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Kurt Hunter Mysteries #8
Backwater Grave
A killer is on the loose in South Florida’s national parks . . .
And the trail of bodies leads to Special Agent Kurt Hunter.
When a string of not-so-accidental drownings in the parks attracts the attention of the FBI, Kurt is drawn into a quagmire of bureaucrats and politicians, each with their own agenda. Faced with the reality that the deaths are really murders — all with ties to Kurt — he is forced to make a decision: save his job . . . or his life.
Figuring out the modus operandi of the killer leads Kurt down an old path he would have rather forgotten.
From the iconic Intracoastal Waterway of Miami to the beauty of Biscayne National Park, this new mystery from bestselling author Steven Becker reveals the good, the bad, and the ugly of South Florida.
Fans of Wayne Stinnett, Clive Cussler, and John D MacDonald will enjoy this South Florida adventure.
And the trail of bodies leads to Special Agent Kurt Hunter.
When a string of not-so-accidental drownings in the parks attracts the attention of the FBI, Kurt is drawn into a quagmire of bureaucrats and politicians, each with their own agenda. Faced with the reality that the deaths are really murders — all with ties to Kurt — he is forced to make a decision: save his job . . . or his life.
Figuring out the modus operandi of the killer leads Kurt down an old path he would have rather forgotten.
From the iconic Intracoastal Waterway of Miami to the beauty of Biscayne National Park, this new mystery from bestselling author Steven Becker reveals the good, the bad, and the ugly of South Florida.
Fans of Wayne Stinnett, Clive Cussler, and John D MacDonald will enjoy this South Florida adventure.
- GenresMystery
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2020
299 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 8, 2020
Another fast paced story in the life of our fave Park Ranger, Kurt Hunter! This time Kurt has been promoted to Temporary Agent in Charge as Martinez has been promoted and relocated. Dead bodies have been showing up in a remote location off a power plant and Kurt has died them to a cartel. Possibly the same cartel that caused Hunter to relocate from CA to FL. Kurt teams up with an FBI profiler to investigate...and hope that they stay alive in the process. I love this series but I must say that I miss Martinez and his constant berating of Kurt...’What THE he!!, Hunter!’
Excellent narration keeps the story alive when you may get a tad bogged down with boating vernacular.
Excellent narration keeps the story alive when you may get a tad bogged down with boating vernacular.
May 5, 2020
Usually these stories have a plot, a beginning, a middle, and an end. I'm not so sure that Steven Becker didn't have this one ghost written. Lots of logistical mistakes. Two things really make this a book not bothering to read. One: While on a back road in the Everglades, the female protagonist has to take a pee. She convinces her captors to release her bindings and she disappears off into the "glade." There's mention of an alligator in the area and her two captors are armed. Everyone is keeping an eye on the 'gator. Next thing you know, the 'gator has attacked and gutted one of the captors. He couldn't just get in the truck? Next, the hostage and the remaining captor are lost in the 'glade. Next sentence: The "boss" is there with his truck and they drive out. The worst: Hunter and his FBI cohort discover who the bad guy is. Turn the page - he's now in the witness protection program. No explanation as to how they confronted the bad guy, what they had on him, and how he got into the program. The author just left out too many details about the antagonists. Way too much gibberish about the condition of the everglades and its history. I'm just glad that I'm reading some of this stuff through Kindle Unlimited. I'd hate to have to pay for something this poorly written.
April 29, 2020
Not My Favorite, Still Good, But Not 5 Star
I’ve been a huge fan of the “Kurt Hunter” series since it began, and have waited anxiously for the release of each new book.
“Backwater Grave” is a good read, but it lacks the “vitality” of the previous books. To me too many things were left unresolved when it ended. Things which even the epilogue didn’t answer.
In my opinion the author, whom I greatly admire, could have added two or three more chapters to tie up the “loose ends”.
I’m giving this one 3 stars as I felt “cheated” at the end of the last chapter.
Mr. Becker, as one of my “A List” authors I expected much more than I received in reading “Backwater Grave”. Hopefully the next one will be more complete.
I Cautiously Recommend This Book.
I’ve been a huge fan of the “Kurt Hunter” series since it began, and have waited anxiously for the release of each new book.
“Backwater Grave” is a good read, but it lacks the “vitality” of the previous books. To me too many things were left unresolved when it ended. Things which even the epilogue didn’t answer.
In my opinion the author, whom I greatly admire, could have added two or three more chapters to tie up the “loose ends”.
I’m giving this one 3 stars as I felt “cheated” at the end of the last chapter.
Mr. Becker, as one of my “A List” authors I expected much more than I received in reading “Backwater Grave”. Hopefully the next one will be more complete.
I Cautiously Recommend This Book.
April 27, 2020
Always a good day when Steven Becker’s new book drops!
Kurt Hunters character keeps getting better & now he’s free of his nemesis of a boss & creepy co-worker. However, he’s now the boss & just might die from a thousand paper cuts...alas a body drops but this time he didn’t find it, but he sees a pattern where others might not & he quickly becomes the hunted not the Hunter. A great way to spend a shelter in place day is reading an action packed novel that you can’t put down!! Despite being an Amazon Unlimited customer I always pre-order Becker’s books as he’s in my top five along with Stinnett/Cussler/McKenna/Lincoln. Well worth the wait!!! Read this book.
Kurt Hunters character keeps getting better & now he’s free of his nemesis of a boss & creepy co-worker. However, he’s now the boss & just might die from a thousand paper cuts...alas a body drops but this time he didn’t find it, but he sees a pattern where others might not & he quickly becomes the hunted not the Hunter. A great way to spend a shelter in place day is reading an action packed novel that you can’t put down!! Despite being an Amazon Unlimited customer I always pre-order Becker’s books as he’s in my top five along with Stinnett/Cussler/McKenna/Lincoln. Well worth the wait!!! Read this book.
December 9, 2021
My experience reading Backwater Grave was great. It went above my expectations as expected from the Kurt Hunter mystery series books. A common theme seen throughout the book is mystery. This is because Kurt is unable to find how the dead bodies are connected to a murderer when all of them showed signs of no resistance and drowned. Characterization used in the book is the unknown, unbeknownst as to who may be the next victim. The language used in the book is technical because of the use of forensic language. Highly recommended for people who love a good murder mystery book that takes place in a tropical climate. Not recommended for those who don’t like murder mystery books.
April 21, 2020
If you like a really good mystery and also want to learn a little of the Florida Keys, then this is the book for you. There is a map at the front of the book that lets you know what the characters are talking about. Steven is a great story teller and that is what makes or breaks a book. I very much enjoyed this mystery adventure and learned what it would feel like to be out on the water with the salt spray in your face. The ending leaves you wanting to read more.
April 20, 2020
A well written murder mystery adventure with a great storyline that takes place in Southern Florida. Includes great characters, non-stop action, and plenty of suspense. This mystery was definitely very hard to put down. An excellent book that I highly recommend. Looking forward to the next book in this fantastic series.
May 6, 2020
ANOTHER AWESOME KURT HUNTER READ!!
Backwater Grave, was a non-stop read!!
Body found in a weird location. A young woman, that was found murdered. Kurt on the hunt for, who placed her there and finds another woman's body. The hunt is on, with threats to harm his daughter. An NON-STOP READ!!
Backwater Grave, was a non-stop read!!
Body found in a weird location. A young woman, that was found murdered. Kurt on the hunt for, who placed her there and finds another woman's body. The hunt is on, with threats to harm his daughter. An NON-STOP READ!!
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September 19, 2020Love the latest Kurt Hunter book
I am a huge fan of Steven Becker's series of books about Kurt Hunter! It's hard to put them down once I start reading, and this latest book in the series is no exception. The characters now seem like old friends, and I love Becker's descriptions of life and work on or near the water of the Florida keys.
I am a huge fan of Steven Becker's series of books about Kurt Hunter! It's hard to put them down once I start reading, and this latest book in the series is no exception. The characters now seem like old friends, and I love Becker's descriptions of life and work on or near the water of the Florida keys.
November 17, 2020
Action packed thriller
Finding dead.bodies in the.water seems to be Hunter's forte. The was questions who Iis doing the.killing and.why. park ranger recently promoted to temporary agent in charge along with an FBI agent must solve.the case.There is an interesting twist st the end.
Finding dead.bodies in the.water seems to be Hunter's forte. The was questions who Iis doing the.killing and.why. park ranger recently promoted to temporary agent in charge along with an FBI agent must solve.the case.There is an interesting twist st the end.
April 28, 2020
Good Thriller
Much like the previous seven books, Kurt Hunter manages I take every day routine and turn it into an exciting thrill ride with unexpected Taiwan turns. Enjoyed this book as much as the previous ones, especially thermostat the end.
Much like the previous seven books, Kurt Hunter manages I take every day routine and turn it into an exciting thrill ride with unexpected Taiwan turns. Enjoyed this book as much as the previous ones, especially thermostat the end.
May 5, 2020
Super read
Once again Kurt and Justine along with Kendra solve a series of murders that the park ranger gets involved in. Glad to know he is alive and will carry on in a lot more solving crimes around the country ciao from costs Rica and stay safe
Once again Kurt and Justine along with Kendra solve a series of murders that the park ranger gets involved in. Glad to know he is alive and will carry on in a lot more solving crimes around the country ciao from costs Rica and stay safe
June 18, 2020
Love this series!
Action, intrigue, love, murders and most of all, fishing! I have been reading this series in order, but if you don't, the writer gives a quick background of the important issues. Thanks for a great series!
Action, intrigue, love, murders and most of all, fishing! I have been reading this series in order, but if you don't, the writer gives a quick background of the important issues. Thanks for a great series!
July 1, 2020
Great job
As in previous books he's written this one holds you to the end. A page Turner for sure. I couldn't put it down. Way to go. Always looking for the next Kurt Hunter adventure book.
As in previous books he's written this one holds you to the end. A page Turner for sure. I couldn't put it down. Way to go. Always looking for the next Kurt Hunter adventure book.
October 19, 2020
The world is forever changing, so do things with Kurt . Working with a female FBI person and getting a promotion is not something Kurt likes, he'd rather be in his own little space. Backwater Grave is fast paced and enjoyable.
January 2, 2021
Really Great Story - a little long on descriptions
Good story with lots of action. A little much with traveling descriptions if your nit from Florida or familiar wit boating or the Everglades. Too much Snake stuff - I hate snakes
Good story with lots of action. A little much with traveling descriptions if your nit from Florida or familiar wit boating or the Everglades. Too much Snake stuff - I hate snakes
March 2, 2023
Nostalgia for me
Grew up exactly where this book takes place, but in another time. It brought back a lot of memories. I appreciate stories that are real places. The story is well told, exciting. Looking forward to what Kurt does next.
Grew up exactly where this book takes place, but in another time. It brought back a lot of memories. I appreciate stories that are real places. The story is well told, exciting. Looking forward to what Kurt does next.
March 31, 2023
Changes
Lots of changes in the characters job description. I new change had to come but Martinez and Susan, wow, didn't see that big of change should be awarded to them. Story was good and I still get lost in the keys and what bait for what fish. I'm enjoying the series.
Lots of changes in the characters job description. I new change had to come but Martinez and Susan, wow, didn't see that big of change should be awarded to them. Story was good and I still get lost in the keys and what bait for what fish. I'm enjoying the series.
December 14, 2023
This series is well written and the book can be read in one sitting. That is a good thing because once you start reading you can't stop. Some major life changes in the characters in this one and will be interested to see what comes next.
May 7, 2020
I hope Steven keeps this series going!
May 8, 2020
Great Read
Enjoy mystery series. Great for young adults and older adults. Easy to bond with characters and the story flows from one book to another flawlessly.
Enjoy mystery series. Great for young adults and older adults. Easy to bond with characters and the story flows from one book to another flawlessly.
May 14, 2020
Good read
Took some time to get moving but necessary given the shift in characters. Glad to see that shift. Made me pay attention to the story.
Took some time to get moving but necessary given the shift in characters. Glad to see that shift. Made me pay attention to the story.
November 14, 2020
Enjoyable modern mystery (clean). Easily understood narration narration performed by Paul J. McSorley.
March 18, 2023
Great characters
October 6, 2023
Good cop gets his wish
The good guys don't always get what they want. Hunter has to fight for his family to be protected from the cartel
The good guys don't always get what they want. Hunter has to fight for his family to be protected from the cartel
December 20, 2023
Excellent
June 20, 2024
Liked it Will look for more with this author. Liked reading about the Florida everglades. Brought back memories of time spent in Florida
June 10, 2025
So glad to see 99% less of Martinez and Susan.
Great story. Needed more Justine. Looking forward to Kurt’s changing circumstance and the new adventures awaiting him.
Great story. Needed more Justine. Looking forward to Kurt’s changing circumstance and the new adventures awaiting him.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews