Backwater Flats

Kurt Hunter Mysteries #7

by Steven Becker

If you can't trust the law, who can you trust?

When an officer's murder in Biscayne National Park threatens to expose a corrupt agency, one man is tasked with finding the killer, but he’s running into a wall of organizational conspiracy built to conceal a devious plot.

Special Agent Kurt Hunter is fighting to find the truth hidden behind a maze of twisted coworkers and interagency tensions. His investigation leads him through the pristine waters of the national park to the brightest and darkest sides of Miami. But when Kurt gets too close to exposing the scam and his family is threatened, he’s forced to take justice into his own hands.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

246 pages, Paperback

First published July 22, 2019

Reviews

[Don Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boats, crooks, bullets, fishing and diving. What more do you want in a Kurt Hunter adventure? Oh yeah, CRIME! It's got more than its share. Steven Becker doesn't disappoint on any of that in this fast paced waterfront thriller. Keep 'em coming, Steven!

[Tommy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lazy writing. In thousands of acres of water, our hero just happens to take his daughter snorkeling at the exact spot where the murder weapon in his case was dumped? Deus ex machina taken to an absurd extreme. Insulting to the reader.

And I still don't know the motive for the murder. The murderer kills his accomplice rather than the potential blackailer? Makes no sense.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I keep waiting for his trigger happy co worker to get what she deserves but she's made it through another hair raising story intact.
I wish I could say the same for the proofreader who seems to be MIA
Great stories

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

My father recommended this series of books to me so I decided to read. Little did I know that I opened up the floodgates. This series has really got me interested in other Florida Keys murder mysteries like this and Doc Ford novels. When I first started reading this book I expected a couple of things; the Florida Keys, murder, and mystery. Not only does the book contain those 3 it also goes above and beyond. I was able to make personal connections to the book because I live in Florida and I have been to the Florida Keys many times.
Perhaps the most common theme seen throughout the book is greed and corruption. There is a lot of greed especially during the lobster season in which this book takes place during that season. The corruption is also shown throughout the book when Kurt Hunter learns more about potential suspects' ambitions he is led to investigate the co-workers of the officer. The author characterizes Kurt as someone who is determined to find the murderer regardless of the crime. The speech/language used throughout the book makes you think like a detective or an investigator.
This book works best for people who happen to live in Florida and as a good murder mystery. This book is just for you. People who may not be interested in the book are people who don't like murder mysteries, Florida, and or murders. If you happen to live in Florida or you are frequent in tropical areas you may like this book/series a lot. The audience age for this would probably fit around anyone over 15 years of age.

[Jan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Backwater Flats by Steven Becker pulled me in from the very beginning. I love how the author writes incredible imagery of the Florida Keys, details that add authenticity, and characters that are rough around the edges. Kurt Hunter is a dynamic character and Paul J. McSorely brings him to life with his narration. I love how injects the right emotions in his voice, and gives the numerous characters distinguishable voices. This book is both a standalone listen and part of a series. This book has great suspense and a surprising ending. I loved it!

[Laura Poppenwimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun series to read. The books are well written and the perfect length to read in one sitting. The characters are becoming like old friends while there are new characters being introduced to keep things interesting. There is enough depth to the plot to keep you guess right up to the end. The stories to build on things that happened in previous books, although quickly recapped best to read these in order.

[Claire]

This is a fun series with good characters and one of my favorite locales: Florida Keys.
The main character is a Park Ranger, assigned to Biscay National Park. I have no doubt he will have some work to do in Everglades and perhaps Dry Tortugas.

This one involves the murder of a State Park Patrol Officers which opens a twisty plot to discover the killer, or killers as the case may be.

There are 15 books in this series, lots to look forward to

[James R. Van der Veen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kurt solves another one. The author does make a few minor mistakes in directions and water/land masses, islands, but if you don't know Biscayne Bay and it's environment, you would never know it and the Biscayne southern border patrol office isn't quite like stated. But close enough as most readers will have never been down there.
Still a good read.

[Ronald F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the Kurt Hunter series. I particularly appreciate that all the scenes depicted in the book exist and can be located on the map and Google Earth. It makes reading the book just that much more enjoyable. Mr. Becker has done an outstanding job with this series.

[Stacy Derebery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I am going to read every series that Steven Becker wrote. I am hooked on his style of writing. While he is telling a story - i feel like it is playing out in front of me.

[Robert J. Mattucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story getting old

Every Kurt Hunter book has the same theme body found, boss is a prick, Kurt is a whiner in his job and his relationships but somehow solves the murder mystery. Kurt grow a pair and quit being a wimp.

[Benjamin A. Peckham,Sr]

Florida fishing and foul play

Another fast-paced thriller full of mystery and mayhem for Kurt and Justine. Just when they thought life was settling down, the newlyweds find themselves investigating another murder. And people Kurt thought he knew might be on the wrong side.

[Geneva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. I love the water and anything to do with it. Crimes happen and Kurt takes care of it,with the help of his friends.

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid story. Enjoyable read. Just can’t see it getting a 5th star.

[Patricia Mccammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

fantastic series lots of excitement

[Charlotte Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series. Getting sick of Susan though.

[Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Backwaterseries are a excellent read. I enjoy all seven. Thank you Steven Becker.

[Kim Lewandowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoy Becker's books that are based in South Florida. He writes and portrays the lifestyle accurately.

In this book, he keeps us captivated with a murder of a FWC officer. The action is on going and doesn't slow down. I love the main characters and how deep we continue to delve into their personalities.

Paul McSorley continues to work his magic to bring Becker's work to life. He does very well with the character voices and keeping the story running along at an even pace.

Great job to both! If you see an Becker/McSorley collaboration, best grab it up. You will enjoy it!

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Steven Becker mystery thriller. I enjoyed the book (as usual) especially because it was more in my wheelhouse. Although it was the Park Service it essentially read like a police procedural with more action. The relationship between Kurt and Justine was well developed and fun. Don’t want to give away anything, lots of possible “bad guys” and few real ones. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Nancy Silk · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Interesting Investigative Novel"

Here's another thrilling mystery of Special Agent Kurt Hunter trying to find out what's going on behind several co-workers causing inter-agency tensions. It takes him to a national park near Miami, Florida. Getting too close to dangerous waters brings threats to him and his family. A very fast paced novel.

[Keith Clarence Greenwood Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terminate Susan, now!

With extreme prejudice! I can deal with Martinez, I actually worked for a short time with someone like him, little Comfort! I thoroughly enjoy many of Becker's books. But Susan really gets me wanting to commit murder.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corruption!

True to form, Kurt is involved in interagency squabbles in a murder mystery. At least this time he didn't find the body, but like a gator with prey, he's not going to let loose until the full story is known. Love this series!

[John Scheibelhut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again into the fire.

All the work, the danger and having to deal with incompetent people and he doesn't get the credit or the respect. Yet he goes to work day aft day.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable fast paced mystery.

[Nancy Mikos]

Not predictable. Lot of fishing jargon.

[Tiggyleee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Kurt book in the tradition as the others.

[Martin Barlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story.......

Another solid read for Florida fans. Becker can't write them fast enough for me! Seems like a guy you'd want to have a beer with.