One Perfect Shot

Undersheriff Bill Gastner faces a baffling murder when a county road worker is found shot dead in broad daylight while operating his grader on a remote stretch of New Mexico highway. What initially appears to be a tragic hunting accident quickly unravels as evidence points to something far more sinister. The lack of rifling marks on the fatal bullet and witness accounts suggesting the victim made no attempt to flee create a puzzle that challenges Gastner's investigative instincts. Meanwhile, the arrival of Estelle Reyes, the county's first female patrol deputy, adds a new dynamic to the tight-knit law enforcement community in rural Posadas County.

Ray Porter delivers a masterful performance that captures both the stark beauty of the southwestern landscape and the complex relationships within Havill's small-town mystery. His nuanced portrayal brings depth to Gastner's world-weary wisdom while skillfully establishing the foundation for what becomes a pivotal partnership between veteran and rookie. Porter's measured pacing allows listeners to absorb the methodical detective work alongside the characters, creating an immersive experience that highlights the author's attention to procedural detail and regional atmosphere.