Heartshot

First Line: The sheriff leaned against the doorjamb of my office without saying a word, lounging there until I finally decided to notice him.

The Undersheriff of Posadas County, New Mexico, retired from the military and now has plenty of years in law enforcement. Bill Gastner has no life outside the law, and he doesn't want one- even if the new sheriff is making retirement sounds whenever Bill's within earshot. When a car full of teens racing from a traffic stop crashes and all are killed, the town of Posadas reels in shock, especially when a bag of cocaine is discovered under one of the seats of the wrecked car. Gastner and star officer Estelle Reyes have their hands full trying to keep the bereaved parents under control while they show more conduct their investigation.

Although the identity of the "bad guy" was clear to me early on, I didn't much care because of the characters. Undersheriff Bill Gastner is one of those curmudgeons you may not want to live around, but he's certainly a joy to read about. All that gruffness hides a truly caring person who's dedicated his life (and sacrificed his health) to doing right. Although Gastner isn't going quietly into that good night, he does have a fair idea of his limitations, as in when he takes a look at a gun and ankle holster another law enforcement officer wears:

"I don't think I'd be happy with one." Hewitt's expression of polite amusement told me that he could imagine the result as well as I. Grab down, suffer back-muscle spasm, throw out trick knee, stagger sideways and sprain other ankle. Fall and land on left wrist, refracturing an old break.

Although this first book in the series was Gastner's show, his talented protege, Estelle Reyes, did have enough time to show us her smarts and to set the stage for her appearance in other books. I'm looking forward to that. As much as I enjoy Bill Gastner, his creaks and groans are starting to catch up with him. Sooner or later folks aren't going to whisper about retirement; they're going to demand it, and Bill's got to have someone good to step in.

Can you tell that I'm looking forward to reading more of this series? Good, because I am! show less

A small town in New Mexico has an earnest, elected Sheriff and his aging Undersheriff-William C. Gastner. Pushing sixty, widower Bill has no other life than in law enforcement-and doesn't want one, even if he's being nudged gently toward retirement. Then big time trouble strikes. A car full of teens, running from a stop by Deputy Torrez, goes airborne into a rocky outcrop, killing all five kids and revealing a package of cocaine under the seat. Has someone brought big-time crime to the county?

This is a steadily paced story about a small town where everyone knows everyone and drugs are not common. The characters are likeable and mostly believable especially Gastner. He’s gruff and curmudgeonly with a bit of humor but he really cares show more about protecting the people in his town. The story kept my interest until the end when Gastner takes a big unnecessary risk that wasn’t believable. Overall, I still enjoyed this and will try another in the series. show less

I'm bumping this up a star because he's a new author for me. It was a solid 3 star book with an interesting hero, a fat old cop who drives himself too hard. Good mystery & motives, neat methods, too. He must have some air time. Made me feel like I was in the cockpit during one memorable event.

I really enjoyed this book. The mystery is interesting although not too hard to figure out (at least I did which is unusual). However the protagonist is wonderful. It's great to see a 60 something man not grouching about the "young whipper-snapper", instead encouraging the young to learn from him. I'll be reading the rest of the stories in this series.

I enjoyed this book very much. The main character, which I'm sure reflects the author somewhat, is the type of guy I would love to sit and talk over coffee or a drink. He was down to earth. The story was captivating. I would definitely read from this author again. I like his style and feel for emotion.

In Havill’s mystery novel, Bill Gastner is an undersheriff in Posadas County, New Mexico. When Ricky Fernandez and four other teens die in an unexplained car crash, Bill’s instincts kick into high gear as he realizes there is more here than meets the eye. Before long a bag of cocaine is discovered and the new sheriff—a very publicity hungry lawman—and an inexperienced undercover cop keep Bill hopping. As the pain of loss filters through the community, vigilantes step up to do the sheriff’s job costing them a vital lead. Racing against time, Bill pursues a murderer and his own obsession with the truth becomes his worst enemy.

A great addition to the A Posadas County Mystery series.

Undersheriff Bill Gastner investigates a case that begins with the suspicious car crash of four teenagers. His own medical condition plays a large obstacle during the case. Several new deaths occur as his only detective Estelle Reyes and he investigate.
This is an excellent book for audio. The climax takes place on a plane and listening to this on audio makes you feels like you are right there. I admit I didn't read this series in order and it makes no difference, but I do like the 2nd and third in the series somewhat better. The plot although complex seems to not be woven together as well in this novel. Havill seems to get better with experience. At times I just think the main character, Gastner is an idiot.