The Covert Element

James Becker #3

by John L. Betcher

Former military intelligence operative, James “Beck” Becker and his CIA code-cracking wife, Beth, have retired to Beck’s hometown of Red Wing, Minnesota. Their retirement has already proven more exhilarating than they’d expected.

But they could never have anticipated the new source of crime and intrigue in their small community. A Mexican drug cartel has set up shop a few miles down the road. And they’re not just selling. The new meth production facility is the largest north of the Rio Grande.

To complicate matters further, Terry “Bull” Red Feather’s former comrade-in-arms has come to visit. And he’s on a mission. His decades-long assault on the cartels is coming to a head. His plan is to blow up the drug plant . . . if he can find it. He wants Bull to help.

The Beckers’ challenge? To dismantle cartel operations before a full-blown drug war breaks out in Red Wing.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Action, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2011

About the author

Amazon Kindle TOP 100, B&N Nook TOP 100 and USAToday Bestselling author, John L. Betcher, holds a Bachelor's Degree, cum laude, in English from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota Law School in Minneapolis. He has practiced law for more than twenty-five years in the Mississippi River community of Red Wing, Minnesota.

Mr. Betcher has published an award-winning series of "Becker" suspense/thriller novels. The first five are THE 19TH ELEMENT, THE MISSING ELEMENT, THE COVERT ELEMENT, THE EXILED ELEMENT. and THE CRITICAL ELEMENT. He has also authored the award-winning spiritual phenomenon, A HIGHER COURT.

Most recently, John has published BLACK DAYS: Racism and Riots in the U.S. which explores systemic racism in America viewed through the lens of civil unrest from 1863 to present.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and I have enjoyed them all. I like the way this husband and wife relate. I confess it seems unrealistic that they get along so well but I don’t care. Their back and forth exchange makes me laugh and the action and drama speeds this story right along. I still don’t know for sure who was who at the end. And I think that was the point. Not exactly a happy ending but still quite entertaining.

[Jason Pettus · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Reprinted from the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography [cclapcenter.com]. I am the original author of this essay, as well as the owner of CCLaP; it is not being reprinted illegally.)

I recently received not just one but two new books from author John L. Betcher, so thought I would do a review of both of them at once too; and this is unfortunately easier to do with A Higher Court, a wispy, extra-silly examination of basic theological questions (and by "basic" I mean "teenage") couched as a literal court trial to determine whether or not God actually exists, the kind of eye-rolling exercise that one would normally expect to find as filler at the end of a church newsletter or an issue of Reader's Digest, a waste of time for most that does not come recommended. But this is a tougher call when it comes to the other book, aptly named The Covert Element: A James Becker Thriller because of it being the third book in the series; for while these kinds of tech-heavy military thrillers featuring a former-military bureaucrat-badass as its reluctant central hero are far from my usual cup of tea, I have to admit that I found this to be no better and no worse than the various Tom Clancy novels I've randomly read over the years as well. And so that means either that this really is as good as Tom Clancy, or that I find both it and Tom Clancy to be not very good at all; so as a compromise I'm giving it a middle-of-the-road score, and encouraging you to instead consult online reviewers with a lot more experience with this genre, if you want a better objective idea of how this stacks up against other military technothrillers.

Out of 10, A Higher Court: 4.9
Out of 10, The Covert Element: 7.5

[Andrew Ian Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Covert Element
Author: John Betcher
Reviewed by Fran Lewis


What would you do if someone were cooking up meth in your backyard? What would you do to stop it and how far would you go? Drug cartels do more than just sell, create, profit and make their own drugs. Their leaders are dangerous and their henchman even more. In 1985 Master Sergeant Fuentes proved to be equally as dangerous by executing, planning and orchestrating a plan to bring down the major drug cartel family on their home ground. Fuentes and his Alpha team along with Team Bravo pulled off a covert operation that rocked the inner core of a Mexican Drug cartel right in the heart of their operation. The end result: Boom! But, our Master Sergeant was not satisfied with just this one mission he needed to rid the world of every drug cartel, every drug dealer and those who tortured, raped, pillared and destroyed his own family and their fishing business.

Twenty years later someone blew up a meth lab in Ottawa County leaving 23 unidentified dead bodies. From the author of the Missing Element and 19th Element comes another blockbuster novel starring our favorite lawyer, investigator the relentless James Becker: AKA BECK. Beck along with the Chief Deputy Sheriff and Beck’s wife Beth would hack into computers, skirt the law and work hard to find out who blew up the lab and much more.

Meet Walter Marsden a pawn in the hands of Los Cinco the drug cartel that has now infiltrated more than one state, country and city. Dangerous, lethal and fighting their own turf wars, this cartel take over businesses unknown to those running them. Bellechester was experiencing an economic decline. Our innocent friend Walter had a brilliant idea for restoring jobs and bringing economic life back to Bellechester. Creating an Organic Farming Elevator and Creamery Marsden hoped to create jobs. But, not unlike other hopefuls, he ran out of capital and needed some help. Unknowingly, he enlisted the wrong help and gave up fifty percent of his business and much more. As Marsden’s company flourishes he begins to question some of the financial and notices some discrepancies. Calling his partners he would soon learn the truth one that would make him an accessory to much more than just selling drugs.

Raphael Santos infiltrated the Los Cinco Cartel. He even married the leader’s niece. Playing the part of a caring soldier for the Calderon family, he managed to gain control after the untimely death of the man he referred to as El Jefe. Cunning, clever and wanting his own revenge on this deadly cartel, taking control and working to bring them down and much more.




Master Sergeant Fuentes is a dangerous man not to be trifled with. As he renters the story in the present and the reader learns of his past life and his reasons for wanting revenge on the cartel, you will learn just how cunning and deceitful he can be. Los Cinco: Is going more than down if he has anything to say about it and just how you won’t believe.

Red (Bull) Feather and Beck go way back. Bull saved his life more times than he can count. As the two reconnect and Bull explains why he needs Beck to help investigate the burning of the meth lab, who might have done it and hopefully stop them cold. But, introduces Beck to Fuentes and the truth behind his visit comes out and the dots are about to connect and if someone does not stop what is about to happen more deaths, tortures and explosions will occur. Red Wing is about to house their very own Mexican Drug Cartel and meth production is huge and they will stop at nothing to infiltrate as many places, cities and states in the United States.

Speaking to the reader, you understand and hear Beck’s voice, his thoughts and his every move as Beck and Gunner find a way to assess the crime scene and Beth uses her computer genius to assist. Just how: you will have to read and learn for yourself.

As Beck and Gunner mull over the facts and try to decide just where this meth factory really is, they uncover much more than they bargain for and the end result is not what you might expect. Learning the whereabouts, hacking into the accounts, finding out who the main person is not only surprised them but put Beth and Beck in grave danger. Just how far will Fuentes go to blow up the meth lab. Just how far will the cartel go to protect its investment.

A showdown that will keep the reader on the edge and in suspense even after the all is said and done. Just how will all the dots connect and will the plan to blow up the lab succeed? What part does Santos play and who is Elena? What happens when everyone is in place and all of the players ready to strike? Who wins? Who loses? Will the cartel succeed and keep their plant, their workers and their millions? Will Beck, Gunner, Bull and Beth bring them down? Who dies, who survives and who will be standing at the end? This is one action packed novel filled with surprises, twists, deceits, lies and many used as pawns to fulfill the greedy pockets of others. How this plays out will definitely stump the reader as Beck, Beth, Bull and Gunner create a plot so intricate and plan so well orchestrated that I wonder just who or what the real Covert Element Is?

Once again author John Betcher delivers a plot that only he can create. Characters so well defined and one woman that proves she’s got what it takes to take on more than just the cartel but Beck, Gunner and Bull too. Cunning, clever, crafty and definitely not to be taken lightly this team of investigators hoped to bring down one of the largest drug cartels. Beck is inventive, persistent and definitely at times no match for Beth as she proves to everyone her true womanpower. Never underestimate the smarts and strength of one CIA code breaker when angered. Watch out Clancy, Berry and Patterson : John Betcher: Is a mystery/thriller force to be reckoned with.

Fran Lewis reviewer

[Kip Light]

Another wonderful Becker adventure. This is my third read of the series and I still love it as much as the first. Beck, Beth, Gunner and Bull feel like lifelong friends. The characters are well developed and familiar, yet still evolving. The storyline is completely believable and right out of today'

[Martha Cheves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Covert Element – Review by Martha A. Cheves, Author of Stir, Laugh, Repeat and Think With Your Taste Buds

‘Whether drugs or not, it was hard for me to imagine that the scene I had observed this morning could possibly portend anything but headaches and misery for the residents of Ottawa County. “But twenty-three dead…When’s the last time that sort of mass execution happened in the U.S.?” Beth stared into space. “Gotta be when that crazy Hennard guy drove his pickup truck through the front window of Luby’s Café in Texas way back in – what was it – ’91? Long time ago, anyway.” “This morning’s atrocity looked like something out of Kosovo. Like an ethnic cleansing. Or like the mob sending someone a message. But we don’t have ‘the mob’ in Minnesota…just a few rag tag street and motorcycle gangs that shoot each other once in a while.” I thought for a moment. I could see Beth was trying to make some sense of all this, too. “I s’pose Hells Angels is the closest we’ve got to any organized crime syndicate,” I said. “But if it was a biker gang, the BCA should find evidence of motorcycles all over the place. I didn’t see any tracks around that house this morning. Still…you never know.” I was out of ideas. Maybe some solid police work would give me new options to consider soon. In the meantime, while ruthless killers roamed loose in or around Ottawa County, I would sleep very lightly indeed.’

James Becker, Attorney-at-law, called “Beck” for short, came back from a smoldering meth cooking lab where 23 men had been killed. Beck had been invited to go to the scene by his friend Ottawa County Chief Deputy Sheriff, Doug Gunderson, also known as “Gunner.” The biggest problem was, how were 23 men talked into lying down on the ground while each one was individually shot in the head with the same gun? But that is exactly how they were found outside the lab as it burned. Beck believes there has to be more to the story but after the BCA appeared on the scene, he and Gunner are left out of the loop. So what do they do? They create their own “loop.”

After Beck is contacted by another friend Terry "Bull" Red Feather, an American Indian who served his country as an Army Ranger, he becomes convinced that this “little” meth lab is just the beginning of something even bigger. And after a conversation between Bull, Beck and Bull’s military comrade Master Sergeant Fuentes, they know that the Mexican drug cartel known as Los Cinco, is involved.

Following Beck, Bull, Gunner and Beck’s wife Beth, as they take on one of the largest cartels in existence, keeps you on the edge of your seat. And then there is Ralphael Santos who has worked his way up from the ground floor to become the head man and leader of Los Cinco. He will have you quickly turning the pages just to see what evil he will inflict on his next victim. But wait until you see who his victims really are.

I’ve read several books written by Author John L. Betcher. He has a way of writing that makes you feel as if you’re on the sidelines watching the events take place. His knowledge of the topic he is writing about educates to happenings that you only read bits and pieces of in the local papers. He brings out the full truth as to how things are toned down and released on a need to know basis only. The Covert Element is a perfect example of his great style of writing.

2011
264 Pages
ISBN# 978-1461084532

Review Stir, Laugh, Repeat at Amazon.com Stir, Laugh, Repeat

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third installment featuring James Becker (Beck), a former Military Intelligence Agent and his ex-CIA code cracking, computer expert wife, Beth. They are both retired from their stressful jobs, Beck does some work as an attorney now, but they just can't seem to stay out of trouble.

In this edition the Mexican Drug Wars come way too close to home, very near to their quiet Minnesota community, and they aren't just selling the drugs, they are manufacturing meth at a huge grain company. The organic grain elevator and small dairy is a great cover. The CEO doesn't even know what is happening right under his nose.

To add even more thrill to this thriller we find out about some of Beck's friend Bull's past. A friend from his time in the military shows up and he is on a mission and wants Bull's help to carry out his plan. He has set up his planned assault for many years and it is all coming to a head now in Minnesota.

Beth and Beck try to help their friend Bull accomplish his friend's mission in the most legal way possible because if they don't they could all end up in jail or dead.

I LOVED IT!!!!!

I was privileged to be one of the first to read the first book in this series, The Missing Element and then The 19th Element which tied with Harlan Coben's CAUGHT for my selection of Best Suspense/Thriller for 2010. I was worried that after the last one John had set the bar too high for himself, but The Covert Element surpassed both of the previous novels.

I think that John is not only a brilliant writer but he takes huge current issues in the world and brings them alarmingly close to home. He had made Red Wing, Minnesota the hotbed of some critical world issues in a truly believable way. I just hope the wrong people don't read his books and get ideas.

The dialogue between Beck and Beth is so real. I know some critics have panned their romance and relationship taking too big of part in these stories, but to me it makes the stressful situations even more real. There is less of that in this installment but you still see and feel the calming effect Beth has on Beck. Without that he could develop quickly in a character out of control. She is a vital character and their strong relationship is a huge part of why these stories work.

You can see the author takes great pains in his research in every one of the books but this one took intense investigation to get the facts right to make this story credible.

It continues his "ripped from headlines" style. This is yet another book by John L. Betcher I recommend you click the link below and order today. You will be enthralled from the first page until the very last and you won't be able to wait and tell your friends they have to read it too!!!

Well done John!!! Now get to work on the next one!!! By hot little hands are waiting!!!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author.. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Joy Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cartel Hits Minnesota

Great read, good mystery, good plot. Recommend for mystery readers who like action. Learned a little about drug cartels too!

[Marilou George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by John L. Betcher and I was totally enthralled throughout the whole story. It was very evident from the onset that the author did his homework to get the accurate facts and details to make this story enticing and believable.

The characters of James Becker a semi-retired lawyer, his wife Beth, the “computer goddess” Terry "Bull" Red Feather an American Indian and Doug Gunderson (Gunner), Ottawa County Chief Deputy Sheriff successfully bring richness and flavor to this story. They each have a story of their own which is woven together in a complex yet charming way.

The story begins with a mass-murder and fire at a Meth-lab in Red Wing, Minnesota. Becker and his wife become deeply involved with Bull and Gunner as they attempt to uncover the truth about the massacre and find themselves dealing with the Mexican drug cartel Los Cincos. I was immediately swept away into the deadly world of drug cartels and the horror and reality of their destruction.

This is a very complex story, focusing not only on the present time but also depicting the history and background of the existence of drug cartels. The author brings to the surface a great understanding of the subject which is a huge contributor it making this story a memorable and engrossing read.

I loved the interplay between Becker and his wife Beth and the ability to portray them both as strong characters in their own right. They are believable and likeable and the understanding and mutual respect between them is palpable.

I appreciated the viewpoint of the character(s) of Fuentes/Santos, whose dedication to elimination of the Drug Cartels due to the ravages faced by his family and his country. We are given a glimpse into the heart of many Mexicans who become innocent victims of the drug cartels and witness the unspeakable horrors and tragedies that befall them and their families.

I think that the writing is this book is vivid and realistic and interwoven with the issues of drugs and drug wars bring this to a personal level that is relatable to the reader.

I highly recommend this book and I will definitely be reading more from John L. Betcher.

[Sammy Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Betcher continues his James Becker series with the third installment, The Covert Element. The semi-retired lawyer, Becker, his wife, Beth, friend, Bull, and the local lawman, Gunner return to create a fascinating foursome of core characters. Redwing, Minnesota, at a glance may seem unlikely, but the thriller gives rise to the evidence.

Again, the author tackles a fragile current issue, using his phenomenal knowledge, he weaves fact into fiction. The thriller’s journey guides the reader back in time, and geography to the 1980’s Columbian drug cartel, into the present day Mexican border drug war, and its contribution to our homegrown meth labs.


The plot is based on a very real problem, one I find all too familiar. I live in a city on the surface seemingly like Redwing, Minnesota, nestled among the Ozarks Hills, near an interstate. The city boasts of being the buckle of the Bible belt, and Queen City of Meth Labs. The details in the novel are a plausible piece of fiction eerily familiar.


The characters are an interesting eclectic mix, well developed by a talented author. John Betcher continues to entertain with his clever use of the language, and warm respectful relationship Becker and his wife share. Consistent with John’s previous novels, the relaxed style adds a fresh element in contrast to the seriousness within the nail biting thriller.


A fabulous read, I highly recommend all of the Becker Thrillers to readers who enjoy a wild ride based on current reality.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another good contemporary thriller. I really enjoy the character of Beck, and think that in a lot of ways he rivals Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan.

In this novel, the Mexican Cartels come to Minnesota. After a mass murder happens in sleepy(?) Ottawa County, Beck is given information that a major Mexican cartel may be producing meth on a large scale in his back yard. Taking this information to his buddy, Chief Deputy Gunderson, they begin to look into the possibility of a major meth lab being located in Ottawa County. When Beck decides to hint that he knows more to the owner of a local organic grain elevator, events happen that let him know he's on the right track.

Needless to say, the above paragraph is a really short synopsis of the novel. There is plenty of action and intrigue for those readers that enjoy a good thriller, and Betcher is very good at providing detail and background for the story. My only complaint, and it wasn't as noticeable in this novel as it was in the last one I read by Mr. Betcher, is his non-linear time in the opening chapters of the novel. Often the story flips between times, and sometimes when the chapters (and hence the times) change, the reader isn't really alerted to this fact. The reader has to pay attention to what characters are involved in what timelines in the story.

All in all, I like the character and will look for more books featuring Beck. I would recommend this book to others who like contemporary thriller novels.

[William Bentrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Covert Element by John L. Betcher
Once again, James Becker, a retired agent of some type is a small town attorney. James Becker has retired from a terrorism fight to live a sedentary life with his wife and girls safe in a small, insular community. In his first book, The 19th Element detailed the story of a Islamic terrorists’ attack on a nearby nuclear plant. This time Becker gets entwined with a drug cartel.
Once again I am impressed how John so thoroughly humanizes his protagonist. (John Betcher is an eminently approachable author.) Becker’s sense of humor is endearing and highly annoying to his buddies Gunner and Bull. Beth is a no-nonsense wife whose common sense and CIA background keeps Becker grounded and safe.
The book deals with the dismaying invasion of drugs and the impact of the drug cartels on law enforcement and society in general. John Betcher is not making any claims as a successor for those of us who loved Robert Parker’s Spencer but as a confirmed fan I have to say the mantle may fit. The interplay between Becker and pals is entertaining in spite of the seriousness of the topic. I enjoyed interviewing John Betcher and I enjoyed reading this more polished novel. Keep up the good work Betcher!
I highly recommend this book.

[Bailey Bristol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first James Becker thriller, and I will definitely be coming back for more! As a writer, I appreciate the skill with which John Betcher wove a very complex story, casting the plot back and forth from earlier days to the present. His Becker character is immensely likeable, and the chemistry between Becker and his technomaven wife is unique and refreshing. Their magnetism is exceeded only by their mutual respect.

Betcher's knowledge of all aspects of his story contributed hugely to making this a great read. His easy explanation of equipment, black ops paraphernalia and methods, drug cartels, meth labs, and even Minnesota agribusiness made this a rich tale on many levels. I heartily recommend the book to those who want to immerse themselves in the kinds of adventures John Betcher writes so very well.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd Beck book. Again, it is pretty much a stand alone book from the other two (there were only a couple of references to the other books). While still a very good book with some good action and a couple of unresolved twists, I honestly didn't enjoy it as much as the first two. I'm fairly certain it's because of the drug cartel theme (and the fact I was kind of getting tired of reading "Babe" every time Beck and Beth addressed each other). Not that I don't enjoy reading thrillers regarding the cartels but I think, at the time I read this book, I was a little over-read about cartels from previous books read in the past couple of months. At any rate, I was a little concerned that there might not be another book when Beck announced his re-retirement from his covert ways, but was glad Beth talked him out of it.

[John R. Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book #3 of the James Becker series, it is becoming clear that life isn't as quiet and safe in Red Wing, Minnesota as the chamber of commerce would like you to think. A drug cartel has set up a major meth lab in the neighborhood and a mysterious comrade-in-arms from Bull's mysterious past is on a mission to blow it up. It looks like a major drug war is going to erupt if Beck is not able to head it off. The main characters are memorable, well-developed, and authentic. I became confused at spots because of the interplay of mysterious figures in the backstory, but everything came together into a memorable conclusion. Another solid book in the series.

[Ben Woodard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beck is back for the third book and this is the best yet. Suspense, action, and obvious detailed research by the author. While I enjoyed the first two books, they lagged a bit at times. Not this one. It grabs you like a angry pit bull and doesn't let go until the last line. And after the cover is closed, the excitement remains. I especially liked learning more about Bull - one of my favorite characters. The story and writing gets better with each book. Can't wait for the next Beck!

[Sharon Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, fast read with flashbacks and different POVs that were not confusing. Great characters, I really liked both of the main characters. Debated a bit on the rating and probably would give this 4 1/2 stars if available, but the fact that it was the guy that got kidnapped and his wife that got away and got him rescued bumped it from a 4 star to a 5 star.

More of these are on my TBR list.

[Barrie Penman · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Kindle Freebie)
A page turner, no boring chapters so far, 50% read
Lots of exciting action.
All loose ends nicely accomplished and tied up..... or are they!
Drugs and Cartels are messy but I guess its a bit like killing off the Greek Lernaean Hydra Serpent.
I hate to think all that cunning planning has been for nought.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this book. it was a little strange how the author switched back and forth between 1st & 3rd person but I was able to follow it. It was a good read but it did seem a little confusing in the end to sort it all out.

[Justjeanette · Rating 2 out of 5]

While to book was unable to hold my interest mainly because I didn't connect easily Beck and I'm not a fan of tales that keep switching time point I will admit the set up was believable and the author has done his research.
If you like a twisty thriller this will probably be for you.

[Ryne Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intelligent thriller that weaves the echoes of recent events into a lively narrative. Plotted deftly, this is a recommended read for all who appreciate stories in the vein of Clancy and Flynn.

[Ryne Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intelligent thriller that weaves the echoes of recent events into a lively narrative. Plotted deftly, this is a recommended read for all who appreciate stories in the vein of Clancy and Flynn.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good action thriller read, if you are into drug cartels and ex-agents.

[Kristina Franken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for anyone

FTC: I received a free copy of this book and was not reimbursed in any other way.

[Holly Hilbrands · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, another entertaining novel with Beck leading the way to solve Red Wing crime.

[Ken Weinert]

False

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun characters, wacky plot, and an unexpected ending...made for an entertaining read.

[Bob Ely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you guessing till the very end.

[Silly]

I won this book from First Reads. Looks like a good book. Thank you.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good read. Jumped around quite a bit but still a good plot.