THE BITTER PAST Sheriff Porter Beck, Book 1

James Babson's fine performance of this audiobook reflects the story's Nevada setting--it's mostly relaxed and without a lot of unnecessary drama. The story is told through the eyes of Sheriff Porter Beck, an ex-military intelligence officer whose small department is stretched to its limit when the tortured, mutilated body of an ex-FBI man is found in his jurisdiction. The case leads to the past, to the days of nuclear tests and secrets in the Nevada desert. Babson's narration is thoroughly engaging. He is low-key but still makes his characters distinct and real with different voices and personalities. The story itself has a few rough spots--some listeners may find a particular federal agent not particularly believable--but Babson's work helps overcome those. G.S. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2023]