A Thoroughly Engrossing Story

Porter Beck has returned to his home town in Nevada after serving in Army Intelligence doing things no one talks about. Now he’s the sheriff, replacing his father who served the town for many years before dementia took his mind. Nothing much ever happens in this town, until it does. A retired FBI agent is dead, tortured beyond belief by someone looking for information.

The story then switches to The Past, a time in the ‘50s when the government was scrambling to perfect a nuclear bomb. A young Russian has been groomed for this mission, fluent in both Russian and English. His job? Infiltrate the nuclear complex and gain information for the Russians.

This story revolves around these two people doing their jobs as best they can. The chapters switch between the present and the past, pulling you into a deep mystery from the past that has surfaced in the present. It was hard to put this book down. The characters are well developed and I found myself empathizing with the sheriff and the monumental task before him.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of The Bitter Past. This is my honest review.

There’s lots of intrigue in this little sleepy town outside of Las Vegas adjacent to the site of nuclear testing in the 40’s.
   The story starts gruesomely with the torture and murder of an old timer from the community. Needless to say, the reason as to why this man was brutalized is the puzzle of the police department, led by Porter Beck. As sheriff and son of the previous sheriff he discovers that the FBI is interested in this murder because the victim may be a Russian spy gone underground.
   The story offers interesting facts about the development of nuclear warfare and the disregard of the health of people in the vicinity when they were tested. Most of the families living there were affected by the radiation: cancer, miscarriages, defects, all were attributed to those tests.
   But now there is a bigger issue: a sleeper spy has been living here all these years and now someone wants him back. The problem is Russia is targeting ALL men of a certain age bracket to torture because they don’t know who it could be 50 years later, either.
   An exciting book that describes an interesting look into the cold War of the 50’s, life in the expanse of the west, the measures the government will takes to do due diligence and the love of a son despite what he discovers about hidden secrets in his own family.
   A definite page turner.

I requested to read and review this book for free from Minotaur Books an Imprint of St. Martin's Publishing Company. This book was fantastic. It had some many twist and turns. You won't want to put this book down. It has mystery, drama, suspense and a little romance. Secrets have a way to come back to us some they haunt or others feel freedom. Spies can be anywhere. Trust is a hard thing when you don't know who to trust. Beck is a by the book rules followers. But life is going to get messy for a while for him and the police department. This book can be read anywhere and should be read by a mature audience.

The Bitter Past deals with the cost of doing the right thing. This entertaining book is set in Nevada's high desert. It has a very interesting story line. It was well thought out and expertly put together. I loved the mystery and suspense. I had no idea who the real Freddie was. It was a very twisty and a wonderful read. I loved this book and I highly recommend it. I was provided an advance reader copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos is a book about Porter Beck. He is second generation sheriff; his father was a sheriff before him and is sliding into dementia.
A retired FBI agent is tortured and killed, and it goes back to the beginning of the nuclear age.
When a current FBI agent shows up to help investigate the murder things start to heat up.
We moved between the present day and 1950s past to find out the mystery. Who is the killer? What are they trying to find out from the past?
I enjoyed the writing and the story. I recommend this book and hope to read more by the author.

I flip flopped on whether to give this book 2 or 3 stars. The story itself was good, which is ultimately why I went with 3 stars, but the writing was infuriating at times. If they had edited out all the cringey, unnecessary sexual innuendos, then this would have been a 3 or 4 star book. Beck feels like nothing but a leering pervert at times during the book. I almost couldn't even believe it when he actually referred to the handle in the car as a "bitch bar". I don't think my eyes could have rolled harder.

**SPOILERS**

As I've already touched on, I found it really annoying that the introduction of Sana turned Beck into a leering, completely unsympathetic, leering pervert. I found it equally annoying that, on the one hand, she was described as being so smart and well-educated, while at the same time being painted as completely naive, inexperienced and sometimes either dumb or careless as far as crime scene analysis. I did not find it to be redeeming when it was later revealed that she is a CIA agent, rather than FBI. I found that to be even worse, because surely, a CIA agent would receive more training than that. This all seemed like a poor, and transparent, excuse to paint Beck as being "superior".

Also, what on earth was going on with the introduction to Brin? Especially in the beginning, I could barely even read about the sexual innuendos between step siblings. Add in the extra layer of cringe with the jealousy between the step sister and the supposed FBI agent? We're to believe that the FBI/CIA agent is genuinely jealous, of a stepsister, after knowing this guy for a week? No. Who is this even written for?

I would have genuinely enjoyed this book if it came off way less like "men writing women", and if all that pointless innuendo was removed. It took away from the story and ultimately made it even hard to want to keep reading at times because it was so ridiculous.

Thanks to Minotaur, St. Martin’s and Netgalley for providing the ARC. I didn’t seek out this book and might have never read it had it not been offered to me. That said, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. A local western lawman, combined with an FBI agent to solve a murder with connections stretching back to the early days of the Cold War. And all the characters are not what they seem. It kept me very engrossed for a few late nights. Recommended for anyone who likes a historical fiction mystery.

The Bitter Past intertwines a current day murder mystery that takes place in the high desert of Nevada with Russian espionage that took place at a nearby nuclear test site in the 1950’s. Sheriff Porter Beck is investigating the torture and killing of a retired FBI agent in his town when a woman, claiming to be an FBI agent, turns up to look into the man’s murder. Beck, who is a former military intelligence officer, feels that something is off about the agent and the entire case for that matter; especially when the clues lead them to Russian espionage at the nuclear test site nearby that took place 70 years ago. Is the killer trying to eliminate the last people who know about the Russian spy? Beck, his team and the FBI agent must work quickly to find out. Borgos has written a very atmospheric and descriptive mystery. The desert and the dangers it holds is as much a character in the novel as the interesting and well-defined people who fill the pages. The story is fast-paced and has several plot twists. Beck is a strong protagonist and I look forward to the possibility of more stories featuring him. I would definitely read them. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur, for providing me an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked the sections of the book set in the present, but was not fond of those set in the past. I understand how they were supposed to tie together, but I thought the present-day book was strong enough on its own. The twist at the end was totally unexpected and a very fulfilling one. If the author's next book only takes place in the present, I'll be interested in reading it.

A moving novel based on "doing the right thing".

KGB Lt. Georgiy Dudko is sent to Nevada USA in the 1950s as an undercover spy to gather and report information to Russia on the US nuclear bomb project. As Freddie Meyer he befriends Dr. Ellison and his daughter Kitty. The situations Freddie finds himself put into are one moral dilemma after another.

Present day Sheriff Porter Beck digs into the past to solve the disappearance of a young bride, and sudden deaths of a local elderly men.

Bouncing between 1940s-1950s and present day the story is quite intriguing. How it all comes together is well-done.

This was a really good book, the first in a series and I will be looking for the second. Sheriff Porter Beck is called out to a crime scene, a brutal one at that of a retired FBI agent who appears to have been tortured, then slowly killed. Not long after, Agent Sana shows up and tags along with Porter while he investigates the murder and other oddities that are happening in the area (like a missing young girl that's in a polygamy marriage). We are also taken to The Past which describes a young man who eventually is hired on as a security guard at the Nevada Testing site for nuclear weapons, this young may has an ulterior motive though, one that doesn't come clear until near the end. Porter and Sana become close, she's drop dead gorgeous and he's not hard on the eyes, though they both feel guilty after their one night together, that doesn't stop them from investigating further and uncovering little clues that lead to a big reveal. A very good start for this series and I would recommend. Thanks to #Netgalley and #Minotaur for the ARC.

After a career in Army Intelligence Porter Beck returned home to the Nevada high desert and became sheriff just like his dad was. When a reclusive retired FBI agent is brutally tortured and murdered and his home ransacked, Porter can’t help but think there’s more to the story. An FBI agent suddenly showing up to help with the investigation seals the deal. He can’t help but wonder if she’s there to help or hinder him from finding the truth. Could it really have something to do with the 1957 secret nuclear testing and Area 51???

Told in the 1950s and the present, The Bitter Past is a unforgettable story that will keep you turning the pages long into the night. Can’t wait for a sequel.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for making this story available to me in exchange for an honest review.

The first book in the Porter Beck series is a winner. There was never a lag in this story about a sheriff in a small town in Nevada who is investigating a series of murders of older men along with the disappearance of a young woman from a religious sect. A female FBI agent is added to the mix which results in some great dialogue. The story is told in the present day as well as in the 1950s when a Russian agent infiltrated his way into a nuclear testing site in Nevada. There were several twists that I didn't see coming and I certainly didn't guess the identity of the Russian agent. I'm already looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Sheriff Porter Beck’s story in the high desert of Nevada, home of nuclear testing in the U.S., begins with the discovery of a murdered retired FBI agent. The story slowly builds as the present search for the murderer intersects with the past – including that of Sheriff Beck’s own father. In addition to an interesting thriller, I enjoyed learning about our involvement in the development of the nuclear age. I received an ARC from NetGalley, and the opinions expressed are my own.

This book reminded me of both Craig Johnson and C.J. Box, if they blended their westerns with spy novels. The story starts out from page one in a visit to a violent crime scene in C.J. Box style; then we settle in with the small-town sheriff reminiscent of Craig Johnson. Except this particular sheriff has a much different background.
Sheriff Porter Beck grew up in the high desert of Nevada, outside Las Vegas. He was raised there until he left to join the Army. His work as Foreign Area Officer trained him to spent a lot of time in the Soviet Union, so he’s no stranger to secrets.

Now he’s back home, doing the same Sheriff’s job his father did, before Pop started to develop dementia. It’s a quiet life, until an old, retired FBI agent is found murdered, after being gruesomely tortured. The clues point to a mystery dating back to the early days of the nuclear age. Then a stranger, a current-day FBI agent, shows up to insert herself into Beck’s investigation.

In the 1950s, and for decades afterwards, Nevada was the site for nuclear testing. At that time, a KGB agent found a way to infiltrate one of the sites. In The Bitter Past The action jumps back and forth between the 1950s Area 51 and the present, in interspersed chapters. It appears that old Russian spy, now in his eighties, might have stashed some files from that time. Someone is looking for that all but forgotten person, who appears to hold the key to what happened then--and now.

I enjoyed the 1950s chapters. The cold war conflict, Russian spies, and sabotaging of the nuclear testing sites were gripping. Sheriff Beck’s current day investigation was equally absorbing, as he delves into his own team’s motivations, his father’s convoluted history, and the FBI agent’s real reason for being there.

The only weak point was the romance between the FBI agent, Sana, and Porter Beck. I felt to me like a throwaway romance, even though the author did his best to imbed her character in the story.

All of the other characters are vitally important to the plot, and Borgos skillfully weaves both timelines into the end of the book. The final plot surprise at the end definitely makes me curious about Borgos’ next book. I hope there will be one. Five stars for The Bitter Past!

The Bitter Past is a gripping novel that takes readers on a journey through the high desert of Nevada, following the story of Sheriff Porter Beck as he investigates the brutal murder of a retired FBI agent. Set against the backdrop of a remote and unforgiving landscape, this novel captures the essence of the American West, with all its rugged beauty and untamed danger.

As the story unfolds, we learn that Porter is a second-generation lawman who has taken over his father’s position as sheriff, a role that has become even more challenging due to his father’s deteriorating health. Porter’s investigation into the murder of the retired FBI agent takes him deep into the past, uncovering a mystery that dates back to the early days of the nuclear age and the Cold War.

The retired agent, who had recently set himself up in a secure bunker, was tortured in an attempt to extract information about a Russian spy who had infiltrated a nuclear facility years ago. This spy posed a serious threat to national security, and his whereabouts have remained unknown ever since. As Porter delves deeper into the investigation, he realizes that the murder is connected to the search for the elusive spy, who may be living in the area under an alias.

With each twist and turn, the tension in the novel ratchets up, as Porter races against time to catch the killer and prevent more bloodshed. Borgos masterfully weaves together the present-day investigation with flashbacks to the 1950s, creating a rich and detailed portrait of a bygone era.

Overall, The Bitter Past is a riveting and suspenseful novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Borgos is a talented writer who has created a vivid and compelling world, full of complex characters and unexpected plot twists. Fans of Craig Johnson and Nevada Barr will find much to enjoy in this thrilling new series.

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Finished ✔️ The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos

4 ⭐️’s
Publish Day: July 18th, 2023
Kindle Unlimited: No

Overall I enjoyed the book.
I liked that I finally found a book that takes place in a state that isn’t a popular location/state that authors use for their settings
It’s the first book in the series
Love how this book involves the mention of the US Army
Stunning opening chapter
A thrilling and assured debut.
A crisp jolt of cask-strength.
Fascinating chapters
Plenty of action
Intriguing story lines
Wonderful humor to offset the tension
Even a hint of romance 🥰
I was sorry to see it end
Yes, I’d recommend it

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I loved The Bitter Past. Author Bruce Borgos gives us interesting characters in a superb plot. There were several surprises to keep the intrigue active.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

The Bitter Past

Genre: Mystery/ Thriller

My thoughts: I wanted to really like this one but, I had a hard time getting past all of the cringey banter. I felt like a lot of the banter was racist/ misogyny. I get that maybe that was the point the author was trying to make but, it just felt off for me. I think this book is geared toward men who love a good police thriller.

grisly, first-in-series, new-series, Nevada, murder, murder-investigation, law-enforcement, procedural, crime-thriller, fiction, friction, rural, local-law-enforcement, FBI, ex-FBI, snarky, torture, action-adventure, espionage, dual-timeframes, propaganda, lies, 1950s, present-day, ex-military, invisible-disability, punny, CIA, Russian intelligence, unputdownable*****

"Oh good. We're having puns for breakfast." That and references to wearing a Duluth jacket to keep out the cold are my favorite lines.
Cruelty and torture meet with dry wit and horrible puns with Sheriff Porter Beck in the high desert of Nevada even as the story of a Russian agent at the nuclear test site in 1957 plays out. More than one cat toys with intelligent mice until the tables are turned. The massive twist near the end of the book absolutely blew me away! Can't wait til it comes out in audio so I can get a copy to keep!
I requested and received an EARC from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!