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Kurt Hunter Mysteries #3
Backwater Cove
Would you commit murder to sign a top high school recruit?
When National Parks Service special agent Kurt Hunter finds a woman washed up on his remote island in Biscayne National Park the case leads him to the world of high rolling boosters and the young players who will do anything to make their mark.
With millions on the line in the world of college football, recruiting the top players is crucial. Money and women are often used to lure the top high school prospects to schools. With big penalties for getting caught, boosters will do anything—even kill—to cover their tracks and keep their alma maters on top.
When National Parks Service special agent Kurt Hunter finds a woman washed up on his remote island in Biscayne National Park the case leads him to the world of high rolling boosters and the young players who will do anything to make their mark.
With millions on the line in the world of college football, recruiting the top players is crucial. Money and women are often used to lure the top high school prospects to schools. With big penalties for getting caught, boosters will do anything—even kill—to cover their tracks and keep their alma maters on top.
186 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 22, 2018
The author gives another wonderful twist that keeps you on the edge from one surprise to another. If you have read any of this series you know where Kurt Hunter is bodies soon turn up. Here we are bought into sport and what people are willing to do to get the best players but something goes wrong when a woman turns up dead and another is found bloody. The mystery comes to life when the bloody woman does everything she can to make your eyebrows go up. She doesn’t act like a true victim and you are left wondering what her game is. The hunt is on for the body that has come up missing along with wild parties on boats and wild woman who will do anything to make these players happy. Are they there willing or is there more to the story.
Mr. Becker does a great job pulling you in taking you a way in a wonderful adventure that the author gives. He has a pleasant normal voice as well as character voices as his character, he gives wonderful emotion that pulls you in making you feel like you are part of the story. His character voices both male and female are great. I always knew who is talking and what they are feeling. He really bought this story life for me, giving the danger just enough power to make my heart beat faster pulling in with the excitement, danger and the unknown as well as the chase. He gives enough pauses to let it sink in and really feel what the characters are feeling. There were no background noises, no volume changes and if any breaks were taken I could not tell. The audio is very clean and clear giving you hours of enjoyment that holds your attention why keeping you guessing and on the edge. I am really looking forward to listening to more of his work.
The author gives you a highly entertaining listen that really pulls you in with excitement and danger along with a few thrills. He keeps you on the edge keeping you guessing to the outcome. I really liked how the author lays it out with the mystery pulling the listener in giving a deal tailed exciting story. I love how it all comes together. He gives you wonderful characters, a thrilling story that is believable. I have truly enjoyed everyone of this series I have listened to and can’t wait to listen to more.
Mr. Becker does a great job pulling you in taking you a way in a wonderful adventure that the author gives. He has a pleasant normal voice as well as character voices as his character, he gives wonderful emotion that pulls you in making you feel like you are part of the story. His character voices both male and female are great. I always knew who is talking and what they are feeling. He really bought this story life for me, giving the danger just enough power to make my heart beat faster pulling in with the excitement, danger and the unknown as well as the chase. He gives enough pauses to let it sink in and really feel what the characters are feeling. There were no background noises, no volume changes and if any breaks were taken I could not tell. The audio is very clean and clear giving you hours of enjoyment that holds your attention why keeping you guessing and on the edge. I am really looking forward to listening to more of his work.
The author gives you a highly entertaining listen that really pulls you in with excitement and danger along with a few thrills. He keeps you on the edge keeping you guessing to the outcome. I really liked how the author lays it out with the mystery pulling the listener in giving a deal tailed exciting story. I love how it all comes together. He gives you wonderful characters, a thrilling story that is believable. I have truly enjoyed everyone of this series I have listened to and can’t wait to listen to more.
April 5, 2018
Author Steven Becker has created his own universe within Florida's Keys which periodically ranges outward to Baja California, further west to Hawaii, or toward Europe and the Near East, but mostly stays within the ambit of Miami to Key West. His core characters have each been given their own series but wander in and out of each other's paths as their skills and talents dictate. Thus for one who has read a story or two in any of the series, each new novel is like returning home and being welcomed by old friends.
That's not to say each doesn't stand alone. Where necessary for overlapping scenarios, background is deftly inserted to bring you up to speed as you plunge into the adventure. For Kurt Hunter, a Special Agent with the National Park Service, poaching would be about as big a crime as he might anticipate as he assists tourists (and in the Keys, that largely includes boaters). But darned if he doesn't keep finding bodies! Given the longstanding history of smuggling, piracy, rum-running and other nefarious activities such as drug importing and making, we really shouldn't be surprised; and the somewhat bumbling Kurt has a sharp mind and broadening network of friends to assist in solving the crimes.
Each book is better than the last and extremely entertaining; I am looking forward to the next in the series. But wait, you are saying, what about *this* plot? Well, the plot is skillful and if you like deducing whodunnit from the clues, they are there. College football and alumni interference play their parts, and the interagency interactions among overlapping jurisdictions are critical. The blurb sets up the story for you so you don't need me to repeat it. But what you do need to do is fasten your seatbelt because the well-paced action frequently takes off at full throttle.
That's not to say each doesn't stand alone. Where necessary for overlapping scenarios, background is deftly inserted to bring you up to speed as you plunge into the adventure. For Kurt Hunter, a Special Agent with the National Park Service, poaching would be about as big a crime as he might anticipate as he assists tourists (and in the Keys, that largely includes boaters). But darned if he doesn't keep finding bodies! Given the longstanding history of smuggling, piracy, rum-running and other nefarious activities such as drug importing and making, we really shouldn't be surprised; and the somewhat bumbling Kurt has a sharp mind and broadening network of friends to assist in solving the crimes.
Each book is better than the last and extremely entertaining; I am looking forward to the next in the series. But wait, you are saying, what about *this* plot? Well, the plot is skillful and if you like deducing whodunnit from the clues, they are there. College football and alumni interference play their parts, and the interagency interactions among overlapping jurisdictions are critical. The blurb sets up the story for you so you don't need me to repeat it. But what you do need to do is fasten your seatbelt because the well-paced action frequently takes off at full throttle.
October 27, 2021
I read the book Backwater Cove as a continuation of the Kurt Hunter mysteries series. This book took me on a joy ride and my expectations for the book were exceeded by the content. Although I cannot make any personal connections, in Florida getting into a college or university is a big deal, and some people will kill to get into a college.
A common theme used in the book is baiting/deception. This is because college footballers are trying to lure in top high school football players for their team and they try to lure them in. They do so through the use of deception and baiting. The characterization used throughout the book is cunning. The language used is technical because it goes in-depth about the college football system and cases of murder of some students trying to get on football teams.
This book is great for people who are interested in a good murder mystery book that takes place in the Florida Keys. Great for anyone who likes action and mystery novels.
A common theme used in the book is baiting/deception. This is because college footballers are trying to lure in top high school football players for their team and they try to lure them in. They do so through the use of deception and baiting. The characterization used throughout the book is cunning. The language used is technical because it goes in-depth about the college football system and cases of murder of some students trying to get on football teams.
This book is great for people who are interested in a good murder mystery book that takes place in the Florida Keys. Great for anyone who likes action and mystery novels.
April 15, 2018
Yet another great Kurt Hunter title! Steven Becker really exposes the intense rivalry for 'gridiron talent' between the Big Three of the Sunshine State (Go 'Noles!), that in this case leads to more than just heated words. Backwater Cove is set along the waterfront of Miami, where ego can often be a more powerful fuel than diesel or gasoline. And sometimes it's a motive for murder.
Kurt works to solve yet another crime with his growing and interesting group of local friends and associates. But will work interfere yet again with his relationship with Justine as well as his family? At least Kurt is finally learning how to dock his outboard without crashing, except when he's in a hurry. Of course, it seems like he's always in a rush, and the fiberglass continues to pay the price for it.
Hopefully this series will 'have legs,' as the characters keep getting more and more interesting.
Kurt works to solve yet another crime with his growing and interesting group of local friends and associates. But will work interfere yet again with his relationship with Justine as well as his family? At least Kurt is finally learning how to dock his outboard without crashing, except when he's in a hurry. Of course, it seems like he's always in a rush, and the fiberglass continues to pay the price for it.
Hopefully this series will 'have legs,' as the characters keep getting more and more interesting.
April 4, 2018
KURT HUNTER FINDS ANOTHER DEAD BODY
Kurt Hunter, Special Agent with the U. S. Parks Service, much to the chagrin of his immediate superior, keeps finding dead bodies. Most of the bodies are found within the boundaries of the Biscayne National Park.
This time, one of the bodies Kurt finds is at a strip club in Miami, clearly in the Miami-Dade jurisdiction, but as the first person to discover the body, he is requested to assist in the investigation...this definitely does not please Kurt’s boss, whose sole concern is his budget’s bottom line. How will this be resolved?? Read the book to find out.
Kurt Hunter, Special Agent with the U. S. Parks Service, much to the chagrin of his immediate superior, keeps finding dead bodies. Most of the bodies are found within the boundaries of the Biscayne National Park.
This time, one of the bodies Kurt finds is at a strip club in Miami, clearly in the Miami-Dade jurisdiction, but as the first person to discover the body, he is requested to assist in the investigation...this definitely does not please Kurt’s boss, whose sole concern is his budget’s bottom line. How will this be resolved?? Read the book to find out.
April 20, 2018
Backwater Cove was an AWESOME read!!
There is nothing better, than reading a book by Steven Becker!! An AWESOME story about life in South Florida, the good and the bad!!
Kurt finds a young woman in the swampy area, near his home. Finding out, that another young woman was with the one he found, sends him on a mission to find her. It all goes crazy, from there on. A non-stop read, start to finish!!
There is nothing better, than reading a book by Steven Becker!! An AWESOME story about life in South Florida, the good and the bad!!
Kurt finds a young woman in the swampy area, near his home. Finding out, that another young woman was with the one he found, sends him on a mission to find her. It all goes crazy, from there on. A non-stop read, start to finish!!
June 25, 2018
Crime just follows him around.
I have read everything in the Kurt Hunter series and can say that every story is fresh and new. I would encourage everyone to read these stories. I know that you will enjoy them.
I have read everything in the Kurt Hunter series and can say that every story is fresh and new. I would encourage everyone to read these stories. I know that you will enjoy them.
Read
December 20, 2021Fast-paced murder mystery
Kurt and Justine work together in this third book in the series. Who is the girl who turns up bruised and battered and saying her friend didn't make it? Will it be greed or revenge or something else that pushed someone to murder?
Kurt and Justine work together in this third book in the series. Who is the girl who turns up bruised and battered and saying her friend didn't make it? Will it be greed or revenge or something else that pushed someone to murder?
September 6, 2023
This was another excellent book by Becker. I've now read every book in all his series. I would recommend his books to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, plus characters from his other books show up from time to time in his writings.
April 14, 2024
This is anther good book in this series. I started reading it out of order, but able to keep up with the descriptions of what happened previously. There are good crime books, the plots not too complex, but enjoyable to read and usually have a twist and the ending not what you expected.
September 21, 2025
Heating up!
Motivations are clearer as are the characters
There is so much strength in the settings, Biscayne and water life! It would be tempting to read for the knowledge & experience alone in this series.
Motivations are clearer as are the characters
There is so much strength in the settings, Biscayne and water life! It would be tempting to read for the knowledge & experience alone in this series.
April 3, 2018
A great story for water adventurers anywhere. This was a very entertaining story with an excellent main character, Kurt Hunter.
July 26, 2020
I have enjoyed, so far, the Kurt Hunter Series. I enjoy most any book written about the water.
Park Ranger won't give up, until he can solve a murder.
Park Ranger won't give up, until he can solve a murder.
November 20, 2020
After I keep saying I’ll give the series one more chance I’m giving up after this one. For me I find the characters thinly drawn and mostly annoying.
December 18, 2021
Fast read
Good characters and relationships. Quick developing story plot makes for a fast read. Enjoyed the smooth flow and transition between suspect development.
Good characters and relationships. Quick developing story plot makes for a fast read. Enjoyed the smooth flow and transition between suspect development.
March 23, 2023
Misty
Once again Mr. Becker takes Us on a wild ride to right the wrongs of some people. I'm always wondering which direction he will go then surprised in the way the story goes.
Once again Mr. Becker takes Us on a wild ride to right the wrongs of some people. I'm always wondering which direction he will go then surprised in the way the story goes.
April 30, 2023
Always a great case
Kurt grows a little each story. There is always enough action to keep it interesting. Always good clean read. Can't wait for next episode
Kurt grows a little each story. There is always enough action to keep it interesting. Always good clean read. Can't wait for next episode
July 5, 2023
Great little mystery
Steven Becker could have written some true news articles from this mystery novel! Kurt and his friends helped break the cycle of injustice once again!
Steven Becker could have written some true news articles from this mystery novel! Kurt and his friends helped break the cycle of injustice once again!
February 17, 2024
Good Little Series
Are these the best mysteries you’ll ever read? No, but they hold your interest and move quickly. Moving on to the next one now.
Are these the best mysteries you’ll ever read? No, but they hold your interest and move quickly. Moving on to the next one now.
June 27, 2022
Kurt desperately needs a vacation, having back+to-back murders to contend with! Where else can you find a guy who doesn’t possess the knowledge, the know+how, the expertise of a cop? Nowhere! Well, that’s not totally correct. Kurt seems to be good at doing it, or the murder are idiots. Bank on the latter. Yet, it’s all good. So, grab a read and let ‘er rip!
May 5, 2018
Kurt Hunter, special agent for National Park Service in FL, is like a magnet for dead bodies. In this book, we follow Kurt as he attempts to solve another murder that, once again, and to the consternation of his supervisor Martinez, has fallen into his lap. Love the supporting characters and the chemistry between them all. The jealousy between Justine and homicide detective, Grace, is palpable...and funny as heck. We finally ‘meet’ Kurt’s teen daughter and that was a very nice turn of events. As always, great storyline, well developed characters and non-stop drama.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews