Backwater Bay

Kurt Hunter Mysteries, Book 1

By: Steven Becker

Narrated by: Paul J. McSorley

Length: 5 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

How much would it take for you to kill someone close?

From best-selling author Steven Becker comes a new mystery series:

When a body is found floating in the mangroves of Biscayne National Park, Special Agent Kurt Hunter has his first real case. He’s not looking for the spotlight or notoriety - he’s had both with disastrous results. But that seems unavoidable as the trail leads him to South Beach, and his introduction to the culture there is anything but comfortable.

In the National Parks Service’s version of the witness protection program, Kurt quickly finds out that the pristine waters surrounding Miami are very different from the National Forest he transferred from. Follow Kurt through this new world as he unearths a crooked family's greed to solve the case.

©2018 Steven Becker (P)2018 Steven Becker

can a park ranger solve a murder?

Kurt is a park ranger, who patrols the FL Everglades...he's also in the WITSEC program, a small detail that needs to be explored...maybe in the next book?? Anyhoo, Kurt's minding his own business, doing a little fishing while on patrol, when he pulls up a body. Due to the state of the body, being in the water for a while, it is unrecognizable. Kurt's boss, a frumpy, lazy guy, is always on Kurt's back...and he orders Kurt to let Miami-Dade PD handle the case. Kurt is not deterred though, and starts his own investigation to ID the vic, and determine if her death was an accident or homicide. There is a budding romance between Kurt and a MDPD crime scene tech that's sweet and adds a bit of spice to the story. Kurt can't seem to stay out of trouble with his boss, which leads to some hilarious moments, but he perseveres in solving the case. While the ending seems a bit rushed, I still enjoyed the story and now need the next book to find out what Kurt's colleague is up to...bad feeling about her, even if she saved Kurt's life...
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Awesome Story, Awesome Narration!

I love a great action adventure book, and this one hit all the right buttons. Steven Becker is a new author to me, while I have listened to several other books by the talented Paul J McSorley. I love it when an author writes a book with unexpected twists and reveals the killer, whom I had no suspicion of. The imagery in this book was very well done. The narration was perfect with distinguishable characters, the right emotions, smooth delivery, and great audio production. The book kept me gripped from the very beginning. It is a standalone listen. I will definitely listen to more books by both Steven Becker and Paul J McSorley.

South Florida Mystery

This book was provided free of charge in exchange for a review.

This book was about an agent to stumbles upon a body in a mangrove swamp and has to solve the mystery of the murder. This is a continuous always on the edge mystery that should not be put down till finished.

The story is well written and does not leave any gaps but does not give away the ending as you listen.

The narration is superb and well done with multiple voices carried off well.

Highly recommended for anyone who likes South Florida sun and water mystery books.

My first Kirt Hinter Mystery Novel

and it was GREAT!!! The characters are so witty, relatable and likeable. Having lived in Florida for the better part of my adult life, I found myself right back there listening to the detailed description of sights and sounds.
Speaking of sounds, can I just listen to this narrator all day? Yes! Paul Mcsorley does and incredible job! With each character he brings them to life in such individual manner that you NEVER get confused as to whom you are listening! (I have listened to some books that call for extreme concentration just to figure out who is speaking.) his voice is clear, and soothing and is PERFECT for a detective novel.
I am hooked! on the author and the narrator and I can not wait to download the next in this riveting series!

Great start to a new series

A great intro to the Kurt Hunter mystery series!

Paul J. McSorley is an excellent narrator and the story does not disappoint. I'll be looking for the next book in this series. I enjoyed this very much.

Very good book!

I would recommend this book to anyone. Narrator does a good job. Looking forward to listening to more of this author's books

Entertaining

I had no idea national parks have investigative special agents and are considered law enforcement. The story is good but thought it was too short a book I love the narrator, I’ve listened to several books read by him. The author is a new for me but I like his style. I liked how how Hunter finds a possible romance while working a case. I find it amusing that the boss is always up his rear end. Good book overall. Will listen to the next books for sure.

a nice 1st book to begin a series

I really enjoyed it, being the 1st book in a series it does a nice job of setting up for more good books to come. no profanity is a nice plus . I like the multiple angles left open to insinuate for more too come . looking forward to book 2

Good book

I enjoyed this book very much. Kurt Hunter is a transplant to Florida and is a man who knows his job, but tends to push the envelope when it comes to his boss and his co workers. I enjoyed the storyline, the descriptions of life and work, the development of the relationships and the characters.
Paul McSorley is the perfect voice for this character. He does a great job of projecting the thoughts and feelings of Kurt Hunter, as well as the other characters. He has such a way with his narration that I am visualizing the looks on their faces, feeling what they are feeling and seeing what they are seeing. I love the timber of his voice and his talent is outstanding!

Good "Who done it" book

A well written interesting plot, fast paced action, a great location, and several twists and turns.