The Guide: A novel

Okay, so this was my first Peter Heller book. I have no idea why I've never read one previously, but am I glad I read this one. This book was fantastic. It was a love story wrapped in a mystery with a fresh new plot, well-developed characters and a rockin' ending. Aside from the fact that this book entertained me, while teaching me a few things about things, it was the author's lyrical style which reeled me in. It was sublime. So, if you’d like an adventure story about fishing in Colorado, a fresh new type of mystery and a love story, then this book is for you. And one of the things I learned while reading this book? Don't mess with a cowboy.

Fom the pages of Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour to the visions of Peter Heller, the western has evolved. Still, the same elements persist, hero, heroine, and evil protagonist, and a deadly plot with glimpses of romance. The story is gripping, the plot clearly foreshadowed, and the opposing sides clearly painting. As a story, it tuggs you on gently at first, then sets the barbed hook. The battle is on now and it's for keeps. In the end you're glad to be netted.The ending was short on twsits and turns. Heller lets the reader off to early and too easily. There were no beads of sweat on my face as I stood with the hero. The getaway was too clean. And perhaps a few characters too cliche. But even wit these shorcomings, Im sure you'll appreciate Hellers style and attention to detail.The production was superb. I used Audible's read-along technology and it was perfectly performed and well-directed. A strong thumbs up.

I'm into the outdoors and this book was fantastic. Kept me engaged the whole time, not long or drawn out. 5/5 would recommend.

The book has nice descriptive prose but just plods along. There is so much soothing description that it dilutes any suspense that might have built. It's an OK plot, but I felt that I had read the book before. If not for the Covid references I would have sworn I'd already read it. The ease with which the characters get out of trouble is just too pat. It was a pleasant read but I don't give it a "must read" recommendation.

Jack, the main character is a fly fisherman who starts a new job as a guide at an exclusive, remote river resort. He is assigned to guide a famous singer and together they uncover more of the ugly truth that lurks. Why are they being watched?

What to read while waiting for my plane and a long flight to Denver? I started reading and finished in the descent. Just buy it - read it - enjoy it. A fantastic read and I will send copies to my friends.

Jack, one of the characters in Peter Heller’s, The River, is the main character of his latest novel, The Guide. I remember being a bit out off by the—what I thought at the time was—an over abundance of detail about fishing when I read The River, but while there is certainly a lot about fishing here in The Guide, it seems to be as much about the emotions surrounding those who really love fishing and not just information. Maybe I need to reread The River because I really liked this novel. Heller is a master of characterization and, as always, nature (and man’s relationship to it) is a main character. The plot revolves around a truly creepy luxurious fishing lodge where the uber-wealthy come for more than just the fishing. It’s all set post-pandemic although variants are still a threat, which is creepy enough. The River, like all of Heller’s works, shows the reader beauty and tragedy but always hope.

This a good read and I recommend it. I gave it four stars instead of five. Heller is one of my go-to authors. I preorder all of his books. (The Painter is a fantastic read). Loved his last one The River, solid five stars. The story about two young men on a river trip canoeing in a very remote area. The conflicts that occur are real and plausible. The River is a real tear-jerker.The Guide is a sequel to The River with the same character who is now carrying the emotional baggage over what occurred in The River (don’t want to put a spoiler in here).Heller is a master at his craft, a true wordsmith. His voice carries the story and adds great depth to the story.The Guide starts out with a similar type of entry, a solid literary story, with the main character out in nature, who meets a woman he guides in fly fishing. The description, the romantic interplay is wonderful. Had Heller kept on this track throughout the book this one would’ve been a solid five stars as well.I classify most books in two categories, Meat and Potatoes, which is literary with such a skill level that the story is rarely needed. And Chocolate and popcorn, pure entertainment, a beach read that travels at great speed without a need for deep cerebral engagement.The Guide is pure Meat and Potatoes until the end then all of a sudden it shifts to Chocolate and Popcorn. It was jarring. Heller didn’t need it. He could’ve used a more plausible conflict ending with those staying at the fishing lodge.I do recommend this book and I will continue preorder his next book.David Putnam Author of The Bruno Johnson series

Peter Heller is one of America's leading wilderness thriller authors and he writes about fly fishing as well as anyone. The Guide brings back Jack, a young man readers first met in The River, in another nail-biting, page-turning yarn. Lots of fly fishing in this one!

Good story

This is the third novel I have read from Peter, and has been as enjoyable and page turning as " The Dog Stars" and " The River ", this being a continuation of the story of the main character in the latter title. The story is gripping and believable, and I read it in relatively few sittings. Highly recommended.

the book starts with a story about a fishing guide in a strange fishing camp. Towards the end the story takes a covidrelated, stupid twist and i am very very disappointed! Conspiration theories in a fishing story...why?

It was a great story of one mans determination to find the truth behind a fishing lodge's front. The author goes into deep descriptions of the wilderness allowing the reader to feel the beauty that is there. The relaxing days of fly fishing to sleepless nights in thought. This book is a fantastic read. The author was very creative with his story and I would recommend this book to those who enjoy flipping pages late into the night....Enjoy.