The Blue Horse

Porter Beck #3

by Bruce Borgos

A controversial wild horse round-up in the high desert of Nevada results in two murders and too many suspects for Sheriff Porter Beck to deal with.

A helicopter driving a controversial round-up of wild horses suddenly crashes and the pilot is found to have been shot. Then the person coordinating the round-up for the Bureau of Land Management is savagely murdered, buried up to her neck and then trampled to death by the very same wild horses. And there's no lack of suspects—with the wild horse advocacy group having sworn to protect the horse At Any Cost! Now the state and federal agencies are showing up looking for answers or at least a scapegoat.

Sheriff Porter Beck has had better days.

Porter Beck's new girlfriend, Detective Charlie Blue Horse, arrives to help with the investigation, which leads them to Canadian Lithium mining operation near the round-up area that sets off Beck's mental alarm bells. Brinley, Beck's sister, is leading a group of troubled kids in a wilderness program, when one of them, Rafa, bolts one night. When Brinley catches up to him, they're just outside the mine—in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

With his personal life in turmoil, too many suspects and too many secrets, the feds pushing for a quick resolution, and his impetuous (if skilled) sister in the mix, one wrong step could be deadly for Porter Beck.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Crime, Westerns, Mystery Thriller

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2025

About the author

Bruce Borgos is the author of several novels, including the Porter Beck Mysteries. His latest, THE BLUE HORSE, is the third in the series starring Sheriff Porter Beck of Lincoln County, NV. https://bit.ly/TheBlueHorse

Visit his website at: https://www.bruceborgos.com/
or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BruceBorgos
or catch him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/bruceborgos.... or on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/authorbruce...

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 5 out of 5]

A controversial wild horse round-up, protesters, lithium mining, and the pandemic are weaved into the third book in the Porter Beck series by Bruce Borgos, The Blue Horse. This suspenseful and action-packed crime thriller and police procedural immediately grabbed my attention and didn’t let go until I had completed the book.

A helicopter driving a controversial round-up of wild horses suddenly crashes when the pilot is shot. Soon afterwards, the person coordinating the round-up for the Bureau of Land Management is brutally murdered. There’s no shortage of suspects with the wild horse advocacy group having sworn to protect the horses. Beck is the sheriff of Lincoln County, Nevada where the murders occur. With the state and federal agencies showing up looking for answers (and a quick resolution) and most of Beck’s deputies sick or handling normal emergencies, can Beck solve the cases?

His girlfriend, Detective Charlie Blue Horse, arrives to help with the investigation, which leads them to a Canadian Lithium mining operation near the round-up area, in addition to the protesters and an ex-military friend of the protester’s leader. Brinley, Beck’s sister, is volunteering with several counselors taking a group of troubled kids on a wilderness hike, rock climbing, and camping trip. One of them, Rafa, bolts one night and Brinley goes after him. They end up at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Borgos is adept at creating strong male and female characters. Beck is fluent in several languages due to his previous military career and has an incredible ability to think critically and analyze data quickly. He has initiative, is patient, and has a degenerative disease of the retina that significantly affects his eyesight at night and in poor lighting. It was interesting to see how he deals with the condition as he does his job. This added another layer to his character. I loved Beck’s newest partner, a young English Lab named Frank Columbo or Bo for short who is a protector and tracker besides helping Beck at night when he can’t see. Charlie is smart, a detective with the Nevada department of public safety, and a strong supporter of Beck. Brinley is a great shot, full of determination, and wants to help others.

The author is an excellent storyteller who brings intensity, suspense, and action throughout the novel, but also intersperses humor and personal events of the characters as well. The plot is twisty with multiple antagonists and conflicts as well as characters that are emotionally rich. The world-building is terrific with fluid and descriptive writing that helps readers envision the scenes without adversely affecting the pacing. Themes include abuse, deaths life choices, family, found family, and much more.

Overall, this is a gripping, unsettling, suspenseful, and action-packed thriller with compelling characters and a great sense of place. If you’re a fan of contemporary crime thrillers and police procedurals set in a rural western U.S. locale, then this is a series to consider. I can’t wait to read what happens in book four.

St. Martin’s Press – Minotaur Books and Bruce Borgos provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for July 08, 2025.
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My 4.57 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.

[Donne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Beck and his crew of deputies: Tuffy, the Jolly Greens (twin bros), and Sev, one of Beck’s old Army buddies are back for another fast-paced and action-packed installment of catching the bad guys and protecting their loved ones in the NV deserts. Beck is on his way out of Lincoln County. He’s taken the job as Chief of Investigative Division, and Tuffy will become acting Sheriff. Beck will be working with girlfriend Charlie Blue Horse, who was introduced in the last installment as Beck’s love interest. However, from the get-go, it’s pretty obvious that all is not well and that there is trouble in paradise. I have my suspicions, but there will be no spoiler alerts on that topic.

The book summary pretty much lays out the first half of the story. What the book summary doesn’t mention is the third murder, who was Tuffy’s cousin who worked for the BLM organization rounding up the wild horses, with his supervisor, Jolene, who was trampled to death. Brin, who volunteers at the local Youth Center, was one of the counselors who were taking a group of at-risk teens on a camping trip, just north of where the murders took place. One of the kids, Rafa, takes off in the middle of the night and Brin takes off after him because she knows that he’s most likely going after his abusive father to kill him.

The story flips back and forth between Beck’s investigation of the murders and Brin’s camping trip and her chase after Rafa. It’s deep in the second half that the storylines collide in some really scary and intense scenes especially for Beck, Charlie, Brin and Rafa. LOVE BRIN & RAFA!!! Whoo hoo!!! What a true pair of total bad@$$%$!!! I loved how Mercy showed up too and was the total bad@$$ hacker that she is. I really hope we see more of Rafa and Mercy in future installments. Oh, I almost forgot Bo. LOVE BO!!! The best doggie partner ever!!!

The continuing character development of most of the MC’s and the returning characters was wonderful to see. The pacing was steady to fast and the storyline interesting. We saw the battle between a foreign corporation with the environmentalists looking to protect the environment for wild horses and the local farmers fighting for their right to continue their way of life. The writing was well done, with some wonderful scenes of laughter, fierce intensity, and even some tear-jerking moments. Borgos is a really good writer and storyteller. I am compelled to provide a trigger warning about the slaughter of some horses by the hired thugs from the foreign corporation as well as the gruesome murder of Jolene, the BLM person. I’m looking at an overall rate of 4.6 that I’m going to round up to a 5star review. I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #BlueHorse

TW: horse slaughter and stampede

[CarolG · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helicopter driving a controversial round-up of wild horses suddenly crashes in the high desert of Nevada and the pilot is found to have been shot. Then the person coordinating the round-up for the Bureau of Land Management is savagely murdered. Sheriff Porter Beck has had better days.

It's not necessary to have read the other books in the series as this one works well as a standalone. The story takes place in Nevada during the early days of Covid so there was lots of talk about it. Personally, I'd like to forget it even exists. Sheriff Beck has retinitis pigmentosa which affects his night vision. He's in the process of turning the Sheriff's Office over to his deputy, Tuffy Scruggs, as he's accepted a job as chief of the Nevada DPS Investigative Division where his eye condition won't be such a hindrance. I like Sheriff Beck as a character, I love his dog Bo, and some of the secondary characters are interesting but I wasn't totally immersed in the story. There are many side stories which eventually merge and lots of violence against persons and horses. To be honest, I'm not overly fond of the title, especially when it's the same as Beck's girlfriend's name, Charlotte (Charlie) Blue Horse, and the blue horse link isn't a predominant part of the story. Well written and a solid 3 stars from me but I'm a bit of an outlier.

TW: Animal cruelty (horses).

Thanks to St. Martin's Press|Minotaur Books, via Netgalley, for inviting me to read an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: July 8, 2025

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Bruce Borgos, and, St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always excited to return to the world of Bruce Borgos, I gladly accepted the ARC for his latest Porter Beck police procedural. The rounding up of a number of wild horses has some ominous events surrounding it, and a number of bodies make an obvious impact. Sheriff Porter Beck is ready to lock the case down, but others have a mind of their own, with little interest in following rules. Borgos delivers a great story and keeps the reader poised to leap off their seat.

The flash in the sky could be nothing more than a helicopter, flying overhead as part of a round-up of wild horses. When it crashes and the authorities make their way to the rubble, the pilot is shown to have been shot. This begins an investigation which forces some questions that the person heading up the round-up will have to answer. It is only when the agent with the Bureau of Land Management is murdered, trampled by the same horses, that everyone begins to realize how serious this could be.

There are no suspects and a well organized group that advocates protecting the horses makes waves, but many feel that it is all bluster. The locals and feds converge to ask questions and begin postulating about what this might mean for the investigation. This only adds to the tension and exacerbates the need to solve this case quickly.

Sheriff Porter Beck knows his place in the investigations but does not want to be shelved. Beck's new love interest, Detective Charlie Blue Horse, arrives to add her specific angle and hopes to crack things wide open. They make their way whenever the clues take them, some of which set off Sheriff Porter’s mental alarms. What follows is an intense investigation and even more people who find themselves on the wrong side of the living .Bruce Borgos impresses once more and keeps the reader in the middle of the action.

I have long enjoyed the work of Bruce Borgos, who always finds ways of impressing me with his ideas. The story runs smoothly here with a quick narrative and well-paced ideas. Borgos knows how to juggle multiple storylines and keeps the reader on edge as things get intense. There are wonderful characters to keep things interesting, including Porter Beck who always has something to say. Plot points are clear and provide much entertainment for the attentive reader. I am eager to see where things are headed next.

Kudos, Mr. Borgos, for a great addition to the series.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this third book in the 'Porter Beck' series, the Nevada sheriff investigates three murders. The book works as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a bonus.



On that note:

Sheriff Porter Beck and his small cadre of officers uphold the law in Lincoln County, Nevada, a vast sparsely populated region that contains Area 51: a U.S. military base synonymous with stories of UFOs and government cover-ups. Previously, Beck was an army intelligence officer and is familiar with many languages, including Russian and French.





Beck has a degenerative eye disease that affects his vision. Beck can see in daylight, but is blind at night, and will eventually be completely sightless.



To prepare for his ultimate loss of vision, Beck has a canine named Frank Columbo (Bo), who's being trained as a seeing-eye dog.



Porter's 90-year-old father, Joe Beck, had been sheriff for three decades and is beloved and respected in Lincoln County. Joe is now suffering from dementia, but still likes to mount a horse and ride with Porter on occasion.



Porter's adopted sister Brinley Cummings, who was rescued from an abusive home, is one of the foremost weapons experts in the country. Brinley consults on Hollywood movie sets and does volunteer work with troubled youth.



Porter's girlfriend, Detective Charlotte (Charlie) Blue Horse, is a Paiute woman who works for the Department of Public Safety in Reno, 400 miles from Lincoln County.



Charlie lives with her mother and 14-year-old daughter Jules. Charlie also 'fosters' a 17-year-old girl named Mercy, an extraordinary computer hacker who's in unofficial 'witness protection'.



Beck has plans to leave his job as sheriff and become chief of the Investigative Division for the Department of Public Safety, which will allow him to work with his girlfriend Charlie in Reno. When Beck departs, Chief Deputy Tuffy Scruggs - Beck's top officer who looks more like Dick Butkus than Dick Tracey - is slated to become sheriff.



*****

The story opens in September 2020, during the Covid pandemic, and in the midst of a wild horse roundup, or gather, in Lincoln County. The gather is cited as an emergency by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), due to drought. The BLM, under the direction of Jolene Manning, plans to capture and remove almost 1500 stallions, mares, and foals, all in the name of public land management.



Ranchers support the gather, since the wild horses compete with their livestock for grass and water. On the other hand, there are dozens of protestors from CANTER (Compassionate Advocates for Natural Terrain and Equine Rights), led by activist Etta Clay.



The CANTER demonstrators hold up placards and use bullhorns to hurl insults at BLM employees, cowboys, and helicopter pilots - who chase the horses into canyons, to be loaded on trailers and transported away.



Sheriff Beck and Chief Deputy Scruggs are on horseback observing the gather when a helicopter herding the horses crashes.



Porter and Tuffy hurry over and find the pilot dead, shot in the chest by an expert marksman. The cops immediately suspect CANTER, and interview the group's leader Etta Clay, who claims to know nothing about the murder.

The next day, the local BLM director Jolene Manning is killed in the most horrendous fashion imaginable. Nearby, Daniel Cooper Scruggs (Tuffy's cousin) - the driver of a horse trailer - is also dead, shot in the head.



Reporters stream in to cover the newsworthy crimes, and Sheriff Beck's team is joined by FBI investigators and Detective Charlie Blue Horse. The prime suspect is CANTER'S Etta Clay, who presumably conspired with accomplices to kill BLM employees rounding up horses.

In the meantime, more is going on in the region.

A Canadian mining company called Longbaugh Lithium has a large lithium mine in Lincoln County.....



.....and an investigative journalist nicknamed X-Files (for his investigations into Area 51) is making inquiries for an exposé of the mining operation.



This angers the mine owners, who have enough trouble with protestors at their gates.

As all this is going on, markswoman Brinley Cummings is helping chaperone a group of troubled boys from the Lincoln County Youth Center. The boys are camping and hiking in Great Basin National Park as a form of wilderness therapy. The most difficult youth in the group, Rafa Porrazzo, runs away in the middle of the night, and Brinley sets off to catch him. Rafa has a 10-hour head start, the mountainous terrain is difficult, and Brinley has her job cut out for her.



The plot threads come together, including the search for the murderers; the mining operation; and Rafa's flight. In addition, computer hacker Mercy helps out from her home in Reno. The story has infidelity, action, danger, theft, blackmail, death, and destruction.....and canine Bo turns out to be a hero!!



In the midst of all the turmoil, Porter's father Joe Beck and Chief Deputy Tuffy Scruggs are showing signs of Covid, and the virus is spreading fast because most Nevadans refuse to wear masks. (Author Bruce Borgos is getting a little political here, but I don't mind.)

Beck successfully completes the investigation amidst tragedy and sadness, and surprises emerge.



At the book's finale, Beck and Charlie Blue Horse have decisions to make, and it will be interesting to see how that plays out.

I like the 'Porter Beck' books because the plots are clever; there are strong female characters; and (most of) the males aren't entitled misogynists.

I'd recommend the book to fans of westerns and thrillers.

Thanks to Netgalley, Bruce Borgos and Minotaur Books for copy of the book.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BLUE HORSE, the third installment in the Porter Beck series by Author Bruce Borgos, checks all the boxes when it comes to exciting, unputdownable suspense thrillers. It's a taut, fast paced, action packed story with dynamic characters involved in a race against time to stop the bad guys. Borgos's expertise at maintaining a high intensity level while weaving multiple plotlines involving prevalent issues is impressive and highly entertaining. I found it extremely hard to stop reading once I started this one and now find myself anxiously waiting for the next one.

Sheriff Porter Beck returns along with several series’ favorites, including his adopted sister Brinley and his love interest Detective Charlie Blue Horse, in THE BLUE HORSE. Beck and his deputy are observing a wild horse roundup herded by a helicopter from a cliff above a Nevada canyon when he witnesses the copter crashing. Arriving on scene, they quickly determined the crash was the result of the pilot being shot. The leader of an anti-roundup activist group protesting in the area becomes a suspect, but when another tragic death occurs, Beck, who isn't primary on the case, follows his gut instinct looking beyond the obvious for motive. As he and Charlie work the clues, a disturbing, emerging pattern leads them to take a closer look at a Canadian Lithium mining operation buying up land in the area. The stakes skyrocket for Beck when Brinley goes missing from a wilderness camp as he suspects her disappearance may be tied to the killings. Time is of an essence, and Beck will move heaven and earth to find Brinley. Will he be in time?

Wild Mustang Roundups are controversial with strong emotions and reasonings on both sides of the issue, and Author Bruce Borgos taps into those often heated, contrasting points of view in the fictional THE BLUE HORSE. I found it interesting that Borgos states that after his in-depth research into the pros and cons of both sides, he's landed firmly on one side, but he sincerely hopes his opinion doesn't show in his rendering of this story. In my opinion, it does not. Having wild horses roaming free on the Outer Banks in North Carolina where I live, I can attest to their majestic, breathtaking beauty but like Borgos, I won't disclose my opinion here. I will say Borgos has done a magnificent job at weaving the pros and cons into a tension laden plot line that kept this reader on the edge of her seat from start to finish. A menacing tone drives a pace that increases chapter to chapter to the explosive climax. The author incorporates the trials and tribulations we all experienced within the confines of the Covid pandemic, adding additional complicacies to the storyline. Complex characters are well defined both professionally and personally. Beck's continuous battle and insecurities learning to maneuver life with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a disease that renders him with extremely limited night vision, with the aid of a devoted dog is a lesson in perseverance while learning to cope with a handicap. The author also shines a light on groups helping troubled teens cope with PTSD with Brinley's work (herself a victim of childhood abuse) through the wilderness group, especially one troubled teen, Rafa.

As the story unfolds, various plotlines begin connecting like pieces of a puzzle. The result is a highly entertaining suspense thriller with a lot of heart highlighting some controversial, real-life issues. Beck's wry sense of humor lends a bit of comic relief to an otherwise serious subject as does his budding romance with Charlie. While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone as the talented author flawlessly incorporates needed backstory into the narrative; however, I suggest you treat yourself by diving into the previous books. THE BLUE HORSE is a tautly written, intense, must-read thriller that fans of suspense thrillers will enjoy.
Special thanks to Minotaur Books and Author Bruce Borgos for a complimentary are of this title. All opinions expressed are my own. This book released today, July 8, 2025. My review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, mystery novel. It is a police procedural with a likable and intelligent male protagonist, a supportive canine, vividly described settings, murder, intrigue, suspense, wit, a touch of humor, some relationship drama, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. I especially enjoyed the subplot, which features the male protagonist's talented sister. This is the third entry in Mr. Borgos' outstanding Porter Beck series, and it can be read as a stand alone, but it is even better enjoyed after reading the first two novels in this series.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, Mr. Bruce Borgos, and NetGalley, who provided me with an advanced reader copy of this fabulous novel. This is my honest opinion.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful Sheriff Porter Beck mystery and a marvelous job by a very talented author! I will never tire of reading this series. This is Book #3 and I can't wait for the next one to come out. Each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone, but I would encourage readers to read them all, preferably in order.

The backdrop of this story takes place in Nevada in September of 2020, during the early days of COVID. Porter Beck, the mild-mannered yet bold and determined sheriff of Lincoln County is pulled into a contentious situation between the Bureau of Land Management and a protest group called CANTER (Compassionate Advocates for Natural Terrain and Equine Rights). This leads Porter Beck, his deputies, and the FBI on a hunt to solve three gruesome murders. The excitement snowballs into an avalanche of chills and thrills.

Readers get a front row seat to the expert character building that goes along with this story. We are reunited with Porter Beck's adventurous sister Brinley, his 90-year-old father Pop, his chief deputy Tuffy Scruggs, and twin deputies Johnny and Jimmy Green. Beck is also considering cementing his relationship with his girlfriend, Charlie Blue Horse, who is a state detective. Will he be leaving his job as sheriff soon and starting a new career as the chief of the Investigative Division for the Department of Public Safety? Read this book to find out.

Suffice it to say that the suspense and action is nonstop in this book. Crucial planning and execution are required at every turn and Porter Beck is the man to take it on. Unfortunately, not everyone may make it out alive. This series reminds me of the successful TV series Yellowstone and Landman that are written by Taylor Sheridan, but without the sex and bad language.

My sincere thanks to St. Martin's Press-Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this exciting book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 raised to 5 stars. I was grateful and excited to receive the ARC for The Blue Horse. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the 3rd Porter Beck thriller by Bruce Borgos. These three books have made him a favourite author of complex, well-plotted thrillers with intriguing characters who come alive on the pages. Set in the Nevada high desert country with a vivid sense of place, I felt as if I had been transported there.

The year is 2020, and COVID is spreading. During a controversial roundup of wild horses, trouble ensues. Sheriff Porter Beck learns that a helicopter herding the horses to a designated area where they will no longer roam freely has been shot down. The pilot was killed. The head of the Bureau of Land Management that coordinated the roundup was killed in a ghastly manner. She was buried up to her neck and then trampled by horses. A cowboy was shot, as well as some horses in the corral. The ranchers are opposed to the wild horses roaming onto their territory. The FBI enters the case. The FBI suspects the group leading protests to allow the horses to roam everywhere is involved in the murders. Their leading suspects in the animal rights group are a woman named Etta and a former soldier, Race Northrup, who was in hiding when he witnessed the Taliban killing his comrades in an identical manner to the woman so savagely killed.

Sherrif Porter Beck of a vast area of 11,000 square miles in Nevada. His territory is enormous but has a sparse population and few crimes. He is a dedicated and intelligent officer in the military intelligence branch overseas and spent time in Russia. His father was the former sheriff, and he returned home when his father retired with dementia, and Beck took over his role and the jurisdiction of the widespread area. COVID is spreading, making his assistants scarce. Life is interfering with his crime-solving. His 90-year-old father is seriously ill with COVID. His adopted sister Brinley, a firearms expert, has gone missing, and his love interest, Charlie Blue Horse, a law officer, is acting strangely, and he fears she may break up with him. He had planned to eventually leave his position and work alongside her in the Nevada State force. His deputy, Tuffy Scrubbs, has COVID, and refuses to stay home from work. Beck suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, a deteriorating eye condition leading to night blindness and other eye trouble. He is now unable to see after dark.

His adopted sister Brinley had been working with a group of troubled boys in a wilderness camp. The most challenging boy, Rafa, runs away in the night. Brinley catches up with him near an illicit lithium mine run by treacherous Canadians. They witness a man being brutally beaten up by guards near the mine. Why? Brinley and Rafa rescue the injured man, X-Files, an investigative reporter and conspiracy advocate. The guards are hunting for them. Rafa saves their lives and shows his bravery and resourcefulness. Beck needs someone to find Brinley, now suffering from COVID while hiding, and requests help from an unusual source. Help in the investigation is also forthcoming from Charlie's adopted daughter, Mercy.
Mercy is an expert computer hacker; the second book is titled after her.

Beck is becoming less convinced of the pursuit of animal rights groups by the FBI and is focusing on the lithium mine workers for the murders. It will poison the groundwater, and this has been covered up. It is believed the mine is run by Canadians but controlled by the Italian mob. The groups investigating the suspicious mine come together in an action-packed ending. The mine is closed down and made safe for future mining under the equal control by the Canadian and American governments. I wonder how that will work out.

This is an interesting part of the world for these superb thrillers. The first Beck book featured the testing of atomic bombs in the 1950s and the coverup of radiation fallout. The second one mentioned conspiracy rumours about secret UFOs and an alien body at Site 51.

All three books in the Porter Beck series are highly recommended, and each one can be read as a standalone. The publication date is July 8/2025.

[Bruce Borgos]

I'm so excited you're considering picking up The Blue Horse, book #3 in the Porter Beck series. It's been a lot of fun coming up with ideas to build these stories of the Nevada high desert around. This one was no different. I really wanted to tell people about the plight of the wild horse in the West, and I wanted to do it without picking a side.

Plus, there's another hot-button issue in the novel. Lithium mining. You know, the rare earth mineral that gives us the batteries for our cell phones, tablets, computers, everything we use in our daily lives. Where does that come from, and at what cost?

All of this is the backdrop for The Blue Horse. I hope you'll give it a chance and let me know what you think! Thank you all!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Blue Horse, by Bruce Borgos, , from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book three in the Porter Beck series. Porter Beck is very busy at his job as a sheriff, a helicopter pilot shot dead, another man is murdered, Porter Beck has some many murders to solve. This was a good read.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.25 stars)
I was so happy to see that there was a third Porter Beck book coming out! The first two were excellent mysteries/thrillers and this third one does not disappoint. (Note: while this is the third book in a series, I firmly believe that someone new to the series can easily jump in with this one.) These books combine a fast-paced, complex story with truly interesting characters, a winning combination IMO.

Porter Beck is the sheriff in a Nevada county made up of small towns and high desert. The book opens with a controversial roundup/gather of wild horses by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management). There’s a lot of controversy because many feel that the horses should be left to roam free while others worry about them eating all the pastureland that their cattle need. (Simplistic explanation, sorry). They are being rounded up by a new technology, helicopters, not your traditional cowboys. When a helicopter is shot down and the pilot killed, the book takes off and doesn’t stop until the end.

In addition to the horse situation, we have a lithium mining company which may or may not be polluting the land, the effects of the early months of COVID, and more. Beck is a sympathetic character who is dealing with his advancing retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which causes a gradual decline in vision, often starting with night blindness and peripheral vision loss. This is obviously not ideal for a sheriff and he is planning on changing jobs in the near future. In the meantime, his military experience helps him in many ways. He’s almost 50 now and his dad, the former sheriff, is in early stages of dementia. His girlfriend, a detective named Charlie Blue Horse works from Reno, so they’re trying their best to deal with the long distance between their home bases.

I love Beck’s dog, Columbo, who he is trying to train to be his future guide dog. Beck’s sister, Brinley, is another great character and plays a large part in this story.

I was privileged to have a paperback and an ebook, courtesy of Minotaur Book and NetGalley, and an audiobook, courtesy of Recorded Books and NetGalley, and I actually wound up using all three at various points. The audiobook was narrated very well by James Babson, who also narrated the first two books in this series. Thank you to all of the above for the opportunity to read and listen to an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Valleri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A controversial wild horse round-up in the high desert of Nevada results in two murders and too many suspects for Sheriff Porter Beck to deal with.

What a great book!! I love this series and its characters! There was quite a bit going on in The Blue Horse but it was easy to follow. Sheriff Porter Beck gets called to investigate a helicopter crash at the start of a controversial round-up of wild horses. The pilot is found to have been shot and a toy blue horse is found at the site.

Beck's sister, Brinley, played a large part in the book, which made me happy. I love Brin! Swirling around the main story was Beck's relationship with his girlfriend (Detective Charlie Blue Horse), lithium mining, COVID-19, the FBI, too many suspects, and too many secrets! Of course, Beck's wonderful dog (Bojangles) was in the book, as well as a fabulous new character named Rafa.

TW: After-the-fact telling of a horse that had been injured while being rounded up. Same for six wild mustangs that were found after they'd been shot and killed. *Both times it entailed being told about something that had already happened, so there was no blow-by-blow description to read as they took place. (That makes it easier for me!)

In the author's notes at the end of the book, Mr. Borgos tells more about Duty to Heal, which is mentioned in The Blue Horse. It's a retreat developed for military veterans and first responders who are recovering from emotional wounds related to their service, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This retreat is particularly relevant for healthcare workers during these challenging times, where they've been put in harm's way and often have to make critical life-and-death decisions - not only for the people they're trying to help but also for themselves.

I highly recommend The Blue Horse!!

Thank you, #MinotaurBooks, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. The Blue Horse has an expected publication date of July 8, 2025.

#BruceBorgos #Crime #Mystery

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS!!

The author has created a lead character that I thoroughly enjoy reading. He’s low-key but brilliant and understands the human psyche and uses that to solve cases. But he is also vulnerable with weakness, but knows how to play his strengths perfectly.

The story is inventive and thoroughly engaging. With a winding storyline that brings multiple threads weaving in and out and many great characters, Borgos pulls you along deeper into the mire.

I love when his girlfriend is in the mix as well. They have the same thought processes and the author does a great job showing their emotional side without being overly dramatic. We get a great balance of personal life and crime solving that blends in great. The pacing and execution of the story is spot on!

This police procedural is full of drips and twists that will keep the intrigue going throughout the story. One part I was a bit confused about with the Blue Horse. I was thinking it was going to be tied to one thing, but it was completely different, and while it closed a door, I was looking for more drama or something.

The Blue Horse tackles environmental issues that could be pulled from the headlines today. Believable and sad in places, but Sheriff Beck does not fail to bring justice to those deserving. Great read!

~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-blue-hor...

[Shannon M (Canada) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Outlier review here. I tried to "get into" this book six times over a period of ten weeks, reading a few chapters each time, then stopping to read a more interesting novel. If this had not been a NetGalley book, I would have dnf'd after the second try.

To me, it was filled with cardboard characters—flat caricatures that the author moved around to support a specific theme. That theme is environmental conservation. Everything and everyone positive in the story bolster protecting the natural environment; the villains were environmental polluters. With such a positive message, it is natural that THE BLUE HORSE will receive lots of five-star reviews. But I prefer my fiction to immerse me into the minds of its characters. THE BLUE HORSE doesn't do that.

To me, it was flat and boring. Two stars at best, for attempting to get across a positive message.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Cruelty requires no motive, just opportunity.”

This is the third installment of the Porter Beck Mystery series. With both previous books being five-star reads, I was looking forward to this one. I was disappointed.

If Bruce Borgos’ intent was to inform me of the plight of the wild horse, he didn’t succeed. I’m still left with questions. I think his drive to keep his personal stance out of the narrative affected it. I didn’t get pulled into the quest for justice because Borgos kept a tight reign on emotions. When I was more interested in how the woman from the Bureau of Land Management and the helicopter pilot found themselves in a predicament, I knew the author had an uphill battle. I didn’t care about the horses, and I normally would have been invested.

On a slight tangent, if Bruce Borgos’ intent was to show me how the cowboys and cattlemen viewed the round up, he succeeded. I’d have loved more information, but that’s a personal thing.

If Bruce Borgos’ intent was to show me how the electric battery market led to complicit government deals and affected the wild horse roundup, he didn’t succeed. I’m still puzzled.

However, if Bruce Borgos’ intent was to delve deeper into Porter and his girlfriend and give us more of their backstory, he succeeded. I'm presuming the title refers to his girlfriend and not the wild horses.

I’m on Outlier Island alone with this one - alone, pouting, and wondering what the heck a Utah waffle is! I’ll be watching to see if others felt the same way.

I was gifted this copy by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Jeremy Peers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Horse, is lovely and frustrating simultaneously.
I genuinely loved The Blue Horse except for all the COVID talk, which tested my resolve to finish the book. It’s weird to read a person who loved a book but came close to not finishing it. Imagine writing it. Luckily, my love of the series and the characters won out. I have enough scars from the time of COVID and don’t particularly want to read anything more about it. Especially when it’s never far from mind. I’m glad I stuck with it towards the end because Borgos’ improvement is on full display, along with his growing confidence. Some of the decisions within the book were ballsy as hell and made me audibly gasp a few times. Give me an author who takes risks any day.

Thank you to Minotaur Books for the galley of The Blue Horse via NetGalley!

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruce Borgos, ever heard that name? Well if you missed it you should feel ashamed. The Blue Horse is the third adventure with Porter Beck, the sheriff of a small town but a large district. The story begins with the BLM round up of wild horses and then murder and mayhem ensues. Borgos has found a setting that I love and he has created some wonderful characters. This series should be read in order and you better start right now since this book hits the shelves in July. I just love this series and I'm really glad that I found it. I mean how many small town settings with a new twist can there be? This sure is one of them, and ther is some details I have never stumbled upon before. I highly recommend it. I also thank Edelweiss and Minotaur Books for giving me an advance copy.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: July 8, 2025

Sheriff Porter Beck returns in “The Blue Horse”, the third instalment in the series by Bruce Borgos.

During a wild horse round-up in Nevada, a helicopter pilot is shot down, leaving any number of potential suspects. Then, the coordinator for the round-up is savagely murdered, and the community is convinced that the murders are related. Most blame the prominent wild horse activist group in the area, but Beck isn’t sure that something more sinister isn’t at play. As Beck and his girlfriend, Detective Charlie Blue Horse, delve deep into the events, they discover a possible connection to the county’s lithium mine, which, if true, puts Beck, Charlie and everyone they love in danger.

“The Blue Horse” is aptly named on two levels, not just for Beck’s new girlfriend, Charlie, but it also pays homage to the toy blue horse that is found at the original crime scene, leading Beck down a new investigative path. Set during Covid in 2020, Beck’s loved ones and colleagues are trying to solve a crime, while trying to stay clear of the deadly virus.

I have read all three Porter Beck novels by Borgos, and this one was particularly captivating, as it involved the controversial issues surrounding wild horses in the western U.S. Borgos covers both sides fairly, seemingly without choosing one specific side, while keeping the hot-button issue at the forefront. Borgos mentions in the author’s note that he does, indeed, have a very definitive and specific opinion on the issue and is very firmly on one side over the other, but he does not let that side show in his writing.

This series of novels is unique because they are similar to police investigation novels the world over, but they take place in the western U.S.A, where county sheriffs and small-town police forces are the norm. The issues Beck and his team investigate are important, but are not often front-page news in other novels of this type. I love the atmosphere in Borgos’ Beck novels and his characters are genuine and likable. Beck is the main character of course, but Borgos lets a few others have their time in the spotlight, such as Beck’s girlfriend, Charlie, as well as a few of the other more minor players.

It is not necessary to read the other novels in the series in order to keep up with the plot in this one, so if you like modern cowboy novels that feature a badass sheriff, his adorable canine and a crew of eccentric misfits, then any novel in the Beck series would be worth a read. However, I recommend that you read all the novels in order, to get a better understanding of the relationships and backstories of the main characters. I will be looking forward to novel number four in the series, to see what Beck and his crew get up to next.

[Rachaelbookhunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blue Horse is the third Porter Beck mystery. Wild horses are being rounded up by the Bureau Of Land Management. There is a group of horse advocates protesting. The situation is volatile and then becomes deadly when the person in charge of the roundup is viciously murdered.

With Beck's eyesight worsening he needs all the help he can get, especially since the Sheriff's office is shorthanded due to Covid. Luckily his girlfriend Charlie is there to help. Meanwhile Brinley is off on a mission of her own, leading troubled kids in a wilderness program. Trouble is never far away though.

I love this series. Beck is a great leading character. He's funny and I love watching him in action. His role was a little different this time around and I missed seeing him get a lot of wins in the process of the investigation.

More time is spent exploring Beck and Charlie's relationship. While I enjoy seeing the characters develop, especially Beck with Bo, it does take some time away from the main investigation. I also missed Brinley and Beck working together. However, Brinley's scenes were my favorite.

The investigation isn't particularly exciting, but there is a lot of action near the end and a real sense of danger. There are a couple of new characters I liked that we might see again and it was nice to see a couple returning faces in addition to the usual team.

This is a fun series, full of humor and action with a great setting. I look forward to more in the series.

Thank you to Minotaur Books for the chance to read.

[Kasa Cotugno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery with a satisfying ending. Although it's the first of his books that I've read, Bruce Borgos engaged me from page one. My only quibble is that there were far too many witty metaphors. People don't really talk like that.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blue Horse is exciting from beginning to end! When a wild horse round up is scheduled by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management), protestors arrive. Porter Beck expected a bit of trouble, but when a helicopter pilot is shot out of the air, and one of the BLM managers is later found brutally murdered, Porter and his team are faced with a double murder investigation while they try to prevent any more calamities or fatalities as the protestors numbers grow. Fortunately, Porter's new girlfriend, Charley Blue Horse, who is also a detective, has come to visit and lends her help, along with a little long-distance aid from Mercy. Porter himself is struggling with his continuing fading eyesight. Meanwhile, Porter's sister, Brinley, is at a camp for abused teens, one of whom, Rafa, runs away and stumbles into a lithium mining area. Brinley is soon in pursuit of Rafa. The story unfolds in 2020, and COVID has started its rampage across the country, with no vaccine yet released. Bruce Borgos has brilliantly combined all of these elements into an exhilarating, twisting mystery, with elements of environmental abuses, both to the horses and from the mining operations. The plot twists in this book are amazing, as well as how the author combined all the elements, and exposed the criminals behind them. I just love the characters he has created for this series, and how their stories, and Porter's fading eyesight evolved in this new book. This is one of those mysteries that has a heart, and a sense of family at its core. Porter Beck has become one of my favorite fictional detectives of all time! Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for my advance copy. The opinions of this review are my own.

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Porter Beck has his hands full when a wild horse round-up by the Bureau of Land Management has equine activists, CANTER, protesting. Things turn violent when the helicopter pilot hired by the BLM to assist with the round-up is murdered. Right away CANTER is under suspicion, but Beck feels things aren’t as they seem. The FBI is called in and they ignore Beck’s observations and gut instincts. It doesn’t stop him from following up on his own.

Meanwhile, Beck’s sister Brinley is volunteering with a wilderness program helping troubled teens and when one of them runs off, her pursuit lands in the crosshairs of some really bad people. It all intersects with Beck’s case.

I’ve been loving the Porter Beck series! Each installment is a new mystery but ongoing personal relationships are at play, as well: Beck and his girlfriend Detective Charlie Blue Horse, his sister Brinley, a gun expert, his dad the previous sheriff, now suffering from dementia. I loved seeing how they’re all getting along. Being set in September 2020, there was some sadness with Covid at its height of deadliness.

The Blue Horse was a twisty, action-filled mystery with Beck and his crew following the clues and ferreting out the bad guys. Captivating from beginning to end! I was eager for justice to be served, especially when there were animals at risk and completely on the side of the horse activists! It all wraps up in a thrilling conclusion and with the way things ended I’m wondering if this is the final book in the series. If so, it was a satisfying conclusion. Still, I’d love more mysteries!

I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Second read - this time the audiobook - on 7/8/25. I'm enjoying it even more in this format!***

4 stars

If Porter Beck is involved, it's a must-read scenario for me. I enjoyed the first two books in this series, and this - the third installment - fit in nicely with its predecessors.

Beck is an excellent character, and while this book can be read as a standalone and the suspense/thrills will be enough to keep most readers engaged, the highlight of this series is the way Beck's character develops. My top recommendation is to read the first two books in the series before this one to best appreciate the directions each character takes.

Now, beyond the joy of the series overall, and especially its featured character, this is an absolutely compelling book on its own. There is a lot of action, there are changing relationships, and there are opportunities for continued installments, which thrills me. I also knew exactly nothing about the situation with wild horses in this country, and I found that aspect (as well as Borgos's note about this after the fact) intriguing.

I continued to really enjoy this author and series and look forward to more!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Becci West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheriff Beck is rapidly becoming one of my favorite characters. Highly recommended.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publication Day: July 8, 2025

Small town Nevada sheriff Porter Beck is back. This time to investigate three murders seemingly connected to the round up of wild horses in his county. But is there more to it than first appears? The deeper Porter digs, the more danger he uncovers for himself, and those he loves the most. With more to lose than ever, can Porter work with the FBI, suspected killers and the adorable Bo to solve these murders before anyone else gets hurt?

PROS and CONS:
I knew nothing of wild horse roundups before reading this one - controversial and sad. Porter Beck is a nuanced main character, a sheriff you would love to have in your community. I love the family and friends around him, and thought this was a good installment in the series. My only beef is making the Canadians the bad guys (hey!) My favourite so far has been #2 Shades of Mercy, but it is a really solid series overall.

READ IT?
If you have already started the series, you’ll definitely want to read this one. But don’t start here otherwise you’ll miss a lot of backstory in the character’s lives.

4 Stars

[Hobart · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S THE BLUE HORSE ABOUT?
For Porter Beck and the Lincoln Sheriff's Department, change—and a pandemic—are in the air. But we'll talk about that later. The main thing that they all have to focus on is a controversial wild horse roundup.

It's a Federal mandate that it occurs, and there are plenty of good wildlife management and other environmental arguments in favor of it. There are also plenty of traditional, environmental, or animal rights arguments against it. Naturally, the event faces protests both large and small—even in the middle of a pandemic. So Beck and his team are providing some security.

Because of that security, Beck and Tuffy are around to witness a helicopter involved in the roundup crash. Thanks to them, it's not written off as human error or some other accident—they know it was murder (a difficult one to perpetrate, mind you).

The easy answer seems to be that it's someone associated with the protests, but Beck's not satisfied with that. And despite what the FBI wants to focus on, he starts assembling evidence to buttress his hunch. Then another, grisly murder happens. And all signs point to something worse on the horizon. The Feds want a quick resolution, Beck wants the truth.

BRINLEY AND RAFA
So, while all this is going on, Beck can't rely on his sister to pitch in. As a follow-up to the volunteering she did in Shades of Mercy with the "at risk" youth of the area, she's off with a handful of these teens on a wilderness retreat. Rafa, in particular, is one she can identify with and really wants to help. He, on the other hand, wants no one's help. He's learned that he can only rely on himself and what his own strength, temper, and brutality can provide for him.

One night, after Brinley had already started to think he'd run off, he does just that. Annoyed at herself for letting her guard down enough to let that happen, and assured of her superior ability to track compared to the other adults in the group, she takes off on her own to track him down. As it's Brinley that we're talking about, she'd normally be right—but with COVID symptoms kicking in, are her stamina and clarity of mind up to the task? And what will she do if/when she finds him?

Sometimes, it can be a critique for a reader to note that a subplot like this one is frequently more interesting and engaging than the primary story. Early on, I was mildly irritated every time we cut from this back to the murder investigation. I really enjoy Brinley and Rafa is both a good character by himself, as a foil for Brinley? He's perfect. Together, it's a great combination.

I eventually came around on the murder investigation—it was more of a slow-burn for me, but by the end, I was equally invested in both storylines.

COVID-19
I thought it was gutsy for Borgos to tackle COVID and the reaction to both the virus and the social reactions to it. Especially in places like Beck's part of Nevada, you're not going to get a lot of people reacting to either of them the same way as you would in L.A. or NYC. (I think this is going to be the case for readers drawn to the series, too)

Borgos dealt with it as well as you could hope—Beck didn't seem to take a firm stand on things like masking or hand-shaking himself—he basically matched the environment he was in (somewhat begrudglingly at times). And his deputies clearly saw it as overblown—particularly one deputy who showed clear signs of it. The clinic is full, and the disease shows up in several ways—some that hit too close to home for Beck, too.

At the same time—the impact of the virus itself was clearly shown. Whether it was a temporary, minor obstacle or a life-altering disease (or points in between) for the characters—COVID made its presence felt. Beck doesn't have an overabundance of deputies for his large county on the best day. You force them to deal with murder cases like this—plus the security they need to provide for the roundup—with deputies out sick? That's going to have a major impact on their ability to do any of their jobs effectively.

More than a gutsy move by Borgos for the social observation, it's a smart move for narrative tension.

ALL THE PERSONAL STUFF
I was relieved to see Charlie Blue Horse back again—not only was she a good addition to the cast in Shades of Mercy, but I really didn't like the idea of Beck having a new romantic interest/dalliance in every book. I'd have been perfectly content to have a few books without one, too—but a returning romantic interest is a good way to go, too.

I did think that Beck was a bit too clueless in the beginning—you can tell how he got to his age still single—but that's a tangent.

There's a lot more going on for Beck outside the case—his father's health continues to deteriorate, there are big changes looming for the Sheriff's office as we learn early on. Basically, these murders come along at a juncture for our Sheriff and serve as a welcome distraction as much as they could interfere and possibly derail his plans.

DEPUTY FRANK COLUMBO
Bo may have been a two-time washout from the K-9 academy, but he's a good, loyal companion for Beck—and he shows signs of being a good seeing-eye dog in the future. Who doesn't want a good dog along for a story like this?

But honestly, he just seemed to be a nice little flavoring—something to add to the Western/Sheriff setting. Like Spener's Pearls, Joe Pickett's dogs, Max Boucher's Russ, Ballard's Lola, and didn't Quinn Colson have one? They're there, they're fun to see, but they're not a major player in the story.

But by the end The Blue Horse, he's that and more. He's not quite as remarkable as Longmire's Dog, or Sharp's Winnie, (definitely not in Chet Little's league). But he's on the way—this will come as no shock to anyone who's read me, I loved Bo's moments of glory (even if they weren't appreciated at the time). I don't need this series to become the Beck and Bo show, but I hope he gets more chances to shine.

Then again, would the Beck and Bo show be a bad thing?

SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE BLUE HORSE? C
We're only on book three of this series, but we've got a strong recurring cast already (with promises of more). There's the FBI Agent that Beck didn't really get along with last time (and he continues to not really get along with now), there's our friendly hacker doing the things Beck and Charlie can't—but legally (probably), all the great characters in the Lincoln County Sheriff's office, and even X Files. Yes, he's back again—and I loved the way he get's involved with this one. There's more to this guy than paranoia and delusion. The characters—suspects, witnesses, standers-by, and more—are up to the same standards, and you'll end up hoping that those who live and aren't serving time come back sometime soon.

Three books in, one thing that Borgos has clearly shown us all is that he can people his novels with compelling characters. What about the story? I don't know that anything will (or can) live up to The Bitter Past, but this is as good as you can ask for next to that. The storyline involving the murders is really well-paced and plotted—the herrings are the perfect shade of red—and Beck's atypical approach to policing really helps here. Aside from my own impatience early on, there's nothing to complain about here.

Mild-spoliery thoughts—feel free to skip this paragraph. I do wonder a little about Chapter Two—it takes away some of the mystery, you'll know that the murders likely tie into it at some point, and you might not bite on some of the bait Borgos wants to tempt you with because of it (at least not as hard as you might otherwise). But it also makes a twist or two seem like they don't come out of nowhere. I can argue both sides of it convincingly to myself. The more I think of it, I think Borgos made the smart move. But I instinctively disagree and think he should've skipped it. I'd love to hear what others think.

Maybe other readers feel this way when they read about the Mexicantown in August Snow's Detroit, or about Ballard/Bosch's LA, the racial tensions in the LAPD that Trevor Finnegan navigates, the gang-culture in Eve Ronin's LACSD, or the changes in the Edinburgh police that Rebus has witnessed (and felt)—but the society/politics that Borgos shows hit close to home. The former are interesting to read about, but Borgos hits close to home (C.J. Box does, too). Lincoln County, NV could easily be 20-30 minutes south of my house, rather than the 8+ hours it really is. Borgos reflects the attitudes of the area so well—it feels easy at a distance to take issue with the gangs Ronin faces, but there's a way for locals to understand both sides of something like the roundup that I just can't with the others. I know and trust people on every side of that issue, and sympathize with them. For every hint that Borgos gives you about his (or Beck's) opinion—he provides one that might disprove it. I fully expect readers from Scotland or New York to roll their eyes at one group or another that Borgos shows us. But I can't—they're my neighbors, are married to my coworkers, and share a pew with me on Sundays. I love how well Borgos does that. A good Crime Novel talks about society without getting on a soapbox, and Borgos excels at it.

Setting that aside, let's focus on the experience of reading The Blue HorseYour heart will be in your throat in at least two occasions, you will be horrified at man's inhumanity at least once (it's comparable to the opening of The Bitter Past), you'll feel sadness, relief, and even joy throughout. I wasn't looking for another Western-set mystery series to become addicted to, but Bruce Borgos has made me a die-hard anyway. Jump on the bandwagon!! We'll make room.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley—thanks to both for this.

[Stephanie Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good read. Many parts have your heart pounding while others make you smile or even laugh.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating look at the Bureau of Land Management and the chaotic events surrounding the crash of a helicopter and the death of its pilot. When Porter Beck and girlfriend, Charlie Blue Horse investigate, they discover many discrepancies that complicate all the disputes they've seen before and add to the tension. I raced through this one as it was one of those novels that could have kept me up all night!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Kate Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third book in the Porter Beck Mystery series deftly maintains the momentum and thrill of its predecessors, and gives all new meaning to "the wild west".

The Bureau of Land Management is rounding up the mustangs of the Nevada desert and relocating them to parts unknown. The farmers encourage it and the wild animal rights activists are wholeheartedly against it. A helo pilot is herding the wild horses into a small canyon from where the agents can load them into trailers and cart them away. All was going according to plan until some ace shot takes out the pilot and the copter plummets to the ground. In an instant, Sherriff Porter Beck has a murder on his hands. With minimal staffing and many out with Covid, this investigation is going to be a challenge for sure. That's especially true as the bodies keep piling up.

Yet again, author Bruce Borgos has done a spectacular job of setting the scene, steadily building tension throughout the story, bringing it to a full climax and then gently easing it to a satisfying conclusion. The writing is excellent and the characters are well developed. There's a certain charm to protagonist Sheriff Beck. He's not perfect and all the more admired for it. This was yet another satisfying thriller by a deftly skilled writer.

Triggers: some rough language and graphic grisly detail

I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.


Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: July 8, 2025
Number of Pages: 368 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1250373908