This is a strong second book in the series. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Sherriff Porter Beck is at it again. Lincoln County, Nevada is normally a quiet place but when an explosion happens on a ranch that looks like it was a targeted air strike, Beck is on the case. He now has a seeing eye dog companion as he is losing his eyesight, but he is still twice the intuitive cop as the others. As he deals with losing citizens to a drug problem, the suspiciously wealthy ranch who is being targeted, a teen hacker, secretive Federal Agents, Mexican drug runners, and a Chinese spy and hitman, Beck must figure out how the pieces of this mystery fit together and save himself and his staff and sister from danger.

I really like these desert-set mysteries and my main complaints about the first one seem to have been fixed (some odd but rampant sexism). I love the rural Nevada settings and the crazy "coming at you from all sides" storylines. These are quick mysteries to read with a satisfying ending.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy for review.

Shades of Mercy by Bruce Borgos is a must-read that will captivate you from the very first page. Borgos, an author who truly deserves more recognition, has crafted a story that is both gripping and unforgettable.

The novel centers on Sheriff Porter Beck, a determined lawman facing the challenges of a degenerative illness. His unwavering resolve and straightforward approach are truly admirable. Beck’s sister, with her courage and determination, adds another layer of depth to the story. The community’s steadfast support for their sheriff, always ready to lend a hand, is both touching and integral to the plot.

The book features several graphic and intense scenes, but they are essential to the storyline and never feel gratuitous. Borgos strikes a perfect balance, incorporating just enough technology to intrigue without overwhelming the reader.

One of the most thrilling aspects is the raging fire that threatens the team. This, combined with the presence of some dubious characters, creates a tense and suspenseful atmosphere as they work to rescue those in over their heads.

I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book, The Blue Horse, expected in the summer of 2025. If it’s anything like Shades of Mercy, it promises to be another enthralling read.

This was a great story. I loved the characters and the tale itself was exciting and mysterious. Porter Beck is the sheriff of a small desert town. His rancher friend had an expensive bull killed by a drone and Porter investigates how that could happen. How would a military drone go rogue? Porter finds Mercy, a girl who is a hacker who lives in a juvenile detention center, but is friends with the rancher's daughter. Things get complicated! The mystery is fun to unravel and the characters in this book are fantastic. I hope there will be more Porter Beck books. Beck knows his county and its people well. He has an issue with his eyesight, in that he is gradually losing his night vision. But, he gets help in many ways. This book stands alone. You don't have to have read the first one in the series to understand any of the plot in this one. But, now that I have been introduced to the character, I want to read the rest of the series. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Out now! Thank you to the publisher for the early copy to read and review. After reading The Bitter Past I knew I wanted more of Sheriff Beck.

I did a reread of the first Porter Beck book in anticipation of this one. It was totally not needed, FYI. You can go into this one without reading The Bitter Past and miss nothing at all. (But, I honestly just really like that book so it wasn't wasted time).

This gets really twisted really fast. There are several deaths (of people and cows) in the first few chapters to really get things going. There's a rogue RPA, there's some drugs, there's a group that wants to storm Area 51; this book has a lot going on but it comes together well. I love Borgos's writing. I love the characters. This got wild but wrapped up nicely.

Wow the world building blew my away. The book surpassed my expectations. The character development was very well done from start to finish.

Another enjoyable read from Bruce Borgos. I've really enjoyed both books in the Porter Beck series. They have enjoyable characters, great story/plot, and great pacing. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

Teach me to feel another's woe, to hide the fault I see, that mercy I to others show, that mercy show to me.

This all came to together very well for me. Porter Beck is the anchor. A sheriff that knows his community, served his country, and to be honest as a knack when he is offered a load of crap.

His county is suffering from the drug cartel. Friends and neighbors are dying. When the feds come to visit on a "situation" that includes a long time friend now Rancher, Beck makes a call to the ranch. The crap sensor is on full alert which leads to a young girl in a juvenile dentition center. Mercy has some special gifts (hacking computers) and a friendship with the rancher's daughter. I won't get in detail about Mercy's background but what struck me is she is Chinese with a western look. The book explained her roots which I found fascinating and wondered if there is any truth to this tribe of Chinese people. There were others that were fascinated by Mercy and her background as well. Porter has taken a special interest in Mercy because of the case. Is she a victim or a enemy? Is she a friend or foe? Layers upon layers with this one.

The plot well driven by character and I found myself not wanting to put the book down.

A special thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

What a ride!! Action packed and full of suspense. A good amount of characters/suspects. Thanks to NetGalley for the privilege to read and review this book.

This second addition to the Porter Beck series was a great follow up! The points I want to highlight on it are:

- Beck's continued loss of sight. He's now completely blind in the dark, and eventually his regular sight will fade as well. To help combat this, he's brought on Columbo, a dog who failed in all other police categories, but who Beck might just be able to train to be his eyes. Fingers crossed.

- The group that makes up the Lincoln County police force. They might not always get along, or push each other's buttons, but they're a solid group of people with well rounded skills. And they always have Beck's back.

- The research. You can tell the work's been put in, and it shows. Even if a lot of it goes over my head.

- The support of the firefighters. Hot shots get more attention, but after living in an area that's been more impacted by forest fires, my estimation of wild land firefighters has only grown. I felt that there was so much respect given to the work they do, as well as highlighting just how much the police force in an area can be involved.

- The cyber/hacking element was so well done. Are these things that I wouldn't have spent a moment of thinking about? Of course, but it was presented in a way that made you realize the threat it could present, as well as coming across as perfectly believable. These were characters who knew their stuff, and again the way the case unfolded was top notch.

Once again, Beck's knowledge of his land, and the people on his side, gave him the chance he needed as more people joined in the chase for Mercy.

Great job, and thank you once again for the ARC through NetGalley from St. Martin's Press. I'll definitely be here for the next book as well!

I really enjoyed The Bitter Past so I was happy to pick up Porter Beck’s second book. With a compelling twist on the crime genre, Porter is a sheriff that is losing his eyesight.

Both books are action packed and Porter is such a relatable character. Borgos does such a great job of painting a picture of the setting and what’s happening. It felt like I was in the middle of it.

Set in the desert of Nevada, Beck has a small team and a lot of ground to defend, but he’s crack at keeping up with all that happens.

A suspenseful read and very entertaining.

Shades of Mercy is the second book in the series, but you do not have to read the first in order to enjoy this one. I have to say, I was addicted to this story from the beginning. After serving in Army intelligence, Beck has returned to his hometown in the high desert as sheriff, a position once held by his elderly father who is in beginning stages of dementia. Porter has retinitis pigmentosa which makes him virtually blind at night. Lincoln County, Nevada is usually a quiet place. But Porter no sooner returns from discovering a childhood friend dead by illegal fentanyl when another friend’s ranch is targeted by a hacked drone and his prize bull is blown up. The hacker is a teenager residing in a detention center who happens to be friends with the rancher’s daughter and it turns out she is not just any hacker, she has a nefarious background. There is never a dull moment. Serious topics are discussed but it never feels too dark or heavy. There are some imaginative and interesting scenes involving cattle. They're probably not for the faint of heart, but I didn't mind. I also found the talk about battling fires interesting, and I love how everything came together. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Minotaur Books

Shades of Mercy by Bruce Borgos is the second book in the Porter Beck series. I wasn't aware of that when I read this, I think reading the first book might have been helpful to know the back story. It is a fast paced mystery with some unexpected twists. It is a timely story with cyber crimes and drugs involved.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my review copy.

This book was a joy to read. I enjoyed the way the story flowed and I had a few moments that kind of made me question a few things. The characters were very interesting and I had smile quite a few times. This author really knows how to tell a story that will captivate you from the very beginning. I highly recommend this book and this author.

The sheriff in this small town is surrounded by memories. Those he grew up with and his family. As the book starts off he is challenged by wildfires and drug overdoses that are sky-rocketing in his community. Someone is supplying. As the story continues a young woman with almost super powers in technology is revealed, a teenager that may be hijacking and controlling some of the nation's highest tech. Porter is challenged to find her, control her, and protect her. Why is she at the controls in this most intriguing tale of cat and mouse. Thoroughly enjoy this book. If you are looking for an adventure story check this one out, then hold onto your socks. It will take you places! Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this great read!

This is a well-written, entertaining, fast paced, police procedural, mystery thriller. It has a likable and intelligent male protagonist, engaging secondary characters, a supportive canine, wit, a touch of humor, vividly described settings, murder, intrigue, suspense, secrets, action, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion.

This is the second in the series of Porter Beck & while I don’t think it’s necessary to read the first one, I would have enjoyed reading it before this one.
Porter Beck is the sheriff in Nevada, doing the best he can with twelve people total in his department covering a large, but quiet area of town.
Between dealing with drug smugglers, a computer hacker taking control of a drone wreaking havoc on a ranchers operations & government agents with their own agendas at play…it’s been anything BUT quiet in Porter Beck’s domain lately.
The plot felt pretty complex to me, maybe because there was a lot going on. However I did feel like the author truly knew what he was doing in weaving the storyline together.
I enjoyed getting to know more about Porter and his family, especially because I went into this book essentially blind.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the police procedural aspects of it as well. enjoyed as a standalone.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley & the author!

In the high desert of Nevada, Sheriff Porter Beck has his work cut out for him with his newest case or is it cases. Can a string of seemly unrelated events be related? With several dying from fentanyl overdoses, hacking at the highest level, a missing teen and a rancher that's oddly swimming in money, nothing is adding up. There's no need to fear, Beck is smarter than some think and he's like dog with a bone, not willing to give up until the end, but will it be a bitter one? With a cast of great characters, Borgos takes us on a thrilling ride that's jam packed with breath holding action from start to finish. While this is the second in a series, it can very much be read as a stand alone and has this reader ready to dive into book number one to see what I missed! Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of Shades of Mercy by Bruce Borgos in exchange for an honest review. I'm really enjoying this series and how much more fleshed out the characters are in the second book. This book has wildfires, drug running, spies and romance. A very entertaining and interesting read.

I enjoyed my time with Sheriff Beck. This book starts off with overdoses and doesn’t let up from there. From the first chapter I was hooked and ready to go along for the ride. I recommend this book.