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Clint Wolf #1
But Not Forgotten
Embattled former detective Clint Wolf is the newly appointed police chief for Mechant Loup, a small swampy town in southeast Louisiana. Usually a quiet town, the tranquility of the place is shattered when a human arm is found in the jowls of an alligator. Once it’s determined the arm belongs to a reputable business owner, the race is on to find the man and figure out what happened to him. Little does Clint know that solving the case could unearth a plot so evil it would go down as the worst event in Louisiana history . . . and he might not live to see it. (NOTE: Originally published on December 6, 2015 by Amber Quill Press, LLC)
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2015
4268 people are currently reading
1089 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Bourg
59 books230 followersBJ Bourg is a twenty-seven-year veteran of law enforcement and has worked as a patrol cop, detective, police academy instructor, SWAT officer, sniper leader, and chief investigator for a district attorney's office. He is a former professional boxer and a lifelong martial artist.
He is the author of the London Carter Mystery Series, the Clint Wolf Mystery Series, two books featuring Detective Brandon Berger, and a stand-alone mountain mystery. Additionally, over 185 of his short stories and articles have appeared in magazines such as Woman's World, Boys' Life, Tactical Response, and LAW and ORDER.
He loves vacationing in the mountains and is especially drawn to hiking, climbing, photographing wild animals, and traversing wild rivers in anything that will float. Above all else, he is a father and husband, and the highlight of his life is spending time with his beautiful wife and wonderful kids. For more information, including a list of BJ's published works and info about new releases and upcoming events, visit his website (http://bjbourg.com/).
https://www.facebook.com/BJBourg
https://twitter.com/BJBourg
He is the author of the London Carter Mystery Series, the Clint Wolf Mystery Series, two books featuring Detective Brandon Berger, and a stand-alone mountain mystery. Additionally, over 185 of his short stories and articles have appeared in magazines such as Woman's World, Boys' Life, Tactical Response, and LAW and ORDER.
He loves vacationing in the mountains and is especially drawn to hiking, climbing, photographing wild animals, and traversing wild rivers in anything that will float. Above all else, he is a father and husband, and the highlight of his life is spending time with his beautiful wife and wonderful kids. For more information, including a list of BJ's published works and info about new releases and upcoming events, visit his website (http://bjbourg.com/).
https://www.facebook.com/BJBourg
https://twitter.com/BJBourg
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
November 30, 2020
Crime novelist Bourg introduces Police Chief Clint Wolf in this Louisiana noir series. Wolf is the recent hire for the small, swampy town in Southeast Louisiana called Mechant Loup. Tragic history? Check. Borderline alcoholism? Check. Alligators attacking dogs and humans? Check. Welcome to the Bayou!
Clint benefits from an author that has decades of experience in law enforcement so that the story resonates with authenticity. Bourg has also given him the supportive deputy character that happens to moonlight as a female cage fighter. [Do NOT mess with Susan!] Enjoy!
Clint benefits from an author that has decades of experience in law enforcement so that the story resonates with authenticity. Bourg has also given him the supportive deputy character that happens to moonlight as a female cage fighter. [Do NOT mess with Susan!] Enjoy!
November 23, 2020
wow what a very good book it surprised me with how good it was lol. It is the first book that I have read by this author. I do not give out a lot of 5 starts but this book earned it . It fell a little short of my favorites list but that is ok that is a hard list to get on. . The first 10 to 12 pages are shaky and that caused me to start to have a bad feeling but that quickly changed for the better. I really liked the main character and the location was well done. I liked all the secondary characters they were well placed and done well. I thought the story moved at a good clip it never bogged down. The suspence was well played out and I had a feeling I knew who the bad guy was but I was not sure till the end. I thought the ending was pretty good maybe a little rushed but that is a close call since a lot was happening. I thought the dialogue was very well done. It is a little quirky but in a good way. I say give this book a big spin I will read the next one in the series.
March 19, 2018
** I received this audiobook in exchange for a honest review**
The narrator and recording both were good, no problems with either.
ok, I usually don't read mysteries like this but thought this one sounded good. I thought it was just ok. To me, Clint seemed extremely unrealistic BUT! to be fair, I was in an grumpy mood. He sure goes through a lot to only be 30. The story started out like Jaws but with gators & a swamp. I thought that was how the book was going but it doesn't. The story is interesting and kept me engaged but I don't think I will continue this story, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
The narrator and recording both were good, no problems with either.
ok, I usually don't read mysteries like this but thought this one sounded good. I thought it was just ok. To me, Clint seemed extremely unrealistic BUT! to be fair, I was in an grumpy mood. He sure goes through a lot to only be 30. The story started out like Jaws but with gators & a swamp. I thought that was how the book was going but it doesn't. The story is interesting and kept me engaged but I don't think I will continue this story, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
December 6, 2023
The story was well written and interesting.
It was not amazing by any means, but I did enjoy it.
The audible version was enjoyable with a great narrator.
I will likely move forward with the series.
It was not amazing by any means, but I did enjoy it.
The audible version was enjoyable with a great narrator.
I will likely move forward with the series.
January 4, 2016
Loved every word!
Clint wolf’s life changed forever two years ago after horrific circumstances. Trying to rebuild his life, he takes a new job as police chief of a small parish. On his first day his opening case is to hunt an alligator, who has taken a dog. The things he discovers that day lead him down a path of deceit and murder.
This is not a genre I usually read and it’s the first time reading anything by this author. But I found I enjoyed this book immensely. B.J Bourg had me laughing out loud and then gasping, and that was in chapter one. This author has a real talent for keeping me gripped and wanting to know what was going to happen next. Just when I thought I had figured it out I found out I was wrong. There are so many twists and turns but the plot was not hard to follow. Clint was a great character and I really felt for him. I also really like Susan and I hope to see more from her. The ending had me gasping again and I was completely shocked by the events. It was left on a cliff-hanger so I will be waiting impatiently for the next instalment. I highly recommend this book and will be reading more by this author in the future.
Clint wolf’s life changed forever two years ago after horrific circumstances. Trying to rebuild his life, he takes a new job as police chief of a small parish. On his first day his opening case is to hunt an alligator, who has taken a dog. The things he discovers that day lead him down a path of deceit and murder.
This is not a genre I usually read and it’s the first time reading anything by this author. But I found I enjoyed this book immensely. B.J Bourg had me laughing out loud and then gasping, and that was in chapter one. This author has a real talent for keeping me gripped and wanting to know what was going to happen next. Just when I thought I had figured it out I found out I was wrong. There are so many twists and turns but the plot was not hard to follow. Clint was a great character and I really felt for him. I also really like Susan and I hope to see more from her. The ending had me gasping again and I was completely shocked by the events. It was left on a cliff-hanger so I will be waiting impatiently for the next instalment. I highly recommend this book and will be reading more by this author in the future.
November 13, 2017
I picked up this audiobook because I always enjoy a good mystery, and I really like the narrator, J. Scott Bennett. As always, his narration was great - I've never been disappointed by anything he's done. He does a great range of voices, really bringing the characters to life. And the book itself was great. I thought it was a really well-thought-out story that keeps the reader engaged throughout. This is the first book in a trilogy, and I'm already looking forward to the next book.
September 20, 2017
Such a wonderful book. I have the great privilege to also be narrating the audiobook version of it and thoroughly enjoying myself. Can't wait to make it available to all.
September 26, 2017
I picked up this book knowing that it was the first part of a three part series and I'm so happy that I did. Great writing and a really great mystery. The first part really sets the pace for the second and third parts. I can't wait to see what happens next.
February 23, 2018
Two yeas ago, Clint Wolf's life changed forever. Now, all he wants is a quiet and easy life, so he takes a job in a backwater place expecting nothing more than speeding tickets! But life isn't all roses and Clint's first taste of the job is facing off against an alligator. From then on it's a dark and twisted road of murder and deceit, with Clint trying to figure out what is going on before it's too late.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! The plot was intriguing and had a lot of twists and turns and I couldn't figure out who was the killer, or what exactly was going on till near the end! Poor Clint just wanted a quite life but this little town isn't going to give him that!! The characters were all well written and developed too. Clint is a deeply flawed character. His life changed forever two years ago and it's put a permanent stain on his thoughts, so much so that he needs alcohol to sleep. Despite this, he is willing to do what is needed to get to the bottom of the killings, no matter whose toes he has to step on!
In all, this was a great read. The only real negative I have about it was the romance that seems to be building. I felt like it is was the wrong character for Clint, but hopefully he will realise that before book 2!
J. Scott Bennett definitely knows how to perform a book like this! He gives each character their own personality and knows how to make them stand out. He also does great with the female characters and makes it so easy to follow who is talking at any given time.
I was given this free audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! The plot was intriguing and had a lot of twists and turns and I couldn't figure out who was the killer, or what exactly was going on till near the end! Poor Clint just wanted a quite life but this little town isn't going to give him that!! The characters were all well written and developed too. Clint is a deeply flawed character. His life changed forever two years ago and it's put a permanent stain on his thoughts, so much so that he needs alcohol to sleep. Despite this, he is willing to do what is needed to get to the bottom of the killings, no matter whose toes he has to step on!
In all, this was a great read. The only real negative I have about it was the romance that seems to be building. I felt like it is was the wrong character for Clint, but hopefully he will realise that before book 2!
J. Scott Bennett definitely knows how to perform a book like this! He gives each character their own personality and knows how to make them stand out. He also does great with the female characters and makes it so easy to follow who is talking at any given time.
I was given this free audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.
November 17, 2017
This is a great story of a newly appointed police chief with a heart wrenching past. His first day on the job is fraught with difficulty and you are quickly pulled into both his life and the story. Set in a backwater town, this story gives you the feel of the bayou, with three dimensional characters that have flaws, strengths and humour. The narrators smooth voice fits the story perfectly. He gives the characters individual voices and makes you feel the emotions of the characters. The story has romance, intrigue, mystery and great twists. It leaves you wanting to see where his life will lead and to hear more of the great bayou characters.
July 12, 2016
Good story but..
This book had potential but I had some issues with the main character. He kept a puppy locked in his crate continually only letting him out to "do his business", which he mentioned constantly. The whole drinking thing was unbelievable. He wouldn't have been able to function. Distracted me from a decent plotline
This book had potential but I had some issues with the main character. He kept a puppy locked in his crate continually only letting him out to "do his business", which he mentioned constantly. The whole drinking thing was unbelievable. He wouldn't have been able to function. Distracted me from a decent plotline
August 29, 2020
“Table for two?” asked the lady at the door of Hays Cain’s restaurant.
This about sums up the book.
Oh and there are 2 chapters on how Clint's dog takes a crap in his garden.
And people 'chuckle' 10 times in the book. I wanted to stop reading after the first chuckle. But I pushed on through 9 more chuckles.
This about sums up the book.
Oh and there are 2 chapters on how Clint's dog takes a crap in his garden.
And people 'chuckle' 10 times in the book. I wanted to stop reading after the first chuckle. But I pushed on through 9 more chuckles.
June 19, 2021
I Didn't like the story with its unrealistic plot(s), and I didn't like the characters, inncluding Clint. Couldn't wait to be done with it (I have a need to finish even books I am not enjoying, hoping they will have a something redeeming in the end.), and will not be reading future books by this author.
November 28, 2021
explicit sex
July 29, 2023
First 5 star I’ve given. This book was AWESOME. Great characters. Book started fast from page 1 and didn’t let up. First book in the series and left with a cliff hanger! Cannot wait to move to the next one!
January 21, 2025
This book captivated me from the start but I also have some beef with it. First of all, the entire book did not need the dog plot. It added nothing and just made me sad and wanted to stop reading at some points. Like how many times can a character let a dog outside with it adding nothing to the plot besides giving the reader anxiety!? The ending was good and surprising but also cliche?
December 18, 2015
An offended heart is the breeding ground of deception. - John Bevere
Clint Wolf went through a nightmarish time two years ago. He's just starting to get his feet back under him when he's talked into taking the job of Chief of Police in the small town of Mechant Loup, Louisiana. And his first job there has him tumbling a*s over alligators - literally.
He finds that there are secret meetings going on, people getting killed, and he's starting to think there's a big conspiracy going on behind-the-scenes. Wolf finds out that Mechant Loup isn't the quiet little backwater town he expected.
Great imagery, bigger than life characters, and true sounding law enforcement scenes made this a romp of a read. It was fast moving and kept me guessing up to the very end. It stopped on quite a cliffhanger so I'm already looking forward to the next tale in this exciting series.
NOTE: I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Clint Wolf went through a nightmarish time two years ago. He's just starting to get his feet back under him when he's talked into taking the job of Chief of Police in the small town of Mechant Loup, Louisiana. And his first job there has him tumbling a*s over alligators - literally.
He finds that there are secret meetings going on, people getting killed, and he's starting to think there's a big conspiracy going on behind-the-scenes. Wolf finds out that Mechant Loup isn't the quiet little backwater town he expected.
Great imagery, bigger than life characters, and true sounding law enforcement scenes made this a romp of a read. It was fast moving and kept me guessing up to the very end. It stopped on quite a cliffhanger so I'm already looking forward to the next tale in this exciting series.
NOTE: I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
March 9, 2018
I liked Clint Wolf, the main character; he’s so cool, calm, and mysterious. I appreciated the way the story unfolds; once readers understand one mystery, another twist gives us a new one. I made a lot of predictions throughout the story but was wrong every time. I love that.
This book also reminded me of Longmire, the Netflix series. It took a little bit to get into the book, but once I did, I had to finish it. I highly recommend But Not Forgotten.
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This book also reminded me of Longmire, the Netflix series. It took a little bit to get into the book, but once I did, I had to finish it. I highly recommend But Not Forgotten.
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December 22, 2022
one of the best
Action packed mystery with many unknown assailants…Clint begins his new sheriff duties, only to be set up. Lots of cation. Highly recommended to lovers of a good mystery.
Action packed mystery with many unknown assailants…Clint begins his new sheriff duties, only to be set up. Lots of cation. Highly recommended to lovers of a good mystery.
September 23, 2024
Quirky series that is fast paced - read on KU
This is a review of the series. I have read all the books released (31 to date). I've also read all the London Carter books. Mr. Bourg uses dialogue that must be unique to the part of Louisiana where he was raised. He uses terms not widely used in the US.
I've learned a couple of new terms from him. One unique to law enforcement. The other is pirogue, which us a type of canoe. However, the author uses it for all canoes it would seem. I've read Cajuns pronounce this term differently than others. He also says things like "the mom fussed the boy." I've never heard that said without the word "at" following "fussed." And this is said in almost every book.
Some of the books have relationship elements between Clint and a significant other. These parts are kind of cringy. They aren't well written and some of it could have been left out.
The books all need better editing, but they aren't horribly edited. He frequently misuses object pronouns as subjects and vice versa.
Most of the police procedure seems accurate with the exception of things that have to be done differently to make the book interesting. No one wants to read about waiting weeks for results to come back. One thing I don't understand is in about every 3rd book a clue leads out of town. I every case except book 31, Clint goes out of town to investigate instead of asking local LEOs to investigate. Sometimes, it makes sense, but not usually. And it is usually 2 or 3 states away. I don't mean an hour or two.
Despite all of the quirks, I like Mr. Bourg's books better than any other crime thriller books I've read through KU. His books are fast paced. The plots are interesting and unique. You don't feel like he uses a cookie cutter to produce new books.
You do start to think the little town of Merchant Loup has a high murder rate. But obviously that is unavoidable.
I highly recommend the series.
This is a review of the series. I have read all the books released (31 to date). I've also read all the London Carter books. Mr. Bourg uses dialogue that must be unique to the part of Louisiana where he was raised. He uses terms not widely used in the US.
I've learned a couple of new terms from him. One unique to law enforcement. The other is pirogue, which us a type of canoe. However, the author uses it for all canoes it would seem. I've read Cajuns pronounce this term differently than others. He also says things like "the mom fussed the boy." I've never heard that said without the word "at" following "fussed." And this is said in almost every book.
Some of the books have relationship elements between Clint and a significant other. These parts are kind of cringy. They aren't well written and some of it could have been left out.
The books all need better editing, but they aren't horribly edited. He frequently misuses object pronouns as subjects and vice versa.
Most of the police procedure seems accurate with the exception of things that have to be done differently to make the book interesting. No one wants to read about waiting weeks for results to come back. One thing I don't understand is in about every 3rd book a clue leads out of town. I every case except book 31, Clint goes out of town to investigate instead of asking local LEOs to investigate. Sometimes, it makes sense, but not usually. And it is usually 2 or 3 states away. I don't mean an hour or two.
Despite all of the quirks, I like Mr. Bourg's books better than any other crime thriller books I've read through KU. His books are fast paced. The plots are interesting and unique. You don't feel like he uses a cookie cutter to produce new books.
You do start to think the little town of Merchant Loup has a high murder rate. But obviously that is unavoidable.
I highly recommend the series.
November 13, 2017
( Format : Audiobook )
"What happened to your face?"
The first day as Chief of Police in the backwater Louisiana town of Merchant Loup wasn't as quiet as Clint Wolf had expected - an oversized alligator had taken a large dog and had to be hunted down. It does not go well and Clint spends the night in a tree, cold, miserable and covered in mosquito bites. Welcome to the new job. Things are going to get far worse.
This superbly written story sucks the reader in like the river mud of the bayou The characters, especially Wolf himself and his small police team, are completely three dimensional, with realistic dialogue and interaction. The feel of the surrounding land just oozes from the pages. And the story is pretty good, too, with fights and confrontation, murder and conspiracy, jealousy and hatred, crocodiles and a dog called Achilles. Oh, and just a twist of romance. Add in the (always) superb narration of J.Scott Bennettv whose deliciously softly accented voice perfectly fits the subject as well as bringing all the other protagonists vocally alive, and this book is as near detection as it can get. O.K. perhaps one or two tiny flaws, but way too small to matter.
This is not a slick, poster comic detective; Clint Wolf is a fully rounded, if flawed and troubled man trying slowly to regain his life. But he has kindness, loyalty, strength and a good sense of humour. He'll need all of those to get him through his first few days as Police Chief in swampy Merchant Loup.
Highly recommended.
"What happened to your face?"
The first day as Chief of Police in the backwater Louisiana town of Merchant Loup wasn't as quiet as Clint Wolf had expected - an oversized alligator had taken a large dog and had to be hunted down. It does not go well and Clint spends the night in a tree, cold, miserable and covered in mosquito bites. Welcome to the new job. Things are going to get far worse.
This superbly written story sucks the reader in like the river mud of the bayou The characters, especially Wolf himself and his small police team, are completely three dimensional, with realistic dialogue and interaction. The feel of the surrounding land just oozes from the pages. And the story is pretty good, too, with fights and confrontation, murder and conspiracy, jealousy and hatred, crocodiles and a dog called Achilles. Oh, and just a twist of romance. Add in the (always) superb narration of J.Scott Bennettv whose deliciously softly accented voice perfectly fits the subject as well as bringing all the other protagonists vocally alive, and this book is as near detection as it can get. O.K. perhaps one or two tiny flaws, but way too small to matter.
This is not a slick, poster comic detective; Clint Wolf is a fully rounded, if flawed and troubled man trying slowly to regain his life. But he has kindness, loyalty, strength and a good sense of humour. He'll need all of those to get him through his first few days as Police Chief in swampy Merchant Loup.
Highly recommended.
February 23, 2020
Clint wolf novels : Find addition to the novels that take place in Louisinia.
I haven't written a review in over a year. However; this novel was so special that I felt I had to say something. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and was immediately hooked there after. I am most definitely drawn to novels which take place in Louisinia or New Orleans . The character of Clint Wolf reminds me of Dave Robicheaux to a degree almost as haunted by his last but hasn't developed the same philosophical outlook about life in general yet. The female deputy Susan reminds me of Longmire's female deputy regarding her good looks and being tough as nails and lethal enough to take down most men. There also seems to be a little underlying sexual tension between her and Clint regardless of the relationship he was in the process of developing with the female news reporter named Chloe. The addition of the German Shepard puppy was a nice touch also given the great appeal that having a dog has become with most people recently. The loyalty Clint seems to have developed with his staff happened incredibly fast which would suggest he had great character, personality,the ability to instill a certain amount of trust in the people he works with. I have already bought the second novel in the series and intend on purchasing and enjoying every minute of reading all of them. B. J. Bourg your the man!!! And long may you reign.
I haven't written a review in over a year. However; this novel was so special that I felt I had to say something. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and was immediately hooked there after. I am most definitely drawn to novels which take place in Louisinia or New Orleans . The character of Clint Wolf reminds me of Dave Robicheaux to a degree almost as haunted by his last but hasn't developed the same philosophical outlook about life in general yet. The female deputy Susan reminds me of Longmire's female deputy regarding her good looks and being tough as nails and lethal enough to take down most men. There also seems to be a little underlying sexual tension between her and Clint regardless of the relationship he was in the process of developing with the female news reporter named Chloe. The addition of the German Shepard puppy was a nice touch also given the great appeal that having a dog has become with most people recently. The loyalty Clint seems to have developed with his staff happened incredibly fast which would suggest he had great character, personality,the ability to instill a certain amount of trust in the people he works with. I have already bought the second novel in the series and intend on purchasing and enjoying every minute of reading all of them. B. J. Bourg your the man!!! And long may you reign.
February 10, 2018
I received this audiobook in return for an honest review. I quite enjoyed the book. J Scott Bennett is a good narrator who I have listened to numerous times.
This book is obviously one of several in a series and I think that could be its only sticking point. The story ends on a cliffhanger, actually two cliffhangers in the overall book.
The plot of this book was interesting and well thought out, definitely kept you guessing until the very end. People are being killed by someone with a crossbow and arrows. Clint and his team have to find out who and why, and who might still be in danger, before the killer strikes again.
Interwoven throughout is several subplots, which is a cause for the cliffhangers. Clint is trying to move on with his life with a new girlfriend after his wife and daughter were murdered. One of his officers is being tried for use of excessive force; so both of those subplots are quite evident in the story.
I puzzled over some of the police procedurals used in the story ... the police themselves processing the crime scenes rather than having crime scene technicians process the scenes, but concluded that due to the fact that the story is set in a small town, can overlook that.
Overall, quite enjoyable, and definitely kept me guessing and listening to find out who was the killer.
This book is obviously one of several in a series and I think that could be its only sticking point. The story ends on a cliffhanger, actually two cliffhangers in the overall book.
The plot of this book was interesting and well thought out, definitely kept you guessing until the very end. People are being killed by someone with a crossbow and arrows. Clint and his team have to find out who and why, and who might still be in danger, before the killer strikes again.
Interwoven throughout is several subplots, which is a cause for the cliffhangers. Clint is trying to move on with his life with a new girlfriend after his wife and daughter were murdered. One of his officers is being tried for use of excessive force; so both of those subplots are quite evident in the story.
I puzzled over some of the police procedurals used in the story ... the police themselves processing the crime scenes rather than having crime scene technicians process the scenes, but concluded that due to the fact that the story is set in a small town, can overlook that.
Overall, quite enjoyable, and definitely kept me guessing and listening to find out who was the killer.
January 12, 2021
Take one damaged policeman (his wife and daughter were murdered in front of him), with a fondness for alcohol to help him sleep, a dog, a job as Sheriff in Mechant Loop, a giant gator, a puppy, a female deputy with no restraint when it comes to pure violence and you have 'But Not Forgotten' the first in the Clint Wolf Mystery series by B. J. Bourg.
In other hands it could rapidly descend into a mess but B. J. Bourg keeps the plotting tight from start to finish.
It's highly enjoyable in a very traditional way - and by traditional I mean that it has its own internal logic, crime is solved through investigation.
Clint is not a man given to too much deep thought but he does realise that he has a problem, he's not quite suicidal but his reactions to gunfire may not be those of a man who plans on staying alive for too long.
It does end on a cliffhanger when it doesn't need to but I assume that the loose ends will be dealt with in other books in the series.
There are some great characters, I particularly liked the practically indestructible old-timer Dexter Boudreaux and Susan Wilson, deputy, fighter and one-woman army.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am moving on straight away to the next in the series "But Not Forgotten".
In other hands it could rapidly descend into a mess but B. J. Bourg keeps the plotting tight from start to finish.
It's highly enjoyable in a very traditional way - and by traditional I mean that it has its own internal logic, crime is solved through investigation.
Clint is not a man given to too much deep thought but he does realise that he has a problem, he's not quite suicidal but his reactions to gunfire may not be those of a man who plans on staying alive for too long.
It does end on a cliffhanger when it doesn't need to but I assume that the loose ends will be dealt with in other books in the series.
There are some great characters, I particularly liked the practically indestructible old-timer Dexter Boudreaux and Susan Wilson, deputy, fighter and one-woman army.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am moving on straight away to the next in the series "But Not Forgotten".
January 3, 2018
This is my review of the audio version of the book as posted on Audible:
It's one of those suspence / crime novels that keeps you glued to the pages late at night...
It starts with a horrible incident, an unimaginable tragedy which leaves Clint Wolf scarred for life and then goes on a rollercoaster of at first seemingly unexplained and illogical events, with lots of red herrings on the way, to end with a big boom when we finally get to know the solution to all this plotting and machinations. Then it all becomes clear and we wonder why we didn't see it coming...:)
The characters are very well drawn with just a few sentences, their personalities are diverse and definitely not white and black - there are a lot of grays in all of them. We can even understand to some extent why the villains are the villains and feel, well, unwilling compassion for them...
The interpretation of the book is really good - Mr Bennett does equally well both male and female voices, and the pace of his reading is just right.
It is a definite must for all crime/suspence/mystery lovers.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
It's one of those suspence / crime novels that keeps you glued to the pages late at night...
It starts with a horrible incident, an unimaginable tragedy which leaves Clint Wolf scarred for life and then goes on a rollercoaster of at first seemingly unexplained and illogical events, with lots of red herrings on the way, to end with a big boom when we finally get to know the solution to all this plotting and machinations. Then it all becomes clear and we wonder why we didn't see it coming...:)
The characters are very well drawn with just a few sentences, their personalities are diverse and definitely not white and black - there are a lot of grays in all of them. We can even understand to some extent why the villains are the villains and feel, well, unwilling compassion for them...
The interpretation of the book is really good - Mr Bennett does equally well both male and female voices, and the pace of his reading is just right.
It is a definite must for all crime/suspence/mystery lovers.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 31, 2025
Notes to self: CH. 1: Why can’t i find a book without one annoying character? Michele, damn girl. Annoying stickler for rules. Thanks to her, Clint didn’t have his ccw when the restaurant was robbed & wife & daughter were murdered.
Lots of grammar errors. Story moves between 1st person & 3rd person within a single paragraph. Really written poorly.
CH 3: Clint has horribly bad luck. If 16 40 cal bullets won’t stop a 100 lb alligator does he really think throwing his glock at it will. What an idiot. I hope this series isn’t as dumb as book 1.
Story improved with the gator hunter & introduction of Achilles.
Clint is a terrible dog owner. No dog should be left crated all day long. Horrible ending for Achilles the dog; got shot (but didn’t die) by SWAT cuz Clint left him home alone again. Clint has no right to be mad. He’s a total screwup alcoholic. I hate reading about AH alcoholics (sober 35+ years).
Storyline wasn’t really a mystery, sure there were twists but they were predictable; it was pretty easy to figure out. Not sure if i will continue to read this series
Placed on dnf shelf for easy access because it was really terrible (but i did finish the book)
Lots of grammar errors. Story moves between 1st person & 3rd person within a single paragraph. Really written poorly.
CH 3: Clint has horribly bad luck. If 16 40 cal bullets won’t stop a 100 lb alligator does he really think throwing his glock at it will. What an idiot. I hope this series isn’t as dumb as book 1.
Story improved with the gator hunter & introduction of Achilles.
Clint is a terrible dog owner. No dog should be left crated all day long. Horrible ending for Achilles the dog; got shot (but didn’t die) by SWAT cuz Clint left him home alone again. Clint has no right to be mad. He’s a total screwup alcoholic. I hate reading about AH alcoholics (sober 35+ years).
Storyline wasn’t really a mystery, sure there were twists but they were predictable; it was pretty easy to figure out. Not sure if i will continue to read this series
Placed on dnf shelf for easy access because it was really terrible (but i did finish the book)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2023
A solid 4 stars.
This is the first I have read by B.J. Bourg and I will be reading the next in this series. The writing is easy to relate to and the plot interesting enough to stay involved with. Clint Wolf is an interesting character with both flaws, survivor guilt, but a good man.
The story begins with Clint Wolf starting his first day as Chief of Police for a small Louisiana town. His first action is to meet with a woman about a giant gator. That giant gator ends up getting the better of him and his guide when they are out in the swamp hunting it. That mishap leads to another body and that body leads to a deepening mystery. As more bodies are found and seemed somehow tied together, Clint becomes haunted by past misery of his wife and daughter's deaths.
When the governor is about to arrive at the small town for a ceremony honoring the deaths of six of the towns young men and women serving in the National Guard, the mysteries come together.
An enjoyable read that I will be continue into the next in the series.
This is the first I have read by B.J. Bourg and I will be reading the next in this series. The writing is easy to relate to and the plot interesting enough to stay involved with. Clint Wolf is an interesting character with both flaws, survivor guilt, but a good man.
The story begins with Clint Wolf starting his first day as Chief of Police for a small Louisiana town. His first action is to meet with a woman about a giant gator. That giant gator ends up getting the better of him and his guide when they are out in the swamp hunting it. That mishap leads to another body and that body leads to a deepening mystery. As more bodies are found and seemed somehow tied together, Clint becomes haunted by past misery of his wife and daughter's deaths.
When the governor is about to arrive at the small town for a ceremony honoring the deaths of six of the towns young men and women serving in the National Guard, the mysteries come together.
An enjoyable read that I will be continue into the next in the series.
June 19, 2018
I really love this series and the narrator sounds just like I imagine Clint Wolf would sound if he was a real live person. This book did not disappoint. It has 2 things going on with it. First why is the DA gunning for Suzanne, and secondly an archery killer ! Think you know who the killer is? Guess again. I was surprised when I finally worked out whom it was. I love the small town aspect of these stories having grown up in the country so it really connects me further. A good author and a good narrator equals a cozy book to crawl into. Suzanne plays a bigger role in this story and it’s not what you think it is. That was a twist and a surprise for me. Gonna start book 3, yay I’m excited. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Oh, this is not a cozy mystery in that it’s fun to read; it’s real life realism. It’s got some violence that is very tolerable and a lot of mystery.
December 17, 2017
Clint is the new sheriff in a small LA town. Two years ago he his wife and daughter during an armed robbery at a restaurant. His 2nd day on the job and he’s on the bayou responding to a crocodile attack...that turns out to be quite an adventure! Then a crocodile is killed and an arm is discovered in its stomach...now the hunt is on for the missing man. Throw in a sweet reporter, who seems to care for Clint, former sheriff with a grudge, someone taking potshots, literally...and there isn’t a dull moment. Clint is also using alcohol to treat his PTSD. The murder of a high government official casts suspicion on Clint and the suspense really ramps up...you’ll never guess the mastermind behind it all. Truly an excellent book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
April 30, 2019
The author sure knows how to grab the reader and get their attention...brutal murder followed by alligator attack! And the first book in the Clint Wolf series is off and running!
Our hero has some majorly unresolved issues when he takes a new job as a police chief in a small Louisiana town. There is intrigue afoot and the author deftly takes us through the storyline with lots of red herrings. There are several elements that just don’t work for me (a non-curious reporter?!) but it’s the author’s attempt to serve the storyline. Unfortunately it just doesn’t ring true and therefore interferes with the story for me.
I did deduce the bad guy before the reveal because it was one of those things that didn’t ring true but the climax is shocking and leads right into book two. Strongly recommend.
Our hero has some majorly unresolved issues when he takes a new job as a police chief in a small Louisiana town. There is intrigue afoot and the author deftly takes us through the storyline with lots of red herrings. There are several elements that just don’t work for me (a non-curious reporter?!) but it’s the author’s attempt to serve the storyline. Unfortunately it just doesn’t ring true and therefore interferes with the story for me.
I did deduce the bad guy before the reveal because it was one of those things that didn’t ring true but the climax is shocking and leads right into book two. Strongly recommend.
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