The Mountain Man's Badge

Mountain Man #3

by Gary Corbin

Mountain Man Lehigh Carter, drafted into serving as acting sheriff of Mt. Hood County after exposing his predecessor's corruption, is compelled to arrest his new father-in-law for the murder of Everett Downey, the most despised man in town. Still learning on the job, Lehigh continues to investigate loose ends that don't add up, but ambitious prosecutor Ray "The Reverend" Ferguson seems intent on blocking him at every turn. Soon, Lehigh suspects that those most intent on pinning the murder on George McBride have reasons far more sinister than blocking Lehigh’s agenda of reform. Can Lehigh uncover the truth behind the crime without becoming the killer’s next victim?

Genres: Thriller

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2018

About the author

Gary Corbin is a writer, actor, and playwright in Camas, WA, a suburb of Portland, OR.

In his character-driven police procedural, A Woman of Valor, rookie policewoman Valorie Dawes has a mission: take serial child molesters like Richard Harkins off the streets of her small hometown of Clayton, CT—for good. But can Valorie overcome the trauma she suffered as a child and stop Harkins from hurting others—or will her bottled-up anger lead her to take reckless risks that put the people she loves in greater danger?

Gary's debut novel, Lying in Judgment, was released in March, 2016. Lying in Judgment is a courtroom thriller about Peter Robertson, who serves on the jury of a murder trial for the crime he committed. Lying in Judgment was selected as Bookworks.com "Book of the Week" for July 11-18, 2016, and was the feature novel on Literary Lightbox’s “Indie Spotlight” in February 2017. In the sequel, Lying in Vengeance, Peter is blackmailed by a former fellow juror, who demands that he kill her stalker - or she'll reveal his secret murderous past.

His Mountain Man Mysteries series includes Gary's second novel, The Mountain Man's Dog, The Mountain Man's Bride, and The Mountain Man's Badge.

All are available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook forms. Lying in Judgment, Lying in Vengeance, and The Mountain Man's Dog are also available on audio.

An award-winning playwright, several of his plays have been produced in the Portland, OR area, some of them multiple times. In addition to his own scripts, Gary writes, ghost-writes, and edits scripts. He specializes in tight, realistic dialogue involving sharply drawn, interesting characters in complex relationships.

Gary is a member of PDX Playwrights, the Portland Area Theater Alliance, the Willamette Writers Group and the Bar Noir Writers Workshop, and participates in workshops and conferences in the Portland, Oregon area.

A homebrewer as well as a maker of wine, mead, cider, and soft drinks, Gary is a member of the Oregon Brew Crew and a BJCP National Beer Judge. He loves to ski, cook, and garden, and hopes someday to train his dogs to obey. And when that doesn’t work, there’s always Renegade’s Paradise.

Reviews

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mountain Man's Badge packs a real punch as the third book in this spectacular series.

This series is one of my recent favourites, and I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't picked up a great thriller novel in the past year! Gary Corbin makes an exciting, fast paced novel with characters that pull at your heart strings. Seeing Lehigh and Stacy develop over these three books has been a truly magical journey, and I love that Gary put a lot of effort into making these story lines.

This time around Lehigh is becoming the Sheriff (and is being voted into a position). Politics, drama and hysteria ensue throughout this novel that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat and wanting more! I was a little saddened that Stacy wasn't as involved in this book as I would have liked (or the dogs for that matter), but the book still kept the thrills alive following Lehigh.

When Lehigh has to arrest his father-in-law, his relationship with Stacy is on the rocks. Having this relationship change and not just be true, happy-ending romance was nice to see. It changes these characters and makes for a more interesting plot. This also assists in introducing new characters and unique plot devices to add to the intensity.

There are some unique twists and turns in this book that I didn't see coming. These books tend to make me examine every little comment and try to come up with the ending. If you're really keen, you might be able to figure these little mysteries out! It's a nice change to be able to let me imagination run wild while reading these books.

Now for the real question - can you read this book without reading the other three? Yes, but it's not as good. While I think jumping in at the second book of the series would work fine, I don't recommend jumping in from this book. I found it less easy to jump into without the background information, and it wouldn't pack as good of a punch. While Gary is the master of filling in the blanks, I just don't think this book would be as good to the reader without seeing this series as a whole. All three books tie the story together very well, and I think this series is meant to be read as just that - a series.

I really hope there is more to this series - I find Stacy and Lehigh truly incredible: Each book ups the stakes for these characters! I'm not sure where they would go next, but I think Gary is creative enough to add more to that story. Although, this also felt like a really nice, dramatic closing for these guys. Either way, I want to see more by Gary Corbin and more people need to pick up his books! This man has a real talent for telling a great story!

Who would I recommend this to? Those who love mystery, crime and thrillers! It has a slight pinch of romance, but not so much that you'll be wondering why "romance" isn't one of the tags. That is simply a side plot that adds to the characters and their development. The book isn't R rated by any means, so I think it'd be safe for teenagers to hop into!

Overall, this series is an A+ rated series by my standards. It has everything I want in it - real drama, character development, some action, and a dash of politics. Stacy and Lehigh aren't Mary Sue's or Plain Janes, which really adds to the rating for this book.

Five out of five stars!

I received a free copy of this book from the author Gary Corbin in exchange for an honest review.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mountain Man’s Badge is the third book in the author’s Mountain Man Mysteries series, following on from The Mountain Man’s Dog and The Mountain Man’s Bride. I haven’t read the earlier books but, on the strength of this one, they now have a place on my wish-list. Although this third instalment can be enjoyed as a standalone, it does mention events in the earlier books so for full enjoyment I would recommend reading the series from the beginning.

The first chapter, set at a political fundraiser for interim Sheriff Lehigh Carter, allows the author to introduce key characters and reference events from the first two books in the series.   It’s soon clear that Lehigh has influential relatives, chiefly his father-in-law George McBride, but also some potentially powerful enemies. As events unfold, the reader learns that Mt. Hood County is a place of vested interests, corruption and score-settling.

The author does a great job of conveying the atmosphere of a small town, albeit one that seems overrun with greasy spoon diners, sleazy strip clubs and dingy sports bars. Furthermore, in this ‘small pond’ there are ‘big fish’ who believe they run the show, that they always will and who will stop at nothing – and I mean nothing – to cling on to their power and influence.

You can imagine how they feel about Lehigh‘s appointment as interim Sheriff. He’s honourable, decent and determined to root out the cronyism that has infected the office of Sheriff in the past. As he says early on in the book: ‘I’m gonna fix this place or get run out of town trying.’   This is despite the fact that he’s feels thrust into a role for which he is ill-equipped. What makes Lehigh such a likeable character is the fact that he does make a few rookie mistakes but he never loses his sense of what’s right, even if that means risking his marriage to bride of two years, Stacy.  It has to be said however that he goes through a few ‘long dark nights of the soul’ wondering if he’s doing the right thing.

As the investigation into the murder of local businessman Everett Downey progresses, readers may well begin to have their own suspicions about who is the true culprit but it transpires that getting the necessary proof is fraught with danger, for Lehigh in particular.  There are those involved who aren’t afraid to fight back, even if this means going outside the law or sacrificing others to keep themselves safe.  It also becomes clear that Lehigh cannot necessarily trust everyone around him.  The tension builds to a dramatic conclusion during which Lehigh comes to the surprising (to him) realisation that he has more support than he thought.

The author is a scriptwriter and this certainly shows when it comes to the dialogue in the book which is realistic, sharp and full of humour. It’s how real people talk to each other over coffee and a donut. I really enjoyed The Mountain Man’s Badge; it’s an engaging and well-crafted crime mystery with a likeable protagonist and which tackles that universal theme of the good guy fighting largely single-handed against the bad guys.

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this great story. This mystery thriller is the third in the series and author Gary Corbin has given readers another winner. Lehigh Carter is a man with a job he didn't want, a new wife, whose father Lehigh doesn't really care for and now a murder has happened. Sadly all clues point to Lehigh's father in law as the main suspect. The author takes readers into the murder, mystery but adds so much more into the tale as the story weaves through the lives inhabitants of Mount Hood County. Well done book, watch for this intriguing story coming out soon.

[Olga Miret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC copy of this book by the publisher and I freely chose to review it.
I am always in two minds about reading books in a series, especially when I do not catch it right at the beginning, but when I was offered the opportunity of reading and reviewing this book, I was intrigued and could not let it pass. It was, I guess, a combination of the unusual protagonist (a mountain man, as the series title proclaims), the details of the case (who can resist a good dose of local politics and corruption these days?), and the details about the author, who is an experienced and well-respected writer who has written for a variety of media, including the stage. This is the third book in the series, though, but I was reassured that it could be read independently from the other books. So, what did I think?
Gary Corbin is a skilled writer, with a talent for creating unforgettable characters and settings and convoluted plots. Clarkesville, Oregon, is not one of those enchanted little towns we find in some heart-warming books, but quite the opposite. The descriptions of the mountains and the surrounding area are compelling and appealing, but this is a town with a terrible coffee house, sleazy strip clubs, ignorant and prejudiced inhabitants, and rampant corruption (from low-level civil servants all the way to the top). The novel follows on from the adventures described in the two previous novels (from what I gathered while I read the book), and the main protagonist, Lehigh Carter, is one of those mythical American literary (and film) figures, the reluctant hero. In the two previous books he became involved in several mysteries that ended up in the removal of the long-term sheriff and, after things don’t work well for the replacement (I’m trying to avoid spoilers, in case people want to read the three novels in order), he is asked to step in. But he is a lumberjack (with his own business) and not a professional sheriff —as he keeps being reminded by the elected assistant DA, the media, and plenty of others. And he has not been elected either. His job is further complicated when there is a new murder (in a town where such crimes are almost unknown), and the evidence accumulates against his fairly recent father-in-law (and their relationship was anything but friendly even before that). His relationship with his wife suffers, he is kicked out of the marital home, and he is pushed and pulled in all directions, pestered by those who should be working with him, and enmeshed in a spider web of lies and deception. There are enemies and betrayers all around him and he has his own doubts and insecurities to fight against as well. He has no qualifications to show for the job, makes beginner mistakes at times, lacks modern equipment and technical skills, and is being taunted by the commissioners for not having been voted into the job and being an amateur, even when they were the ones signing his appointment.
Although I lacked the background into the protagonist and other important characters in the novel (that I guess would give a more rounded pictures of the relationships between them and the motivations for their actions), I still liked his honesty, his humility, his self-doubt, and his willingness to put everything on the line to do the right thing and to protect his constituency, no matter how much it might cost him. This is not one of those action heroes who never miss a shot or put a foot wrong. He feels real and by the end of the novel, I thought I would happily have voted for him as the new sheriff. I also liked his collaborators, Wadsworth, in his mentor-like role, and especially Ruby Mac (she is fabulous!). His wife is caught up in a difficult situation but eventually, I got to understand and empathise with her and her predicament (and I think she is one of the characters that have grown over the series, so I missed much of that). The politicians, the rest of the sheriff department, other inhabitants of the town, and Bailey —the TV news anchor— are all well-drawn and distinct, and they run the whole gamut of human emotions, qualities, and vices. Some have bigger roles than others, but they give a bit of variety to a place that is portrayed as mostly stuck in its traditions and not very tolerant or diverse.
The plot reminded me of the old-fashioned mystery books and series we all know and love, and, in my opinion, it works better as such than as a detailed police-procedural investigation. As mentioned, Lehigh is an amateur and does not always follow due procedure. He has a good nose and intuition but sometimes misses things and is let down at times by his insecurity and his lack of knowledge. Although the book is set in the present, the sheriff department seems to be stuck in the past, and other than using his mobile for taking pictures, very little technology is in evidence or regularly used; even the computers are ancient and keep malfunctioning, so this is not a story for those fascinated by the latest techniques and the most accurate point-by-point investigations. Much of the police work consists of walking around, interrogating people, and setting up traps to catch suspects and double-crossing staff. There is also an overreliance on evidence that has been overheard and later reported by witnesses. This requires regular readers of detective novels and thrillers to suspend their disbelief to a certain extent, as baddies are overconfident and reckless, and the witnesses never seem to think about taking pictures or recording anybody’s conversations, which is unusual in this day and age, when everything anybody does is recorded and shared, but it gives the mystery a timeless feel, and there are plenty of plot twists and red herrings to keep readers turning the pages at good speed.
The book is written in the third person by a limited omniscient narrator, a technique that works well to allow readers to learn more about the characters, their feelings, and motivations (and some are not nice at all), while at the same time keeping the information necessary to solve the case under wraps, and helping to maintain the suspense and keep us guessing. There is an effective use of description and credible and lively dialogue that add to the characterisation. The book flows well, and there is sufficient information about the previous events to fill in the gaps and allow a reader starting here to follow the plot, although I have the feeling that those who have read the previous books will enjoy it more fully. (I am never sure how much information about previous books might be enough for new readers but not too much for those already familiar with the books. My experience reading series is that, unless you read all the books in quick succession, you need reminders of the previous plot, no matter how well you think you remember it, but different readers will be different on that respect). Although there is some violence, it is not extreme or shown in detail, and there is a good mix of intriguing, creepy, and light-hearted and humorous moments to suit most readers.
I enjoyed the book and feel curious, both about what had happened before and about what the future will bring Lehigh and his team. I was also intrigued by the samples of some of the author’s other books included at the end. I recommend this book (perhaps the whole series, but I cannot comment on the previous books) to readers who like mysteries in non-standard settings, with a good mix of characters and plots, and with a background into small-town politics and corruption that feels eerily relevant.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Room. Consuela (housekeeper) welcomed Sheriff Lehigh Carter & Stacy Lynn Carter McBride (Lehigh’s wife, Cascade Animal Clinic) in.
Senator George McBride (husband/father-in-law) was retiring.
Catherine McBride (wife), Desmond Mitchell (A/A, County Commissioner), Bruce Bailey, are in attendance also,

Senator McBride was wanting to know about the Dallas “Buck” Summers (ex-Sheriff), Dwayne Latner, & Paul van Paten (Stacy’s ex-fiancé) cases.
Brady Mountain Rd. Bruce Bailey (KMTH TV investigative reporter) announced Everett ”Ev” Downey (Montgomery’s Lounge strip club owner) was shot/killed.
Dr. Herman Doskey (coroner) was examining the corpse.
Deputy Sheriff Evan Peters, Sergeant Dale DuPont, Deputy Sheriff Drummond, Deputy Sheriff Kinney, Donnell Winthrop, Ruby MacArthur, Deputy Sheriff Ted Roscoe (25+), Deputy Sheriff Bobby Wills, Detective Clayton Maddox, & Detective “Gentleman Jim” Wadsworth, are all helping out on the murder case.
Montgomery’s Lounge. Cyndee Gagnon (mgr.) was interviewing Bridget (Stacy) for a job.
Charlotte “Charlie” (40+, bartender, former dancer) was going to show Bridget (waitress) the ropes.
Jared Barkley was murdered.
Live at Five News. Bruce Bailey (reporter), was interviewing ADA Raymond “The Reverend” Ferguson (Ray, Mt. Hood County).
Will the killer(s) be caught & brought to justice?

Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written who-dunnit murder mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great murder mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free ARC; Double Diamond Publishing; smashwords; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)

[Judy Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a review copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers.
This is the third instalment in a series by this author. I didn’t realize that at the time I agreed to review this book and I haven’t read the first two books, so I was a little concerned when I started to read this book. But I worried for no reason - this book was fantastic and worked perfectly fine as a standalone novel. The author has created a spellbinding, suspenseful mystery with engaging and likeable characters. The story has plenty of action, lots of twists and turns and even some romance - with just a touch of humour to even it all out. The story is intriguing and the mystery solid enough and complex enough that I couldn’t figure out “who did it” until the very end of the story - which was a pleasant surprise for me. I read a lot of books in this genre and it is always refreshing when an author can keep me guessing until the end. This was an entertaining and compelling novel and I highly recommend it! And I will definitely be going back and reading the first two novels in the series!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Gary Corbin’s books, the characters are likable yet realistic and the storylines are fast paced. I was glad to receive a preview copy of The Mountain Man’s Badge; it continues this style. Lehigh is a good man with the desire to do things the right way for the good of his town. Fate and a few old cronies seem to conspire against him and his ideals. Lehigh’s life is on track. He married his perfect woman, has a job helping the town and is starting construction on his dream house. When the town’s shady real estate (and other things) investor is murdered, Lehigh’s life starts falling apart piece by piece. Can he keep his morals and everything he’s worked so hard for while keeping the cronyism and corruption from taking over the town?

[J.E. Friend · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series, although I didn’t read the first two, after this I will go back and read them and reread The Mountain Mans Badge.

A modern western involving sheriffs, murder, and intrigue. Add in enough controversy to give you a great story.

Tight clean writing that moves the story along. Well written with strong character development. A truly great read.

I received a complimentary copy via Voracious Readers for my unbiased review.

[Shelley Amazon ca reviews as Purrrplehaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read the 1st 2 books but this works as a stand alone story. I appreciated the background given in the beginning and once the story took off I couldn't put it down! it was fun following in 'real time' and I also enjoyed trying to solve it myself.. (not successfully😁).

Great story, well defined characters and plots and a place for many more sequels!

Loved this book! I am going to get 1 and 2...

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being the 3rd book in the series and not having read the first two I didn't think I'd enjoy this book all that much but I found it a great read regardless.
A modern day murder mystery with plenty of who might have dunnit scenarios. Would definitely read more by the same author.
Book given free by author via voraciousreadersonly.