is like in that line of work as well as the charm of the overall story. If you’re looking for a modern day mystery that makes you feel like you have taken a trip back in time, definitely give this one a read!!

Thank you so much to Book Sparks for gifting me this copy to participate in the Winter Pop Up Tour for Agates Are Forever by Logan Terret in exchange for my honest review!

[Viking Jam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: That is some of the worst cover art I have ever seen. I mean, make their faces distinct for friks sake. Is the woman a giant or the guy short? Even with forced perspective, there is something off about the distance between them, relative to their size. Our femmes all have black hair except for the viking, and she was never in the desert and had no gun. The lady on the cover is blonde with a single stack. Who is this?

Why am I getting rankled over shitty cover art? Because the novel was so damn good. The geologic metaphors, dry wit and social commentary had me laughing on every page. Add to that a deep and confounding mystery made for hours of fun. I haven't laughed with a novel in years. Thanks LT.

I reveived this novel for an honest review.

4.7/5

[Mike Steere · Rating 5 out of 5]

While titular stones are only semi-precious, this is gem grade. Rare and wondrously strange. A page-turner, too, in sardonic first person with wise cracks and noir word fossils like "yegg" and "jamoke" that were old when Humphrey Bogart was still alive and snarling. The tale itself is real-time present, as told by consulting geologist Nick Cameron, who has a sideline in solving murders and almost getting killed.
Before page 15, he/we have been reeled in by a dame (his word) with a hidden fortune in Lake Superior agates and immediate murders of two leading lapidaries. This happens in snowbird RV and rockhound caravanserai Quartzrock, Arizona (Quartzsite, AZ in real life) and puts Cameron on the trail of a deadly dangerous killer, aka White Buns, beginning with a roadie way up to the shores of Lake Superior.
Leads pull Cameron from the North Woods back to the desert and beyond, with guidance from all-knowing best pal, sleuthing mentor, and guru Frankie, a Navajo/Italian who creates high art in silver and stone, communes with his ancestral land, and cooks squisita carbanara.
Compounding mysteries take Cameron back South, with plot turns more quantum-entangled that merely twisty. Later comes a dive, both geological and historic, into Mexico. There's rock science arcana, asides, and explainers of details -- like, say, a hexadecimal Unicode ver of marks old-time hoboes left for each other. Bizarre, for sure, but pertinent to the investigation.
Cameron almost gets bumped off, while almost hooking up with a parade of sultry dames he's sure are wild about him. The rock shamus ogling in geological terms is an obvious running joke. And he's the butt of it, as is old-school macho in general. I mean, come on -- "hotter than a Soviet drill bit at the bottom of the Kola Superdeep Borehole." Can anybody take this stuff seriously?
Love the brill retro pulp book-ish cover by artist Michael Patrick Bailey, who also did inside drawings. My own favorites being the diagram of an actual device for desert gold separation (no water, no panning) and dreamy rendering of a Mexican Revolutionista with machine-gun, back in the time of Pancho Villa. That one's beautiful, as are sundry riffs in writing. Having lived in AZ and read all sorts of paeans to the Southwest, I proclaim Terret's to be among the truest, dead-on gorgeously apt words about Sonoran Desert. Funny, too. From a prose ode to creosote bushes: "Scraggly, bad-hair shrubs. The botanical version of a coyote."
Read and have a riot, as Logan Terret surely did writing it.

[Jennifer Tooker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A genre mash-up mystery that is worth the read

Nick Cameron is a consulting geologist usually found working the gem shows in Quartzrock, Arizona. When he is approached by a mysterious woman asking him to sell agates of a rare quality he agrees, but after both of his prospective buyers turn up murdered in the most gruesome ways, Cameron begins to wonder if the agates may be the reason. Then after learning Theo’s identity as the heir to the Metaxas fortune, Nick suspects foul dealings with the handling of the family trust. After all, why would the heir to one of the biggest agate fortunes be sneaking around incognito selling off her inheritance? With the guidance of Nick’s good friend Frankie, the duo set out to various locales to gain the clues needed to piece together not only the murders but also the sordid series of events that led up to them. But with a murderous hobo stalking their every move, Cameron and Theo need to work quickly to unravel the pieces before Theo is framed or they both end up dead.

Agates are Forever is the debut mystery by author Logan Terret. Set primarily in Arizona, the book is described as a contemporary Western murder mystery, so I went into this expecting cowboys and other tropes synonymous with the western genre. What I got was a wisecracking snarky gumshoe type that is as interesting as he is cringey. The Nick Cameron character clearly was raised on a steady diet of old Bogey movies. At times it felt like I was reading a Noir mystery but then turned the page and I was reminded that we were indeed in modern times. For me, Nick’s quirkiness was endearing and made him a very likeable character. Terret does a fabulous job of bringing all the locales to life with his vivid descriptions and memorable characters. Overall, this was a strong debut mystery that was not quite like anything I have read previously. Hopefully there will be more Nick Cameron mysteries as I would love to read more adventures with Nick and Frankie as well as getting to know the town of Quartzrock better.

If you are fan of Westerns, Noir, or well thought out mysteries that will keep you guessing Agates are Forever will not disappoint.

Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the author or their representative but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own. Agates are Forever is set for a January 21, 2025 release

[Jane]

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This book is a bit out of the norm from what I usually read. It’s a contemporary story set in Arizona, but the MC Nick Cameron (who narrates the book) talks like he’s in a 1940’s crime noir movie. (I kept hearing Humphrey Bogart’s voice in my head evert time Nick spoke) It took a while for my brain to adjust to Nick calling women “dames” and making old fashion quips at the same time he eats KFC or talks about Elon Musk but once I got used to it, it wasn’t distracting. Nick has a dry sense of humor as he narrates the plot, giving a levity to the story that isn’t typically in mystery books.

Nick is an independently wealthy geologist. The story centers on the murder of two of Nick’s friends and his quest to find the murderer. I liked his friendship with Frankie and the mystery had plenty of twists and turns before unveiling the killer.

If you’re looking for a different kind of mystery to try, I recommend this one. It’s a nice change of pace from a genre that can tend to get a bit cookie-cutter.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Sparks. All opinions are my own.

[Micayla Nelson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where do I even start with this book? It is full of just about every red flag you could imagine: misogyny, narcissism, racism, sexism, etc. From page one when the narrator referred to a woman as a “hot dame” and page two where I encountered the first of what turned out to be many recycled similes comparing women to obscure geological references: “She’s on the petite side and a real dish, worth scorching your eyes on. From her emerald eyes to her marathoner thighs, with stratovolcano breasts in between, she’s hotter than a Soviet drill bit at the bottom of the Kola Superdeep Borehole.” I nearly threw the book down after that sentence, but I persisted, because I was given this book for free by the publisher.

The narrator uses really odd slang that would make you think you’re reading a detective novel from the first half of the 20th century: dame, dish, roscoe, palooka, bull, C-note. But no, he’s in the 21st century with cell phones and encrypted emails and his Porsche 911 that he’s not at all proud of and doesn’t mention at every possible instance. (Eye rolling sarcasm.)

Beyond really weird and icky references to women (he can just tell that every woman he meets immediately lusts after him, despite there being nearly zero dialogue from said women) and what he’d like to do to them, there are also snide remarks about Native Americans and lesbians that did not sit well with me.

I was hoping for a fun thriller about wrongly suspected folks on the run solving a mystery together, and thought I might learn a bit about geology along the way. All I got were the unexplained geology similes. The story was so poorly written it felt like the novel was actually a monologue from the author himself, giving his novel’s elevator pitch except much, much longer and more painful.

All of this to say, I did not enjoy this book. Another reviewer put it rather politely, that they were not the target audience for this book, and I am strongly in that same camp.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is hilarious, and I loved it! Nick Cameron is a hard-boiled noir geologist who finds the body of a rockhound while trying to help a woman, Theo, sell some valuable agates. Then there are a couple more murders, and it looks like the killer is also after him and/or Theo. He calls in his Native American/Italian friend, who's even more hard-boiled and infallible. The story gets complicated, but it's not hard to follow. Clues are gathered, risky actions are taken, with minimal violence except the murders, and the story unfolds at a decent pace.

This mostly takes place in Arizona, with a detour to the Great Lakes, where the agates came from, and another to Mexico, including illegal border crossings. Along the way, there's a railroad-riding hobo, a lawyer illegally profiting from a trust he controls, a boat chasing a jet skier, a probably-true tale about followers of Pancho Villa and a gold mine, and a Chinese woman who is undoubtedly spying for her government or corporation. Also a couple of horses, and maybe not a kitchen sink, but other sinks full of poisons used to process rock.

So the hard-boiled noir part is mostly that he calls women "dames" and compares their breasts to volcanoes. I'm sure that many people find that offensive. Being older, I read those noir detective pulp books as a teen, and I just find it funny here. It's not exactly a throwback to old attitudes. The women are smart and professional, strong players, and Nick sees them as actual people. Though he does have a tendency to think that they all are lusting after them as he kind of is after them. Nick also uses more detective pulp jargon, understands hobo jargon/symbols, and is apparently experienced in combat. He gives a lame explanation later in the book about how he loved those pulp books as a kid. His voice is not consistent; he also is educated and professional and knows a lot about a lot of subjects. So, sometimes he seems like a horny teenage yokel, and sometimes he seems like a sophisticated, experienced, hard-boiled adult. I didn't mind that.

I like rocks, and aspire to be a rockhound, which Nick would consider rank amateurism, below his notice. I've also been to Quartzsite, which Nick's fictional Quartzrock is based on. It seemed pretty much as described here.

The cover says "A Nick Cameron Mystery," but that's just for atmoshphere; this is not part of a series. But if you liked the book, you want to see this interview between the author and Nick.

[Charles C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun read. The hero, Nick Cameron, is a sort of desert flaneur who wanders Arizona in his Porsche 911, hitting rock shows and occasionally finding bodies, which pose mysteries he solves with his Navajo jewelry artist mentor, Frankie Benally. Who is the brains of the outfit. Not that Nick is by any means stupid, being a PhD geologist, but detection is not his chosen occupation. He spends his spare time on a process for “hydrogen wells,” which are apparently a real thing.

But lo, a “dame” named Theo who is “hotter than a Soviet drill bit at the bottom of the Kola Superdeep Borehole” shows up in Quartzrock, Arizona in her Wisconsin-licensed Subaru with some fancy Lake Superior agates, and asks Nick for help selling them. Of course he agrees, but when they visit the eminent lapidaries Nick has identified as possible customers, they are dead. And Theo soon becomes a prime suspect in their murders, because the dead rock jockeys were trying to get their hands on her family trust. And what hardboiled detective doesn’t help an heiress in distress, especially if she’s an agate heiress and he’s a geologist? With that kickoff, it’s onward to Northern Wisconsin where part of the mystery is unraveled and Theo hides out from the cops, then back to Arizona and into Mexico, where Nick meets the great-granddaughter of a soldadera (female revolutionary soldier) at a long-abandoned gold mine. And on to a rather thrilling (really) conclusion.

Nick’s vocabulary is retro, with roscoes, dames, dishes, and wooden kimonos, which might seem odd in a present-day setting, but it works because that is how Nick is. Frankie is taciturn and somewhat enigmatic. The supporting cast is diverse, including White, Native American, Latino, East Indian, Black, and Chinese characters, all well-heeled and well-educated.

Lots of geological trivia and beautiful descriptions of the Sonoran Desert by day and night. Frequent veiled references to aspects of the scientific method, which is actually the opposite of what most people think, occur now and then, giving food for thought to those who are interested, but not intruding on the narrative for those who are not.

If Nick’s retro vocabulary and tendency to behave like a man don’t bother you, you’ll like this book.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan Terret’s Agates Are Forever is a refreshing, witty, and sharply written mystery that captures the wild charm of the American Southwest while blending classic detective grit with modern flair. Set against the shimmering deserts of Arizona, the novel follows Nick Cameron a geologist with a sharp mind, a dry wit, and a knack for stumbling upon corpses as he finds himself entangled in a series of strange murders tied to the world of gemstones and greed.

Terret masterfully balances humor and suspense, populating the story with a colorful cast from an agate heiress with secrets to a wise Navajo detective and a sheriff who feels like he walked straight out of an old Western. Each scene unfolds with cinematic precision, making the desert landscape feel like both a character and a witness.

More than just a whodunit, Agates Are Forever explores loyalty, legacy, and the shadows of human ambition all delivered with the crisp dialogue and pacing of a seasoned storyteller. Readers who love the rugged intrigue of C. J. Box or Craig Johnson will find this mystery both familiar and thrillingly original.

[Candy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

My primary reason for choosing this Western mystery was the comparison made to the Longmire mystery series. While I didn’t read the books, the TV series was excellent. Longmire is an engaging mix of character and plot. My secondary reason was the book is set in Arizona.

Agates are Forever is narrated by the protagonist, Nick Cameron. Nick is an independently wealthy geologist who gets caught up in an outlandish plot involving murder, missing fortunes, theft and, well, just a whole lot of shenanigans. The plot is intricate and branches out in so many directions, I got lost at times.

The book is written with a dry humor and is amusing at times and goes overboard at other times. Nick is shallow and a bit full of himself, but I thought he was interesting only based on his friendships with the other characters.

Loved the Arizona backdrop!

https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/

[Teresa Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agates Are Forever grabbed my attention with its unique setting in Arizona and a thrilling murder mystery. While the story carries a Western influence, it avoids the typical, predictable plotlines, which I really appreciated. The protagonist, Nick Cameron, an independent geologist, is hired by Theo to sell valuable Agates, only to find himself tangled up in a complex murder mystery. Alongside his friend, Frankie, a talented Navajo jewelry artist, Nick dives into solving the case.

I loved how the novel blended contemporary storytelling with distinct characters, humor, and a touch of Western charm. The witty dialogue, insightful social commentary, and clever use of geological metaphors made me laugh out loud throughout the book. With an intriguing mystery and a refreshing sleuth at its core, Agates Are Forever is a standout read for anyone craving something different in the murder mystery genre. It was both fun and thought-provoking, keeping me hooked for hours!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This captivating geological whodunit has been a thoroughly enthralling page-turner. The narrative follows Nick Cameron, a brilliant geologist protagonist who finds himself entangled in a mystifying riddle while on the job. Through this novel, I uncovered my passion for historical fiction and literary fiction genres; I observed that this book seamlessly weaves elements of both throughout. Although the story is set in contemporary Arizona, which provided an exceptional backdrop, it embodies the essence of a timeless western mystery, replete with distinctive dialogue and characterizations. I was particularly inspired by the incorporation of geological terminology and the glimpses into the daily life of a geologist, as well as the story's captivating narrative. For those seeking a modern mystery that echoes a bygone era, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

[Rita Hanner-Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Quartzrock, Arizona, where dust settles hard in your throat, along with every alibi, and raw minerals collide with chaos and murder. Logan Terret's 'Agates Are Forever' is a sharp tribute to Sam Spade-style detective noir, well-crafted and a joy to read—especially if you're a gem junkie like me. That said, I tend to prefer my stones faceted and set in a mount. Diamonds are a girl's best friend, but if all you've got is an agate... I might consider it.

In Nick Cameron's desert oasis, the characters are as complex as a stone's chemical makeup, and the plot is as layered as sedimentary rock, where dealing in gemstones can be deadly. Women are dames worthy of suspicion; the hard-boiled geologist-turned private investigator can't help but break them down into rocks with sexy striations. Suspects have signature nicknames; mystery and murder run rampant, sending Cameron chasing more red herrings along Sonoran Desert trails than one can count on fingers and toes. Tongue-in-cheek banter and deadpan observations keep the reader laughing and learning a few things about geology and mining along the way—a satisfying read for fans of old-school gumshoes.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was different than what I normally read, but I really enjoyed it. I loved that this was a murder mystery and it was fun trying to see what was going to happen next. I really liked the friendship between Nick and Frankie. Nick followed anything Frankie told him to do. This showed how strong their friendship was and how much trust they had between each other. There were definitely twists and it took me on an adventure while trying to figure out who killed the two men Nick worked with and why. I also enjoyed Nick’s dry humor. It had me cracking up a few times.

I was gifted this book by @booksparks for an honest review!

[Becky | myhyggereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book sounded very interesting… a geologist caught up in a series of murder while trying to verify the authenticity of agates. However, despite being a mystery fan, the writing style just threw me off. It’s so different from I’m used it, and there’s a lot of terminology that I’m unfamiliar with, which made reading a bit slower and less enjoyable. The main character, Nick Cameron, was also looking at every female character as a potential lover, and it just annoyed me. Sadly, this book just didn’t work for me!

Thank you to Booksparks for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Red Book Review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Agates Are Forever is the first book in the Nick Cameron Mystery series and it does not disappoint. This one is about Nick who is a geologist with independent means and ends up involved in a case that has murder, theft and so much more. The author wrote this well and I liked the Arizona setting in the book. All of the characters were interesting in this. Overall, this was a decent read that I enjoyed and would recommend to any reader who likes western mysteries. Thank you to BookSparks for this read in exchange of my honest review of Agates Are Forever by Logan Terret.

[Robert Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pleasant "noir lite" thriller: our hero is an honest man who walks the mean dirt roads of Arizona and Michigan and Mexico with geologic metaphors, the dames are all gorgeous but independent, and the plot hinges on an honest-to-god 21st century rail-riding hobo. And our hero's mentor and quasi-partner is a semi-omniscient Navajo. What's not to like?

The plot sort of makes sense if you don't think about it too much, the characters are likable, the story zips along with a fair amount of action and a modest body count. It's a good way to spend a few hours. I'll read the sequels.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bizarre mystery.

[Denise Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot is convoluted and certainly doesn’t always make sense, but it was still a very fun read. Looking forward to the next one