The Last Beat: A Jon Marzett Adventure

Jon Marzett Adventure #1

by Bruno Miller

After years of working the streets of Miami, veteran detective Jon Marzett craves a quieter life. Taking a job as sheriff in the sleepy town of Big Pine Key seems like the perfect place to wind down his career.

But the town harbors dark secrets and corruption festers deep below the surface of what seems like paradise. Jon soon finds himself thrust into a battle against a powerful cartel determined to maintain its grip on his new hometown.

With his loyal dog, Max, by his side and the help of his sharp-witted deputy, Alvarez, Jon uncovers a dangerous web of violence and betrayal that reaches far beyond the peaceful facade of Big Pine Key. Each step closer to the truth brings him face-to-face with ruthless enemies who will stop at nothing to protect their empire.

As the stakes rise, Jon is forced to confront his past and push the limits of his resolve in a fight that could cost him everything. Caught between the life he wants and the battle he can’t walk away from, Jon must decide how far he’s willing to go to protect the people of Big Pine Key—and whether peace is something he’ll ever truly find.

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Crime

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2025

Reviews

[CanditheBookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was a struggle. It started off good and then I really had a hard time. The plot was predictable, the characters lacked depth, and it turned juvenile. I lost count how many times the words “cartel” and “cartel soldiers” were used. It was so far from typical police procedures I wanted to scream. I know it’s fiction, but seriously how many bad guys did the Sheriff kill in a matter of a couple of weeks? No administrative leave, no standard procedures, just bang bang another one down. I only finished to make sure Max didn’t die. I won’t be continuing on this journey :(

[Nancy L · Rating 3 out of 5]

One reviewer stated how well developed the characters were in this novel. I have to disagree. Character development was lacking, as well as storyline development. It seemed to leap forward with assumptions and occurrences that could not have happened in real-time. Additionally in what universe does a small town sheriff have so many deputies that it's as if he is part of a very large county in the state of Texas? At the beginning of the story only 7 deputies were mentioned. They seem to have multiplied exponentially at some point through the storyline developing the skills of Navy Seals or something. My other disagreement is these small town deputies were suddenly put in charge of a major cartel bust acting with the FBI and the FBI takes a backseat to the whole thing??? Nope! Not ever in a million years would this happen. But it's fiction, so I guess you can do what you want with the storyline. It was just a hard sell for me. I don't think I will continue the series.

[Matt Egan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional foray into a new genre!

The Last Beat is the 1st Jon Marzett adventure and it's an exceptional work of fiction. From the 1st word of the prologue to the last word, I couldn't put it down! It may be different from Miller's post-apocalyptic fiction, but it still has the pacing and creative mayhem that makes his books so enjoyable. Add in flawed, yet multidimensional, characters, an extended denouement, and you have quite the fun ride. Highly recommended for fans of Bruno Miller and anyone who enjoys a perfectly constructed thriller! 5/5 stars and a highly promising introduction to a new series!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice blend of adventure, thriller and a little bit of cozy. I loved the setting. Jon is the new sheriff in town. Unbeknownst to him, there's corruption in the department, and town. who can he trust? especially those that he will be working closely with. There's characters you will love and characters you will love to hate. It's an uphill battle reaching far and wide.

This is my favorite narrator! He can do any voices and never disappoints.

[Jackie Martello · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s started out strong but couldn’t sustain the momentum. I like the courage of the protagonist, but It got repetitive and a bit mundane and even a little hokey. I kept getting the feeling that he was writing the story with his targeted audience being middle school boys. I finished it, but I was hoping for a little more. Not a bad book, but completely forgettable. Its hard out here finding really good thriller stories.

[Jennifer Bollnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good solid mystery. A detective leaves a busy city to slow down and take a sheriff position in a small town. Things are not always what they seem. He soon discovers that a small town doesn't always mean less work. What is going on in Big Pine Key, who is behind it, and who can he trust? I love the grizzled old cop and his trusty partner, his dog, Max.

[Dee Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good!!

This was a really good book!! I loved the tropical setting and all the action! It’s nonstop action! I love these type of books, good guys against the bad ones. Very well written and loved the narration! Look forward to reading more from this author!!

[Jeff Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jon Marzett leaves 20 years of police work in Miami to become sheriff of the quiet torof Big Pine Keys, he runs smack dab into a drug cartel. He and his K-9 Max have their work cut out for them. But who can he trust in the department to help him? Very interesting first book in the series.

[Kathy Jonas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. The spoiler alert is in the comments.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I think Bruno Miller is the best author of this category. I am a dog owner and lover. The dog doesn't die.

[KerryO · Rating 4 out of 5]

A move from Miami detective to a slower-paced Gulf town Sheriff seems like a dream, until the reality of Florida drug dealers sets in. Fast paced - enjoyable characters - hope to learn more about Jon's new job and town.

[G S · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE LAST BEAT.

Well that was different, but very enjoyable. To bad the world has to deal with all the crap that goes on but thankful for people like Jon.

[Amber K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific mystery!
Detective Jon Marzett was such a good character, and I hope the author writes more stories for him!! This story was fast-paced and action-packed!! In a way, this reminded me of the movie The Last Stand. Fantastic audio narration and recommended listen!!

[John Halajko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminded me of the old westerns we used to see new sheriff in town gos against the bad guys cleans up the town! Jon needs a love interest, love the dog…next

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time with this book it started good but the characters lacked depth, it was predictable and I hated the end nonsense

[Kathy Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading

This was an enjoyable book. The storyline was interesting ke
pt you alert. Can't wait for the next one to follow

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Great book. Full of excitement and suspense. Could not put down. Audio narration was also five star. Would recommend. Wish there were another book.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected better from this writer.

[Jkane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't adequately describe my apathy for this novel. The story had plenty of action, a good plot, a great villain(s), but it just lacked depth.

[brian andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed the book, yes needs a bit of editing, but hey,sometimes you just want an old fashioned cops & bad guys read, this is it. Dispell some realities and just enjoy the fiction.

[Emma Di Pietro · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn’t finish! Just a little boring for me!

[Donna J. Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fan. A tiny community with how many deputies? And the new sheriff takes on a cartel and kills how many? I found the action going on and on and kind of silly. I did love the dog.

[Sharli Kaltenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small doesn't mean quiet

Jon thought moving to a small town outside Miami was perfect for his last few years before retirement. Crooked cops, politicians and drug runners had different plans for him. A good read