Title: "The Bitter Past" by Bruce Borgos - A Riveting Historical Thriller

Rating: ★★★★☆

I had the privilege of reading an advanced reader copy of "The Bitter Past" by Bruce Borgos, and it proved to be a captivating historical thriller that masterfully weaves together intrigue, suspense, and richly detailed settings.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the novel follows the life of John Marley, an American spy who embarks on a perilous mission in Nazi-occupied France. Borgos skillfully transports readers to the tumultuous era, immersing them in the harsh realities of war-torn Europe. The story is brimming with tension and intrigue as John navigates a web of secrets, betrayals, and espionage. Borgos' meticulous research is evident in the authenticity of the historical details, creating a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.

What sets "The Bitter Past" apart is its well-drawn characters. John Marley is a compelling protagonist whose complexities and moral dilemmas add depth to the narrative. His relationships with other characters, particularly the enigmatic Marguerite, are richly developed and enhance the story's emotional resonance. While the pacing can be a bit uneven at times, the overall narrative is gripping, keeping the reader eagerly turning the pages. I would like to express my gratitude to both NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to explore this advanced reader copy. "The Bitter Past" is a four-star historical thriller that seamlessly combines history and suspense, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. Bruce Borgos has crafted a story that pays homage to the heroes of World War II while delivering an enthralling tale of espionage and courage.

Pitched for readers of Craig Johnson and C.J. Box, Bruce Borgos's debut introduces us to what I believe will be an enduring new character in crime fiction, Sheriff Porter Beck. Set in Nevada, this series starter unfolds over two timelines--1950's and present day. Though dark, I loved how the author introduced dashes of humor, particularly among the law enforcement characters. The writing is smooth and assured. And the plot moves. We're hurtled into the story at the gruesome crime scene of a old, retired FBI agent. In the journey to discover his killer, we're front row participants of a fast-moving bullet of a story that dates back five decades to a particularly vivid Russian spy. Recommended!

Overall, I liked it. It would have been a 4-star read for me but the main character is SO misogynistic that it was unbearable sometimes. The way he easily hit on the FBI Agent (and she was his superior!) without a second thought? Gross. There were some good twists toward the end, and I liked the 50’s timeline a lot.

I loved reading this one!! It was my first book by this author but it won't be my last. I loved his writing style and the characters in this. I could not put this down once I started it.

3.5⭐
Genre ~ police procedural
Series ~ Porter Beck, #1
Setting ~ Nevada
Publication date ~ July 18, 2023
Page Count ~ 310 (22 chapter)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 1 minutes
Narrator ~ James Babson
POV ~ single 1st & 3rd
Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ now and the past (1957), espionage, spy, torture, murder

Beck is former military intelligence, and now the sheriff in a small town in Nevada. He's working on a case that brings FBI agent, Sona, in.

I thought all characters were well developed. I liked both Beck and Brinley, his sister. I could have done without the insta-love between Beck and Sona.

I was at 3 stars for most of the book, but decided to round up because I liked that I didn't see the twist coming. I'm not big on espionage thrillers, or historical fiction for that matter, but I do like dual timelines and I felt they were nicely tied together. I'm not sure if I'll pick up the next book in the series or not right now. It comes out in July 2024, so I have some time to decide.

I was fortune enough to have a kindle copy and an audio copy.
Narration notes:
He was pleasant to listen to.

First let me say I received this book to review from Netgalley and St Martin's Press and Minotaur Books. This isn't my normal genre to read but I do enjoy changing things up every so often.

If you enjoy historical fiction with espionage this book is for you.

This is a solid 3.5 -4 stars and for fans of this genre, it is probably a 5 star read!

This one wasn't for me. The sexism was a bit much and the way the main character explains police procedures to the female fbi agent like she's a child was just bad.

The only reason this is getting two stars is because I did enjoy the interesting backstory.

Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book has a great set of characters and the plot will keep you turning the pages. It's a great read that you don't want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy from St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a trip. The book is told in two timelines and was very informative while also keeping the story (fiction) alive and interesting. I enjoyed the book! Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this arc honestly.

This book is really good! A little slow in the beginning, but the alternating chapters between present day and the past blend well together and help tie up the loose ends nicely. There are a couple major twists written well and weren't as easy to figure out.

This book has everything

Nuclear weapons
Russian Spies
A dead body with the skin removed
Small town Sheriff with a past
Polygamy cult
Cold War Espionage
Unfortunate love

Nope. I cannot
"0 body fat. A BMI for a BMW. Results are in, she's the match for me"
This book is the meme of men writing women. Dear God

The Bitter Past is the first book in the Porter Beck series, I found this to be an interesting read one that kept me turning the pages until the very end. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Minotaur Books, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Interesting read. A story about a former army officer returning home to Lincoln county Nevada to be a sheriff. Nothing really happens in that town he cannot handle. Until one day they find a former FBI agent murdered which leads to secrets from the past coming out in connecting the mystery of today.

*****UNPOPULAR OPINION*****

I felt like that this was a "been there and done that" kind of book when it comes to a spy/espionage thriller with murder. The characters were also really dull and seemed very immature despite their nature of work as spies. If this was supposed to be spy novel, why the heck was there a romantic side plot? PICK A GENRE, AND STICK WITH IT!!

I DID LIKE the past and present timelines that made this a little more interesting to read. I also like that you did not know who the actual spy was closer to the end of the book. I did see the big plot twist coming BUT i did not know who it was going to be about. The issue with the who was because there were so many damn names in the book to keep track of and some do not even have a point.

I enjoyed some parts of this book but glad when it was over. It was a frustrating read for me. This book was clearly not for me but I know other readers will like it. Not interested in the sequel.

Thanks to NetGalley, Bruce Borgos and St Martins Press Minotaur Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Already avaiable

This book is really good! There is humor, a little bit of sexual chemistry, and a lot of mystery to keep you entertained. The alternating chapters between present day and the past blend well together and help tie up the loose ends nicely. There are a couple major twists written well and weren't as easy to figure out. I would read more books in this series and other books by the author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Dual-timeline (current time and the 1950's) mystery/thriller/spy novel set in Nevada and featuring Sheriff Porter Beck as he tries to solve a murder with possible ties to the past.

I don't usually read this type of book but when it was offered, I decided to take a chance. The book had some interesting parts, and I was intrigued with the dual-timeline. Plus it was good to read something outside my comfort zone. Ultimately though, I decided I'll probably stick to cozy mysteries... But I'm sure this book will appeal to many readers.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

really good book and kept me on my on my toes of what would happen. really enjoyed the characters and their journey and would read this author again.

This book was good but could have been more. The “romance” between Beck & Sana was so forced, ridiculous, and had really no point. The past parts were really good.

And it’s always nice when you’re proved correct when they reveal who the “illegal” was!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

An espionage thriller mixed with Area 51 leads to quite the interesting story! Set in the Southwest, Porter is the local sheriff and former military guy that is in charge of a local sheriffs department. The sheriff has more crime in a matter of days than the area has in 6 months and he is stretched thin. The unique setting plays key roles in this vibrant story that is rich in detail and plot. Bravo and thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read.

This book is not for me, it started so gruesome and good but then everything started going downhill since then and lots just didn't make any sense and not a fan of Porter Beck, the way he treated Sana is sooo horrible and I hate his attitudes (everything that comes out of his mouth and what he's thinking is pretty irritating) and then comes the romance that I didn't get at all, so unimportant, bothering me through and through. Love the past part, it's fascinating with all those russian spies and nuclear testing, but unfortunately that's the only part that I love.

Overall, it's not for me, but if you're interesting with fast-paced mystery with all those russian spies and nuclear testing, try it, maybe you will like it more than I do.