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Big Lake #17
Big Lake Quarterback
Big Lake High School’s star quarterback seems to have it all. Handsome, popular with the girls, adored by the fans, and with a talent that his coach is convinced will take him to the big time in professional football. So when Gary Gunkel goes missing a week before the homecoming game, some people in town believe he's just a typical young man sowing his wild oats.
But when the missing boy's mother shows Sheriff Weber a series of gruesome threatening letters he has received the sheriff agrees that there might be something more sinister happening. Even more startling, his investigation soon discovers another side to Gary Gunkel, a side that makes Weber question how much he really knows about the young people in his small mountain town.
As evidence comes in and clues are revealed, suspects in the disappearance of the boy are beginning to pile up. Who is behind the disappearance of Gary Gunkel and why? Could it be an over-protective father? A jealous teammate? Someone from Round Valley High, Big Lake’s bitter rivals? Possibly the mysterious stranger seen lurking, or possibly stalking, an important member of the sheriff’s administrative staff? Or is it another man? A man Sheriff Weber considers a good friend who has reason to seek revenge? The story comes to a shocking end that will leave readers’ sitting up in their chairs.
But when the missing boy's mother shows Sheriff Weber a series of gruesome threatening letters he has received the sheriff agrees that there might be something more sinister happening. Even more startling, his investigation soon discovers another side to Gary Gunkel, a side that makes Weber question how much he really knows about the young people in his small mountain town.
As evidence comes in and clues are revealed, suspects in the disappearance of the boy are beginning to pile up. Who is behind the disappearance of Gary Gunkel and why? Could it be an over-protective father? A jealous teammate? Someone from Round Valley High, Big Lake’s bitter rivals? Possibly the mysterious stranger seen lurking, or possibly stalking, an important member of the sheriff’s administrative staff? Or is it another man? A man Sheriff Weber considers a good friend who has reason to seek revenge? The story comes to a shocking end that will leave readers’ sitting up in their chairs.
- GenresMysteryProcedural
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 3, 2020
I found this story fairly interesting, except for the part about Mary's stalker, that seemed like fluff to add pages to the book. But, it was difficult to read through all of the subject-verb agreement mistakes, misplaced modifiers, and the grammar mistakes. Sometimes you could accept the grammar as an uneducated character's grammar, but then when the same mistakes were made outside the quotes, it makes you wonder if Mr. Russell does not know the proper uses of lie, lay, and lain; and lay, laid, and laid. I would have to blame a lot of this on his staff, especially his proof reader(s). Where do they find them? Hey, I'll work cheap, just contact me. It always slays me in these stories that the crime is solved, but not because of good police work, but by pure happenstance. This time a person arrested for a DUI relates something he overheard in a bar that leads to the arrest and conviction; nothing but luck on the part of the sheriff's department, not good detective work.
January 30, 2020
Nick Russell is a master storyteller and I love his books and characters. I even read his blog every day. He does a great job of bringing his characters to life, even the bit players. And there are other sub-plots going on, so the book isn’t totally focused on solving the one mystery. I know the perpetrator is going to be someone I wouldn’t think of, but the reveal at the end was still a total surprise. It usually is in this series.
And, Turner Bachman, really? That was hard to miss.
And, Turner Bachman, really? That was hard to miss.
April 17, 2021
As always
Nick Russell's book get five stars from me. I'd give him more if I could. This book had more sadness in it than Nick's others books. It shows how one person's actions affect so, so many lives. The effect that probably will last a life time. Again, I enjoyed how suspects were interviewed, some more than once, and dismissed having an alibi. Jimmy Weber seems to discern a lie pretty quickly and continues questioning them until they admits it. There wasn't as much of FBI Parker, in this book and I admit I did miss his sarcastic remarks to Jimmy!! There were the usual towns people and other characters that make Nick's books so appealing. It's a lot like reading a letter from home and getting the latest news!! I really enjoy how Jimmy and his deputies all have each other's backs and get along so well. Thank you Nick for having your books in Kindle Unlimited, so more readers have access to them. I highly recommend this series!!
Nick Russell's book get five stars from me. I'd give him more if I could. This book had more sadness in it than Nick's others books. It shows how one person's actions affect so, so many lives. The effect that probably will last a life time. Again, I enjoyed how suspects were interviewed, some more than once, and dismissed having an alibi. Jimmy Weber seems to discern a lie pretty quickly and continues questioning them until they admits it. There wasn't as much of FBI Parker, in this book and I admit I did miss his sarcastic remarks to Jimmy!! There were the usual towns people and other characters that make Nick's books so appealing. It's a lot like reading a letter from home and getting the latest news!! I really enjoy how Jimmy and his deputies all have each other's backs and get along so well. Thank you Nick for having your books in Kindle Unlimited, so more readers have access to them. I highly recommend this series!!
February 17, 2020
This was, in the end, a pretty boring book. The editing was poor and the punctuation was horrible. I could possibly have overlooked those shortcomings had the plot been engaging, but it was just plain uninspired. The dialogue was stilted -- for example, during any conversation between two characters, virtually every sentence was preceded with the person's name. "John, it doesn't make sense." "Josh, I understand." "John, I'm glad you do." "Josh, no problem." That's just not the way people actually converse, so it was awkward. Finally, none of the characters inspired empathy, least of all the murder victim himself. Can't in good conscience recommend it.
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April 8, 2022Who killed the star quarterback???
When the star quarterback goes missing Jimmie and his deputies have their hands full. When they pull his body from the lake things really go crazy. As girls turn up raped and intimidated things go from bad to worse. Who beat him near to death and then put him in the lake? Was it his rivals from the other team? Was it one of the father's of the girls involved? Was it his best friend?? Was it one of the local bad guys? This is the biggest case the Big Lake Sheriff Department has ever had. There are no clues. Don't miss this outstanding book. Highly recommended.
When the star quarterback goes missing Jimmie and his deputies have their hands full. When they pull his body from the lake things really go crazy. As girls turn up raped and intimidated things go from bad to worse. Who beat him near to death and then put him in the lake? Was it his rivals from the other team? Was it one of the father's of the girls involved? Was it his best friend?? Was it one of the local bad guys? This is the biggest case the Big Lake Sheriff Department has ever had. There are no clues. Don't miss this outstanding book. Highly recommended.
June 3, 2026
The hysterical Mom of the local superstar HS Quarterback comes to report that her son is missing. Sheriff Weber & crew hunt down all leads, not liking anything they hear about the "star". He's pretty much a self-serving spoiled bully that is catered to by his coach and his parents.
His reputation is mostly bad with few exceptions and when he's found, the hunt is on for the killer.
Although he deserved everything that happened, Weber is obligated to find out what happened.
The culprit came down to one or two people for me and I was proven correct.
More like a 2.5 for me cause the editing is pretty poor.
His reputation is mostly bad with few exceptions and when he's found, the hunt is on for the killer.
Although he deserved everything that happened, Weber is obligated to find out what happened.
The culprit came down to one or two people for me and I was proven correct.
More like a 2.5 for me cause the editing is pretty poor.
February 4, 2020
A Passion For Others
This new mystery is written in familiar, folksy manner of this BIG LAKE series. I always find myself believing that I'm with friends and neighbors as I turn the pages. Reading through the expected hyperbole and convivial chatter, the depth of the author's life experiences and compassion for the pain of others reveals itself. Mr. Russell clearly empathizes with both the heartbreaking physical suffering and the joy experienced by the characters he writes about. This is why I keep coming back to the writings of Nick Russell. Thank you.
This new mystery is written in familiar, folksy manner of this BIG LAKE series. I always find myself believing that I'm with friends and neighbors as I turn the pages. Reading through the expected hyperbole and convivial chatter, the depth of the author's life experiences and compassion for the pain of others reveals itself. Mr. Russell clearly empathizes with both the heartbreaking physical suffering and the joy experienced by the characters he writes about. This is why I keep coming back to the writings of Nick Russell. Thank you.
March 13, 2020
Possibly the best Big Lake story yet. Big Lake High School's senior quarterback is a star. Just ask him. He was also a jerk and, as it turns out, a rapist. Those that view him as a star quarterback, can't believe it when he is murdered. Those that know the truth are glad he is gone. Sorting out the wheat from the chaf, is quite a task for Sheriff Wber and his team. There are more than enough suspects to go around. Once again the once and former mayor, Chuck Windgate, is there wo provide comedic relief.
January 30, 2020
It is like reconnecting with old friends!
Have read all the books and this one is "like connecting with old friends again ." My problem is once I start reading I can not put the book down! The characters , the plot and the dialog are fresh, crisp and easy to read! So if you are looking for a series that hooks you, this is it. Start with the first book and you will love all of them.
Have read all the books and this one is "like connecting with old friends again ." My problem is once I start reading I can not put the book down! The characters , the plot and the dialog are fresh, crisp and easy to read! So if you are looking for a series that hooks you, this is it. Start with the first book and you will love all of them.
January 30, 2020
EXCELLENT
Nick has done it again! I highly recommend reading this series of Nick Russell books and I am waiting for the next book from him.
I have been rereading my collection of Nicks books waiting for him to put the next book out. He has a way that makes you feel like you are standing next to the people who are in the book, EXCELLENT job and I highly recommend you get and enjoy ALL of Nicks books
Nick has done it again! I highly recommend reading this series of Nick Russell books and I am waiting for the next book from him.
I have been rereading my collection of Nicks books waiting for him to put the next book out. He has a way that makes you feel like you are standing next to the people who are in the book, EXCELLENT job and I highly recommend you get and enjoy ALL of Nicks books
June 4, 2022
ANOTHER OUTSTANDING MYSTERY
As with all of the previous books, mr Russell has outdone himself again. I love the fact that he keeps people and places straight and it’s like you become a member of the Big Lake community. If you like mysteries I recommend this book and the whole series to you. You won’t be disappointed. Can’t wait to start the next one. I have to give five stars they are so fascinating.
As with all of the previous books, mr Russell has outdone himself again. I love the fact that he keeps people and places straight and it’s like you become a member of the Big Lake community. If you like mysteries I recommend this book and the whole series to you. You won’t be disappointed. Can’t wait to start the next one. I have to give five stars they are so fascinating.
June 17, 2026
Great Read !!!
Just another Great Mystery for you to figure out along with Sheriff Jimmy !! I thought I had the correct person but I was just confused by "conflicting evidence" !! It turns out that I was close to being correct but that's not enough when getting a conviction !! In the end, I was wrong and the Sheriff's Department of Big Lake was "spot on" !!
This book was another "Great Diversion" from too much TV !!
Thanks, Nick Russell and keep up the Great Writing !!
Just another Great Mystery for you to figure out along with Sheriff Jimmy !! I thought I had the correct person but I was just confused by "conflicting evidence" !! It turns out that I was close to being correct but that's not enough when getting a conviction !! In the end, I was wrong and the Sheriff's Department of Big Lake was "spot on" !!
This book was another "Great Diversion" from too much TV !!
Thanks, Nick Russell and keep up the Great Writing !!
January 31, 2020
Good til the last drop!
I could not put the book down! The story just pulls you in. The characters really keep you on the edge of the seat. Did not have a clue to who was responsible. That's what makes a good mystery! Loved it that Mary's long lost son was added! I love the characters.
I could not put the book down! The story just pulls you in. The characters really keep you on the edge of the seat. Did not have a clue to who was responsible. That's what makes a good mystery! Loved it that Mary's long lost son was added! I love the characters.
February 3, 2020
Another fun and entertaining murder mystery from a very prolific writer, Nick Russell. Big Lake Quarterback is a fast-paced adventure with the usual array of quirky characters. I didn't mind when the 'entitled' and good looking quarterback turns up dead. He is truly not a nice person. Enjoy, Cheers Lynda L. Lock (Isla Mujeres Mystery novels).
October 12, 2022
THIS REMINDED ME SO MUCH OF A REAL MURDER CASE THAT HAPPENED IN FLORIDA ON JULY 14, 1993, IT WAS REALLY SORT OF CREEPY TO ME THE SIMULARITIES. I LOVE THIS SERIES THEY ARE SO CRAZY IN THAT TOWN. IT TICKLED ME IN THAT SCENE WHERE THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT HOW GREASY LAMB WAS, ALL THE WHILE FRYING CHICKEN WINGS AND GETTING POTATOE CHIPS OUT TO EAT WITH THEM. GO FIGURE. WILD TOWN. ;D
January 30, 2020
Not just one, or two, but at least three major twists in this story kept me saying, "Oh, my! I didn't expect THAT!" As always, Nick spins a wonderful tale about our old friends in Big Lake and we get to meet some new ones. Highly recommended!
February 4, 2020
Another winner from Nick Russell
This book moves right along as all of Nick’s books do. The story unfolds in ways you can’t predict before wrapping up with an ending I didn’t see coming. Loved it!
This book moves right along as all of Nick’s books do. The story unfolds in ways you can’t predict before wrapping up with an ending I didn’t see coming. Loved it!
March 3, 2020
Quarterback
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. Not that it wasn't good, because it was, but it was so true to life, it was scary. I have to admit that it had a twist ending. Can't wait for the next one!
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. Not that it wasn't good, because it was, but it was so true to life, it was scary. I have to admit that it had a twist ending. Can't wait for the next one!
March 18, 2020
A no nonsense series
The characters in this series are fun, but a little to much sex talk. No 4 letter words are nice. The mystery is always a good one. Weber is a good sheriff and honest.I have read them all.
The characters in this series are fun, but a little to much sex talk. No 4 letter words are nice. The mystery is always a good one. Weber is a good sheriff and honest.I have read them all.
September 28, 2020
Big Lake Quarterback
This is the seventeenth book in this series. It about to start the last book in this series which makes me Sad. This is the best mystery and intriguing series I have ever read I highly recommend this book and series. I'm about to start the last book
This is the seventeenth book in this series. It about to start the last book in this series which makes me Sad. This is the best mystery and intriguing series I have ever read I highly recommend this book and series. I'm about to start the last book
June 5, 2022
This one was interesting. While some of the better known side characters took a back seat in this story, a number of other lesser known ones got to shine. A little predictable in spots, but a good story nonetheless.
March 12, 2025
Big lake quarterback
Very interesting tale as the small town grows even more and the old ways are changed by the influence of outsiders. The police action is growing as well but they still approach the case in the old ways.
Very interesting tale as the small town grows even more and the old ways are changed by the influence of outsiders. The police action is growing as well but they still approach the case in the old ways.
March 19, 2025
A terrific series
This was a story full of secrets, lies, betrayals, horrific tragedies, and so much more. It's certainly not a story or series to be missed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was a story full of secrets, lies, betrayals, horrific tragedies, and so much more. It's certainly not a story or series to be missed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
October 23, 2025
surprises humor & death
Very entertaining , characters , Russel winds you through love, death, and having characters come to life, with a surprise ending
Very enjoyable page turner🥳
Very entertaining , characters , Russel winds you through love, death, and having characters come to life, with a surprise ending
Very enjoyable page turner🥳
January 28, 2020
Another GREAT story
Love the Big Lake series. When a new story comes out everything stops till it is read cover to cover. Very good as always.
Thank you Nick Russell!
Love the Big Lake series. When a new story comes out everything stops till it is read cover to cover. Very good as always.
Thank you Nick Russell!
January 31, 2020
Terrific
I am a huge fan of this series and this one is great. Can’t wait to see what comes next
I am a huge fan of this series and this one is great. Can’t wait to see what comes next
February 2, 2020
Big lake
Another great book from a amazing author a lot of twists and turns in a small town setting, love the series nick.keep them coming.
Another great book from a amazing author a lot of twists and turns in a small town setting, love the series nick.keep them coming.
February 11, 2020
A Good Read
This is one of Nick Russell's best novels. I have read all of his published fiction and this one ranks among his best.
This is one of Nick Russell's best novels. I have read all of his published fiction and this one ranks among his best.
November 12, 2020
A very good book, and the ending will shock you; it did me. Never saw that ending coming at all.
March 20, 2021
Another great story.
As usual, Mr. Russel has written a totally believable story. Nothing at all in the narrative to give up the ending.
As usual, Mr. Russel has written a totally believable story. Nothing at all in the narrative to give up the ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews