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Kurt Hunter Mysteries #2
Backwater Channel
You’d think a nuclear power plant was dangerous enough …
That’s what special agent Kurt Hunter thought until, while out fishing, he witnesses a murder at the Turkey Point nuclear power plant. After being assigned the case, Kurt is pulled into the convoluted politics of Miami only to find out that the embattled power plant is only a pawn in a more deadly game.
Greed and corruption are nothing new to pristine Biscayne Bay. With the plant's miles of cooling canals providing essential habitat for several endangered species, Kurt is thrown into a rift between warring environmentalists and power-hungry corporate executives all trying to advance their own agendas.
That’s what special agent Kurt Hunter thought until, while out fishing, he witnesses a murder at the Turkey Point nuclear power plant. After being assigned the case, Kurt is pulled into the convoluted politics of Miami only to find out that the embattled power plant is only a pawn in a more deadly game.
Greed and corruption are nothing new to pristine Biscayne Bay. With the plant's miles of cooling canals providing essential habitat for several endangered species, Kurt is thrown into a rift between warring environmentalists and power-hungry corporate executives all trying to advance their own agendas.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2018
630 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 7, 2022
Backwater Channel By Steven Becker (Kurt Hunter 2)
The second book in the series and even though it has been over a year since I read Book 1 (Backwater Bay) I fell back into this world like a well worn pair of favourite slippers, Hunter is a likeable fella and Becker writes him so well and really brings the location of Biscayne Bay to life.
This time round the story takes place around a nuclear power plant where politics, greed and murder all play a part.
At only 200 odd pages Becker packs those with so much story and action that he has to be commended, I was hooked from page one and finished this in no time at all the story is tight the book moves a long at a blistering pace and all the characters leap from the page this is a series I shall be returning to again and again.
Outstanding read well worth your time and hard-earned cash.
The second book in the series and even though it has been over a year since I read Book 1 (Backwater Bay) I fell back into this world like a well worn pair of favourite slippers, Hunter is a likeable fella and Becker writes him so well and really brings the location of Biscayne Bay to life.
This time round the story takes place around a nuclear power plant where politics, greed and murder all play a part.
At only 200 odd pages Becker packs those with so much story and action that he has to be commended, I was hooked from page one and finished this in no time at all the story is tight the book moves a long at a blistering pace and all the characters leap from the page this is a series I shall be returning to again and again.
Outstanding read well worth your time and hard-earned cash.
July 11, 2018
Kurt is at it again he never has a problem with finding dead bodies they seem to call to him. What is finds is shocking and horrifying, I had trouble getting the pictures out of my head. To be killed is one thing but by a crocodile is something mind-blowing and what is even more mind-blowing is there isn’t a reason for them to be in this area. It is Kurt’s job to find out who and why, while dealing with a lazy boss who isn’t buying any of it. The bodies are adding up, can he find the killer before another life is lost?
I have come to love this narrator he pulls you in with the danger, unbelievable story and makes you believe every word. He takes you on a wonderful adventure with horrible outcomes and makes you enjoy them all. Character voices are wonderful both male and female are good, he gives wonderful tones and emotions making the characters believable. I always know what is going on, who is talking and what they are feeling. He always makes my heart beat faster when there is danger giving just enough pause to get you ready for whatever is to come your way. There were no background noises, no volume changes and if any breaks were taken I could not tell. The audio is very clean and clear giving you hours of enjoyment that holds your attention why keeping you guessing and on the edge. I am really looking forward to listening to more of his work.
This series has given me some nightmares, and are getting a little too close to real life. There is no doubt the author is a wonderful storyteller pulling you in leaving you with your mouth hung open. Shocking yet thrilling scenes that hold your attention making it hard to put the book down. With this one I found my hand over my mouth as I took in the detail given of the crocodile attack and how it all plays out. It was one heck of a ride that still makes my heart race just typing the review. It was interesting to see how it all came together leaving a lasting impression when it was over. I really am I looking forward to the next book.
I have come to love this narrator he pulls you in with the danger, unbelievable story and makes you believe every word. He takes you on a wonderful adventure with horrible outcomes and makes you enjoy them all. Character voices are wonderful both male and female are good, he gives wonderful tones and emotions making the characters believable. I always know what is going on, who is talking and what they are feeling. He always makes my heart beat faster when there is danger giving just enough pause to get you ready for whatever is to come your way. There were no background noises, no volume changes and if any breaks were taken I could not tell. The audio is very clean and clear giving you hours of enjoyment that holds your attention why keeping you guessing and on the edge. I am really looking forward to listening to more of his work.
This series has given me some nightmares, and are getting a little too close to real life. There is no doubt the author is a wonderful storyteller pulling you in leaving you with your mouth hung open. Shocking yet thrilling scenes that hold your attention making it hard to put the book down. With this one I found my hand over my mouth as I took in the detail given of the crocodile attack and how it all plays out. It was one heck of a ride that still makes my heart race just typing the review. It was interesting to see how it all came together leaving a lasting impression when it was over. I really am I looking forward to the next book.
February 15, 2018
NUCLEAR POWER & ENVIRONMENTALISTS
As the decades long battle regarding the safety of nuclear power and the perceived threat to the environment continues, someone is attempting to shutdown the Florida Power & Light Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant.
Kurt Hunter, a US Parks Service Special Agent, has been transferred from the Plumas National Forest in Northern California after helping to shut down a major marijuana grow setup in the National Forest as cover, to the Biscayne National Park. Kurt loves to fish, and bad guys love to dispose of bodies by feeding the fish.
Kurt, his girlfriend, Justine, and his nemesis, Susan McLeash find themselves working with the Miami-Dade law enforcement to find who is throwing environmentalists into the Power Plant’s water cooling canals to feed the American Crocodiles that thrive in the canals, much to the chagrin of Kurt’s immediate Supervisor, special agent in charge. Roy Martinez.
This was another of Steven Becker’s “I can’t put it down” Kurt Hunter mysteries.
As the decades long battle regarding the safety of nuclear power and the perceived threat to the environment continues, someone is attempting to shutdown the Florida Power & Light Turkey Point Nuclear Power Plant.
Kurt Hunter, a US Parks Service Special Agent, has been transferred from the Plumas National Forest in Northern California after helping to shut down a major marijuana grow setup in the National Forest as cover, to the Biscayne National Park. Kurt loves to fish, and bad guys love to dispose of bodies by feeding the fish.
Kurt, his girlfriend, Justine, and his nemesis, Susan McLeash find themselves working with the Miami-Dade law enforcement to find who is throwing environmentalists into the Power Plant’s water cooling canals to feed the American Crocodiles that thrive in the canals, much to the chagrin of Kurt’s immediate Supervisor, special agent in charge. Roy Martinez.
This was another of Steven Becker’s “I can’t put it down” Kurt Hunter mysteries.
March 8, 2018
Our hero is somewhat socially challenged but has definite survival skills and is quite good at his job. Turns out he is also quite an able investigator as he keeps getting snarled up in issues--like dead bodies--that shouldn't be but keep falling into his jurisdiction. He has an interesting time with live bodies, too despite his shortcomings (see initial premise). You'll have your own fun as you delve into the story. Of course, if you've read the earlier Kurt Hunter books you'll have more details on the earlier events which pertain, but they are more than adequately explained within this novel, letting it stand alone quite nicely. I really see this as a TV series rather than a movie franchise (Miami Vice meets Hawaii 5-0?)--there is plenty of action and adventure and gorgeous scenery with intriguing plot and likable characters.
April 14, 2018
Steven Becker has a winner in Kurt Hunter's Backwater series. Backwater Channel, his second installment, is a real page turner. Politics, ambition, jealousy, dead bodies and mangroves all make for an interesting mix. Then there's Kurt's girlfriend Justine, who would rather have a dead body to investigate than a dozen roses any time Kurt needs to make amends for screwing up. Fortunately for him, there never seems to be a shortage of those when he needs one. After all, it's south Florida!
Having spent a bit of time on the water there, I can say that Becker absolutely nails his description of the area around Biscayne Bay. Also, his depiction of hunting the Grey Ghosts (bonefish) of the bay is dead on.
So, as the series continues will Kurt ever be able to just settle in and fish while enjoying a little domestic bliss? I sure hope not!
Having spent a bit of time on the water there, I can say that Becker absolutely nails his description of the area around Biscayne Bay. Also, his depiction of hunting the Grey Ghosts (bonefish) of the bay is dead on.
So, as the series continues will Kurt ever be able to just settle in and fish while enjoying a little domestic bliss? I sure hope not!
November 12, 2019
It has been over a year since I read Backwater Bay, so I had to get reacquainted with the characters. Kurt Hunter is a Park Ranger with Biscayne National Park. Justine is his forensic expert "maybe" girlfriend. Hunter is out fishing when he sees suspicious activity near the nuclear power plant. By the time he gets over to where the activity was, the only thing left to find is a dead body that appears to have been killed by an alligator or crocodile. Since there are a couple of activist groups wanting to close the power plant, this casts doubt on the cause of death, which turns out to be drowning. Hunter's theory is that the gator was baited so it would look like an accident. When the main suspect ends up dead by the same method, it becomes apparent that specific people are being targeted. It will not be another year before I read the next book in the series!
November 11, 2021
I read Backwater Cove as a continuation of the Kurt Hunter series. My experience reading Steven Becker’s book is always a pleasure. Although I cannot make any personal connections Politics and greed are a common problem in Florida and politicians do it for money and power.
A common theme in the book is corruption and greed because politicians are trying to push the murder away when Kurt witnesses one to try and advance their own agendas and fulfill their greed. Characterization/language used within the book is technical because of the in-depth thinking of crime scenes and possible murder suspects.
This book is great for people who enjoy murder mystery books, especially ones that take place in the Florida Keys near a nuclear power plant. Not recommended for people who don’t like murder mysteries.
A common theme in the book is corruption and greed because politicians are trying to push the murder away when Kurt witnesses one to try and advance their own agendas and fulfill their greed. Characterization/language used within the book is technical because of the in-depth thinking of crime scenes and possible murder suspects.
This book is great for people who enjoy murder mystery books, especially ones that take place in the Florida Keys near a nuclear power plant. Not recommended for people who don’t like murder mysteries.
April 15, 2018
Our beloved Park Service agent, Kurt Hunter, seems to draw dead bodies like a magnet! This time, it’s the body of a lawyer for an activist group just outside a plant...will Kurt be able to solve this one as bodies pile up, killed by crocodiles, or will his attention loving boss-Martinez- put a stop to his investigation. Meanwhile, Kurt’s love interest, Miami-Dade PD forensic scientist Justine, has to watch other ladies hitting on Kurt. Another great story and narration...what will Kurt get into next?
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 2, 2018
Key to adventures
Such a good storyteller! I've never been to the Keys & have no visual to compare to, but as I read pictures flow through my mind & it feels like I've been in those waters forever. A bit of a slow start but the longest most complicated capture scene I've ever read! It was exciting one minute, nail biting another & just funny as...you have to read to find out:)
Such a good storyteller! I've never been to the Keys & have no visual to compare to, but as I read pictures flow through my mind & it feels like I've been in those waters forever. A bit of a slow start but the longest most complicated capture scene I've ever read! It was exciting one minute, nail biting another & just funny as...you have to read to find out:)
September 21, 2018
Backwater Channel was an AWESOME READ!!
Backwater Channel, was another AWESOME story with Kurt Hunter and his girlfriend, Justine, up to their necks in chaos!! This book, was a 'Cant put down read, until the fast auctioned ending'!!
All the good and bad of living in South Florida!!
Backwater Channel, was another AWESOME story with Kurt Hunter and his girlfriend, Justine, up to their necks in chaos!! This book, was a 'Cant put down read, until the fast auctioned ending'!!
All the good and bad of living in South Florida!!
July 29, 2021
Kurt Hunter does it again.
I love the way the erstwhile yet hapless Kurt Hunter almost bumbles into his adventures but sorts everything out in the end. This one is a very good story that moves along at fast pace. Lots maritime into on the Florida area and lots of boating knowledge imparted too.
I love the way the erstwhile yet hapless Kurt Hunter almost bumbles into his adventures but sorts everything out in the end. This one is a very good story that moves along at fast pace. Lots maritime into on the Florida area and lots of boating knowledge imparted too.
October 20, 2022
This was an OK mystery, I didn't relate to the main characters very well. It wasn't a bad read, did have a decent plot but wasn't a page turner. I didn't read the first in this series, so maybe I am missing something important. I will try another of these books, they do seem to have some potential.
April 21, 2018
Another winner
I enjoyed the second book in the series as much as the first. Great characters and enough suspense to make you not want to put the book down. I will definitely read the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the second book in the series as much as the first. Great characters and enough suspense to make you not want to put the book down. I will definitely read the next book in the series.
November 11, 2020
This is the second book in the series and the first didn’t set the hook in me very well. I decided to give the characters another chance and read this one. The author did close one arc in the story that mystified me. So I’m giving #3 a try. This is the last chance for this series.
February 4, 2021
Another dead body starts Special Agent Kurt Hunter on the trail of a killer with an unusual MO
Special agent Kurt Hunter witnesses the dumping of another dead body while fishing, but what makes this one different? The murder weapon!
Special agent Kurt Hunter witnesses the dumping of another dead body while fishing, but what makes this one different? The murder weapon!
March 22, 2023
Susan
This is a good story with many twists and turns. Kurt was going in so many directions I had to take a break to think it thru. Susan, i'm still not sure which direction she's going in. Sometimes I get lost in the keys.
This is a good story with many twists and turns. Kurt was going in so many directions I had to take a break to think it thru. Susan, i'm still not sure which direction she's going in. Sometimes I get lost in the keys.
June 28, 2023
An interesting read
I enjoyed this book. Kurt Hunter seemed to grow more in the story and his character began to have more confidence. I also liked the environmental twist to the storyline.
I enjoyed this book. Kurt Hunter seemed to grow more in the story and his character began to have more confidence. I also liked the environmental twist to the storyline.
February 15, 2024
Fast Read
These aren’t perfectly crafted mysteries but the story moves quickly. If you’re looking for a fast read that’s not challenging to keep track of, then give this series a try.
These aren’t perfectly crafted mysteries but the story moves quickly. If you’re looking for a fast read that’s not challenging to keep track of, then give this series a try.
November 7, 2018
Riveting
As always a great story. I just can't seem to put it down from the beginning to the end. I love this series of books.
As always a great story. I just can't seem to put it down from the beginning to the end. I love this series of books.
November 8, 2018
Another good one
Mr. Becker's Hunter mysteries are well written and well thought out. Exciting and entertaining to read. Keep them coming! Please..
Mr. Becker's Hunter mysteries are well written and well thought out. Exciting and entertaining to read. Keep them coming! Please..
November 18, 2018
Good reading with consistent story line.
All in all, quite enjoyable.
All in all, quite enjoyable.
January 6, 2019
Fast Paced Fun
There is enough action to keep you reading yet not too many characters to get lost in the plot. Well done!
There is enough action to keep you reading yet not too many characters to get lost in the plot. Well done!
March 26, 2019
Fun reading
This series is great for light, fast reading. Hopefully Kurt can learn how handle Susan, Martinez and Justine. Enjoy the fishing
Descriptions.
This series is great for light, fast reading. Hopefully Kurt can learn how handle Susan, Martinez and Justine. Enjoy the fishing
Descriptions.
October 25, 2019
It's been a while since I read this book, but I really enjoy reading the books in this series
July 20, 2020
Enjoy reading books with water and boat scenes, with a little mystery. Great read.
December 4, 2020
This series is a great idea, poorly implemented. Shallow, stereotypical characters. Misogynistic. Needs a good editing job.
Read
January 2, 2022Becker delivers another great thriller
Another great Kurt Hunter adventure. A fast-paced mystery thriller filled with spellbinding excitement in the steamy wiles of South Florida.
Another great Kurt Hunter adventure. A fast-paced mystery thriller filled with spellbinding excitement in the steamy wiles of South Florida.
March 12, 2022
Good book
Kinda crazy story line, but it kept me reading. Quite an interesting read, no down time. Written with a boating knowledge and a bit of a fishing knowledge.
Rock on!
Kinda crazy story line, but it kept me reading. Quite an interesting read, no down time. Written with a boating knowledge and a bit of a fishing knowledge.
Rock on!
August 19, 2025
First in series
I really like this Florida based action packed first book. The characters blend well. There are no slow sections it all flows well. I enjoyed it.
I really like this Florida based action packed first book. The characters blend well. There are no slow sections it all flows well. I enjoyed it.
September 20, 2025
Better
An awful lot of action. I had to put the book down for quiet breaks to get through it. Still need more character development, but at least one crazy is further away.
An awful lot of action. I had to put the book down for quiet breaks to get through it. Still need more character development, but at least one crazy is further away.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews