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Posadas County Mystery #24
Less Than a Moment
No crime is forgiven, and no mistake overlooked in this new addition to the critically acclaimed Posadas County Mystery series...
When a developer shows up in Posadas County, the locals get nervous. The small town along the southern border of New Mexico has enjoyed a surge in visitors, jobs, and prosperity since rancher Miles Waddell opened an eco-friendly complex. But then the developer buys land just next door, with plans for a project that will threaten the county's newfound success.
Tension is at an all-time high when someone shoots up the newsroom—and then the developer is found dead at the base of a cliff. Sheriff Bob Torrez and Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman know these events are all too convenient and bloody not to be connected.
With support from Bill Gastner—an old Western sheriff straight out of the movies—the partners dive into a heated investigation. But as the case gets personal, the two will have to untangle a web of convoluted evidence before the community turns on itself.
Readers of C. J. Box and Anne Hillerman will be riveted by this female protagonist thriller set in the rural, rugged Southwest. The newest of Steven F. Havill's Western mysteries and thrillers will lead you down trails of danger and deceit... But will one of these paths lead to justice?
When a developer shows up in Posadas County, the locals get nervous. The small town along the southern border of New Mexico has enjoyed a surge in visitors, jobs, and prosperity since rancher Miles Waddell opened an eco-friendly complex. But then the developer buys land just next door, with plans for a project that will threaten the county's newfound success.
Tension is at an all-time high when someone shoots up the newsroom—and then the developer is found dead at the base of a cliff. Sheriff Bob Torrez and Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman know these events are all too convenient and bloody not to be connected.
With support from Bill Gastner—an old Western sheriff straight out of the movies—the partners dive into a heated investigation. But as the case gets personal, the two will have to untangle a web of convoluted evidence before the community turns on itself.
Readers of C. J. Box and Anne Hillerman will be riveted by this female protagonist thriller set in the rural, rugged Southwest. The newest of Steven F. Havill's Western mysteries and thrillers will lead you down trails of danger and deceit... But will one of these paths lead to justice?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2020
140 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Steven F. Havill
37 books255 followersSteven F. Havill is an American author of mysteries and westerns.
Havill lives in Raton, New Mexico, with his wife Kathleen. He has written two series of police procedurals set in the fictional Posadas County, New Mexico; along with other works.
Havill lives in Raton, New Mexico, with his wife Kathleen. He has written two series of police procedurals set in the fictional Posadas County, New Mexico; along with other works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 4, 2020
LESS THAN A MOMENT by Steven F. Havill is the fourteenth book in the Posadas County mystery series. It is also my second book by this author in the series. It worked well as a standalone novel, but reading more of the series would provide more background information and show how the characters have grown over time.
The book is set in New Mexico in a southern county that has seen growth and prosperity since Mile Waddell built an astronomy complex on top of Torrance Mesa. It not only caters to stargazers, but also to hikers, birders, nature lovers, and its employees. Unease escalates when a developer buys land adjoining the Waddell’s land. Light pollution would threaten Waddle’s NightZone complex. The sheriff’s department gets actively involved when a drive-by shooting occurs at the local newspaper office followed by a suspicious death.
The main character in this novel is Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman, but there is a large array of supporting characters with their own idiosyncrasies. The characters felt real and three-dimensional. The relationships between the characters seemed believable and not contrived. This is a steadily-paced police procedural, not a thriller. The prose is vividly descriptive and readable. The plot is appealing, perfectly-paced, absorbing, and entertaining. There are numerous twists and turns leading to an ending that was somewhat sad, but definitely thought-provoking.
Overall, this was a well-written police procedural that explores various aspects of business, police procedures, family, friendship, and much more. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Steven F. Havill for a complimentary ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
The book is set in New Mexico in a southern county that has seen growth and prosperity since Mile Waddell built an astronomy complex on top of Torrance Mesa. It not only caters to stargazers, but also to hikers, birders, nature lovers, and its employees. Unease escalates when a developer buys land adjoining the Waddell’s land. Light pollution would threaten Waddle’s NightZone complex. The sheriff’s department gets actively involved when a drive-by shooting occurs at the local newspaper office followed by a suspicious death.
The main character in this novel is Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman, but there is a large array of supporting characters with their own idiosyncrasies. The characters felt real and three-dimensional. The relationships between the characters seemed believable and not contrived. This is a steadily-paced police procedural, not a thriller. The prose is vividly descriptive and readable. The plot is appealing, perfectly-paced, absorbing, and entertaining. There are numerous twists and turns leading to an ending that was somewhat sad, but definitely thought-provoking.
Overall, this was a well-written police procedural that explores various aspects of business, police procedures, family, friendship, and much more. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Steven F. Havill for a complimentary ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
January 24, 2023
Holy Cow this was absolutely brilliant! I'd never heard of this author or this series. I got the book from my hubby and neither of us realized it was the 24th book in the series, and yet I had no toruble getting to know theses characters or finding my way through the setting, or being brought up to date on everything that came before. THAT is brilliant writing and storytelling! A procedural that takes it's time, without dragging, Less Than a Moment is a layered, richly detailed story. Just Fantastic!
February 27, 2020
First of all I have to thank Steven F. Havill for coming up with this series. It's great. Then I have to thank Poisoned Pen Press, sourcebooks and Edelweiss for giving me the opportunity to read this book. Everytime I get one of these books about Posadas county in me hands it feels like visiting with old friends. I love the setting in this small town community and the characters within. The only thing that makes me sad is that they are getting older, but that's life. If you like murder mysteries set in small towns then this is for you.
March 29, 2020
Steven F. Havill offers a treasure trove of 24 novels that take place in a fictional county in southwestern New Mexico. His faithful following goes back nearly three decades. Posadas County is now efficiently run by Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman, who is married to the only doctor in the county, along with a newly elected sheriff and a small cadre of officers.
In LESS THAN A MOMENT, a young, wealthy, out-of-state couple buys up a large tract of land next to Posadas County's renowned tourist attraction, NightZone. The local newspaper publishes an interview that causes a buzz. What are their plans? How will it affect NightZone? Even the buyers aren’t certain, but speculation of any development next to the county’s primary source of employment stirs resentment. NightZone is a futuristic planetarium attracting stargazers, bird watchers and hikers from around the world because of its remote location, endless view of the night skies and luxurious accommodations. After the piece runs, someone shoots up the newspaper office, and the two late-working reporters are wounded. The quiet little town is in shock after someone dies, and the Posadas County sheriff’s office is called in.
Inspired by the Very Large Array (VLA) space-listening discs built in central New Mexico shortly after the Moon Walk, NightZone is set atop a mesa near Socorro in the southwest corner of the state. It employs locals and boasts a gourmet restaurant, an elegant hotel and spa, and guest lecturers. The creator, Miles Waddell, recently built a state-of-the-art tram rail to run visitors from a parking area sequestered below the mesa to protect it from any artificial lighting that would mar the ambiance of total nightfall. The county’s economic future may be at stake.
The Posadas County that Havill has created is so tangible, you feel that if you walked down its streets, you would be greeted by old friends. My attempt to locate it on a map came up empty, as it exists strictly on the map of your imagination.
Had I been following Havill, not only would I have known about NightZone, I would have met Sheriff Bill Gastner, around whom many of the earlier volumes are framed, and Estelle Reyes, who later marries Dr. Francis Guzman and is the current focus of these novels, along with Sheriff Bob Torrez. Gastner, now retired, takes a bow in each succeeding book. Havill has been compared to C. J. Box, who is a favorite of mine; his narratives are the stuff of which Netflix series are made.
My penchant for western, multiculturally-based mysteries dates back to childhood when I attended my sister’s college graduation from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. In the ’70s, we drove our young family to visit my parents in Arizona's Sonoran Desert when I learned that my hero, Tony Hillerman, creator of the Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee series, was lecturing on mystery writing at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. The opportunity to hear my sister’s English professor led me to stuff several of his books into my backpack and make the drive to Phoenix. I sat, feverishly taking notes, queued up for my first-ever book signing, and under judgmental fellow eyes unpacked my stash of dog-eared paperbacks. Professor Hillerman not only graciously signed them, he took time to answer my questions. His daughter, fellow author Anne Hillerman, happens to be a fan of Havill’s work. Just saying…
Soon after we moved to Arizona years later, a mystery bookstore called The Poisoned Pen opened in Scottsdale. Thankfully my book-signing manners had improved as I met James Lee Burke, Janet Evanovich, Sue Grafton, J. A. Jance and so many others. This once-cozy book nook in the heart of Scottsdale has since moved to more spacious quarters to accommodate larger audiences and has become a publishing house for mystery writers who deserve a wider readership. I now search out books published here, leading to discovering lesser known but wonderful authors, often foreign, who focus on regional subjects, ethnic practices and great storylines. They are frequently overlooked by the major publishers but are locally popular. If lucky, they catch the discerning eye of Barbara Peters, who started the bookstore and piloted the publishing house.
After reading LESS THAN A MOMENT, I downloaded HEARTSHOT, Havill’s first Posadas County mystery from 1991. I am glad I did. Only 22 more to go while we are all hunkered down here.
Reviewed by Roz Shea
In LESS THAN A MOMENT, a young, wealthy, out-of-state couple buys up a large tract of land next to Posadas County's renowned tourist attraction, NightZone. The local newspaper publishes an interview that causes a buzz. What are their plans? How will it affect NightZone? Even the buyers aren’t certain, but speculation of any development next to the county’s primary source of employment stirs resentment. NightZone is a futuristic planetarium attracting stargazers, bird watchers and hikers from around the world because of its remote location, endless view of the night skies and luxurious accommodations. After the piece runs, someone shoots up the newspaper office, and the two late-working reporters are wounded. The quiet little town is in shock after someone dies, and the Posadas County sheriff’s office is called in.
Inspired by the Very Large Array (VLA) space-listening discs built in central New Mexico shortly after the Moon Walk, NightZone is set atop a mesa near Socorro in the southwest corner of the state. It employs locals and boasts a gourmet restaurant, an elegant hotel and spa, and guest lecturers. The creator, Miles Waddell, recently built a state-of-the-art tram rail to run visitors from a parking area sequestered below the mesa to protect it from any artificial lighting that would mar the ambiance of total nightfall. The county’s economic future may be at stake.
The Posadas County that Havill has created is so tangible, you feel that if you walked down its streets, you would be greeted by old friends. My attempt to locate it on a map came up empty, as it exists strictly on the map of your imagination.
Had I been following Havill, not only would I have known about NightZone, I would have met Sheriff Bill Gastner, around whom many of the earlier volumes are framed, and Estelle Reyes, who later marries Dr. Francis Guzman and is the current focus of these novels, along with Sheriff Bob Torrez. Gastner, now retired, takes a bow in each succeeding book. Havill has been compared to C. J. Box, who is a favorite of mine; his narratives are the stuff of which Netflix series are made.
My penchant for western, multiculturally-based mysteries dates back to childhood when I attended my sister’s college graduation from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. In the ’70s, we drove our young family to visit my parents in Arizona's Sonoran Desert when I learned that my hero, Tony Hillerman, creator of the Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee series, was lecturing on mystery writing at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. The opportunity to hear my sister’s English professor led me to stuff several of his books into my backpack and make the drive to Phoenix. I sat, feverishly taking notes, queued up for my first-ever book signing, and under judgmental fellow eyes unpacked my stash of dog-eared paperbacks. Professor Hillerman not only graciously signed them, he took time to answer my questions. His daughter, fellow author Anne Hillerman, happens to be a fan of Havill’s work. Just saying…
Soon after we moved to Arizona years later, a mystery bookstore called The Poisoned Pen opened in Scottsdale. Thankfully my book-signing manners had improved as I met James Lee Burke, Janet Evanovich, Sue Grafton, J. A. Jance and so many others. This once-cozy book nook in the heart of Scottsdale has since moved to more spacious quarters to accommodate larger audiences and has become a publishing house for mystery writers who deserve a wider readership. I now search out books published here, leading to discovering lesser known but wonderful authors, often foreign, who focus on regional subjects, ethnic practices and great storylines. They are frequently overlooked by the major publishers but are locally popular. If lucky, they catch the discerning eye of Barbara Peters, who started the bookstore and piloted the publishing house.
After reading LESS THAN A MOMENT, I downloaded HEARTSHOT, Havill’s first Posadas County mystery from 1991. I am glad I did. Only 22 more to go while we are all hunkered down here.
Reviewed by Roz Shea
May 4, 2020
Less Than a Moment: A Posadas County Mystery by Steven F. Havill is the latest installment in a series that began long ago with Heartshot. This is a series where characters age, relationships evolve over time, and always present is the stark beauty of Posadas County, New Mexico. That aspect, a distinct and deep appreciation of setting, is always raised to a level that is its own constant presence in the series. The setting is a character in its own right. Sometimes the desert country is front and center in the tales and other times it is more of a backdrop to the mystery and the crimes that are happening.
In this case, the desert country is very much in the forefront of the read as is the legendary “NightZone” development. Designed to bring tourists as well as scientists to an astronomy based scientific installation in the New Mexico desert, it is home to various telescopes aimed at the wonders of the heavens above. There are frequent detailed references to the events in Come Dark: The Posadas County Mysteries published in 2016. Readers are encouraged to, at the very least, read that book before embarking on this read.
Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman has a lot going on this Friday morning in late May. That includes a meeting out at Night Zone with Miles Waddell, owner and financial backer of NightZone. That meeting will also include Frank Dayan, publisher of the local paper, and Kyle Thompson. Kyle Thompson, through a development company, has purchased a massive amount of acreage that abuts the NightZone project and rumors are swirling as to what will be built on the property. Thompson is not a local and no one knows what his intentions are which is causing stress among the locals. That includes the many folks who now rely on the NightZone project for good jobs.
What will be built is very important to Waddell as he has spent millions and millions of dollars on the project. His entire development is designed to avoid all outdoor lighting of any type on the mesa it sits on or on the surrounding land. Everything has been meticulously designed to preserve the dark night skies. If the rumors of a planned housing development are true, this would be devastating to NightZone which is now fully embraced by all in the area.
That meeting is the launching pad for the main mystery of the book that soon features a murder, several suspects, and a complicated case with several interesting angles. While family certainly takes a role in the primary storyline, family is a far more major player in the two secondary storylines. One of which is the fact the kids are back in town and Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman is again having a hard time finding time to spend with them as various local events and the schedule of the kids work against her. One does not want to be an obtrusive grandmother, but one does not want to miss out on everything either and crime stops for no one.
The second of the two secondary storylines involves the no nonsense Sheriff, Robert Torrez, and his nephew, Quentin Torrez. As anyone who has read the latest edition of the local newspaper, Posadas Register, already knows, the young Quentin Torrez was arrested in recent hours for his third DUI. If that was not bad enough, he soon finds himself the target of an angry Sheriff who also suspects he might have been the culprit behind some vandalism. Then a murder happens and soon he is one of several potential suspects as law enforcement works hard to identify and apprehend a killer.
As always in this series, things are complicated, and they certainly are in Less Than A Moment: A Posadas County Mystery. Billed as the 24th in the series, this latest one has all the elements that have made this entire series so very entertaining. Less Than A Moment: A Posadas County Mystery by Steven F. Havill is another great read and is strongly recommended.
Big time thanks go to Lesa Holstine who mentioned late last month this book was out. Big time thanks go to my son, Scott, who able to figure out what to do to get the eBook through our closed Dallas Public Library System and make it all work so that I could happily read the tale on my iPad and escape reality for a few hours.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2020
In this case, the desert country is very much in the forefront of the read as is the legendary “NightZone” development. Designed to bring tourists as well as scientists to an astronomy based scientific installation in the New Mexico desert, it is home to various telescopes aimed at the wonders of the heavens above. There are frequent detailed references to the events in Come Dark: The Posadas County Mysteries published in 2016. Readers are encouraged to, at the very least, read that book before embarking on this read.
Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman has a lot going on this Friday morning in late May. That includes a meeting out at Night Zone with Miles Waddell, owner and financial backer of NightZone. That meeting will also include Frank Dayan, publisher of the local paper, and Kyle Thompson. Kyle Thompson, through a development company, has purchased a massive amount of acreage that abuts the NightZone project and rumors are swirling as to what will be built on the property. Thompson is not a local and no one knows what his intentions are which is causing stress among the locals. That includes the many folks who now rely on the NightZone project for good jobs.
What will be built is very important to Waddell as he has spent millions and millions of dollars on the project. His entire development is designed to avoid all outdoor lighting of any type on the mesa it sits on or on the surrounding land. Everything has been meticulously designed to preserve the dark night skies. If the rumors of a planned housing development are true, this would be devastating to NightZone which is now fully embraced by all in the area.
That meeting is the launching pad for the main mystery of the book that soon features a murder, several suspects, and a complicated case with several interesting angles. While family certainly takes a role in the primary storyline, family is a far more major player in the two secondary storylines. One of which is the fact the kids are back in town and Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman is again having a hard time finding time to spend with them as various local events and the schedule of the kids work against her. One does not want to be an obtrusive grandmother, but one does not want to miss out on everything either and crime stops for no one.
The second of the two secondary storylines involves the no nonsense Sheriff, Robert Torrez, and his nephew, Quentin Torrez. As anyone who has read the latest edition of the local newspaper, Posadas Register, already knows, the young Quentin Torrez was arrested in recent hours for his third DUI. If that was not bad enough, he soon finds himself the target of an angry Sheriff who also suspects he might have been the culprit behind some vandalism. Then a murder happens and soon he is one of several potential suspects as law enforcement works hard to identify and apprehend a killer.
As always in this series, things are complicated, and they certainly are in Less Than A Moment: A Posadas County Mystery. Billed as the 24th in the series, this latest one has all the elements that have made this entire series so very entertaining. Less Than A Moment: A Posadas County Mystery by Steven F. Havill is another great read and is strongly recommended.
Big time thanks go to Lesa Holstine who mentioned late last month this book was out. Big time thanks go to my son, Scott, who able to figure out what to do to get the eBook through our closed Dallas Public Library System and make it all work so that I could happily read the tale on my iPad and escape reality for a few hours.
Kevin R. Tipple ©2020
March 11, 2020
The astronomy complex that rancher Miles Waddell built on top of a mesa is more successful than anyone in the area ever imagined. It is thriving and providing jobs to many local residents of Posadas County, New Mexico. When a land developer named Kyle Thompson comes to town and starts buying land near NightZone, Miles and other locals are worried that what he might build could create light pollution that would endanger the success of the complex. A drive-by shooting followed by a suspicious death seem to be related to NightZone and possibly the nephew of the country sheriff.
This book is the twenty-fourth Posadas County mystery. I have read most of them and my favorite characters are retired sheriff Bill Gastner and current undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman. Unfortunately Bill doesn't play much of a role in this book. I used to love the way he and Estelle worked together. There is a side-plot with Bill working on a mystery of his own but it's not the same. There are some great scenes with Estelle, her family, and Bill. Those relationships are part of what makes this series special and elevate it up from the typical police procedurals. There are vivid descriptions of the setting and the characters come alive against this backdrop and make this one of my favorite series.
This installment isn't my favorite in the series, but is still a solid, complex mystery. There are many suspects and a lot of questions about how Kyle and his wife planned to develop the land they have been purchasing. Along with Estelle, Sheriff Bob Torrez plays a large part in the investigation since his own nephew is one of the suspects. After a lot of investigation, the case is solved, but the ending seems somewhat abrupt and unfinished to me. This was disappointing but overall, I love this series and enjoyed this book.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Poisoned Pen. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the twenty-fourth Posadas County mystery. I have read most of them and my favorite characters are retired sheriff Bill Gastner and current undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman. Unfortunately Bill doesn't play much of a role in this book. I used to love the way he and Estelle worked together. There is a side-plot with Bill working on a mystery of his own but it's not the same. There are some great scenes with Estelle, her family, and Bill. Those relationships are part of what makes this series special and elevate it up from the typical police procedurals. There are vivid descriptions of the setting and the characters come alive against this backdrop and make this one of my favorite series.
This installment isn't my favorite in the series, but is still a solid, complex mystery. There are many suspects and a lot of questions about how Kyle and his wife planned to develop the land they have been purchasing. Along with Estelle, Sheriff Bob Torrez plays a large part in the investigation since his own nephew is one of the suspects. After a lot of investigation, the case is solved, but the ending seems somewhat abrupt and unfinished to me. This was disappointing but overall, I love this series and enjoyed this book.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Poisoned Pen. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2023
Even though this is part of a series, the characters and situation are welcoming and familiar.
The mystery is interesting and well-paced.
The mystery is interesting and well-paced.
April 1, 2020
My all-time favorite fictional cops, but not among the best books in the series.
February 3, 2020
Disclaimer...I have read all of the Posadas County books. This cast of characters feel like old friends to me. This book works as a stand alone but is much richer for knowing the back stories. Steven Havill's stories of life in the small desert towns along the Mexican border are so descriptive, you see the mesa tops and breathe in the same dust as the under sheriff as she travels many miles to work through some of the harshest crimes men and women can commit. Her family's history and their future is closely tied to the people she works with everyday. And everyone is surprised Padrino is still alive!
Estelle sees the many ways individual crimes are connected long before everyone else. All of the clues are there, but I'm usually surprised at the solutions. When the new owner of a property threatens a very successful zero light business, his death opens many questions. As Big Bad Bobby investigates one of his many nephews, his Sheriff's badge causes reactions that caught me by surprise. But that is one of the reasons I love Steven Havill's Posados County and Bill Gastner series, they always leave me sorry they've ended and wondering where the next one will find my old friends.
Estelle sees the many ways individual crimes are connected long before everyone else. All of the clues are there, but I'm usually surprised at the solutions. When the new owner of a property threatens a very successful zero light business, his death opens many questions. As Big Bad Bobby investigates one of his many nephews, his Sheriff's badge causes reactions that caught me by surprise. But that is one of the reasons I love Steven Havill's Posados County and Bill Gastner series, they always leave me sorry they've ended and wondering where the next one will find my old friends.
July 20, 2020
There is simply too much going on in Less Than a Moment and that makes it difficult to focus on the murder mystery at the heart of the novel. In addition to the murder, there is an attack on the local newspaper office, construction on Bill Gastner's old adobe, visits from Estelle's boys, (including a concert performance in Hawaii...but none in Posadas), and new neighbors for Waddell's NightZone astronomy center. Whew! As I've written in earlier reviews, I'd like to see Havill let the Guzman boys leave the nest so he can bring the focus back to the Posadas County Sheriff's Department, although I'd recommend he promote Estelle into the top office; Bobby Torrez simply isn't interesting enough to hold that role. I will admit, though, that NightZone is growing on me, especially as a method for meeting other residents of Posadas. By the end of the novel, many plot threads are left hanging, in particular the aftermath of the attack on the newspaper office. I'll continue reading this series (I'm hooked and can't stop myself) and hoping for a few changes.
May 2, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Less Than a Moment is the 14th Posadas County mystery by Steven Havill. Released 17th March by Poisoned Pen Press, it's 272 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is an ensemble returning cast and a solid western mystery. The central players have a long and varied history together. There are familial and generational connections (and not always in a positive manner). Despite being the 14th book in this series (which is a spinoff of an earlier series), the author is a technically adept writer and sufficient backstory is written in to provide readers who are new to the characters, enough backstory without info-dumping. I was unfamiliar with the series previously though I believe I had read one or two of the author's earlier works, and I had no trouble following along.
There will be inevitable comparisons to the Longmire mysteries, and though they're both western law enforcement mysteries (and not procedurals) based around the sheriff's department, they're clearly distinct from one another and neither is derivative. (The fan base likely has a large overlap though).
The plotting is loosely interwoven with a few main subplots which had a tendency to meander a bit, but reached a satisfying/surprising denouement. The book is distinctly character driven and for fans familiar with the series, it will feel like catching up with old friends. I have borrowed a few of the earlier books in the series and plan to give them a go, and will definitely keep an eye out for the author's upcoming work.
Well written and no-frills engaging. Four stars+.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Less Than a Moment is the 14th Posadas County mystery by Steven Havill. Released 17th March by Poisoned Pen Press, it's 272 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.
This is an ensemble returning cast and a solid western mystery. The central players have a long and varied history together. There are familial and generational connections (and not always in a positive manner). Despite being the 14th book in this series (which is a spinoff of an earlier series), the author is a technically adept writer and sufficient backstory is written in to provide readers who are new to the characters, enough backstory without info-dumping. I was unfamiliar with the series previously though I believe I had read one or two of the author's earlier works, and I had no trouble following along.
There will be inevitable comparisons to the Longmire mysteries, and though they're both western law enforcement mysteries (and not procedurals) based around the sheriff's department, they're clearly distinct from one another and neither is derivative. (The fan base likely has a large overlap though).
The plotting is loosely interwoven with a few main subplots which had a tendency to meander a bit, but reached a satisfying/surprising denouement. The book is distinctly character driven and for fans familiar with the series, it will feel like catching up with old friends. I have borrowed a few of the earlier books in the series and plan to give them a go, and will definitely keep an eye out for the author's upcoming work.
Well written and no-frills engaging. Four stars+.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
June 16, 2025
I originally crafted this review on Father’s Day, a day a pipe burst in my house and sent gushing water cascading throughout much of the lower portions of the place. Call it blindness, call it stupidity, call it both, whatever works for you, but I couldn’t find that water on/off valve. By the time I found it and turned off the water, the carpets were ankle deep in water and portions of a ceiling had collapsed. All this to help you understand why this review will be short and may not convince you to read the book. Blame the reviewer, not the author. I have so many fans running it’s difficult to hear my audiobook player, which probably also contributed to the shortness of the review.
A land developer has come to Posadas County with his city-bred wife, and they’ve purchased land adjacent to the NightZone, a newly built tourist attraction that includes opportunities for tourists to visit the place and learn the stars at night. It boasts a quality restaurant and a planetarium, and there’s a narrow-gauge train that takes tourists from the fictional Posadas to the NightZone site. It means an infusion of jobs and money into the economy.
When the new developer buys the land, people worry his plans will diminish the impact of the NightZone project, and distrust spreads throughout the county. It isn’t long before someone wounds a newspaper editor and a reporter/photographer in a drive-by shooting, and the inevitable murder soon follows.
The end is worth reading to, and none of this is a boring chore. It’s always fun to check in on the personal lives of these characters. There are new events and changes in their lives that make them worth reading about.
A land developer has come to Posadas County with his city-bred wife, and they’ve purchased land adjacent to the NightZone, a newly built tourist attraction that includes opportunities for tourists to visit the place and learn the stars at night. It boasts a quality restaurant and a planetarium, and there’s a narrow-gauge train that takes tourists from the fictional Posadas to the NightZone site. It means an infusion of jobs and money into the economy.
When the new developer buys the land, people worry his plans will diminish the impact of the NightZone project, and distrust spreads throughout the county. It isn’t long before someone wounds a newspaper editor and a reporter/photographer in a drive-by shooting, and the inevitable murder soon follows.
The end is worth reading to, and none of this is a boring chore. It’s always fun to check in on the personal lives of these characters. There are new events and changes in their lives that make them worth reading about.
April 21, 2020
I am a devoted admirer of Steven Havill's novels. I eagerly await each new dispatch out of Posadas County, and the latest release does not disappoint. There are strange happenings atop the mesa where billionaire Miles Waddell has created his fascinating NightZone. The murder of an out-of-town real estate developer who may have threatened the NightZone viewshed puts several of our favorite characters in the line of fire. Gruff Sheriff Bobby Torres and his prescient sidekick Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman move methodically but rapidly in their search for the killer. As usual, a well-crafted, intriguing and ultimately rewarding story.
These difficult times remind us all that life is about connections. Over they years, I have come to know Posadas and its people. They provide me and other readers with familiar touchstones:: Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman; her physician husband, Francis,; their two incredibly gifted sons; retired Sheriff Bill Gastner,; current holder of that office, Robert Torres; local publisher, Frank Dayan,; editor, Pam Gardiner; crime photographer extraordinaire, Linda Pasquale; they are all now like family. This becomes even more important in times like these when we are separated from so many friends and even from some of our family members. Thank you, Steven Havill, for the fascinating world you have created. A world in which I and so many others find great comfort. May you write many more! I promise to read every one!
These difficult times remind us all that life is about connections. Over they years, I have come to know Posadas and its people. They provide me and other readers with familiar touchstones:: Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman; her physician husband, Francis,; their two incredibly gifted sons; retired Sheriff Bill Gastner,; current holder of that office, Robert Torres; local publisher, Frank Dayan,; editor, Pam Gardiner; crime photographer extraordinaire, Linda Pasquale; they are all now like family. This becomes even more important in times like these when we are separated from so many friends and even from some of our family members. Thank you, Steven Havill, for the fascinating world you have created. A world in which I and so many others find great comfort. May you write many more! I promise to read every one!
June 26, 2020
#24 in the Posadas County mystery series. This 2020 series entry by author Steven F. Havill is a fine addition to the series, especially if you are a fan. For series fans this is a trip down memory lane, Estelle Reyes-Guzman who started as a nineteen year old deputy is now a fifty one year old undersheriff, Francisco, her concert pianist son is twenty six and retired sheriff Bill Gastner is eighty five. This entry revolves around Night Zone, an astronomy complex introduced in NightZone (2013). As always, a reading pleasure.
Posadas County, New Mexico, has seen a significant uptick in its economy since Miles Waddell used much of his half-billion-dollar inheritance to build NightZone, an internationally praised astronomy center on Torrance Mesa. The isolation and darkness of the surrounding landscape enhance the visibility of the night sky for visitors. But Kyle Thompson, a land speculator, recently purchased a significant tract of land just north of the astronomy center. Soon surveyors are marking off the land. Any development would compromise the isolation and darkness NightZone counts on for its view of the night skies. The trouble begins with minor vandalism, but the stakes rise when a drive-by shooting at the offices of the local newspaper wounds two. Sheriff Bob Torrez and Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman sense a connection to the astronomy center, the new developer, and possibly even Torrez' nephew, who's had some scrapes with the law.
Posadas County, New Mexico, has seen a significant uptick in its economy since Miles Waddell used much of his half-billion-dollar inheritance to build NightZone, an internationally praised astronomy center on Torrance Mesa. The isolation and darkness of the surrounding landscape enhance the visibility of the night sky for visitors. But Kyle Thompson, a land speculator, recently purchased a significant tract of land just north of the astronomy center. Soon surveyors are marking off the land. Any development would compromise the isolation and darkness NightZone counts on for its view of the night skies. The trouble begins with minor vandalism, but the stakes rise when a drive-by shooting at the offices of the local newspaper wounds two. Sheriff Bob Torrez and Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman sense a connection to the astronomy center, the new developer, and possibly even Torrez' nephew, who's had some scrapes with the law.
August 12, 2021
This is one of the best of the Estelle Reyes-Guzman section of the Posadas County series. The books were better when they were in the first person from Bill Gastner's viewpoint, but this one is good, and the second part of the series is of lesser quality only in comparison with the first part.
This book begins with someone shooting up the office of the Posadas Register, the county's weekly newspaper. It would be just a senseless shooting, except that two employees were in the building and receive wounds from the fire. While Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman and Sheriff Robert Torrez are investigating the vandalism, a man who - along with his wife - has bought considerable property in the county turns up dead at the bottom of a cliff. He couldn't have fallen or even jumped and landed so far out from the base, and a bruise on his back points to a powerful kick. These simultaneous investigations seem to perhaps be connected, until an entirely unexpected shooting shows that indeed they are, and leaves a young man dead.
Steven F. Havill's great strengths are police procedure, and depicting the landscape. Without being dull, he shows the painstaking work that goes into finding out who did a crime. And he writes of the fictional Posadas County as though he's standing in the middle of the place as he writes, describing what he sees with his own eyes. These two factors made the entire Posadas County series well worth reading.
This book begins with someone shooting up the office of the Posadas Register, the county's weekly newspaper. It would be just a senseless shooting, except that two employees were in the building and receive wounds from the fire. While Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman and Sheriff Robert Torrez are investigating the vandalism, a man who - along with his wife - has bought considerable property in the county turns up dead at the bottom of a cliff. He couldn't have fallen or even jumped and landed so far out from the base, and a bruise on his back points to a powerful kick. These simultaneous investigations seem to perhaps be connected, until an entirely unexpected shooting shows that indeed they are, and leaves a young man dead.
Steven F. Havill's great strengths are police procedure, and depicting the landscape. Without being dull, he shows the painstaking work that goes into finding out who did a crime. And he writes of the fictional Posadas County as though he's standing in the middle of the place as he writes, describing what he sees with his own eyes. These two factors made the entire Posadas County series well worth reading.
October 19, 2020
This is one of my favorite series. I started reading this series in early 2000s. One of my favorite characters is Estelle Reyes-Guzman. I later went back to read the earlier books that focused on her mentor-Bill Gastner. It has been so enjoyable to watch their relationship evolve over the years. They are a true chosen family for each other and that adds a wonderful depth of dimension to the story telling. All the supporting characters have grown and evolved over the years-such as Linda Real-newspaper photographer-now police photographer-now married to Tom Pasquale, Sherriff Bobby Torrez now having a son, and Estelle's own son now has a son. When I started this series I was fairly close in age to Estelle and it has been interesting to see her mature and change through the series, getting to the point of wondering-does she keep down the path she has been on or is it time for a major change? This was an intriguing story and I am hoping for many others-as Estelle works to decide what paths she wants her life to take.
March 16, 2020
A new couple have arrived in Posadas County to visit the land they purchased adjacent to NightZone. There is worry that development plans could adversely affect NightZone, the people who visit and the money they spend. While speculation continues, a drive by shooting occurs at the Posadas Register. Sheriff Bob Torrez and Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman are puzzled as to who would shoot at the local newspaper office. Meanwhile Estelle’s famous son is visiting with plans to make his permanent residence in the village and former sheriff Bill Gastner is enjoying his search for the history of a gun he found years ago in the desert. Life is already hectic in Posadas…then there is a murder. Another complex mystery in Posadas County. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
March 23, 2021
Not sure of any compliments I haven't given to this series. Steven Havill is a top notch writer and his Posadas County mysteries have been excellent from the beginning. Less Than A Moment is the 24th in the series and, no, you don't have to read them in order - but all the books in this series are a real joy to read. This book deals with the drive-by shooting of a newspaper office and the murder of a new resident to the county. Our heroes, Undersheriff Estelle Reyes Guzman and Sheriff Bobby Torrez are focused on finding the shooter and the killer. Are they even the same person? The reader follows along as the investigation develops and matures. The local police force are short of staff but the people they have are first rate. The young nephew of Sheriff Torrez may be linked to one or both crimes - follow along to find the culprit. Good tension and well written.
April 9, 2024
A man is found dead at the base of a large boulder and the investigation rules out an accident. As usual from this author, a well-crafted procedural with some very intelligent characters. This is also the most generous author that I know of, gifting rancher Miles Wadell with a billion dollars so that he can build an astronomy-themed complex atop his mesa and install his own train to carry visitors up top. The venue is a boon to the economy of Posadas County and also to the author since it opens up so many plot opportunities. So, when developer Kyle Thompson and his wife buy a large swath of land nearby, some see him as a potential threat and the rumors begin to fly. The audio version has a pleasant surprise with Rusty Nelson voicing Bill Gastner.
August 12, 2020
Havill normally does a good job of building his main characters however he has been weak in building secondary characters. In his past Posadas series novels you grew to know them, love them or dislike them. However he dropped the ball in this one. I did not feel I had enough depth of the characters outside of Estelle and Bobby “and to some extent even them” to feel anything for them.. Maybe writing a little in the 1st person would improve his character building and bring back some intimacy to his main character Estelle which you lost in this novel and also help build the secondary characters as well.
All and all a little disappointing !
All and all a little disappointing !
April 21, 2020
Excellent new Posadas county novel by S Havill
Intricate plot and believable 3 dimensional characters are standard in Mr. Havill’s books and he continues the same level of excellence in this new novel. I am just a little dismayed by the natural aging of the characters as this portents an all too soon for me ending of the series ( I need at least 20 - hopefully more years of stories). No plot revels here- read and enjoy the book ! Congratulations Mr. Havill - we share a last name but fairly certain we are not related - sigh. Cheri Havill Ramirez
Intricate plot and believable 3 dimensional characters are standard in Mr. Havill’s books and he continues the same level of excellence in this new novel. I am just a little dismayed by the natural aging of the characters as this portents an all too soon for me ending of the series ( I need at least 20 - hopefully more years of stories). No plot revels here- read and enjoy the book ! Congratulations Mr. Havill - we share a last name but fairly certain we are not related - sigh. Cheri Havill Ramirez
May 29, 2021
A Posadas County Mystery # 24. I loved this book, as I do all of his books, but maybe even more because the story focused more on the crime than on Estelle's family. The ending was unexpected. The Gastner character is much more lovable and funny and he gave me some good laugh-out-loud moments. This author's books always have a great map of the county and its town but this book really needed a map/drawing of the development that the story revolves around. I read the ebook. Copyright March 2020.
April 26, 2024
Usual fascinating read.
I have now spent a lot of time reading this series several times in order. The way Havilland turns the thought processes of the people populating these works shows a natural ability to understand not only police work but the emotional toll that job takes on the daily struggle of those officers. I love the continuity of the people surrounding those officers lives and the price they pay in support. It behooves the reader to take the time to begin with the first book through the newest to stitch their lives together.
I have now spent a lot of time reading this series several times in order. The way Havilland turns the thought processes of the people populating these works shows a natural ability to understand not only police work but the emotional toll that job takes on the daily struggle of those officers. I love the continuity of the people surrounding those officers lives and the price they pay in support. It behooves the reader to take the time to begin with the first book through the newest to stitch their lives together.
November 24, 2020
I've read my fair share of crime / action novels and this one is in the bottom tier.
It starts off as a below average police procedural and does not improve. 'Less than a Moment' took far to long to get to the point and when it did, I was disappointed. This was one of the more pointless books that I have read in recent days.
The setting was pleasant enough but there was very little mystery here and I found the entire tale rather boring.
My advice - give this one a miss.
It starts off as a below average police procedural and does not improve. 'Less than a Moment' took far to long to get to the point and when it did, I was disappointed. This was one of the more pointless books that I have read in recent days.
The setting was pleasant enough but there was very little mystery here and I found the entire tale rather boring.
My advice - give this one a miss.
October 16, 2020
I really enjoyed the sidebar story of Bill Gastner's found pistol. "Estelle certainly seems to suffer from anxiety even though she puts up a good front on the job. She worries about everything. The sheriff is so stiff, rarely showing a human side. They play off each other well. The main story was good but the ending was certainly anti-climatic.
February 5, 2021
Love this author !
I have read all of these novels about Posadas County and have loved every one. I did read them in order - I think that is important when it comes to these characters - enjoys their ups and downs, twists and turns. These have a special place in my heart, being a New Mexican. ¡Andalé, Sheriff Gastner!
I have read all of these novels about Posadas County and have loved every one. I did read them in order - I think that is important when it comes to these characters - enjoys their ups and downs, twists and turns. These have a special place in my heart, being a New Mexican. ¡Andalé, Sheriff Gastner!
January 22, 2022
My Havill readings have skipped a decade and a half in the lives of these characters but it’s easy to pick up where I left off. The ending to the mystery portion is not as much of a surprise as some others but remains satisfying. There’s nothing like a character driven backstory to keep readers returning.
January 23, 2022
It's been some time since reading a Posadas County story but was able to get back into all the who was who. Still this isn't a stand alone. The reader would miss all of the close knit community ties without reading previous books. Would go a little further and put this into an almost "cozy mystery".
January 30, 2025
felt like one chapter of a 90 chapter good book
I am left with a “huh”? As in: this moved very slowly and went totally no place. Sorry to say. Very predictable and not well documented in terms of who dunnit and why. Hate being negative but not going to follow this character set or writer.
I am left with a “huh”? As in: this moved very slowly and went totally no place. Sorry to say. Very predictable and not well documented in terms of who dunnit and why. Hate being negative but not going to follow this character set or writer.
May 13, 2020
Not as great as all previous
A bit slow, than an abrupt ending. Perpetrators not well developed; little detail on recurring characters. Still love Steven Havill’s style however. This one is just pale in comparison to previous books in the series.
A bit slow, than an abrupt ending. Perpetrators not well developed; little detail on recurring characters. Still love Steven Havill’s style however. This one is just pale in comparison to previous books in the series.
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