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Kurt Hunter Mysteries #4
Backwater Key
Would you commit a murder if no one was watching?
Congress can’t pass a budget and Biscayne National Park is paying the price. With Special Agent Kurt Hunter out of work, two rivals gangs start a turf war in the park. But when a body is found hanging from the railing of the iconic Boca Chita Lighthouse, Kurt refuses to sit back and fish while the gangs take over his park.
Lies and deceit run rampant through the gangs forcing Kurt deep into the labyrinth of Miami’s counterculture to solve the murder.
Congress can’t pass a budget and Biscayne National Park is paying the price. With Special Agent Kurt Hunter out of work, two rivals gangs start a turf war in the park. But when a body is found hanging from the railing of the iconic Boca Chita Lighthouse, Kurt refuses to sit back and fish while the gangs take over his park.
Lies and deceit run rampant through the gangs forcing Kurt deep into the labyrinth of Miami’s counterculture to solve the murder.
184 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2018
757 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 23, 2018
Steven Becker does it again! What makes his writing great is that you expect a 'good read' from him, he always delivers and Backwater Key is no exception.
Becker's characters make you want to race back for each new installment in this series when they get released. You keep hoping that Martinez will just retire and go play golf, that Sid will learn to drive like a sane person, that Vance will finally catch a bonefish, and that Susan will get what's coming to her. To quote Aerosmith; 'Dream On.' Like any of that will ever happen. Becker strings us along like a master puppeteer and keeps us all guessing. All while wishing we could meet up with Kurt and Justine at Alabama Jack's for a grouper sandwich and a beer.
Another great element of Becker's books is how he describes the locations. As another lyric states; 'Don't describe the scenery if you've never seen it' and it's obvious he's got a closet full of 'been there, done that' tee shirts. He gets it right, from getting stuck wading in marl (and even knowing what that is) to the shadows of a bonefish on a flat. It's obvious Becker has been there and takes us back along with him.
Backwater Key has all of this and more, and these elements come together to make this another great installment in this fun series. Keep 'em coming, Steven!
Becker's characters make you want to race back for each new installment in this series when they get released. You keep hoping that Martinez will just retire and go play golf, that Sid will learn to drive like a sane person, that Vance will finally catch a bonefish, and that Susan will get what's coming to her. To quote Aerosmith; 'Dream On.' Like any of that will ever happen. Becker strings us along like a master puppeteer and keeps us all guessing. All while wishing we could meet up with Kurt and Justine at Alabama Jack's for a grouper sandwich and a beer.
Another great element of Becker's books is how he describes the locations. As another lyric states; 'Don't describe the scenery if you've never seen it' and it's obvious he's got a closet full of 'been there, done that' tee shirts. He gets it right, from getting stuck wading in marl (and even knowing what that is) to the shadows of a bonefish on a flat. It's obvious Becker has been there and takes us back along with him.
Backwater Key has all of this and more, and these elements come together to make this another great installment in this fun series. Keep 'em coming, Steven!
July 11, 2018
The Wind In Your Face--Boats and Bikes
Author Steven Becker likes to introduce you slowly and get you comfortable with his world of salt/brackish/fresh water, ocean/causeway/mangrove swamp, tourist/gangster/multiple overlapping police jurisdictions in the Florida Keys. His laid-back hero, Kurt Hunter, has a nearly fey ability to ferret out wrong-doing; his ability to immerse himself in his surroundings bringing him to the edge of immediate awareness when something is out of place. Like a brick of heroin, a human body, or a boat that doesn't belong. Once you've become oriented (a very useful trick, allowing each of the novels to stand on its own but providing continuity aplenty if you've read any of his other books in any of his several series), you will find action speeding up and pressure to solve building rapidly as you flip pages (literally or electronically) ever faster to find out who's undercover and who's dirty. And, as a bonus, the relationship between Kurt and Justine, plus Kurt's custody battles are brought up to date, Dick Tracy's past is explored, and we are treated to a detailed immersion in the beauty and wonder that makes up the natural world in this little piece of paradise.
Author Steven Becker likes to introduce you slowly and get you comfortable with his world of salt/brackish/fresh water, ocean/causeway/mangrove swamp, tourist/gangster/multiple overlapping police jurisdictions in the Florida Keys. His laid-back hero, Kurt Hunter, has a nearly fey ability to ferret out wrong-doing; his ability to immerse himself in his surroundings bringing him to the edge of immediate awareness when something is out of place. Like a brick of heroin, a human body, or a boat that doesn't belong. Once you've become oriented (a very useful trick, allowing each of the novels to stand on its own but providing continuity aplenty if you've read any of his other books in any of his several series), you will find action speeding up and pressure to solve building rapidly as you flip pages (literally or electronically) ever faster to find out who's undercover and who's dirty. And, as a bonus, the relationship between Kurt and Justine, plus Kurt's custody battles are brought up to date, Dick Tracy's past is explored, and we are treated to a detailed immersion in the beauty and wonder that makes up the natural world in this little piece of paradise.
September 30, 2021
I read this book as a continuation of the Kurt Hunter Mystery series. This book is an amazing piece of work. Although I cannot personally connect with what happens in the book I did hear that gang wars are frequent during government shutdowns.
A common idea/theme that is frequently used in the book is oppression because congress is unable to pass a budget and this forces a government shutdown. Because of this Biscayne National Park rangers are off duty and this oppresses Kurt especially since there is a gang war starting in a park of a lighthouse. The characterization that is used is gruff and tough because the gang members act tough to scare people.
This book is recommended for people who enjoy a good action/mystery book filled with mysteries, clues, and deception. Not for people who don't enjoy such topics.
June 18, 2018
In this 'episode' of Kurt v Martinez...ok, let's get serious...This book occurs during a government shutdown...does that stop our illustrious park ranger from solving murders? Not likely. This time Kurt finds himself tangling with 1% bikers...you know, those guys that operate outside of the law, a crooked FBI agent, and Martinez angling for camera time. I really enjoy this series and this book did not disappoint. Glad that Kurt is finally having some time with his daughter. Can't wait to see/hear more on his relationship with Justine in the next book.
May 23, 2018
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SPECIAL AGENT ON FURLOUGH
What happens to a US National Park Service Special Agent when the Government is on shutdown and he finds a murdered member of a biker gang? If that Agent is Kurt Hunter, he finds illegal drugs and ammunition, and a possibly dirty FBI Agent.
What happens to a US National Park Service Special Agent when the Government is on shutdown and he finds a murdered member of a biker gang? If that Agent is Kurt Hunter, he finds illegal drugs and ammunition, and a possibly dirty FBI Agent.
September 5, 2019
Audiobook: As this series progresses the characters and their interactions get better. The various plot lines twist and turn making for an engaging and rewarding listen. There are light touches sprinkled between the thrills and mystery of solving the crime. A highly recommended crime novel in a marvelously developing series.
March 2, 2024
Good Formula Going
Author Becker settles into a rhythm with this book in the series. The main characters are established, the locations have been described and then Becker drops in the new plot. This one is ultimately a little thin, but there’s enough action to keep readers interested.
Author Becker settles into a rhythm with this book in the series. The main characters are established, the locations have been described and then Becker drops in the new plot. This one is ultimately a little thin, but there’s enough action to keep readers interested.
September 23, 2018
Another AWESOME Steven Becker READ!!
Plenty of action in Backwater Key!!
Can't get enough of these Kurt Hunter Mysteries!
Kurt has plenty of BS going on with his
Co-worker, now throw in the Outlaw Biker gang, a possible FBI Agent gone wrong and things go south, pretty fast!!
Plenty of action in Backwater Key!!
Can't get enough of these Kurt Hunter Mysteries!
Kurt has plenty of BS going on with his
Co-worker, now throw in the Outlaw Biker gang, a possible FBI Agent gone wrong and things go south, pretty fast!!
September 29, 2018
Kurt Hunter series
Having just finished the six book series by Stephen Becker, I can s ay that they were very entertaining. Hopefully Becker will continue the series in the future. Looking forward to many more.
Having just finished the six book series by Stephen Becker, I can s ay that they were very entertaining. Hopefully Becker will continue the series in the future. Looking forward to many more.
May 5, 2020
Great Read
I keep thinking that the author is going to stop writing and i will be sad. I am addicted to characters and anxious to start next book. If you love mysteries and series you will want to follow this author.
I keep thinking that the author is going to stop writing and i will be sad. I am addicted to characters and anxious to start next book. If you love mysteries and series you will want to follow this author.
May 22, 2023
Good clean action
As always a great story and characters with clean action for everyone. These stories are complex but good reading. I really appreciate the clean stories that keep you wanting to read it nonstop.
As always a great story and characters with clean action for everyone. These stories are complex but good reading. I really appreciate the clean stories that keep you wanting to read it nonstop.
September 24, 2024
Steven Becker writes awesome books. He is very descriptive in his details. You like you are right there with Kurt and Justine. Susan and Martinez definitely gets on my last nerve.Zero is a hoot. He loves Allie and Justine. Tolerates Kurt. Dead bodies find Kurt, it never fails.
May 25, 2018
Enough of Martinez
I really get tired of wimping about Martinez. Hunter is a grown man! Stand up to him,and take over. Marry her
I really get tired of wimping about Martinez. Hunter is a grown man! Stand up to him,and take over. Marry her
June 26, 2018
A government shutdown and a biker gang.
The heading sounds like two sides of the same coin. But, they are an important part of a riveting story. I really enjoyed it.
The heading sounds like two sides of the same coin. But, they are an important part of a riveting story. I really enjoyed it.
May 13, 2019
The saga continues
Another good easy read. Kurt Hunter and the other characters are in another whodunit. Always enjoy reading about the park.
Another good easy read. Kurt Hunter and the other characters are in another whodunit. Always enjoy reading about the park.
August 25, 2020
Loving the Kurt Hunter series. Boy, he sure travels a lot, on the water and on the road. (He gets into more trouble with his boss, LOL)
Going on to Book #5.
Going on to Book #5.
December 10, 2021
I thought it was a good book. I love mystery books and this set is good so far
Read
December 20, 2021Gangs and good guys
Kurt and Justine are earning their pay in this fourth book as they chase gangs and mysterious murder clues that make them wonder who are the good guys.
Kurt and Justine are earning their pay in this fourth book as they chase gangs and mysterious murder clues that make them wonder who are the good guys.
March 24, 2023
MC
This is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. Nice twist putting the motorcycle gang in the keys. Lets see what the next book brings.
This is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. Nice twist putting the motorcycle gang in the keys. Lets see what the next book brings.
February 24, 2025
Good story. I like Kurt and Justine and I am in the series for the long hall, though I am getting sick of Susan and wish she would get what she deserves.
February 3, 2025
Wonderful! Exciting! A great read! There’s just too much fun in the sun for these characters! What I really want to know is why the main character is the only one finding bodies, and why the Forest Service there is so incompetently run by a “bean-counter” who has no field experience? It makes me sad, as every book so far follows that pattern. But, I read them, as they are great adventures!
October 30, 2019
Great series, he takes me right into S Florida. A great escape!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews