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Basin 63
In the arid Idaho desert, water is power—and murder is profitable.
Philip Chandler thought he’d traded Boston’s violent headlines for small-town tranquility when he took over The Fremont Herald. But that illusion shatters when a prominent couple is brutally killed, pulling Philip back into a world of ruthless avarice. His investigation leads to Basin 63, the underground aquifer that holds all of the valley’s water, and a controversial desert development backed by powerful figures determined to protect their secrets at any cost. Exposing the truth won’t just threaten Philip’s paper—it could cost him his life.
Justice dries up faster than desert rain in this gripping crime thriller by Scott McIntosh. Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly and C.J. Box.
Philip Chandler thought he’d traded Boston’s violent headlines for small-town tranquility when he took over The Fremont Herald. But that illusion shatters when a prominent couple is brutally killed, pulling Philip back into a world of ruthless avarice. His investigation leads to Basin 63, the underground aquifer that holds all of the valley’s water, and a controversial desert development backed by powerful figures determined to protect their secrets at any cost. Exposing the truth won’t just threaten Philip’s paper—it could cost him his life.
Justice dries up faster than desert rain in this gripping crime thriller by Scott McIntosh. Perfect for fans of Michael Connelly and C.J. Box.
- GenresThriller
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2025
31 people are currently reading
1305 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 5, 2025
This was a fun, old-school who-dun-it. Replace the haggard detective with a curious weekly newspaper editor/publisher. Sub the gothic streets of a major metropolis for a rural town within reach of a mid-sized western city and you've got yourself a mystery that calls to mind the musings of Mickey Spillane.
A quick read with easy prose and interesting characters. Well done!
I received an advance reader copy of this book and have offered my own opinion.
A quick read with easy prose and interesting characters. Well done!
I received an advance reader copy of this book and have offered my own opinion.
August 21, 2025
I won this book in a giveaway!
I don’t think I would’ve ever expected to enjoy a book where the main premise revolves water rights and developments in Idaho, of all places. But here I am! Fast paced and mostly likable characters. I was on the verge of being very upset about the ending when I remembered it’s the first in a series!!
I don’t think I would’ve ever expected to enjoy a book where the main premise revolves water rights and developments in Idaho, of all places. But here I am! Fast paced and mostly likable characters. I was on the verge of being very upset about the ending when I remembered it’s the first in a series!!
August 11, 2025
Don't interrupt my reading of this book
Wow! I read it front to back in 2 days! I was so absorbed by the plot that I got irritated at people who interrupted my reading. Being a Boisean, this was fun to see such accurate descriptions of Boise landmarks (without giving a spoiler away, I cannot confirm the accuracy of one location because I've never been there). It is a perfect book for reading poolside or on vacation. I give it a solid 11 out of 10
Wow! I read it front to back in 2 days! I was so absorbed by the plot that I got irritated at people who interrupted my reading. Being a Boisean, this was fun to see such accurate descriptions of Boise landmarks (without giving a spoiler away, I cannot confirm the accuracy of one location because I've never been there). It is a perfect book for reading poolside or on vacation. I give it a solid 11 out of 10
August 6, 2025
This is a solid investigative mystery. Phillip Chandler is the owner and sole journalist of his small town Idaho weekly newspaper. When an elderly couple are murdered in their home, his investigation into the murder leads to a shocking revelation of corruption and greed. His investigation highlights the complexity and controversy of water rights in the high desert and the lengths unscrupulous individuals will go to in order to access that water.
August 16, 2025
(actually 3.5 stars; Goodreads, PLEASE give us the ability to half-star on our ratings!)
This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I have to say, it was a fun introduction! The topic about property water rights was totally new territory for me, and as a driver for the mystery, I enjoyed learning about something so far off my usual radar.
I also liked that the main character is a journalist, which made for a nice change from your standard police or investigator lead. That fresh perspective added something different to the story.
There were a few moments, though, that pulled me out of the narrative a bit. The book is mostly told in first person, but every now and then, it slips into a third person viewpoint to cover plot points outside what our main character knows. While it's an interesting technique, I did find that it would pull me out of the focus for a little bit for the way I typically read.
That, along with another shift at the end (can't say more—spoilers!), is the entirely subjective reason why I rounded my rating down instead of up. Still, I'd definitely be interested in reading more from Scott McIntosh in the future.
(but also, Goodreads, thank you for providing an opportunity to receive this through your Giveaways!)
This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I have to say, it was a fun introduction! The topic about property water rights was totally new territory for me, and as a driver for the mystery, I enjoyed learning about something so far off my usual radar.
I also liked that the main character is a journalist, which made for a nice change from your standard police or investigator lead. That fresh perspective added something different to the story.
There were a few moments, though, that pulled me out of the narrative a bit. The book is mostly told in first person, but every now and then, it slips into a third person viewpoint to cover plot points outside what our main character knows. While it's an interesting technique, I did find that it would pull me out of the focus for a little bit for the way I typically read.
That, along with another shift at the end (can't say more—spoilers!), is the entirely subjective reason why I rounded my rating down instead of up. Still, I'd definitely be interested in reading more from Scott McIntosh in the future.
(but also, Goodreads, thank you for providing an opportunity to receive this through your Giveaways!)
July 23, 2025
This was a GoodReads giveaway win or a Kindle ebook.
My bad. I skimmed through the synopsis before entering the giveaway contest. Our protagonist is Philip Chandler, but I read it as Philip Marlowe by Raymond Chandler. So it is a totally different set of characters than I expected. Oh well, I was still a lucky winner and I am giving it a read.
Oh, a delightful read. Well thought out plot. I know a little about water law, so as it started introducing the issue I started questioning the accuracy, but it was expanded to a reasonable storyline approach. I did question how our hero could overlook the most obvious "deep throat" suspect for so long, but I guess that is why Clark Kent couldn't possibly be Superman.
The ending seemed slightly abrupt. It did not have the ironic and witty "gotcha" I so like, but as in life things sometimes just happen. The end does lend itself to additional unconstricted future storylines.
This is a hero you can enjoy reading. I know I did. I will look forward to more adventures with Philip Chandler.
Have a GoodReads.
My bad. I skimmed through the synopsis before entering the giveaway contest. Our protagonist is Philip Chandler, but I read it as Philip Marlowe by Raymond Chandler. So it is a totally different set of characters than I expected. Oh well, I was still a lucky winner and I am giving it a read.
Oh, a delightful read. Well thought out plot. I know a little about water law, so as it started introducing the issue I started questioning the accuracy, but it was expanded to a reasonable storyline approach. I did question how our hero could overlook the most obvious "deep throat" suspect for so long, but I guess that is why Clark Kent couldn't possibly be Superman.
The ending seemed slightly abrupt. It did not have the ironic and witty "gotcha" I so like, but as in life things sometimes just happen. The end does lend itself to additional unconstricted future storylines.
This is a hero you can enjoy reading. I know I did. I will look forward to more adventures with Philip Chandler.
Have a GoodReads.
August 7, 2025
Basin 63 starts with a bored Phillip, journalist and owner of a small newspaper in a small town Fremont, then he moves into action after learning that a couple, elder owners of a farm, have been shot and killed in their home. He'll start digging and discover that everything is tied to the Basin 63, a huge water reservoir and land developers. His investigation will give him more information and details that will put his life in danger but he'll proceed to bring the truth to light only to discover that nothing will change. Great plot, full of mystery and intrigue, fast-paced and well-written. Looking forward to reading what will come next!
I thank the author and his publisher for this ARC.
I thank the author and his publisher for this ARC.
August 5, 2025
This is a mystery/thriller book. Philip Chandler moved from being a journalist in Boston to a small town to be a local newspaper editor. It’s time for the quiet life. That was until two people were murdered. He goes to the scene so he can write the story but then starts to investigate further. His investigation leads him to Basin 63 where the town’s water is and he finds himself in the midst of a problem. He finds out things he shouldn’t have and it puts him in danger. I enjoyed this story of mystery and intrigue. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.
July 20, 2025
Thank you, Goodreads, Scott McIntosh, and Ten Hut Media for a free ARC of this enjoyable thriller! This was a fast-paced story involving a newspaper owner/investigative journalist, a greedy and manipulative land developer, murder and politics, with just a hint of romance. The complexities of water rights in Idaho are at the heart of the story and give the book its intriguing title. I will be watching for the next book in this series!
August 8, 2025
A property development thriller (?) was a first for me. While land purchasing and the intricacies of water rights and property development don't interest me, the author did his best to explain them clearly and keep things moving. I think by the end I almost understood how water rights work. 😆 I found the parts about journalism and the newspaper business interesting so I might pick up another Phillip Chandler story in the future.
August 5, 2025
I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. This is the first book I’ve read from this author. The characters are all believable and well developed. The story involves an investigative reporter searching for information on water rights cases. This involved murders and other crimes. I was disappointed in the ending but, I guess that’s how politics works.
August 6, 2025
This book was well written and to my surprise, the author is also a journalist. The book is about a journalist, owner of his own newspaper, who is investigating a small town murder. He uncovers secrets along the way. I recommend this book as it keeps you guessing.
August 7, 2025
Overall, an ok tale. Some noir, old school detective/Perry Mason-esque tones. Reads quickly. Also ends quickly, even abruptly.
August 10, 2025
Philip was quite the detective in this book. Was a good story about what people in higher positions will do to get their way. Great book!
August 5, 2025
An thriller that grips like desert heat.
Scott McIntosh’s Basin 63 is a riveting debut that blends investigative grit with the stark beauty and danger of the Idaho desert. At the heart of the story is Philip Chandler, a former Boston journalist turned small-town newspaper editor, whose pursuit of truth leads him into a tangled web of murder, corruption, and environmental intrigue.
Scott McIntosh’s Basin 63 is a riveting debut that blends investigative grit with the stark beauty and danger of the Idaho desert. At the heart of the story is Philip Chandler, a former Boston journalist turned small-town newspaper editor, whose pursuit of truth leads him into a tangled web of murder, corruption, and environmental intrigue.
August 11, 2025
I was recently provided the opportunity to read the exciting debut novel of Scott McIntosh by the fine folks at Thrillerfix and for that I would to extend my thanks. It was published by Ten Hut Media and was released on 5 August 2025.
"Basin 63" by Scott McIntosh is a gripping crime thriller set in the arid Idaho desert, where water is power and secrets are deadly. The story follows Phillip Chandler, a newspaper editor who gets pulled into a murder investigation that uncovers a conspiracy surrounding Basin 63, the region's underground aquifer, and a controversial development project.
The novel centers around the murder of a prominent couple and the subsequent investigation by Phillip Chandler, leading him to uncover a conspiracy related to Basin 63 and a powerful group seeking to protect their interests.
When a former Boston-based journalist, Philip Chandler, moves to Idaho and becomes the editor for a weekly-released small town newspaper to continue his quest for truth and stumbles upon a tale ultimately detailing government corruption when he hears of the murder of a local couple on his police scanner. He immediately travels to the scene and meets up with the police chief who shows him the crime scene. Phillip returns to his office and writes up the article and inserts it into the paper was was currently in the process of being published.
Phillip wonders why these two simple people were murdered and begins his own investigation. Using a piece of evidence he was shown; he begins his mission. Once he gets a lead and begins, he discovers that there is more to the story than he originally thought. Follow along and read of steps Phillip took as he discovered what rationale was used in killing those people.
I found this book to be a relatively quick read with easy prose and interesting characters. The only real drawback that I could find with this book was that the ending seemed slightly abrupt. It did not have the ironic and witty "gotcha" I so like, but as in life things sometimes just happen. The end does lend itself to additional unrestricted future storylines.
Overall on my self-determined five-star scale, I would give this book a solid three and a half stars (which rounds up to four stars on Goodreads) as it was a solid read with hints of a pretty good mystery with some local and state level political machinations.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents' worth.
"Basin 63" by Scott McIntosh is a gripping crime thriller set in the arid Idaho desert, where water is power and secrets are deadly. The story follows Phillip Chandler, a newspaper editor who gets pulled into a murder investigation that uncovers a conspiracy surrounding Basin 63, the region's underground aquifer, and a controversial development project.
The novel centers around the murder of a prominent couple and the subsequent investigation by Phillip Chandler, leading him to uncover a conspiracy related to Basin 63 and a powerful group seeking to protect their interests.
When a former Boston-based journalist, Philip Chandler, moves to Idaho and becomes the editor for a weekly-released small town newspaper to continue his quest for truth and stumbles upon a tale ultimately detailing government corruption when he hears of the murder of a local couple on his police scanner. He immediately travels to the scene and meets up with the police chief who shows him the crime scene. Phillip returns to his office and writes up the article and inserts it into the paper was was currently in the process of being published.
Phillip wonders why these two simple people were murdered and begins his own investigation. Using a piece of evidence he was shown; he begins his mission. Once he gets a lead and begins, he discovers that there is more to the story than he originally thought. Follow along and read of steps Phillip took as he discovered what rationale was used in killing those people.
I found this book to be a relatively quick read with easy prose and interesting characters. The only real drawback that I could find with this book was that the ending seemed slightly abrupt. It did not have the ironic and witty "gotcha" I so like, but as in life things sometimes just happen. The end does lend itself to additional unrestricted future storylines.
Overall on my self-determined five-star scale, I would give this book a solid three and a half stars (which rounds up to four stars on Goodreads) as it was a solid read with hints of a pretty good mystery with some local and state level political machinations.
As with all my literary ramblings, these are just my five cents' worth.
July 20, 2025
I received an ARC through "Severn River" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Phillip who has purchased a paper in Fremont, Idaho after being released from his job because of staff reductions. Phillip is listening to his scanner when he hears of a scene where two individuals were killed. He immediately travels to the scene and meets up with the police chief who shows him the crime scene. Phillip returns to his office and writes up the article and inserts it into the paper was was currently in the process of being published.
Phillip wonders why these two simple people were murdered and begins his own investigation. Using a piece of evidence he was shown; he begins his mission. Once he gets a lead and begins, he discovers that there is more to the story than he originally thought. Follow along and read of steps Phillip took as he discovered what rationale was used in killing those people.
The detail that the author describes is well done and when you get to the end, it will answer any questions that you had. This is definitely a book well worth reading!
This story begins with Phillip who has purchased a paper in Fremont, Idaho after being released from his job because of staff reductions. Phillip is listening to his scanner when he hears of a scene where two individuals were killed. He immediately travels to the scene and meets up with the police chief who shows him the crime scene. Phillip returns to his office and writes up the article and inserts it into the paper was was currently in the process of being published.
Phillip wonders why these two simple people were murdered and begins his own investigation. Using a piece of evidence he was shown; he begins his mission. Once he gets a lead and begins, he discovers that there is more to the story than he originally thought. Follow along and read of steps Phillip took as he discovered what rationale was used in killing those people.
The detail that the author describes is well done and when you get to the end, it will answer any questions that you had. This is definitely a book well worth reading!
September 25, 2025
A great read by new author Scott McIntosh
Scott McIntosh offers the reader a look into the difficult world of a Journalist today. Philip Chandler is a one man show and a man of contradictions. He is both cynical and an idealist. He is a man comfortable with solitude, but makes others feel comfortable enough to trust with their secrets. This is the kind of book you are sad to finish because you miss the characters. Scott brought Iowa and its inhabitants to life. I especially enjoyed Philips take on Catholicism, the world of politics, and small town life. Basin 63 is a phenomenal mystery. I can't wait to read the next installment or whatever Scott McIntosh chooses to write next.
Scott McIntosh offers the reader a look into the difficult world of a Journalist today. Philip Chandler is a one man show and a man of contradictions. He is both cynical and an idealist. He is a man comfortable with solitude, but makes others feel comfortable enough to trust with their secrets. This is the kind of book you are sad to finish because you miss the characters. Scott brought Iowa and its inhabitants to life. I especially enjoyed Philips take on Catholicism, the world of politics, and small town life. Basin 63 is a phenomenal mystery. I can't wait to read the next installment or whatever Scott McIntosh chooses to write next.
July 31, 2025
Scott McIntosh has crafted an addictive mystery novel featuring Philip Chandler — part reporter, part detective, relentless in his pursuit of the truth. McIntosh’s storytelling is smart and assured, weaving together murder, greed, corruption and power into a credible and compelling narrative. He’s a skillful writer who keeps you guessing, keeps you thinking and leaves you eager for what comes next.
July 19, 2025
An amazing story from a first time author for me. Philip thought becoming a small town editor would be the perfect life. Little did he suspect the danger it would put him in. Don’t miss out on this intriguing story.
October 10, 2025
Thriller? Be very hard to call the book that. Just a ho-hum running back and forth between people and places to piece together a very mediocre set of circumstances.
December 22, 2025
Audio book - yawn. If I had drank every time he said water rights, I’d need to check into rehab. Don’t waste your time.
October 9, 2025
This book is a great read! It reminded me of when we had true journalistic investigations and reporting. Truth seekers and reporters truly made a difference in our lives and the world. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the suspense. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews