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Big Lake #21
Big Lake Ranger
It’s Fall, the special time of year the locals in the little Arizona mountain town of Big Lake call the sweet season between when the summer visitors have gone back to their homes in the crowded desert cities and when the snow has accumulated enough to draw the ski crowd. Things are moving at a slower pace for now as people draw a deep breath and recoup their energy and sanity from the hectic summer just behind them.
But when three mischievous teenagers looking for adventure find the body of a murdered Forest Ranger, they get much more than they bargained for. Soon Sheriff Jim Weber and FBI Special Agent Larry Parks find themselves deep in an investigation into the life of a woman who everyone seemed to respect and admire and who didn’t have an enemy in the world. Or did she?
Suddenly they have a long list of suspects, including a co-worker who had mysteriously developed a bad attitude toward the dead women he had once praised, a misogynistic summer volunteer with the Forest Service, a woman who seems to be at war with the world, and a hate-filled young man more twisted than anyone ever imagined. As more FBI agents come to town to help with the investigation, startling secrets are revealed, forcing Weber to wonder if he did ever really know the dead woman he once considered a friend.
Nick Russell’s latest Big Lake book includes enough twists and turns to keep you guessing who the killer is, along with the latest nonsense by the town’s former mayor, just to make Weber’s life more complicated, and a violent courtroom showdown that will change the life of at least one Big Lake character forever.
But when three mischievous teenagers looking for adventure find the body of a murdered Forest Ranger, they get much more than they bargained for. Soon Sheriff Jim Weber and FBI Special Agent Larry Parks find themselves deep in an investigation into the life of a woman who everyone seemed to respect and admire and who didn’t have an enemy in the world. Or did she?
Suddenly they have a long list of suspects, including a co-worker who had mysteriously developed a bad attitude toward the dead women he had once praised, a misogynistic summer volunteer with the Forest Service, a woman who seems to be at war with the world, and a hate-filled young man more twisted than anyone ever imagined. As more FBI agents come to town to help with the investigation, startling secrets are revealed, forcing Weber to wonder if he did ever really know the dead woman he once considered a friend.
Nick Russell’s latest Big Lake book includes enough twists and turns to keep you guessing who the killer is, along with the latest nonsense by the town’s former mayor, just to make Weber’s life more complicated, and a violent courtroom showdown that will change the life of at least one Big Lake character forever.
- GenresMystery
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2021
385 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 18, 2022
Loved it all the way to the reveal which was a shock but how it was pulled off and why was a little bit of a stretch. Quite a few errors with the quotation marks.
January 25, 2022
Not what I expected but really intriguing. Most of the time I get a good idea who is the "bad guy" when reading a book. I changed my mind many times reading this one. In the end it was not who I had suspected. I did find it difficult to follow the sequence of events that led to the questions that everyone had but that was probably because I was reading quickly to see "who done it." Probably the best that I've read by Russell.
Ed
Ed
February 21, 2022
OK, but not great
The story was interesting enough for me to finish the book. The ending had an interesting twist, but mostly because key facts were not provided along the way. Too much of book was lengthy dialogue, sometimes pretty much unrelated to the principal story line. The characters were not particularly well developed, even after lengthy dialogue that could have been used for that purpose. Some scenes, like at the high school, were simply not credible.
The story was interesting enough for me to finish the book. The ending had an interesting twist, but mostly because key facts were not provided along the way. Too much of book was lengthy dialogue, sometimes pretty much unrelated to the principal story line. The characters were not particularly well developed, even after lengthy dialogue that could have been used for that purpose. Some scenes, like at the high school, were simply not credible.
February 28, 2022
violence too graphic!
Book & overall story were very good. I have a tough time reading about violence, especially graphic torture. The descriptions of what the intel wrote turned my stomach & I skimmed the story past that so I didn’t have to read more of that. Even though those things weren’t done in this book, the description still sickens me. Without those graphic descriptions, the rating would have been 4 or 5 stars.
Book & overall story were very good. I have a tough time reading about violence, especially graphic torture. The descriptions of what the intel wrote turned my stomach & I skimmed the story past that so I didn’t have to read more of that. Even though those things weren’t done in this book, the description still sickens me. Without those graphic descriptions, the rating would have been 4 or 5 stars.
April 9, 2022
A very heart wrenching story!!
Who killed the forest ranger? Was it her best friend who is gay? Was it the ranger who was making her life miserable? Was it the local boy who is psychotic and hates all women? Jimmie has his hands full. When a court appearance goes bad and a deputy has to kill a person to save an attorney's life, things really go to hell. Don't miss this one! Highly recommended.
Who killed the forest ranger? Was it her best friend who is gay? Was it the ranger who was making her life miserable? Was it the local boy who is psychotic and hates all women? Jimmie has his hands full. When a court appearance goes bad and a deputy has to kill a person to save an attorney's life, things really go to hell. Don't miss this one! Highly recommended.
February 4, 2023
One book to go on this series
Well written like a real life happening, contains a little sense of humor which makes you smile and includes eccentric men and women that we have practically every town to hold the interest. Each book has had me riveted to the story line as it twists and turns until the mystery is solved. Highly recommend Nick Russell author and the big Lake series I have read. Looking forward to the next series by Mr. Russell
Well written like a real life happening, contains a little sense of humor which makes you smile and includes eccentric men and women that we have practically every town to hold the interest. Each book has had me riveted to the story line as it twists and turns until the mystery is solved. Highly recommend Nick Russell author and the big Lake series I have read. Looking forward to the next series by Mr. Russell
December 28, 2021
EXCELLENT
Nick has extended his own record of holding the reader in supence till the last few pages. I enjoy the way Nick writes that makes the reader seem to be standing in the very scene of the book.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the entire series of the happenings in the town of Big Lake and the Sheriffs office.
Nick has extended his own record of holding the reader in supence till the last few pages. I enjoy the way Nick writes that makes the reader seem to be standing in the very scene of the book.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the entire series of the happenings in the town of Big Lake and the Sheriffs office.
March 11, 2022
This is an excellent read! A ranger is murdered and there are plenty of suspects. One of them is an absolute woman hater whose mother thinks he is an angel. And just because Jimmy doesn't have enough to do, Chet is causing all sorts of problems. If you have been reading the Big Lake series, you are definitely going to want to get this one.
March 26, 2022
Exceptional grabbed you by the collar and never let go
What can you say, Nick Russell is an exceptional novelist, each book grabs your attention and pulls you into the story as if you are there, a third party experiencing all five senses, eye witness to the events, emotions, living, breathing, feeling in everything that is happen in the book.
What can you say, Nick Russell is an exceptional novelist, each book grabs your attention and pulls you into the story as if you are there, a third party experiencing all five senses, eye witness to the events, emotions, living, breathing, feeling in everything that is happen in the book.
April 6, 2022
Editing, editing, editing!
I do enjoy this series and recommend it highly. I look forward to new installments, however, the editing needs work and distracts from a smooth read. Thus the four stars instead of five.
The editing is an ongoing complaint, but the stories are great and it is fun trying to ascertain " who done it". Well worth the read, sans editing.
I do enjoy this series and recommend it highly. I look forward to new installments, however, the editing needs work and distracts from a smooth read. Thus the four stars instead of five.
The editing is an ongoing complaint, but the stories are great and it is fun trying to ascertain " who done it". Well worth the read, sans editing.
April 14, 2022
Awesome series!
Best series I've read in a long time! Big Lake is a great little town with lots of charm and murder! The author makes you feel like you know each and every person that resides there. Wonderful and not so wonderful characters you won't soon forget! Can't wait for the next one!!!
Best series I've read in a long time! Big Lake is a great little town with lots of charm and murder! The author makes you feel like you know each and every person that resides there. Wonderful and not so wonderful characters you won't soon forget! Can't wait for the next one!!!
September 22, 2022
Big Lake series is great reads
Start with what I dislike, currently, there are no more Big Lake novels to read. That being said I have truly enjoyed every novel in the series. I even contacted Nick and encouraged him not to change a thing,if approached to make the series into movies or television programs. I hope many more Big Lake stories are yet to be told.
Start with what I dislike, currently, there are no more Big Lake novels to read. That being said I have truly enjoyed every novel in the series. I even contacted Nick and encouraged him not to change a thing,if approached to make the series into movies or television programs. I hope many more Big Lake stories are yet to be told.
June 5, 2023
Love this series
Love the characters who have been evolving from the first book in this series. Always have some crime to solve and there is also a lot of lighthearted reading you can relate to. I gave it 5 Stars because I think this series is entertaining and very relatable. Always a good read.
Love the characters who have been evolving from the first book in this series. Always have some crime to solve and there is also a lot of lighthearted reading you can relate to. I gave it 5 Stars because I think this series is entertaining and very relatable. Always a good read.
January 1, 2022
WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHY?
Kept me guessing till the big reveal, is it him, is it her? Depravity, bloodshed, compassion, grief and humor all wrapped together in another of Nick Russell’s
Big Lake novels.
Kept me guessing till the big reveal, is it him, is it her? Depravity, bloodshed, compassion, grief and humor all wrapped together in another of Nick Russell’s
Big Lake novels.
January 2, 2022
Another winner from Nick Russell
This is one of Nick’s longer books, but it doesn’t slow down at all. Several characters look like sure-fire murderers, but of course only one of them is the true killer. Highly recommended!
This is one of Nick’s longer books, but it doesn’t slow down at all. Several characters look like sure-fire murderers, but of course only one of them is the true killer. Highly recommended!
January 8, 2022
I liked it
I liked the Sheriff, but the story included some insulting paragraphs that weren’t necessary. It’s as if author is having spiritual problems that shouldn’t be the reader’s to bear.
I liked the Sheriff, but the story included some insulting paragraphs that weren’t necessary. It’s as if author is having spiritual problems that shouldn’t be the reader’s to bear.
March 21, 2022
Always a pleasure reading about my book friends
It's always a pleasure to read about what is going on with what feels like friends in the Big Lake series. I don't know how police men handle so many angry people. They deserve respect and a medal for all they do.
It's always a pleasure to read about what is going on with what feels like friends in the Big Lake series. I don't know how police men handle so many angry people. They deserve respect and a medal for all they do.
April 10, 2022
Woo Hoo I guessed right!
I have really enjoyed this whole series, think I was only smart enough to guess the ending three times out of all the books! Great writing and awesome storyline!
I have really enjoyed this whole series, think I was only smart enough to guess the ending three times out of all the books! Great writing and awesome storyline!
June 22, 2022
Big Lake Ranger
Good story. Liked that sheriff a lot. The story moved along and kept me reading. The lawmen were all good guys and the bad guys were really bad . This author can tell a good story for sure.
Good story. Liked that sheriff a lot. The story moved along and kept me reading. The lawmen were all good guys and the bad guys were really bad . This author can tell a good story for sure.
October 23, 2022
Good book
I love these characters and their adventures. I feel like l know Big Lake and the people who live there. I look forward to every book and read them as soon as they are released. Can't wait for the next one.
I love these characters and their adventures. I feel like l know Big Lake and the people who live there. I look forward to every book and read them as soon as they are released. Can't wait for the next one.
October 29, 2023
A Slow Start But…
After wading through Chet’s ridiculous schemes, the story really got going. The who dun it was well crafted. I’m a retired teacher, so grammatical mistakes grate on me, but overall the book was good. I look forward to seeing how the stories develop in the series.
After wading through Chet’s ridiculous schemes, the story really got going. The who dun it was well crafted. I’m a retired teacher, so grammatical mistakes grate on me, but overall the book was good. I look forward to seeing how the stories develop in the series.
January 2, 2024
Big Lake Ranger
Excellent storyline that illustrates the extremely detailed, shrewd and superb logical dedication conducted, especially one of the FBI officers, to apprehend the perp.
Excellent storyline that illustrates the extremely detailed, shrewd and superb logical dedication conducted, especially one of the FBI officers, to apprehend the perp.
January 13, 2025
crazy town
Another wonderful story in a small town of big lake. It has murder it has craziness. It has FBI agents and it has Chet Wingate always. You are really going to love this book.
Another wonderful story in a small town of big lake. It has murder it has craziness. It has FBI agents and it has Chet Wingate always. You are really going to love this book.
March 21, 2025
An intriguing series
This was an intense, complex, and intriguing story with many unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was an intense, complex, and intriguing story with many unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
April 22, 2025
Big lake Ranger
Started out as just another day in Big Lake, but swiftly moved into a fast paced mystery with the travel from no suspects to many and then logically to the correct one. I have doubts that the FBI could be as efficient as the ones in the tale but they should be.
Started out as just another day in Big Lake, but swiftly moved into a fast paced mystery with the travel from no suspects to many and then logically to the correct one. I have doubts that the FBI could be as efficient as the ones in the tale but they should be.
July 14, 2025
Danger to be a Ranger
He leaves you twisting in the wind with an incredible look on your face. Once again Mr Russell lets you go in circles till you are thoroughly confused and then boom the truth comes out.
Thanks for a top notch read.
He leaves you twisting in the wind with an incredible look on your face. Once again Mr Russell lets you go in circles till you are thoroughly confused and then boom the truth comes out.
Thanks for a top notch read.
January 1, 2022
Pure enjoyment
I have LOVED the Big Lake series and am going to be so sad when these characters will no longer be a part of my life.
I have LOVED the Big Lake series and am going to be so sad when these characters will no longer be a part of my life.
January 3, 2022
Unexpected
Great cliffhanger to immerse yourself in. I was totally taken off guard by who the killer was so if you want a good book to read this is the one.
Great cliffhanger to immerse yourself in. I was totally taken off guard by who the killer was so if you want a good book to read this is the one.
January 3, 2022
Good book
Very good series. Can't wait for the next one. Can't wait to see what happens to Chet in the next book.
Very good series. Can't wait for the next one. Can't wait to see what happens to Chet in the next book.
January 6, 2022
Good book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews