Bruce Borgos Books In Order

Publication Order of Porter Beck Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Bruce Borgos

Bruce Borgos is an American author known for his entertaining mystery novels, including the popular Porter Beck series. He writes stories that readers find genuinely engaging, building narratives that are both clever and easy to get lost in. His particular strength lies in how he crafts his characters, especially his protagonists. They feel authentic and thoughtfully developed, which gives the plots a strong, relatable center.

The people in his books are crafted with clear motivations and distinct personalities. This attention to character makes readers invested in their journeys from the very first chapter. It is a key reason why his mysteries are so compelling. The human element within the puzzle keeps the experience fresh and interesting.

Overall, Borgos possesses a clear gift for blending character and plot into a seamless, enjoyable whole. His stories move at a good pace and are constructed with care. The result is reliably entertaining fiction that appeals to fans of the genre. Picking up one of his novels means settling in for a solid and satisfying read.

Borgos connects with a global audience by writing stories that are authentically his own. His mysteries provide a reliable and engaging escape for readers everywhere. He stays true to a classic style that feels both familiar and fresh. This genuine approach is what makes his work so widely enjoyable.

The characters he creates are central to this worldwide appeal. They face challenges and solve puzzles in ways that feel honest and grounded. Readers from different places can see parts of themselves in these portrayals. This universal human connection is a cornerstone of his storytelling.

Ultimately, he entertains by offering compelling plots built on a foundation of believable people. His narratives are crafted without pretense, focusing on clean, intelligent suspense. This straightforward dedication to the craft of a good mystery is his signature. It is a method that continues to resonate with a broad and appreciative international readership.

Bruce Borgos continues to develop new stories for his readers. His ongoing work suggests there are more mysteries waiting to be solved. Fans of his writing have good reason to look forward to what comes next. The next chapter in his catalog is already on the horizon.

Early and Personal Life

Bruce Borgos makes his home in the wide Nevada desert. This setting provides the space for his writing work. He shares his life there with his wife, Pam, and their golden retriever.

His academic background includes a political science degree from the University of Nevada-Reno. This kind of study often involves analyzing systems and human motivations. Such skills can naturally lend themselves to crafting intricate plots and character dynamics.

The line between an author’s life and his fiction can sometimes be a pleasant blur. For instance, the name of the family dog, Charlie Blue Horse, also belongs to a character in one of his stories. This playful connection highlights how a writer’s personal world can inspire the fictional ones they build for readers.

Writing Career

Bruce Borgos is the author of the Porter Beck mystery series. His first novel, The Bitter Past, was published in 2023. This debut book received award nominations for both a Lefty and a Barry Award.

His writing career continued steadily with subsequent annual releases. These included Shades of Mercy in 2024 and The Blue Horse in 2025. With a further book titled The Riddle Maker in 2026, his work would be ongoing.

Shades of Mercy

The mystery thriller Shades of Mercy is authored by Bruce Borgos. It was published on July 16, 2024, by Minotaur Books. This book is the second installment in the continuing Porter Beck series.

In Nevada’s high desert, Sheriff Porter Beck confronts a wave of bizarre crimes. A deadly new opioid and a hacked military drone targeting a friend lead Beck to a local hacker. That suspect is Mercy Vaughn, a teenager confined without computer access. When Mercy disappears, Beck knows she is in danger and time is short.

This novel presents a compelling mystery set against the stark backdrop of the Nevada desert. The plot effectively combines modern threats, like drone hacking, with a classic investigative pursuit. Sheriff Beck’s personal connection to the community adds a relatable layer to the tension. Readers will find the pacing brisk and the central predicament highly engaging.

The Blue Horse

Bruce Borgos authored the mystery thriller The Blue Horse, which was published on July 8, 2025. The book’s publisher is Minotaur Books. This release marks the third main installment in the continuing Porter Beck series.

A deadly wild horse roundup in Nevada leaves Sheriff Porter Beck with two brutal murders and many suspects, including a militant advocacy group. His investigation with Detective Charlie Blue Horse leads to a suspicious lithium mine. The case turns personal when Beck’s sister and a missing teen are found near the dangerous site. Beck must solve the crimes under federal pressure while protecting those he cares about.

This thriller delivers a sharp, engaging mystery set against the compelling backdrop of the high desert. The plot, centered on a controversial horse roundup and murder, is both timely and tense. Sheriff Beck is a relatable protagonist navigating professional and personal stakes. Readers will find the pacing brisk and the central conflict highly immersive.

Life Strings

The thriller Life Strings was published by its author, Bruce Borgos, on May 5, 2018. This book is an independent publication, as the author is also listed as the publisher. It represents an earlier work in Borgos’s catalog prior to his traditionally published Porter Beck series.

Here the story presents a tense race against time centered on a mother, Annie Brody, and her ill son, Jacks. He wishes to help her with a simple blood test, but Annie harbors a secret: Jacks was conceived using a donor egg, so they should not be genetically related. The test, however, shows a match. The answer lies with a woman on the other side of the world, who is struggling to protect thousands of refugees from famine and war while facing a powerful enemy. She unknowingly holds the key to Annie’s survival.

It’s a novel that skillfully weaves a tense and emotionally compelling mystery. The central premise of a genetic secret driving the plot is immediately engaging. Its dual narratives across different worlds create a gripping, page-turning momentum. Readers will find the core dilemma both heartfelt and genuinely suspenseful.