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Arthur Herbert
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The Bones of Amoret: The Amoret Mysteries Book 1 Kindle Edition

by Arthur Herbert (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,051 ratings
**2023 Chanticleer International Book Awards - 1st place, Best suspense/thriller novel**
**2022 NYC Big Book Award: Winner- Best Western Novel; Finalist- Best Mystery Novel**
**2022 American Book Fest: Winner- Best New Fiction; Finalist- Best Mystery Novel**
**2022 Hollywood Book Festival: Finalist- Best Genre Novel**

An unconscious drug mule in the lawless desert. A decaying marriage where love is a phantom limb. The savage murder of a possible witness. Rivalry. Betrayal. It’s a new day along the border, one where the clandestine has moved out of the shadows and asserted itself with muscles that announce to the world: the rules are different now.

Amoret, Texas, 1982. Life along the border is harsh, but in a world where cultures work together to carve a living from the desert landscape, Blaine Beckett lives a life of isolation. A transplanted Boston intellectual, for twenty years locals have viewed him as a snob, a misanthrope, an outsider. He seems content to stand apart until one night when he vanishes into thin air amid signs of foul play.

Noah Grady, the town doctor, is a charming and popular good ol’ boy. He’s also a keeper of secrets, both the town’s and his own. He watches from afar as the mystery of Blaine’s disappearance unravels and rumors fly. Were the incipient cartels responsible? Was it a local with a grudge? Or did Blaine himself orchestrate his own disappearance? Then the unthinkable happens, and Noah begins to realize he’s considered a suspect.

From the Amazon #1 Best Selling author of The Cuts that Cure comes an atmospheric mystery set on the Texas-Mexico border where a small town grapples with its bloody loss of innocence. Paced like a lit fuse, this riveting whodunnit will keep you guessing all the way to its shocking conclusion.

"Great action, well-told, and authentic with all the nuances and spirit of small town Texas. Don't miss it." -Lone Star Literary Life Reviews
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  1. Print length
    330 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    February 13, 2022
  5. Reading age
    16 - 18 years
  6. File size
    3.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09SFP64Q9
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Stitched Smile Publications
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 13, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 330 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8985935912
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 16 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 2,051 ratings

About the author

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Arthur Herbert

Arthur Herbert

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Arthur Herbert was born and raised in small town Texas. He worked on offshore oil rigs, as a bartender, a landscaper at a trailer park, and as a social worker before going to medical school. He chose to do a residency in general surgery, followed by a fellowship in critical care and trauma surgery. For the last eighteen years, he’s worked as a trauma and burn surgeon, operating on all ages of injured patients. He continues to run a thriving practice.

His second novel, The Bones of Amoret, is set to be released on April 1, 2022 through Stitched Smile Publishers.

Arthur currently lives in New Orleans, with his wife Amy and their dogs.

Arthur loves hearing from readers, so don’t hesitate to email him at arthur@arthurherbertwriter.com.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
2,051 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the book's unpredictable plot with unexpected twists at the end, and appreciate how the story unfolds like a conversation. The writing style is skillfully executed, with colorful and quirky characters and visually impressive descriptions that bring the Texas landscape to life. Customers find the book fascinating and engaging, with one review highlighting the main theme of kindness. The pacing receives mixed reactions from customers.

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Story twistStory telling styleReadabilityCharacter developmentVisual qualityEngrossednessHeartPacing
72 customers mention "Story twist"65 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the book's twists and turns, finding it unpredictable and suspenseful, with one customer noting how the mystery unfolds at a good pace.

"...Ending took me by surprise, and I'm a writer also. Good book!" Read more

"Folksy Texas writing style that moves the story forward at a relaxed pace...." Read more

"...from an 84 plus small town “doc” from Amoret, Texas, the story unfolds like a conversation (a bit long, a bit rambling at times)...." Read more

"...The story brings the reader on a superb journey. This story was very unpredictable. This read is more than just words on a page...." Read more

61 customers mention "Story telling style"59 positive2 negative

Customers praise the author's skillful storytelling, with one noting how wonderfully descriptive phrases are woven throughout the tale.

"...I felt as though I was sitting, listening the story unfold. I definitely would recommend this book for any mystery fan. Thank you Mr. Herbert." Read more

"...count piles up with many twists and turns along the way, told in compelling fashion that sucks you right in and keeps you engaged to see if there..." Read more

"...I had no clue. Crazy writing!! Herbert was so good I actually "broke my bank" and signed up for Kindle monthly subscription...." Read more

"...no idea here this book was going when I started it- but it was so well written I had to finish. Ending took me by surprise, and I'm a writer also...." Read more

60 customers mention "Readability"60 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a fantastic and satisfying read that is well worth the time.

"This was the best book I have read in a long time...." Read more

"...But I digress, the book was excellent. I received an ebook copy for an honest review and I ended up buying the audiobook to get it done in time...." Read more

"...I had no clue. Crazy writing!! Herbert was so good I actually "broke my bank" and signed up for Kindle monthly subscription...." Read more

"...Ending took me by surprise, and I'm a writer also. Good book!" Read more

31 customers mention "Character development"31 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, finding them colorful and quirky, with one customer particularly appreciating the portrayal of Noah Grady's love for family.

"...All the characters were believable...and there was no hint of the surprise ending. I felt as though I was sitting, listening the story unfold...." Read more

"...The characters are colorful and quirky like those from a Quentin Tarantino movie...." Read more

"...I savored his prose and fell in love with his characters...." Read more

"...The characters are well developed. Of note, there are times when Noah jumps back to the present day in his conversation...." Read more

12 customers mention "Visual quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the visual elements of the book, with its vivid descriptions and engaging mystery atmosphere, and one customer particularly notes the beautiful desert landscapes as the story unfolds.

"...Not boring, and in some places visually impressive in description, this is worth a read." Read more

"...The book is well written, the descriptions of the Texas landscape are superb...." Read more

"...Well, that happened to me. Quickly. The style grabbed me and didn’t let go...." Read more

"...if s/he is actually moving through the harsh but beautiful desert landscapes as the story unfolds...." Read more

7 customers mention "Engrossedness"5 positive2 negative

Customers find the book fascinating, with one customer noting its many levels of relevance.

"...I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s style, intellect, pacing, use of prose, attention to detail, and overall storytelling ability...." Read more

"...Told in a straight forward style clearly and interestingly, the reader can almost feel as if he were in Amoret, Texas as each scene was narrated...." Read more

"This one is PACKED with mindless filler, extraneous descriptions and pontificating...." Read more

"I found this fascinating. The telling of the story my the subject himself was spellbinding...." Read more

6 customers mention "Heart"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the heart of the book, with one review highlighting the main theme of kindness, while another mentions the caring nature of Doc Noah.

"...liked the way the story was told, (interview style), the care and good heart of Doc Noah as he tells the story...." Read more

"...He has a good heart and does a lot to help the people of the community, particularly the Mexican immigrants...." Read more

"...He is what you want a good doctor to be: dedicated, caring, honest, loyal and loving to both man and beast...." Read more

"...Innocence, enduring kindness, vengeance, compassion, hate, guilt are all etched into his character. Thank you for this book." Read more

6 customers mention "Pacing"2 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book.

"...The problem I had with the main protagonist is that he was completely amoral and self-serving, in my opinion...." Read more

"...He is what you want a good doctor to be: dedicated, caring, honest, loyal and loving to both man and beast...." Read more

"...The 2star rating is because of the vulgarity. Not necessary. For that reason I will not be reading any more of Mr.Herbert's books" Read more

"Too much silly crap and meanness. Things they did were not funny as they thought...." Read more

Well-written mystery
5 out of 5 stars
Well-written mystery
Noah Travis Grady, the narrator of The Bones of Amoret by Arthur Herbert, is the typical, old-fashioned town doctor. Or maybe not so typical. Noah is multifaceted, full of kindness and standing firm for what he thinks is right. He helps immigrants who cross the southern border illegally. Two of those immigrants were Angelica, whom he marries, and her son, both of whom he loves with a passion. He helps Francis Barnett with his AIDS, And he's good at keeping secrets. Like his 20-year affair with Blaine Beckett’s wife. Now he is focused on finding out how Beckett has disappeared and why. And who would kill his adopted son. Or so he says. Is all of Noah’s kindness and bonhomie real or just a mask? Is Noah a reliable narrator? He is retelling a large chunk of his, and others’, personal history in an interview with an unnamed female journalist. The events he's relating happened about 40 years in the past. So, he's now a bit older. How accurate is his memory? I like Noah Grady. Whether his reminiscences about his past experiences are exactly how the events really occurred doesn’t matter. Noah is a likeable narrator and storyteller. His gripping storytelling engendered joy or sadness in me dependent upon what he was retelling. Arthur Herbert also makes fully concrete the other, secondary characters. All were fully fleshed out and fit well into the story arc. The Bones of Amoret held my attention to the end. I will be reading other works by Arthur Herbert.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • MIC
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This was the best book I have read in a long time. I liked the way the story was told, (interview style), the care and good heart of Doc Noah as he tells the story. , All the characters were believable...and there was no hint of the surprise ending. I felt as though I was sitting, listening the story unfold. I definitely would recommend this book for any mystery fan. Thank you Mr. Herbert.
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  • Jerry
    4.0 out of 5 stars First Rate Writing & Excellent Story Telling
    Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    When I read the jacket summary and opening paragraphs for “The Bones Of Amoret”, I thought that this book would be right in my wheelhouse. I lived in the area where the story takes place back in the 1980’s. Additionally, I moved back 4 years ago so the plot’s timeframe is bookended for me. I also happen to work in the medical field. I am always in search of another good noir/mystery and there aren’t very many with that setting – I was stoked!
    I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s style, intellect, pacing, use of prose, attention to detail, and overall storytelling ability. When I consider that he is also a physician and writes on the side, I am tremendously impressed. Egad, the mental capacity of some people – I am so jealous!
    Bottom line, I liked the book a lot BUT I hated all of the characters and about 25% of the way in, I almost bailed out.
    Objectively, the story is told from the perspective of a doctor who details for a present day reporter, the events of his life that involve illegal alien smuggling, medicine, adultery, murder s and the other secrets of a one horse town in far west Texas. A prominent citizen disappears and the body count piles up with many twists and turns along the way, told in compelling fashion that sucks you right in and keeps you engaged to see if there will be a satisfying resolution.
    The problem I had with the main protagonist is that he was completely amoral and self-serving, in my opinion. Like many physicians (and liberals) with a “God” complex, he thinks he knows best at all times, about everything and the ends always justify the means for this kind of narcissist. None of the suffering or deaths would have happened in the first place, if he had any sense of right and wrong, but that is never a consideration.
    The blind spot of the main character really bugged the hell out of me, maybe because I am too close to both the time(s) and place. Laws, morality, and borders are what they are for a reason, and repurposing them under the guise of “compassion and empathy” may work for many people but not for me.
    Try almost losing some or all of your entire family, three times, because illegal aliens can’t be bothered to follow the most basic of laws on this side of the border (drunk driving), after already having broken into the country illegally in the first place.
    I am still looking for that book that is told from the perspective of a patriotic American Hispanic who abides by the law, and is ultimately the most negatively impacted by illegal immigration in so many ways that cascade resoundingly year after year but is never considered. There is no shortage of them. They simply are of zero interest to the “creative/entertainment” culture of today. They wouldn’t fit the “approved” liberal narrative, so they cease to be useful tools.
    But I digress, the book was excellent. I received an ebook copy for an honest review and I ended up buying the audiobook to get it done in time. This turned out to be well worth the purchase, the narrator of the audiobook was stellar! I also purchased all of the author’s other works because, contrary to popular belief, conservative people can be open minded and good writing is hard to come by nowadays.
    I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in a well written west Texas noir style mystery. It would also make a pretty good movie.
    38 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a shocker!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I read an average of two books a week, and this is the first time in a LONG time that I was shocked at at ending. I had no clue. Crazy writing!! Herbert was so good I actually "broke my bank" and signed up for Kindle monthly subscription. I don't want to miss some of my favorite authors by reading mostly free books that don't have the depth that I love.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good writer
    Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I had no idea here this book was going when I started it- but it was so well written I had to finish. Ending took me by surprise, and I'm a writer also. Good book!
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  • Phil P.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Easy going read
    Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Folksy Texas writing style that moves the story forward at a relaxed pace. Drug mules crossing the border into border town where nothing much happens, until a mule with a large quantity of drugs is found.
    One person found this helpful
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  • sharon f. leff
    4.0 out of 5 stars All About the Narration
    Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Told in flashback from an 84 plus small town “doc” from Amoret, Texas, the story unfolds like a conversation (a bit long, a bit rambling at times).
    The characters are colorful and quirky like those from a Quentin Tarantino movie. Not boring, and in some places visually impressive in description, this is worth a read.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A freight train of a book that takes you for heck of a ride.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    In the second book from Arthur Herbert, he clearly lays claim to a new genre of fiction that mixes the rustic west Texas landscape with the mysteries of the human soul. Once again Mr. Herbert takes you for a ride that you want to keep getting back on until it finally won't let you go. I consumed this book in a way that I have with few other writers. I savored his prose and fell in love with his characters. The hard-won wisdom embued in these pages can only come from a man who has seen quite a bit in his time on earth. His ending, the grand finale, will have you alternately cursing at the wind and pausing with deep reflection. As Mr. Herbert's writing matures I detect a bit of James Lee Burke with a harder age. The language, at times, is not for the faint of heart but also reinforces what you end up knowing about the characters for whom you have grown quite fond. If you don't mind a bit of coarseness with your west Texas wisdom and you want a story whose prose is relentless when it takes hold then this book is for you. Congratulations Mr. Herbert. I eagerly await your next outing.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Steve S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Authenticity personified
    Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I usually can't spare the time to comment...but, this? This has heart, and I can't help but respect what must have gone into creating it.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Nitin Hajela
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in India on September 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Love this title
    Great read
    Highly recommended
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  • MAE
    5.0 out of 5 stars good story
    Reviewed in Australia on September 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A reasonable read not too bad reading
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  • Mark Bierman
    5.0 out of 5 stars A folksy, “come sit on the porch and sit a spell,” narration.
    Reviewed in Canada on September 18, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The entire book is written in first person, Noah’s, with a folksy, “come sit on the porch and sit a spell,” narration. I found it quite appealing, almost endearing, in fact.

    In his late eighties at the telling, Noah is a man conflicted and remorseful about the past . . . the morale fiber of his character is subjective, which for me, made him all the more realistic. Personally, I think he’s a man with good intentions, but things just often got out of hand.

    As the blurb suggests, there are some great plot twists, none of which I found to be “edge of your seat”, but well orchestrated with a bit of, “Gotcha!”

    The writing style was river rock smooth, with plenty of creative slang that brought a smile.

    I’d recommend this book to those who enjoy a good mystery under the backdrop of ‘Big sky” country.
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  • patricia coll
    5.0 out of 5 stars great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Well I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this book. Actually I loved it, what a great story and what a twist at the end. I didn’t see that coming.
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars It's good, give it a go.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Set in Texas with consequent Spanish words and phrases, that don't get translated, an interesting murder/thriller that keeps your attention -or at least it did mine. First time I have read one of this author's books but I will be looking out for another one.
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