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Desert Heat
The desert holds its kill up to the sun. A human body draped over the limbs of a cactus. Sand scouring the naked flesh every time the wind blows.
A shocking death launches Special Agent Victor Loshak on a new investigation with an ominous message: They know everything. He heads to Tucson, Arizona, where a recent murder spree seems to be linked to the human trafficking conspiracy he's been working in secret for months.
Loshak still has dreams about the Kansas City case. Nightmares about the team of techs peeling up the floorboards in a suburban home. Finding the rotting bodies face down in the muddy earth of the crawlspace. A grisly discovery that ultimately led to more questions than answers.
Now he may be closer than ever to solving the puzzle.
If you follow the conspiracy rabbit hole all the way down, you eventually reach the bottom.
The task force working the desert murders seems oblivious to the conspiracy link, and Loshak must tread lightly. He doesn't know who to trust, what information to share.
The tendrils of the human trafficking ring lead in all directions outward from that Kansas City crawlspace. Their influence reaches the highest levels of government and law enforcement. They have eyes and ears everywhere.
Even with the complications, the Tucson case slowly unravels the web of connections behind the crimes, both the murders and the conspiracy.
Questions get answered. Names and faces are laid bare. Puzzle pieces snapping into place at long last.
But the revelations bring about the gravest danger yet.
A shocking death launches Special Agent Victor Loshak on a new investigation with an ominous message: They know everything. He heads to Tucson, Arizona, where a recent murder spree seems to be linked to the human trafficking conspiracy he's been working in secret for months.
Loshak still has dreams about the Kansas City case. Nightmares about the team of techs peeling up the floorboards in a suburban home. Finding the rotting bodies face down in the muddy earth of the crawlspace. A grisly discovery that ultimately led to more questions than answers.
Now he may be closer than ever to solving the puzzle.
If you follow the conspiracy rabbit hole all the way down, you eventually reach the bottom.
The task force working the desert murders seems oblivious to the conspiracy link, and Loshak must tread lightly. He doesn't know who to trust, what information to share.
The tendrils of the human trafficking ring lead in all directions outward from that Kansas City crawlspace. Their influence reaches the highest levels of government and law enforcement. They have eyes and ears everywhere.
Even with the complications, the Tucson case slowly unravels the web of connections behind the crimes, both the murders and the conspiracy.
Questions get answered. Names and faces are laid bare. Puzzle pieces snapping into place at long last.
But the revelations bring about the gravest danger yet.
343 pages, Paperback
Published February 5, 2022
466 people are currently reading
1629 people want to read
About the author
L.T. Vargus
52 books1,102 followersLex Vargus is the co-author of over 20 thriller and horror novels.
FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com
BOOKS BY LT VARGUS
The Violet Darger series
The Victor Loshak series
The Charlotte Winters series
FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com
BOOKS BY LT VARGUS
The Violet Darger series
The Victor Loshak series
The Charlotte Winters series
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 22, 2022
Loshak went to Arizona and went off the rails & it was awesome.
February 8, 2022
Full disclosure - I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book by the authors but have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
They Know Everything
When a late-night meeting with ASAC Conner ends with Loshak witnessing the Senior Agent’s demise he is shaken. With Conner’s final words “they know everything” still ringing in his ears the agent is sent off to Arizona on his next assignment. But when he arrives, it becomes quickly apparent that the latest series of victims could be directly related to his clandestine investigations into the human traffic ring he stumbled upon in Kansas City. With Spinks along for the ride, the pair join in on finding the hitman who appears to be taking out key figures in the overall operation. But Victor finds his loyalties torn as he attempts to play both sides of the fence… helping the local law enforcement while omitting key pieces of information to try to draw closer to the mastermind behind this entire sinister operation. With the help of an unlikely ally, Loshak and Spinks find themselves the closest they have ever been to tracking down the source. But in doing so, and having been previously warned to back off, will they turn the ire of those who know everything fully in their direction?
Desert Heat is the fourth book in the Victor Loshak series of books by LT Vargus, Tim McBain, and EM Smith. Picking up sometime after the close of Silent Night Loshak is called out to the Arizona desert to track down yet another serial killer. It was intriguing to see a conflicted Loshak in this installment. He is so close to busting the doors wide open on the human trafficking ring that he has been secretly tracking for months that his eagerness is almost palpable. Despite prior warnings to back off and ASAC Conner’s cryptic final warning “they know everything”, Victor presses forward in an almost cloak and dagger sort of manner as he attempts to provide the active investigation just enough to advance their inquiries without revealing all that he knows. There are several occasions where Loshak’s “deer in the headlights” gaze must have been painfully evident but still missed by those who were not intimately acquainted with him. With human trafficking being a serious issue currently, the duo of Vargus and McBain assisted by Smith manage to put a “human face” on this issue like never before. With some of the scenes so vivid and graphic it gives the common person a speculative glimpse into the plight of the trafficked for no other reason than the pursuit of a more dignified existence. I am not ashamed to admit that at times I found myself silently rooting for the hitman, the culprit taking out the trash in a most graphic and decisive way.
While Desert Heat definitely served to cut off some ties and shrink the circle of influence that the nebulous ring up to recently enjoyed I am sure that this storyline is far from over. When you cut off the tail of a serpent, a new one grows back and while some heavy hitters may have been exposed in Desert Heat, the head is most likely still hiding somewhere waiting for retaliation. If they truly “know everything” then the newest developments will come back to bite Loshak and Spinks in spades in an upcoming installment. When it happens, I will have a front-row seat for the finale of this long-developed storyline’s climax.
They Know Everything
When a late-night meeting with ASAC Conner ends with Loshak witnessing the Senior Agent’s demise he is shaken. With Conner’s final words “they know everything” still ringing in his ears the agent is sent off to Arizona on his next assignment. But when he arrives, it becomes quickly apparent that the latest series of victims could be directly related to his clandestine investigations into the human traffic ring he stumbled upon in Kansas City. With Spinks along for the ride, the pair join in on finding the hitman who appears to be taking out key figures in the overall operation. But Victor finds his loyalties torn as he attempts to play both sides of the fence… helping the local law enforcement while omitting key pieces of information to try to draw closer to the mastermind behind this entire sinister operation. With the help of an unlikely ally, Loshak and Spinks find themselves the closest they have ever been to tracking down the source. But in doing so, and having been previously warned to back off, will they turn the ire of those who know everything fully in their direction?
Desert Heat is the fourth book in the Victor Loshak series of books by LT Vargus, Tim McBain, and EM Smith. Picking up sometime after the close of Silent Night Loshak is called out to the Arizona desert to track down yet another serial killer. It was intriguing to see a conflicted Loshak in this installment. He is so close to busting the doors wide open on the human trafficking ring that he has been secretly tracking for months that his eagerness is almost palpable. Despite prior warnings to back off and ASAC Conner’s cryptic final warning “they know everything”, Victor presses forward in an almost cloak and dagger sort of manner as he attempts to provide the active investigation just enough to advance their inquiries without revealing all that he knows. There are several occasions where Loshak’s “deer in the headlights” gaze must have been painfully evident but still missed by those who were not intimately acquainted with him. With human trafficking being a serious issue currently, the duo of Vargus and McBain assisted by Smith manage to put a “human face” on this issue like never before. With some of the scenes so vivid and graphic it gives the common person a speculative glimpse into the plight of the trafficked for no other reason than the pursuit of a more dignified existence. I am not ashamed to admit that at times I found myself silently rooting for the hitman, the culprit taking out the trash in a most graphic and decisive way.
While Desert Heat definitely served to cut off some ties and shrink the circle of influence that the nebulous ring up to recently enjoyed I am sure that this storyline is far from over. When you cut off the tail of a serpent, a new one grows back and while some heavy hitters may have been exposed in Desert Heat, the head is most likely still hiding somewhere waiting for retaliation. If they truly “know everything” then the newest developments will come back to bite Loshak and Spinks in spades in an upcoming installment. When it happens, I will have a front-row seat for the finale of this long-developed storyline’s climax.
February 26, 2022
Loshak and Spinks are off to Arizona to continue the human trafficking case begun in the Midwest in previous books. This one was on go from the beginning. Very intense and real. Automatic read if you are a Loshak and now Spinks fan!
Actually made me sad because I know so much of the missing people stories and death of immigrants is real.
Actually made me sad because I know so much of the missing people stories and death of immigrants is real.
February 14, 2022
Desert Heat was such a wild ride! I was really on the edge of my seat with this one. It's great to be back with Loshak and Spinks, following them as they try to tie up a major case behind the scenes, this time in the arid heat of Arizona. I highly recommend this one if you're into serial killer thrillers and enjoyed the previous Loshak books. This one answers quite a few mysteries from previous books in the series, and it's wholly satisfying!
February 7, 2022
It's not every day that Special Agent Victor Loshak's day starts with a suicide. Especially when it's the suicide of his boss ASAC Conner right in front of him. Right after he handed Loshak a file on the murder on Tina Barlowe in Tucson, AZ. It took a moment for her name to click into place for him but when it did so much more clicked into place also. All he knew was he had to hide the file Connor had given him from the investigators at the suicide. He'd need it in Tucson when he got there to investigate the murder there.
In Tucson Loshak and reporter Jevon Spinks meet up with Detective Jimenez who's in charge of the investigation going on there. Not just of the Barlowe murder but of the three other murders tied to hers. They were dealing with a serial killer. How the victims were being picked was unknown at this point. Or if they were somehow tired to each other. And why after being so low key in his methods, did he suddenly change. Then decide to openly display Tina's body out in the open on a busy road so rush hour traffic would see her?
Loshak and Spinks were working hard to stop this monster before he killed again. But Loshak hadn't told Detective Jimenez everything he knew about the killer they were hunting. He couldn't. He knew he should, because he knew why Tina Barlowe was killed. So did Spinks. It wasn't long until they both knew what her tie was to the others. It was a very dangerous game Loshak was playing with this killer. If he made the wrong move it would cost so many more people their lives. But Loshak just kept hearing what ASAC Conner said to him before he killed himself. "They know everything. Everything."
I'd like to thank L.T. Vargus, E.M. Smith & Tim McCain for a copy of this book for an honest review of book.
In Tucson Loshak and reporter Jevon Spinks meet up with Detective Jimenez who's in charge of the investigation going on there. Not just of the Barlowe murder but of the three other murders tied to hers. They were dealing with a serial killer. How the victims were being picked was unknown at this point. Or if they were somehow tired to each other. And why after being so low key in his methods, did he suddenly change. Then decide to openly display Tina's body out in the open on a busy road so rush hour traffic would see her?
Loshak and Spinks were working hard to stop this monster before he killed again. But Loshak hadn't told Detective Jimenez everything he knew about the killer they were hunting. He couldn't. He knew he should, because he knew why Tina Barlowe was killed. So did Spinks. It wasn't long until they both knew what her tie was to the others. It was a very dangerous game Loshak was playing with this killer. If he made the wrong move it would cost so many more people their lives. But Loshak just kept hearing what ASAC Conner said to him before he killed himself. "They know everything. Everything."
I'd like to thank L.T. Vargus, E.M. Smith & Tim McCain for a copy of this book for an honest review of book.
February 13, 2022
Never Slows Down
Non-stop action as Loshak and Spinks continue the chase after the human smuggling operation. This trip finds them in Arizona with an unusual and unidentified helper taking out bad guys for them. What’s the story here. The locals don’t know all the victims are bad guys, even when they find a mass grave. Will Loshak and Spinks survive this one? And who are their fans? Another excellent read.
Non-stop action as Loshak and Spinks continue the chase after the human smuggling operation. This trip finds them in Arizona with an unusual and unidentified helper taking out bad guys for them. What’s the story here. The locals don’t know all the victims are bad guys, even when they find a mass grave. Will Loshak and Spinks survive this one? And who are their fans? Another excellent read.
February 22, 2022
Down Arizona Way
A new storyline in this book. I liked seeing Loshak as a real man not a stiff FBI person. Worried about his partner in one part, but all is well that ends well. Not quite the ending I was expecting, but that isn't always bad.
A new storyline in this book. I liked seeing Loshak as a real man not a stiff FBI person. Worried about his partner in one part, but all is well that ends well. Not quite the ending I was expecting, but that isn't always bad.
February 18, 2022
Desert Heat - Victor Postal Book 4
Another solid investigation by Victor Loshak. This one gets a bit hairy as the team closes in on the criminals behind the human trafficking. Who do you trust when the wrong decision will cost you your life.
Another solid investigation by Victor Loshak. This one gets a bit hairy as the team closes in on the criminals behind the human trafficking. Who do you trust when the wrong decision will cost you your life.
February 3, 2022
I have mixed feelings on Desert Heat. Loshak went some place I didn't expect from him. Then he went to the dark side of law enforcement, he did something out of character for him. I understand why he did it, just not sure I liked he did it. Desert Heat deals human trafficking a very current topic today. L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain gave me suspense and mystery. It was a little slow moving, not sure why. It kept me turning the pages. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
February 15, 2022
Very entertaining
Victor and Spinks are still working on the human trafficking case from Kansas City. There is a tangle mess to be taken care of and some very high power players. They are contacted by a group working in private to help untangle the mess and bring forth justice.
Victor and Spinks are still working on the human trafficking case from Kansas City. There is a tangle mess to be taken care of and some very high power players. They are contacted by a group working in private to help untangle the mess and bring forth justice.
February 15, 2022
Keep s getting better
Loshak and Darger novels are wonderful page turners that blend excellent character development, flowing adjectives, and flat good fast paced FBI thriller to equal a series I punt among the long established authors historically on my must read list!
Loshak and Darger novels are wonderful page turners that blend excellent character development, flowing adjectives, and flat good fast paced FBI thriller to equal a series I punt among the long established authors historically on my must read list!
February 14, 2022
Intense!
Another great suspense novel. Loshak and Spinks together again against the unknown. I've really enjoyed this series and look forward to more by the authors.
Another great suspense novel. Loshak and Spinks together again against the unknown. I've really enjoyed this series and look forward to more by the authors.
February 10, 2022
Bang what a way for Loshak to start the day. One hell of a ride. Loshak and Spinks are a great team. I can't even imagine Spinks cartoonishly stepping around Bosche's office. Frank and Vince almost forgot about them, but come on Frank what a reunion with dear old dad!!
Gotta wonder if we can trust the State Trooper 🤔
This one a hell of a ride. Ready for more, glad Spinks made it.
Gotta wonder if we can trust the State Trooper 🤔
This one a hell of a ride. Ready for more, glad Spinks made it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2022
Current problem happening in U.S. today
Very gripping and topical thriller about Human Traffickers and one Agent’s conscious dilemma.
Well written and the pace is fast and consistent.
Very gripping and topical thriller about Human Traffickers and one Agent’s conscious dilemma.
Well written and the pace is fast and consistent.
January 23, 2022
A super great, action packed, hold onto your seats, smoke ‘em if you got ‘em, Loshak/Spinks adventure. I seriously want Spinks as a friend, love that guy. Saw a different side of Loshak this time...gritty. At one point there is a “cat and mouse” interrogation that made me as happy as finding out the stitches you got in your mouth are dissolvable. So great.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention these authors and how they have a way of pulling you in, SHOWING you the story in full blown color and giving you sensational endings. Couldn’t put it down.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention these authors and how they have a way of pulling you in, SHOWING you the story in full blown color and giving you sensational endings. Couldn’t put it down.
May 5, 2024
Starts with a bang and takes you on a wild ride!
I originally read an advance reader copy of Desert Heat in January of 2022 and I loved it as I said in my original review – “This is the Loshak story I’ve been waiting for quite some time. Answers to a number of questions are revealed, not to mention a few new questions have arisen. Once again, the action gets pretty intense, and Loshak has to face a new reality/question regarding what he is willing to do to get answers. This is a must read for anyone who has been following this series.”
Now over two years later I got the opportunity to listen to a review copy of the audiobook expertly narrated by Curt Bonnem. I was transported back to January of 2022, and found myself just as mesmerized listening as I was when I read the story for the first time, only this time Curt provided voices to each of the characters and his delivery of the story made me close my eyes and “watch” the story as it unfolded.
If you enjoy stories that will cause you to face dark and gritty topics in today’s headlines you owe it to yourself to read this series. If you decide to listen to me, one more bit of advice – you must go back and read/listen to Beyond Good and Evil first and then follow the series. These are not standalone episodes and if you were to choose to try any of the books 2-5 without first reading or listening to book 1 first you aren’t going to understand why everything is going on or why Loshak and Spinks are so involved in this investigation.
I originally read an advance reader copy of Desert Heat in January of 2022 and I loved it as I said in my original review – “This is the Loshak story I’ve been waiting for quite some time. Answers to a number of questions are revealed, not to mention a few new questions have arisen. Once again, the action gets pretty intense, and Loshak has to face a new reality/question regarding what he is willing to do to get answers. This is a must read for anyone who has been following this series.”
Now over two years later I got the opportunity to listen to a review copy of the audiobook expertly narrated by Curt Bonnem. I was transported back to January of 2022, and found myself just as mesmerized listening as I was when I read the story for the first time, only this time Curt provided voices to each of the characters and his delivery of the story made me close my eyes and “watch” the story as it unfolded.
If you enjoy stories that will cause you to face dark and gritty topics in today’s headlines you owe it to yourself to read this series. If you decide to listen to me, one more bit of advice – you must go back and read/listen to Beyond Good and Evil first and then follow the series. These are not standalone episodes and if you were to choose to try any of the books 2-5 without first reading or listening to book 1 first you aren’t going to understand why everything is going on or why Loshak and Spinks are so involved in this investigation.
November 14, 2023
Ok this is a good one
Its got a bit of everything, good ,bad and ugly. There are quite a few though provoking pages. The whole book has me wondering how close to reality the story is. It could be taken from actual life as I'm assuming authors do an amount of research in writing the books. I know our country has trafficking and corruption in government. But to this extent is scary. Always keep our eyes open. Good job on this one guys/gal. What's next?
Its got a bit of everything, good ,bad and ugly. There are quite a few though provoking pages. The whole book has me wondering how close to reality the story is. It could be taken from actual life as I'm assuming authors do an amount of research in writing the books. I know our country has trafficking and corruption in government. But to this extent is scary. Always keep our eyes open. Good job on this one guys/gal. What's next?
January 31, 2022
Another awesome book in the Loshak series. I was worried when Loshak and Darger started working together again that his side story would remain undone. It sure is not. I loved seeing this other side to Loshak shown in this book. Also, as always, I LOVE Spinks. He really adds to the story the Loshak character. Highly recommend.
August 23, 2023
Definite must read book and series
An intense, complex, and intriguing story with that will keep you guessing until the very end. Definitely not a series to be missed. Hope to see more stories in this series in the near future!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding authors.
An intense, complex, and intriguing story with that will keep you guessing until the very end. Definitely not a series to be missed. Hope to see more stories in this series in the near future!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding authors.
March 4, 2025
Unbelievably Believable
Loshak's ethics and morals are stretched past breaking and it took me most of the book to believe he Would do it. But then placed in the larger scheme of things it was completely understandable. Human trafficking is so out of my scope of life that I realized, through this book, I need to get involved and pay attention in this world.
Loshak's ethics and morals are stretched past breaking and it took me most of the book to believe he Would do it. But then placed in the larger scheme of things it was completely understandable. Human trafficking is so out of my scope of life that I realized, through this book, I need to get involved and pay attention in this world.
March 10, 2022
Loved this book! Loshak at his best, he took the situation into his own hands and ended up getting the job done (at least getting people to notice this Hugh problem that was happening nationwide). Fantastic job. Loshak and Spinks a great team. Can’t wait for the next book.
March 24, 2022
Really good story.
Loshak is one of my favorite characters. He’s been through a lot in his life, but he is compassionate as well as being tough. I look forward eagerly to the next book‼️
Loshak is one of my favorite characters. He’s been through a lot in his life, but he is compassionate as well as being tough. I look forward eagerly to the next book‼️
March 28, 2022
Loshak and Spinks Heroism is Undeniable!
Love the setting, and characters. Real life drama, and believable climax.
Great sequels! A must read. Highly recommended for “edge of your seat,” enjoyment.
Love the setting, and characters. Real life drama, and believable climax.
Great sequels! A must read. Highly recommended for “edge of your seat,” enjoyment.
April 4, 2022
A great story with interesting characters and plot.
A great story with interesting characters and plot. If you enjoy reading well written crime thriller then I highly recommend the Victor Loshak serial killer series
A great story with interesting characters and plot. If you enjoy reading well written crime thriller then I highly recommend the Victor Loshak serial killer series
August 8, 2022
Excellent
I am so glad I read this. After the slowness of the last book I almost didn't. The plot was engaging as were the characters. Kept my attention and didn't take me weeks to read. Huge, huge improvement over the last book.
I am so glad I read this. After the slowness of the last book I almost didn't. The plot was engaging as were the characters. Kept my attention and didn't take me weeks to read. Huge, huge improvement over the last book.
June 9, 2023
Human trafficking
A human Trafficking ring leaders reach to the highest levels. A lone FBI agent and his partner, a newspaper journalist, try to stop them. A page turning thriller. Highly recommend
A human Trafficking ring leaders reach to the highest levels. A lone FBI agent and his partner, a newspaper journalist, try to stop them. A page turning thriller. Highly recommend
June 25, 2023
Desert heat. Book 4
A book that puts you on the edge you can't put
It down. I stayed up for several days and read. I also learned some things I didn't know that was going on as a business in so many countries
A book that puts you on the edge you can't put
It down. I stayed up for several days and read. I also learned some things I didn't know that was going on as a business in so many countries
November 29, 2023
Great read.
This series is raw and addictive . Believable characters . Keep you up till late in the night . Presents the dark and scary side of humanity. Heroes to stand for the victims. Thank you for a great read.
This series is raw and addictive . Believable characters . Keep you up till late in the night . Presents the dark and scary side of humanity. Heroes to stand for the victims. Thank you for a great read.
September 29, 2024
Human Trafficking
This book was really a page turner, but as Loshak goes rogue, you wonder about the stress a person in his job faces. The human suffering depicted made it hard to say the book was great, but here I sit at 3am so it probably should be a five.
This book was really a page turner, but as Loshak goes rogue, you wonder about the stress a person in his job faces. The human suffering depicted made it hard to say the book was great, but here I sit at 3am so it probably should be a five.
February 8, 2022
Terrific -- even if there was a time early on that made me question my memory of previous installments. As always, fantastic character work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews