What do you think?
Rate this book
London Carter #2
Proving Grounds
When the sniper-style murder of an alligator poacher puts two rival families on edge, Police Sniper London Carter and Detective Sergeant Dawn Luke join forces to solve the case. But they'll have their work cut out for them as the two families recruit small armies to fight each other.It doesn't take London long to realize they're dealing with a professional killer, but the motive for the murder is far from clear. Will he and Dawn solve the case before it's too late, or will the swamps of Louisiana run red with the blood of the rival families and the cops who are trying to stop them?
211 pages, Paperback
Published November 16, 2018
1858 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Bourg
59 books233 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 25, 2017
Good sniper story.
Didn't like this one as much as the first book in this series. Author definitely knows all about how snipers feel, do and kill, it is his job. The way he writes I even felt mosquitoes buzzing around me, and swamp mud around my ankles. But these long detailed information became long and boring. Good plot about, hunting alligators, families living in swamp and rogue soldiers.
Didn't like this one as much as the first book in this series. Author definitely knows all about how snipers feel, do and kill, it is his job. The way he writes I even felt mosquitoes buzzing around me, and swamp mud around my ankles. But these long detailed information became long and boring. Good plot about, hunting alligators, families living in swamp and rogue soldiers.
July 1, 2020
The Simoneaux brothers—Orville, Quentin, and Norris—have been illegally hunting alligators on Wellman Boudreaux’s land. Over the last three years, on the first evening of alligator season, the brothers would watch stealthily as Wellman and his sons, Maxille and Septime set their lines. They would return the next morning and grab their pick of the catch. Wellman noticed his alligators missing so he placed an armed guard to each of his lines.
Somehow, the brothers found a way to poach only a few gators this time and then reset the lines using the same bait they’d watch the Boudreaux family use before leaving the area.
One morning the brothers had gone to steal gators on Boudreaux’s land. They’d managed to grab some gators and drag them back to their land when Quentin gets a feeling that they're being watched. He shares his concerns with his brothers who chalk it up to old age. But what if Quentin was right? Just then Orville watches in horror as half of his brother's jaw is blown to bits long before they hear the gunshot.
Meanwhile, London and his six-man sniper team are at a shooting range when he gets a call from Dawn Luke, a detective informing him about an alligator poacher that was shot and killed early that morning. What’s troubling is the manner in which he was killed. They think the poacher was killed by a sniper. The Simoneaux family believes Wellmann took one of their own over a land dispute and has sworn to retaliate.
Somehow, the brothers found a way to poach only a few gators this time and then reset the lines using the same bait they’d watch the Boudreaux family use before leaving the area.
One morning the brothers had gone to steal gators on Boudreaux’s land. They’d managed to grab some gators and drag them back to their land when Quentin gets a feeling that they're being watched. He shares his concerns with his brothers who chalk it up to old age. But what if Quentin was right? Just then Orville watches in horror as half of his brother's jaw is blown to bits long before they hear the gunshot.
Meanwhile, London and his six-man sniper team are at a shooting range when he gets a call from Dawn Luke, a detective informing him about an alligator poacher that was shot and killed early that morning. What’s troubling is the manner in which he was killed. They think the poacher was killed by a sniper. The Simoneaux family believes Wellmann took one of their own over a land dispute and has sworn to retaliate.
June 10, 2018
BJ Bourg delivers AGAIN!! Proving Grounds moved at a different pace from James 516, but the pace corrolates with the location of this story. This installment of the London Carter series takes you deep into the swamps of southeast Louisiana. Bourg does an excellent job setting this scene for you. If you’re not familiar with the area it is slow paced, thus explaining the slow pace of this book. There are some familiar characters, and some new additions. You get to see some character development, but not as much as I would like to see. However, I feel the author has a plan for the gradual development of London Carter. Proving Grounds has all of the elements for an impressive mystery. Take this journey deep into the moss covered trees of the swamps. Join London Carter and his team as they solve a unique string of sniper murders in Magnolia Parish.
August 20, 2019
I was impressed by the first book in the series (JAMES 516), and I'm pleased that this one equals, if not surpasses, its predecessor. It's easy to get caught up in the story ... I can almost feel the mosquitoes biting. While I was able to figure out which character was the antagonist a bit before he was revealed, that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story at all. The third in the series (Silent Trigger) is queued up on my Kindle as I type this. The only downside is that I have to break from reading occasionally to take care of real-life situations.
April 16, 2025
This installment of the series started with a totally different feel than the last. It had more of that small-town charm that the Clint Wolf series is known for, as the opening scene focuses on a family who lives in and makes a living from the swamp. But a sniper is loose, and they don’t all get out alive.
The mystery is set up like a Hatfield and McCoy type of feud, but it soon becomes obvious there’s more to the story. London even suspects an undercover FBI sniper squad has taken notice. Nothing is what it seems.
By the time I figured out what was going on, we’d reached a violent escalation that led right into the climax. I really enjoy the way there’s always one more twist to these stories, though I wonder how long a sniper squad can realistically operate in a small Louisiana parish. I’ll be reading on to find the answer.
The mystery is set up like a Hatfield and McCoy type of feud, but it soon becomes obvious there’s more to the story. London even suspects an undercover FBI sniper squad has taken notice. Nothing is what it seems.
By the time I figured out what was going on, we’d reached a violent escalation that led right into the climax. I really enjoy the way there’s always one more twist to these stories, though I wonder how long a sniper squad can realistically operate in a small Louisiana parish. I’ll be reading on to find the answer.
May 30, 2019
Such a good book!
This is a great story with some interesting questions of morality, vengeance and justice.
Once again London makes a compelling protagonist. At the start of the book it appears his luck (or lack thereof) with women continues! But based on the blurbs for subsequent books that may now be changing.
Once again the murders here involve sniper killings. What appears to be the root of the crime morphs as the story continues into something much more complex and evil. There are some twists and turns, some points that will inspire tears, a gut wrenching moment and an ending that may leave you conflicted. But it is damn good storytelling. Can’t wait to move on to the next book.
This is a great story with some interesting questions of morality, vengeance and justice.
Once again London makes a compelling protagonist. At the start of the book it appears his luck (or lack thereof) with women continues! But based on the blurbs for subsequent books that may now be changing.
Once again the murders here involve sniper killings. What appears to be the root of the crime morphs as the story continues into something much more complex and evil. There are some twists and turns, some points that will inspire tears, a gut wrenching moment and an ending that may leave you conflicted. But it is damn good storytelling. Can’t wait to move on to the next book.
August 2, 2019
Sometimes a second book in a series isn’t the equal of the first. That isn’t the case here.
While not quite as tension-laden as the first book in this series, Proving Ground still moves along at a fast pace with steady tension.
There were plenty of twists and turns here and the final one is a doozie. But it is believable and one I’ve never encountered before.
A warning: The body count is high and some of them are shocking and may upset some people.
As long as Bourg keeps writing books this good, I’ll keep reading them.
While not quite as tension-laden as the first book in this series, Proving Ground still moves along at a fast pace with steady tension.
There were plenty of twists and turns here and the final one is a doozie. But it is believable and one I’ve never encountered before.
A warning: The body count is high and some of them are shocking and may upset some people.
As long as Bourg keeps writing books this good, I’ll keep reading them.
July 1, 2020
Excellent, a crime/mystery story with a difference. The lead character being an expert sniper.
Good character description so I can see them in my head easily, fast-paced story. Romantic interest kept to a minimum is always a plus for me.
The only thing wrong is I read this one (Book 2) before reading Book 1, which I am currently reading.
Definitely recommend.
One thing I cannot understand is why anyone would want to live in Louisiana. Just the preponderance of mosquitos is a no-no for me. Still, I suppose someone has to.
Good character description so I can see them in my head easily, fast-paced story. Romantic interest kept to a minimum is always a plus for me.
The only thing wrong is I read this one (Book 2) before reading Book 1, which I am currently reading.
Definitely recommend.
One thing I cannot understand is why anyone would want to live in Louisiana. Just the preponderance of mosquitos is a no-no for me. Still, I suppose someone has to.
April 26, 2021
There’s one thing I love about this author . His fast paced novels are just simply brilliant . I finished the first three books in the time span of 5 hours more or less . The twist in the end always has me shocked but not too shocked you know ? Like I expected it , but didn’t expect the motive to be so complex and so connected . This author loves his intricate plots that’s for sure , but in the end you are left in awe on how everything turned out to be like this!? The third book will be the most satisfying one yet ( just a heads up haha).
Wiz out
Wiz out
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2018
This is the 2nd book in a series featuring police sniper London Carter. This is a thriller centered around an investigation into people getting sniped out in the swamps. London's love interest from the first book gets short-changed here as a jealous ex-girlfriend. And London has a new love interest that is he working with. Overall this book succeeds at being a thriller and pageturner but some of the outlandish events and character motivations really stretch the bounds of credibility.
January 21, 2022
THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHORS, HE HAS A WAY WITH WORDS, HIS STORYLINES ARE SO EXCITING. I HAVE HIS "BUT FOR" SERIES, ALL 22 OF'EM AND ONLY 7 MORE TO READ (sniff-sniff). I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'LL DO WHEN I'M DONE. SO, I DECIDED TO TRY ANOTHER OF HIS SERIES WITH LONDON CARTER, I WASN'T DISSAPOINTED. I LOVE THE NAMES HE GIVES TO HIS SEXY MALE HERO'S, IT HAD SOME VERY INTENSE MOMENTS, THIS ONE HAD ME AFRAID TO PASS BY MY WINDOW. I WAS SO INTO IT I ALMOST BURNED DINNER, WOW WHAT A RUSH! ;D
June 10, 2022
I just finished all BJ Bourg's series of But Not For... and they were WONDERFUL. Each one set a scene in Louisiana that made you feel that you were actually in the swamps with the alligators and mosquitoes. The people became family and friends, and food sounded delish! Each book sounded like a real life experience of the author. I am now reading the London Carter series, and they are just as real. Am enjoying each one. Easy to read and enjoy!
July 15, 2018
Proving Grounds
I like London he's such a dedicated cop and good man. This story was a puzzle for me most of the way through. I like that! Nothing worse than figuring out a story before you get to the end.
Lots of connections in here some you could see and others that stayed hidden until BJ was ready to reveal them.
I like London he's such a dedicated cop and good man. This story was a puzzle for me most of the way through. I like that! Nothing worse than figuring out a story before you get to the end.
Lots of connections in here some you could see and others that stayed hidden until BJ was ready to reveal them.
February 21, 2019
I finally finished the next two in this series and found the writing style/character depiction slowly changing over the next two. I appreciated them more but still am in the middle of it's OK and I liked it.
2.5 if I am looking for something to read I might try the next but my to read list is rather long...
2.5 if I am looking for something to read I might try the next but my to read list is rather long...
July 3, 2020
Proving Grounds is . . .
An interesting story, particularly the parts describing living in the bayous. The mystery itself is properly challenging as well, and disturbing with respect to the levels of who is guilty. I did find some odd typos that were disconcerting- pours instead of pores, for example.
An interesting story, particularly the parts describing living in the bayous. The mystery itself is properly challenging as well, and disturbing with respect to the levels of who is guilty. I did find some odd typos that were disconcerting- pours instead of pores, for example.
September 11, 2020
Good detail
You feel yourself as part of the story. Toward the end you have your suspicions on who the "main" sniper is but you'll be surprised about the other killers and the domestic terrorism being plotted. The scenerio is very possible with today's activities in current world. I wish it wasn't so but current events ssy different
You feel yourself as part of the story. Toward the end you have your suspicions on who the "main" sniper is but you'll be surprised about the other killers and the domestic terrorism being plotted. The scenerio is very possible with today's activities in current world. I wish it wasn't so but current events ssy different
June 10, 2022
Warriors against warriors
Good book! Great story line and loved the characters. There was a mystery in a mystery when the FBI got involved but they were extinguished and it came back to London and Dawn to solve these murders. I recommend this book and I look forward to the next adventure.
Good book! Great story line and loved the characters. There was a mystery in a mystery when the FBI got involved but they were extinguished and it came back to London and Dawn to solve these murders. I recommend this book and I look forward to the next adventure.
May 20, 2017
Couldn't Put It Down
I am officially hooked on the London Carter novels.
Finished this one at 1:45 am.
Now I've got to try and get caught up with sleep missed.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I am officially hooked on the London Carter novels.
Finished this one at 1:45 am.
Now I've got to try and get caught up with sleep missed.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 27, 2020
Another great story
Read in one sitting. There is always what's coming next that before I knew it I was
75% thru so I just delayed dinner and finished the story. I always enjoy this author.
Read in one sitting. There is always what's coming next that before I knew it I was
75% thru so I just delayed dinner and finished the story. I always enjoy this author.
June 28, 2020
Well Written
Proving Grounds is very well written with few errors. I was thirty pages from the end of the book before I figured out just who the really bad guy was. Anyone who likes a lot of action will enjoy this novel.
Proving Grounds is very well written with few errors. I was thirty pages from the end of the book before I figured out just who the really bad guy was. Anyone who likes a lot of action will enjoy this novel.
June 30, 2020
Addictive Action Just Doesn't Stop!
Writing from a deep knowledge of first-hand observation and experience, Bough created a fast-paced, realistic story that will keep readers turning pages! It's hardcore, full-blown writing at its best!
Writing from a deep knowledge of first-hand observation and experience, Bough created a fast-paced, realistic story that will keep readers turning pages! It's hardcore, full-blown writing at its best!
July 9, 2020
Intense!! I pretty much ignored the world in order to read the last 30%!
This was my first book by BJ Bourg, but it won't be my last. I enjoyed the characters, the plot and the pacing. Looking forward to more!
This was my first book by BJ Bourg, but it won't be my last. I enjoyed the characters, the plot and the pacing. Looking forward to more!
July 14, 2020
Wow. Book 2 Better Than Book 1 !!
BJ Bourg is writing an excellent series starring London Carter - Sniper. The books are exciting with developed characters and lots of action.
On to book 3.
BJ Bourg is writing an excellent series starring London Carter - Sniper. The books are exciting with developed characters and lots of action.
On to book 3.
November 18, 2020
Great book!
Proving Grounds was suspenseful to the very end. B J Bourg did not disappoint.. Lots of twists keep you guessing as to who the sniper is. I couldn't hardly put the book down.
Proving Grounds was suspenseful to the very end. B J Bourg did not disappoint.. Lots of twists keep you guessing as to who the sniper is. I couldn't hardly put the book down.
January 21, 2022
BJ Hit the target, right between the ioois
This is the first novel of this nature that I have been able to read after serving in the Military for almost 30 years. Enjoyed the characters, Its a shame about "London's problems" not achieving many of his goals in life. Is it not?
This is the first novel of this nature that I have been able to read after serving in the Military for almost 30 years. Enjoyed the characters, Its a shame about "London's problems" not achieving many of his goals in life. Is it not?
January 26, 2022
Great story line...great writing
Very good book
Read the series. Very well written. Very interesting.
Book held my interest...I'm not getting much work done because I have trouble putting these books down.☺️
Very good book
Read the series. Very well written. Very interesting.
Book held my interest...I'm not getting much work done because I have trouble putting these books down.☺️
May 10, 2022
An intriguing story of crime and deception.
The author has written a very good story of a series of sniper killing and what it takes to identify and stop the killer. A very suspenseful and exciting story that will have you guessing as to who the killer is.
The author has written a very good story of a series of sniper killing and what it takes to identify and stop the killer. A very suspenseful and exciting story that will have you guessing as to who the killer is.
May 25, 2023
Fantastic
There's not enough good to say!! Wow! Superb storyline with strong character development. I felt like I was in the middle of the Louisiana swamp laying next to the snipers, not making a sound.
The legal sniper looking for the deadly illegal sniper. A must read.
There's not enough good to say!! Wow! Superb storyline with strong character development. I felt like I was in the middle of the Louisiana swamp laying next to the snipers, not making a sound.
The legal sniper looking for the deadly illegal sniper. A must read.
July 22, 2025
this was good…
This was a good book. I love this author’s other Clint Wolf series and decided to try this one. I like the main characters and the mystery in this book kept me engaged. I look forward to more!
This was a good book. I love this author’s other Clint Wolf series and decided to try this one. I like the main characters and the mystery in this book kept me engaged. I look forward to more!
July 24, 2025
Another really good book. I have one problem with all of these stories: how does one ignore a swarm of mosquitoes? Or even just one whining around your ear. Is this reality in bayou country. I suspect that it is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews