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When is it better to be dead than missing?

A woman’s plea to find her missing husband sends Special Agent Kurt Hunter down a road he doesn’t want to go.

For all its pristine beauty, Biscayne National Park can be deadly for those lost and unprepared. Open water and inhospitable islands are the most obvious obstacles in a life or death battle, but there is something even more dangerous than nature—man.

The search leads to the mangrove-lined shores of the barrier islands, where smugglers and pirates have lurked for centuries. With the clock ticking on finding the man alive, Kurt and his team take to the backwaters of Biscayne Bay to find him.

Backwater Squall is filled with all the colorful characters, tropical locations, Florida history, and marine action that readers have come to expect in the Kurt Hunter Mystery series.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2022

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About the author

Steven Becker

116 books169 followers

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5 stars
373 (57%)
4 stars
209 (31%)
3 stars
59 (9%)
2 stars
10 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
14 reviews
May 5, 2022
I read this book as a continuation of the Kurt Hunter Mystery series. This book went above my expectations and the personal connection I could make to the book is the fact that nature is one of Earth’s most powerful forces. A common theme that is used throughout the book is thrilling tension as the storm continues to grow while Kurt is still on the hunt for the missing man. Characterization used throughout the book is cunning behavior, the pirates and smugglers have been known to be very cunning and deceitful. The language used is technical crime scene forensic language. This book is recommended for people who enjoy a good murder mystery book and thriller.
272 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2022
12 Books of great reading

From the beginning Kurt Hunter keeps you intrigued. As he does in each and every book. Mainly based in the Miami and Keys of Florida area. New to the area from California Park Service he must make friends to learn his way a round with the other State and County investigative services. Each book travels to new events while keeping recent events on the back burner to draw to a conclusion to book 12. Still left open in book 13, not yet available, to continue his investigative skills. Great read from book to book. Characters are entertaining as well as helpful.
Profile Image for Gary Human.
16 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2022
Another “Great” book

I have read them all. As always, the story line keeps you going. You don’t want to put it down. Action, adventure and full of information about south Florida. Can’t wait for the next adventure to begin because I know it will be good, as always!
Keep up the great writing.
Profile Image for John Scheibelhut.
186 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2022
Persistence pays off

I always enjoy a Kurt Hunter novel. Step by step
He finds more evidence and his wife is even better. One of my favorite authors whose research in first rate. I salivate when a new book comes out. Take a few hours and treat yourself to the whole series. You'll become a fan on no time.
41 reviews
September 8, 2022
Backwater Squall: An action packed suspense book.

This book by Steven Becker, one of a series, is action packed with a fast moving story. Kurt Hunter employs his investigation skills to track does the law breakers. It is an ideal book for anyone who likes detective work involving boats in and around the Miami and Biscayne Bay areas.
Profile Image for Pam Jackson-gorsline.
988 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2023
Witherspoon

Good story with many twists and turns. You put Justine and Kurt at a very high end house and Justine didn't think of cameras on the property? Kurt seems to have blinders on but Justine usually sees the whole picture. When I read that part I wanted to call out stop!! Lol
Profile Image for Norma.
403 reviews
April 10, 2023
This was a cheap Chirp book. Not my favorite kind of read and I thought the narrator had a monotonous voice. Also, the girlfriend kept calling Kurt "Kemo Sabe" which I found annoying. I bought the book because I tend to like books about water - swamps, the oceans, sailing, etc. This didn't do it for me.
5 reviews
March 26, 2022
I’ve read all of Becker’s series but the Kurt Hunter series is my favorite. Backwater Squall kept me engaged right up to the end. I have followed Kurt from his beginnings in Florida and look forward to each new story. Keep it up Steven.
61 reviews
May 13, 2022
One of Becker's better Kurt Hunter series books. I found it good all the way until the end. The author made it too easy for the antagonist just to give up; should have been more action. Otherwise a good read.
67 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2022
Another great read

Agent Hunter seems to be settling into his supervisory role. His wife the Forensic Goddess has opportunities that do not exist for him, but he is making it work. An former foe is part of this new adventure and Agent Hunter is eager to close the net!
Profile Image for Michael.
378 reviews6 followers
May 16, 2026
Good Adventure Story

Another good adventure novel from Steven Becker. I was able to read it in two sittings. I did think the ending was a bit abrupt, however it didn't detract from the overall story.
Profile Image for Adrianna.
11 reviews7 followers
March 24, 2022
Always great

Fantastic book in a great series. Do yourself a favor and start with the first book in the series. You won't be disappointed.
4,417 reviews42 followers
March 25, 2022
Who killed Ken Underwood and why??? Lotts of boating in this one!!! I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
502 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2022
Park Service does it again

Great win for the good guys but oh wait Kurt is in deep now he makes a decision. To keep winning for the good guys ciao from costa Rica great story...
293 reviews
August 7, 2023
Suspenseful!

I enjoyed Backwater Squall and all of the action in the book. I like Wayne's character as he adds a different perspective to solving the problems.
1,778 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2023
Great series, best read in order since the plot builds on the previous book. The book is well written and hard to put down, just keep turning the pages.
730 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2024
Head long into another mess

Well developed characters and stories keep you reading. The seen makes for interesting South Florida cases on land and water.
Profile Image for Charlotte Bishop.
313 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2025
I have enjoyed all the books in this series, but am baffled by Kurt’s ability to work and drive in a (too) frequently sleep-deprived state.
Profile Image for Cindy B. .
3,904 reviews219 followers
May 2, 2023
An exciting thriller followed by an action-filled short story. Both engage attention early and keep it. Clean and well narrated by the same performer throughout the series (always easier on the listener).
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews