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Harry Bauer Thriller #13
Blood of Balthazar
If he had gone to Miami, or the Caribbean, this would not have happened. But he couldn’t have a vacation like anybody else, drinking mojitos on the beach. He had to go to Maine, to the tiny village of Balthazar, to reassess the meaning of his goddamned life.
Maybe he should have seen the signs. Maybe when they told him there was an unseasonable snowstorm coming down from Canada, that should have alerted him. Or when the kids insisted on going on the March Mom March into the forest, up to Stony Lake; or when Suzy’s father, Ned, and then the sheriff, had ever-so politely told him to but out of village business. Any one of these might have alerted him that all was not well in Balthazar, and maybe he should have turned around and walked away.
But Harry Bauer is not good at turning around and walking away, and when Suzy and Polly get lost in the forest in the snowstorm, near the saw mill, Harry knows he has to do something about it, and that means pretty soon, there will be blood on Balthazar…
Maybe he should have seen the signs. Maybe when they told him there was an unseasonable snowstorm coming down from Canada, that should have alerted him. Or when the kids insisted on going on the March Mom March into the forest, up to Stony Lake; or when Suzy’s father, Ned, and then the sheriff, had ever-so politely told him to but out of village business. Any one of these might have alerted him that all was not well in Balthazar, and maybe he should have turned around and walked away.
But Harry Bauer is not good at turning around and walking away, and when Suzy and Polly get lost in the forest in the snowstorm, near the saw mill, Harry knows he has to do something about it, and that means pretty soon, there will be blood on Balthazar…
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2022
1392 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Blake Banner
153 books402 followersUSA TODAY and Amazon #1 bestselling author of the OMEGA and DEAD COLD MYSTERY series. Learn more about Blake Banner at his website: www.blakebanner.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 8, 2023
In "Blood On Balthazar," Harry Bauer takes readers on a thrilling journey through a small town near the Canadian border.
The strength of "Blood On Balthazar" lies in its simplicity. The story is straightforward, focusing on delivering a fast-paced narrative that propels readers from one gripping scene to the next. While the plot may not offer groundbreaking originality, the execution is well-crafted and maintains a consistent level of tension throughout.
The author's ability to immerse readers in the wintry atmosphere of Balthazar is commendable. The snowstorm serves as an atmospheric backdrop, heightening the suspense and contributing to the sense of isolation and danger faced by the characters. The town itself is portrayed vividly, with its close-knit community and residents harboring secrets behind closed doors.
While the twists and turns in the plot may not be groundbreaking, they are sufficiently intriguing to keep readers invested. The revelation of a local resident's involvement in the criminal activities adds an extra layer of suspense and raises questions about trust and loyalty within the community.
The strength of "Blood On Balthazar" lies in its simplicity. The story is straightforward, focusing on delivering a fast-paced narrative that propels readers from one gripping scene to the next. While the plot may not offer groundbreaking originality, the execution is well-crafted and maintains a consistent level of tension throughout.
The author's ability to immerse readers in the wintry atmosphere of Balthazar is commendable. The snowstorm serves as an atmospheric backdrop, heightening the suspense and contributing to the sense of isolation and danger faced by the characters. The town itself is portrayed vividly, with its close-knit community and residents harboring secrets behind closed doors.
While the twists and turns in the plot may not be groundbreaking, they are sufficiently intriguing to keep readers invested. The revelation of a local resident's involvement in the criminal activities adds an extra layer of suspense and raises questions about trust and loyalty within the community.
September 22, 2022
Another good author gets lazy, and writes trash
The worst, harrys saved by issac at the end, recovers, then when 3 bad guys show up who already tried to kill him, he ‘grabs his Glock from the table and puts it in the small of his back’ then sits on the edges of the couch while issac lets the 3 guys in. Harry doesn’t shoot them then, he never pulls his own gun, he accepts his death, and lunges across the room for the guy holding a 44. Just stupid. Or he’s Being chased by four guys on snowmobiles. He goes over the hill and stops. Then when the first guy comes over the hill he shoots him six times. Then he gets on a snowmobile and leaves. Why wouldn’t he sit there and shoot the other guys as they came over the hill..just stupid .
The worst, harrys saved by issac at the end, recovers, then when 3 bad guys show up who already tried to kill him, he ‘grabs his Glock from the table and puts it in the small of his back’ then sits on the edges of the couch while issac lets the 3 guys in. Harry doesn’t shoot them then, he never pulls his own gun, he accepts his death, and lunges across the room for the guy holding a 44. Just stupid. Or he’s Being chased by four guys on snowmobiles. He goes over the hill and stops. Then when the first guy comes over the hill he shoots him six times. Then he gets on a snowmobile and leaves. Why wouldn’t he sit there and shoot the other guys as they came over the hill..just stupid .
March 30, 2023
Fast moving thriller.
A fast moving thriller that has Bauer taking a holiday in a small town close to the Canadian border. On arrival the weather was changing and he gave advice to teenagers intent on doing a march and camping to fulfil a standing tradition. On the weather becoming increasingly difficult Bauer sets out to find the kids and ends up finding two of them murdered. The remaining time in the town had him fighting for his life against people traffickers also involved in porn movies. With the local Police chief being blackmailed to turn a blind eye to events it becomes Bauer’s responsibility to put things right.
A fast moving thriller that has Bauer taking a holiday in a small town close to the Canadian border. On arrival the weather was changing and he gave advice to teenagers intent on doing a march and camping to fulfil a standing tradition. On the weather becoming increasingly difficult Bauer sets out to find the kids and ends up finding two of them murdered. The remaining time in the town had him fighting for his life against people traffickers also involved in porn movies. With the local Police chief being blackmailed to turn a blind eye to events it becomes Bauer’s responsibility to put things right.
May 25, 2023
Sick & Disturbing
I didn't like this one at all! Murdering 2 young girls for what they saw was too much.
Too many young people died and I found it awful. Then Hank is killed.
This one was one even the great Harry should not lived through.
If a human being could be shot for the minor things that they saw or did, it's in my humble AP onion that Harry should have been shot in the face in his rental home or at the mill!
Totally not believable.
I didn't like this one at all! Murdering 2 young girls for what they saw was too much.
Too many young people died and I found it awful. Then Hank is killed.
This one was one even the great Harry should not lived through.
If a human being could be shot for the minor things that they saw or did, it's in my humble AP onion that Harry should have been shot in the face in his rental home or at the mill!
Totally not believable.
July 18, 2023
Blake Bauer sends his #1 hit man, Harry Baur, for a "relaxing" holiday in the novel "Blood of Balthazar". A freak spring hits Balthazar Maine as teenagers leave for a traditional March Mom March. Trouble seems to find Harry even when he's just looking to be a good citizen. The kids are in trouble as the snowfall is unrelenting & temperatures dip. The town sheriff refuses to look for them, he told them not to go. Harry organizes a rescue to bring the kids hot liquids & blankets & guide them back to town. With the help of the town HS quarterback, the two find the kids, deliver relief but discover 2 girls are missing, gone off to a local mill to ask for help. Harry finds the girls by following large tire tracks from the mill into the forest, they are frozen & have broken necks. Harry, of course, goes ballistic & attempts to make things right. The tale has lots of action, twist & turns & many moving parts. I enjoyed it, you will too.
September 21, 2022
A little offbeat Harry Bauer
Compared to his other books, it is 4 star - but still the same taut prose and the same crackling pace. Much better than any book by him and Archer together. Maybe Mr Banner should pull out of that collaboration - so that we have more of Cold cases and Harry Bauer or perhaps Verdugo.
Compared to his other books, it is 4 star - but still the same taut prose and the same crackling pace. Much better than any book by him and Archer together. Maybe Mr Banner should pull out of that collaboration - so that we have more of Cold cases and Harry Bauer or perhaps Verdugo.
October 6, 2022
Decent Spy novel
This one's OK. There were a lot of technical errors that I found....distracting. Bad facts about survival, detailing a personal weapon-then changing it. Detailed specs about vehicles then ignorance about snowmobile operation. Stuff like that detracts from the experience of a book.
This one's OK. There were a lot of technical errors that I found....distracting. Bad facts about survival, detailing a personal weapon-then changing it. Detailed specs about vehicles then ignorance about snowmobile operation. Stuff like that detracts from the experience of a book.
October 19, 2022
Intricate and macabre
This was certainly different from the other Harry Bauer books I have read. But just as clever.
I, as usual, had my "top three" suspects but as it turns out Not One of my choices was IT! That should teach me NOT try to "out think" a great writer!
I still thoroughly enjoyed this offering by Blake Banner and recommend it to you!
This was certainly different from the other Harry Bauer books I have read. But just as clever.
I, as usual, had my "top three" suspects but as it turns out Not One of my choices was IT! That should teach me NOT try to "out think" a great writer!
I still thoroughly enjoyed this offering by Blake Banner and recommend it to you!
October 28, 2022
Harry Bauer at his best.
Even when Harry Bauer tries to take a break from the work that he does,it is inevitable that he ends up having to fight for his life and kill people that are determined to kill him,but they don't know what Harry is capable of and ultimately pay the ultimate price.
Even when Harry Bauer tries to take a break from the work that he does,it is inevitable that he ends up having to fight for his life and kill people that are determined to kill him,but they don't know what Harry is capable of and ultimately pay the ultimate price.
October 30, 2022
Harry tries to take a vacation but as usual, he finds trouble.
Harry is trying to take a quiet vacation when he finds him self in a small town when a snowstorm hits. There are missing children and he offers to help find them. That is where in Harry fashion it takes a urn for the worst.
Harry is trying to take a quiet vacation when he finds him self in a small town when a snowstorm hits. There are missing children and he offers to help find them. That is where in Harry fashion it takes a urn for the worst.
November 6, 2022
Disapointment
I was displeased that the author seemed to take a different approach to the story. I have continued to read the entire series and sensed a different sway with the number 13. I will read number 14 to see if the author is back to the writing style I found favorable. I would not recommend this book.
I was displeased that the author seemed to take a different approach to the story. I have continued to read the entire series and sensed a different sway with the number 13. I will read number 14 to see if the author is back to the writing style I found favorable. I would not recommend this book.
November 29, 2022
love these books!
This was a great book; as with all of Blake Banner’s. Incredibly engaging. After reading all of the Harry Bauer books I am curious. Does Blake Banner have a thing for women named Helen and red heads? Or am I noticing a recurring theme of mommy issues? Whatever the case, it’s not important. I highly recommend any of his books!!
This was a great book; as with all of Blake Banner’s. Incredibly engaging. After reading all of the Harry Bauer books I am curious. Does Blake Banner have a thing for women named Helen and red heads? Or am I noticing a recurring theme of mommy issues? Whatever the case, it’s not important. I highly recommend any of his books!!
January 31, 2023
It starts in one place and ends in a completely different place. You have to pay attention.
It appears Harry does not catch a break even when he tries to take time off. I love that he is principled and very skilled in getting out of tough situations and this time he ends up with the girl.
It appears Harry does not catch a break even when he tries to take time off. I love that he is principled and very skilled in getting out of tough situations and this time he ends up with the girl.
September 21, 2022
Some Vacation
Mr. Banner did it again. Poor Harry couldn't even relax on vacation. But as usual, the suspense and intrigue will keep you reading to the end. I couldn't put it down. Read it in one evening!
Mr. Banner did it again. Poor Harry couldn't even relax on vacation. But as usual, the suspense and intrigue will keep you reading to the end. I couldn't put it down. Read it in one evening!
September 27, 2022
Blood on Balthazar
As usual, this was an absorbing read, I actually read it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down. I'm hoping Blake Banner continues with Harry Bauer and writes the 14th book, QUICKLY.
As usual, this was an absorbing read, I actually read it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down. I'm hoping Blake Banner continues with Harry Bauer and writes the 14th book, QUICKLY.
September 29, 2022
Banner never fails
Another great Harry Bauer book. I anxiously look forward to each one. Out started out a bit slow and I wondered where the plot was going. But once I got into it I couldn't put it down.
Another great Harry Bauer book. I anxiously look forward to each one. Out started out a bit slow and I wondered where the plot was going. But once I got into it I couldn't put it down.
September 30, 2022
Blake Banner does it again
If you’re not a fan of Harry Bauer this read just might change your mind. If you are a fan this is another great read, and Harry, true to form, continues to kick ass. You gotta love the guy, he never gives up or quits. The SAS’s loss, our gain.
If you’re not a fan of Harry Bauer this read just might change your mind. If you are a fan this is another great read, and Harry, true to form, continues to kick ass. You gotta love the guy, he never gives up or quits. The SAS’s loss, our gain.
October 28, 2022
Cold hard action, and Bauer's deep into it!
A few dead teenagers, a massive snowstorm, a do- nothing sheriff... Harry's got his hands full as usual!
Sadly, poor proofreading dropped this from five stars
to a four rating!
A few dead teenagers, a massive snowstorm, a do- nothing sheriff... Harry's got his hands full as usual!
Sadly, poor proofreading dropped this from five stars
to a four rating!
December 26, 2022
Another great story
Was hoping Harry would get his well-deserved vacation, but not to be. Great plot twist at the end, didn't see that coming. Now, Blake if you could only find a different word for 'desultory' :).
Was hoping Harry would get his well-deserved vacation, but not to be. Great plot twist at the end, didn't see that coming. Now, Blake if you could only find a different word for 'desultory' :).
March 4, 2023
I have really enjoyed the Harry Bauer adventures and this one to Maine started off good. However, I felt it got really weird with the story being forced. Harry's run-ins with the Sheriff were a little "much."
September 20, 2022
Harry
Wow. Great book. Had trouble in the beginning following the book, once I did I just breezed through. Great read. Congratulations
Wow. Great book. Had trouble in the beginning following the book, once I did I just breezed through. Great read. Congratulations
September 20, 2022
Great story as usual. Look forward to the next read.
September 21, 2022
Could not put it down. So many twists and turns.. Kept me reading in the wee hours
September 22, 2022
Fun story
But a bit confusing/convoluted. The editing continues to be a negative with improper words and/or misspellings. I look forward to the next book
But a bit confusing/convoluted. The editing continues to be a negative with improper words and/or misspellings. I look forward to the next book
September 22, 2022
WILD HARRY!
Glad to have another HB story. Hope he and Helen have a roaring good time in Wyoming where men ARE men and the women are GRATEFUL! He should fit right in! HOOYAH!
Glad to have another HB story. Hope he and Helen have a roaring good time in Wyoming where men ARE men and the women are GRATEFUL! He should fit right in! HOOYAH!
September 22, 2022
Five Stars
Lots of twists and turns - I have read all of the Harry Bauer books and never been disappointed. I look forward to the next book. Thank you Blake Banner
Lots of twists and turns - I have read all of the Harry Bauer books and never been disappointed. I look forward to the next book. Thank you Blake Banner
September 26, 2022
Bloody Good
It’s Harry Bauer in a completely new role and setting but it’s Harry Bauer in superb death-dealing and problem-solving form.
It’s Harry Bauer in a completely new role and setting but it’s Harry Bauer in superb death-dealing and problem-solving form.
September 26, 2022
Terrific!
Another outstanding novel! Thank you for bringing fun and exciting to a terrible corrupt few! Can't wait to read the next book!
Another outstanding novel! Thank you for bringing fun and exciting to a terrible corrupt few! Can't wait to read the next book!
September 27, 2022
Another great episode!
Wild. Harry Bauer saves the day in another exciting adventure. Poor gy can't take a vacation. Anxious for the next one!
Wild. Harry Bauer saves the day in another exciting adventure. Poor gy can't take a vacation. Anxious for the next one!
September 27, 2022
Wow! What a read!
This one kept me on my toes waiting for the next twist in the story! Amazing plot! Another great adventure with Harry Bauer!
This one kept me on my toes waiting for the next twist in the story! Amazing plot! Another great adventure with Harry Bauer!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews