Backwater Channel (Kurt Hunter Mysteries)

By: Steven Becker

Narrated by: Paul J McSorley

Length: 5 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's Summary

You'd think a nuclear power plant was dangerous enough....

That's what special agent Kurt Hunter thought until, while out fishing, he witnesses a murder at the Turkey Point nuclear power plant. After being assigned the case, Kurt is pulled into the convoluted politics of Miami only to find out that the embattled power plant is only a pawn in a more deadly game.

Greed and corruption are nothing new to pristine Biscayne Bay. With the plant's miles of cooling canals providing essential habitat for several endangered species, Kurt is thrown into a rift between warring environmentalists and power-hungry corporate executives all trying to advance their own agendas.

©2018 Steven Becker (P)2018 Steven Becker

excellent book!

I've been a big fan of the Mac Travis series so I was a bit on the fence about Kurt Hunter (although Becker has now since written a fantastic crossover) but I am definitely a fan of the Hunter series now. My favorite character has to be Justine though as I can relate to her quite a bit. She prefers a dead body or forensic evidence to flowers but I suspect it's more the challenge of a puzzle rather than her being morbid. As a woman who's always preferred books/art supplies to flowers, I find myself enjoying her character so much.

Becker's writing feels like someone who knows people. Not just females but people in general. His writing doesn't fall into stereotypes regarding race or gender and I love true to MY life kind of writing. The personalities he writes about are well defined and despite growth, their personalities stay fairly true throughout his books. It may be an odd thing to say but I find it difficult to step into another's shoes when it comes to writing and that's what happens when you have some of the same characters show up through your series. I've also observed other writers having difficulty keeping those personalities consistent in other series I've read.

I also like learning about things while listening to books. As a fan of fishing (and definitely unschooled in the art of fly fishing) I find good writing that incorporates new ideas especially interesting.

Paul J. McSorley has the perfect voice for this outdoor series. His voice is distinct and kind of reminds me of whisky and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He adjusts the tension in his voice to reflect whatever action is going on and uses small changes in voice and accent to differentiate between characters. You forget you're listening to a book which I think, is the sign of a really good narrator. Paul J. McSorley also narrates Steven Becker's Mac Travis series so I hope these two talents work together for a long time.

I highly recommend the Kurt Hunter mystery series

A great 2nd book for this series

Action packed book 2 , this one keeps you on the edge an is faster paced than the 1st book , alittle unrealistic with the baited gator attack and the speed of the backhoe. other than that they put on alot of miles chasing culprits .

Another Solid Story

I’d say this is another good book in the story line of Kurt Hunter. It’s amazing to me the situations Kurt gets himself into, but you can’t say the man isn’t good at what he does. Steven Becker can paint a picture when it comes to story telling and this book is proud of that. Paul McSorley is the man who brings these characters to life by giving them a voice, which I think he did wonderfully. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Another great one!

Of course anything Paul McSorley is great! I love this series! The love story that is forming is beautiful. The mystery is an enticing story. The fact the main character goes against what the lazy boss says makes me happy! Can't wait for the next one.

Average guy takes on big corporation

Park Ranger Kurt Hunter is back! He’s fighting corruption, politics, and corporations in Miami, Florida.

Book 2 is not a disappointment!

Kurt Hunter is a man I would like. The way he works, play and love is admirable to me. I especially love his inner dialogue regarding his love life. The 1st book was about a young lady he finds dead. Question was, was it a murder or an accident (recommend you read it to find out!). This 2nd book, he actually witnesses a murder. The murder was chock full of contention and concern between so many factions and the question is, who, what and why?
Paul McSorley is fast becoming one of my favorite narrators. The timber of his voice, the cadence of his narration and the characters he portrays is spot on for this book.
I highly recommend this book and will be reading book 3!

Smile like s crocodile

Our hero surely does seem to be a sh*t magnet like his boss complains, but Kurt does what ever it takes to solve another mystery that floats his way. Great performance by McSorely and the story is very engaging. Looking forward to more from this series.

Full bore excitement

This book involves a lot of descriptive scenery and atmosphere for South Florida. Growing up in Florida and being on the water the books bring back many memories. The action adventure sometimes gets very intense but the overall writing of these stories is very good. The narration is top notch and really adds a lot to the story.

Another wild heartstopping ride with suspense

Kurt is at it again he never has a problem with finding dead bodies they seem to call to him. What is finds is shocking and horrifying, I had trouble getting the pictures out of my head. To be killed is one thing but by a crocodile is something mind-blowing and what is even more mind-blowing is there isn’t a reason for them to be in this area. It is Kurt’s job to find out who and why, while dealing with a lazy boss who isn’t buying any of it. The bodies are adding up, can he find the killer before another life is lost?

I have come to love this narrator he pulls you in with the danger, unbelievable story and makes you believe every word. He takes you on a wonderful adventure with horrible outcomes and makes you enjoy them all. Character voices are wonderful both male and female are good, he gives wonderful tones and emotions making the characters believable. I always know what is going on, who is talking and what they are feeling. He always makes my heart beat faster when there is danger giving just enough pause to get you ready for whatever is to come your way. 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.

This series has given me some nightmares, and are getting a little too close to real life. There is no doubt the author is a wonderful storyteller pulling you in leaving you with your mouth hung open. Shocking yet thrilling scenes that hold your attention making it hard to put the book down. With this one I found my hand over my mouth as I took in the detail given of the crocodile attack and how it all plays out. It was one heck of a ride that still makes my heart race just typing the review. It was interesting to see how it all came together leaving a lasting impression when it was over. I really am I looking forward to the next book.

Great Story! Great Narration!

Steven Becker and Paul J McSorley are a winning combination with this book and series. I love it when a book grips one and pulls them into the story. This is both a standalone listen and part of a series. Kurt Hunter is an endearing character and yet has some rough edges. I love his realistic relationships with his friends and coworkers (some are great, others I want to strangle). The imagery is so well written and described. The storyline is original, the murder weapon was genius, and how the killer was revealed was spectacular. Steven Becker really did an outstanding job writing this book. Without giving away spoilers, I loved the twists this story had. Paul J McSorley does such a wonderful performance with his narration.His voice is smooth and fit the book perfectly. I will definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator.