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James Becker #2
The Missing Element
After decades of clandestine government operations, James "Beck" Becker and his wife Elizabeth return to Beck's childhood home town to enjoy a settled retirement in the small Mississippi river community of Red Wing, Minnesota. But "settled" is a relative term and no matter where Beck goes, intrigue follows.When Minneapolis computer genius, Katherine Whitson, disappears under peculiar circumstances, her husband exploits a sympathetic Red Wing acquaintance to enlist Beck's aid in finding her. As Beck searches for Katherine, the tangled trail leads from her luxury Minneapolis warehouse district condo, through her husband's extra-marital escapades, past the entrenched hierarchy of elite computer professionals, and into the mind-bending world inside computer microprocessors.Katherine's kidnapping is clearly more complicated than a typical abduction.As it turns out, the Beckers must use all of their considerable experience -- his as a military intelligence operative; hers as a CIA code-cracker -- to save Katherine and bring her abductors to justice.
285 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2010
43 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
John L. Betcher
12 books431 followersAmazon Kindle TOP 100, B&N Nook TOP 100 and USAToday Bestselling author, John L. Betcher, holds a Bachelor's Degree, cum laude, in English from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota Law School in Minneapolis. He has practiced law for more than twenty-five years in the Mississippi River community of Red Wing, Minnesota.
Mr. Betcher has published an award-winning series of "Becker" suspense/thriller novels. The first five are THE 19TH ELEMENT, THE MISSING ELEMENT, THE COVERT ELEMENT, THE EXILED ELEMENT. and THE CRITICAL ELEMENT. He has also authored the award-winning spiritual phenomenon, A HIGHER COURT.
Most recently, John has published BLACK DAYS: Racism and Riots in the U.S. which explores systemic racism in America viewed through the lens of civil unrest from 1863 to present.
Mr. Betcher has published an award-winning series of "Becker" suspense/thriller novels. The first five are THE 19TH ELEMENT, THE MISSING ELEMENT, THE COVERT ELEMENT, THE EXILED ELEMENT. and THE CRITICAL ELEMENT. He has also authored the award-winning spiritual phenomenon, A HIGHER COURT.
Most recently, John has published BLACK DAYS: Racism and Riots in the U.S. which explores systemic racism in America viewed through the lens of civil unrest from 1863 to present.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 27, 2010
The Missing Element is the story of James “Beck” Becker and his wife Elizabeth, who have returned to Beck’s childhood home in Red Wing, Minnesota to enjoy retirement from their covert government jobs. Of course, life is anything but quiet with Beck around.
When Katherine Whitson, a Minneapolis computer genius, disappears under mysterious circumstances, her husband George calls the local police. After receiving no help from police, George then solicits a Red Wing acquaintance to convince Beck to help find Katherine.
Beginning at Katherine’s luxury apartment in the Minneapolis Warehouse District, Author John L. Betcher puts his protagonist through a labyrinth of red herrings. Beck’s investigation starts with George as the unfaithful husband, and then moves to his lover, to Katherine’s work colleagues, and on through the ranks of an influential computer company, and into the overwhelming world of computer microprocessors before he can begin to find answers.
To solve the mystery of why Katherine was kidnapped—and to save her—Beck must draw on his resources with the FBI and their computer experts, as well as the expertise of his wife Elizabeth, the former CIA agent.
Betcher leads us into the world of advanced computer technology and international espionage with this captivating suspense thriller. As we follow Beck on his quest to locate Katherine, we are introduced to several colorful characters. There is the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Deputy, Doug Gunderson, and his wife, Connie, who enlist Beck’s help. The brawn in this story is provided by the enigmatic Terry “Bull” Red Feather. Bull is drawn into the story when Beck requests his assistance in dealing with the nefarious characters who try to stand in his way.
The Missing Element is well-written, the plot is intriguing, and the characters are interesting. Betcher draws you in from page one and holds your interest to the very last. Unlike many recent novels, Betcher takes his time tying up the loose ends and concluding the story. This book is obviously the beginning of an exciting new series of suspense novels for Betcher. The Missing Element is recommended for those who love to curl up with an entertaining mystery/suspense novel. It offers a little something for everyone: lively characters, espionage and cyber-technology, and of course the mystery of who took Katherine Whitson and why. Fans of Parker, Grisham, and Clancy will enjoy this first installment in the James Becker series.
When Katherine Whitson, a Minneapolis computer genius, disappears under mysterious circumstances, her husband George calls the local police. After receiving no help from police, George then solicits a Red Wing acquaintance to convince Beck to help find Katherine.
Beginning at Katherine’s luxury apartment in the Minneapolis Warehouse District, Author John L. Betcher puts his protagonist through a labyrinth of red herrings. Beck’s investigation starts with George as the unfaithful husband, and then moves to his lover, to Katherine’s work colleagues, and on through the ranks of an influential computer company, and into the overwhelming world of computer microprocessors before he can begin to find answers.
To solve the mystery of why Katherine was kidnapped—and to save her—Beck must draw on his resources with the FBI and their computer experts, as well as the expertise of his wife Elizabeth, the former CIA agent.
Betcher leads us into the world of advanced computer technology and international espionage with this captivating suspense thriller. As we follow Beck on his quest to locate Katherine, we are introduced to several colorful characters. There is the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Deputy, Doug Gunderson, and his wife, Connie, who enlist Beck’s help. The brawn in this story is provided by the enigmatic Terry “Bull” Red Feather. Bull is drawn into the story when Beck requests his assistance in dealing with the nefarious characters who try to stand in his way.
The Missing Element is well-written, the plot is intriguing, and the characters are interesting. Betcher draws you in from page one and holds your interest to the very last. Unlike many recent novels, Betcher takes his time tying up the loose ends and concluding the story. This book is obviously the beginning of an exciting new series of suspense novels for Betcher. The Missing Element is recommended for those who love to curl up with an entertaining mystery/suspense novel. It offers a little something for everyone: lively characters, espionage and cyber-technology, and of course the mystery of who took Katherine Whitson and why. Fans of Parker, Grisham, and Clancy will enjoy this first installment in the James Becker series.
February 16, 2022
Maybe it's just me, but this book was very difficult to stay connected with. The characters were fine, the plot was fine but the writing style was a bit off-putting. I certainly enjoy a good turn of phrase but so much of the writing in this book seemed to be words for the sake of words. So much could have been more efficiently written and conveyed just as much (or more). Perhaps I'm spoiled from having just finished a reread of Lee Childs Jack Reacher series.
June 23, 2017
Riveting
Besides being educated in more computer technology than I could have imagined, I loved the characters. The story kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Besides being educated in more computer technology than I could have imagined, I loved the characters. The story kept me engaged from beginning to end.
December 23, 2022
Really enjoyed this one :)
June 27, 2010
James "Beck" Becker and his wife Elizabeth (Beth) return to his childhood home in Red Wing, Minnesota to enjoy a quiet life. They try to settle into small-town life after years of working on secret government operations. All that is about to change when computer nerd Katherine Whitson is kidnapped from her luxury apartment.
Upon first glance, it's assumed Katherine is just a woman who got tired of living with her obsessive compulsive husband, George. But her husband and friends refuse to believe that. Beck is drawn into the mix by his friend and cop Gunner. The most obvious suspect, George, is man with a secret. Could Katherine have done something that set off her husband? Did she discover George's secret? Or was it a jealous co-worker at Katherine's office ComDyne? Maybe Katherine was working on something that got her trouble? With help from his "computer goddess" wife and enforcer friend Bull, Beck sets off to explore the complex world of computer technology.
The Missing Element by John L. Betcher is a fast-paced, tightly written mystery novel filled with lively characters. The husband and wife dynamic between Beck and Beth is a source of much comic relief. Regardless of the stress of the day, they can still sit down to a glass of wine and mock each other. Beck's friend Bull is a man of a few words, but you just know he doesn't take any crap. He's a character who wants to get right to the point, and do away with all the nonsense. With just a look or a gesture, you know what Bull is thinking.
Just reading the blurb on the book, I initially got a little scared off. A book where computer technology plays a big part seemed daunting. I'm not very savvy in that area. But, Betcher's writing style makes it very easy to follow. If you're a mystery fan, sit down and get to know James "Beck" Becker.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Upon first glance, it's assumed Katherine is just a woman who got tired of living with her obsessive compulsive husband, George. But her husband and friends refuse to believe that. Beck is drawn into the mix by his friend and cop Gunner. The most obvious suspect, George, is man with a secret. Could Katherine have done something that set off her husband? Did she discover George's secret? Or was it a jealous co-worker at Katherine's office ComDyne? Maybe Katherine was working on something that got her trouble? With help from his "computer goddess" wife and enforcer friend Bull, Beck sets off to explore the complex world of computer technology.
The Missing Element by John L. Betcher is a fast-paced, tightly written mystery novel filled with lively characters. The husband and wife dynamic between Beck and Beth is a source of much comic relief. Regardless of the stress of the day, they can still sit down to a glass of wine and mock each other. Beck's friend Bull is a man of a few words, but you just know he doesn't take any crap. He's a character who wants to get right to the point, and do away with all the nonsense. With just a look or a gesture, you know what Bull is thinking.
Just reading the blurb on the book, I initially got a little scared off. A book where computer technology plays a big part seemed daunting. I'm not very savvy in that area. But, Betcher's writing style makes it very easy to follow. If you're a mystery fan, sit down and get to know James "Beck" Becker.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2016
James (Beck) Becker and his wife Elizabeth (Beth) have retired from their high pressure lives as government operatives, Beck in military intelligence, Beth as a CIA code-cracker and moved back to Beck's childhood home of Red Wing, Minnesota to enjoy some rest and relaxation.
Rest and relaxation doesn't last long as Beth gets a call from an old acquaintance begging her to help find his wife, who he believes has been kidnapped. Katherine Whitson, a computer genius, has left her husband her car keys, credit cards, most of her belongings and a note saying she's leaving him, but he doesn't believe it for a minute.
Beth talks Beck into taking the case and it takes him on a route through Katherine's personal and professional lives and into the inside the mind-bending world of computers and microprocessors that he doesn't even understand. He realizes he needs Beth's help, and the help of some of their friends if he is ever going to find Katherine alive and close this case.
This is such a good book. It is written at the perfect pace that keeps you turning page after page after page. It is hard to believe this is the author's first mystery novel. The characters are wonderfully developed, my favorite character of the book is Bull, an American Indian, with some very special skills and a very dry wit. The plot is one that may scare anyone who uses a computer, which today is everyone, when you realize this story can actually be true. Are machines running the world? Are humans THE MISSING ELEMENT?
There is also the wonderful love story of Beck and Beth and the perfect amount of humor to keep the story from getting to technical or heavy. If you are a fan of Tom Clancy, John Grisham or Robert Parker, you will truly enjoy this book, but even if you a just a cozy mystery reader this is still a book for you. I truly recommend you add this book to your Summer Reading Lists today!!!
Rest and relaxation doesn't last long as Beth gets a call from an old acquaintance begging her to help find his wife, who he believes has been kidnapped. Katherine Whitson, a computer genius, has left her husband her car keys, credit cards, most of her belongings and a note saying she's leaving him, but he doesn't believe it for a minute.
Beth talks Beck into taking the case and it takes him on a route through Katherine's personal and professional lives and into the inside the mind-bending world of computers and microprocessors that he doesn't even understand. He realizes he needs Beth's help, and the help of some of their friends if he is ever going to find Katherine alive and close this case.
This is such a good book. It is written at the perfect pace that keeps you turning page after page after page. It is hard to believe this is the author's first mystery novel. The characters are wonderfully developed, my favorite character of the book is Bull, an American Indian, with some very special skills and a very dry wit. The plot is one that may scare anyone who uses a computer, which today is everyone, when you realize this story can actually be true. Are machines running the world? Are humans THE MISSING ELEMENT?
There is also the wonderful love story of Beck and Beth and the perfect amount of humor to keep the story from getting to technical or heavy. If you are a fan of Tom Clancy, John Grisham or Robert Parker, you will truly enjoy this book, but even if you a just a cozy mystery reader this is still a book for you. I truly recommend you add this book to your Summer Reading Lists today!!!
August 15, 2012
This is an easy read. It flows along comfortably enough and the characters are lively, and gently humorous. As the first in the Beck series it will invite readers to sample the later offerings although 'The 19th Element' chronologically pre-dates this story.
It should appeal even to those female readers who are not great fans of guns, kidnapping and computers, as us chaps seem to be, because Betcher is at pains to include the minor daily details that (here is a sweeping generalisation) female authors include much more than male counterparts. For instance, the back and forth banter of the marriage relationship and minor domestic events are made much of even though they do little to advance the story line and in fact do little to round out the characters after the first couple of chapters.
There are unnecessary details where the writing needs tightening. For example, on getting a phone call we are told “I pushed the button to receive the call.” as if Beck's answering didn't tell us that. This sort of thing happens quite often. And: “The garage door opened obediently. I parked the Pilot, closed up the garage and went inside through the back porch into the kitchen...cut through the dining room and foyer to the living room.” Step by step transitions lead to lack of the crispness this genre needs.
The main concern is that there is not enough put in the way of Beck and his team to prevent them from achieving the objective. It is obstacle and set-back that makes for tension and to be honest this feels a shade bland.
Nevertheless a fair beginning, and Beck, his missus, Bull, and Red Wing will gather followers.
It should appeal even to those female readers who are not great fans of guns, kidnapping and computers, as us chaps seem to be, because Betcher is at pains to include the minor daily details that (here is a sweeping generalisation) female authors include much more than male counterparts. For instance, the back and forth banter of the marriage relationship and minor domestic events are made much of even though they do little to advance the story line and in fact do little to round out the characters after the first couple of chapters.
There are unnecessary details where the writing needs tightening. For example, on getting a phone call we are told “I pushed the button to receive the call.” as if Beck's answering didn't tell us that. This sort of thing happens quite often. And: “The garage door opened obediently. I parked the Pilot, closed up the garage and went inside through the back porch into the kitchen...cut through the dining room and foyer to the living room.” Step by step transitions lead to lack of the crispness this genre needs.
The main concern is that there is not enough put in the way of Beck and his team to prevent them from achieving the objective. It is obstacle and set-back that makes for tension and to be honest this feels a shade bland.
Nevertheless a fair beginning, and Beck, his missus, Bull, and Red Wing will gather followers.
May 9, 2012
Entertaining mystery with a well crafted plot and well developed characters. It is not an original setup, husband/wife team as dual investigators with the interesting sidestep that they are both retired government agents, with the wife providing high level computer skills and the husband an on the ground agent. Both have skills, with reasonable abilities for their supposed ages, both are obviously very intelligent and there is added development with the police officer friend and the Native American buddy.
The high tech plot was way out of my area of expertise so I cannot comment on the technical issues in the plot, but it read smoothly and reasonably to a non-high-tech person. I had a little difficulty at times with the somewhat intrusive romantic dialogue between the couple, a little too much of a good thing and occasionally awkward phrasing. As often happens, I read this first book of the series after the second (third?) and these issues are less notable in the series later.
Overall, a promising new series that will stay on my to-read list.
The high tech plot was way out of my area of expertise so I cannot comment on the technical issues in the plot, but it read smoothly and reasonably to a non-high-tech person. I had a little difficulty at times with the somewhat intrusive romantic dialogue between the couple, a little too much of a good thing and occasionally awkward phrasing. As often happens, I read this first book of the series after the second (third?) and these issues are less notable in the series later.
Overall, a promising new series that will stay on my to-read list.
June 7, 2012
I enjoyed this debut novel by John L. Betcher. I always appreciate a good suspense story and that is exactly what "The Missing Element" is!
The plot is intriguing with the likeable character of James Becker, better know as Beck to his friends, as he steals the show with his super detective skills. He is an attorney-at-law in his present life but has the much needed sleuthing skills from his former job to do the detective work that needs to be done. Between both he and his lovely wife Beth, the computer goddess as she refers to herself, along with some pretty "high up" contacts...they manage to solve the case of the mysterious disappearance of Dr. Whitson.
I was captivated with the story line and all the twists and turns that took place in this suspenseful/thriller novel. However, there were a few times when I got lost in the computer technical descriptions. I think this aspect was a bit overdone. All in all I would have to say that "The Missing Element" is a well-written and interesting read.
The plot is intriguing with the likeable character of James Becker, better know as Beck to his friends, as he steals the show with his super detective skills. He is an attorney-at-law in his present life but has the much needed sleuthing skills from his former job to do the detective work that needs to be done. Between both he and his lovely wife Beth, the computer goddess as she refers to herself, along with some pretty "high up" contacts...they manage to solve the case of the mysterious disappearance of Dr. Whitson.
I was captivated with the story line and all the twists and turns that took place in this suspenseful/thriller novel. However, there were a few times when I got lost in the computer technical descriptions. I think this aspect was a bit overdone. All in all I would have to say that "The Missing Element" is a well-written and interesting read.
December 30, 2012
Beck and Bull are back for the second novel in this series. A computer expert disappears or is kidnapped and Beck is recruited to find her. As the investigation continues, it becomes clear that the disappearance is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Jumping into the realm of cyberespionage, the plot rushes headlong into a conspiracy of a systemic breakdown of computer security. Once again the main characters are well-developed with deep connections to call in favors when needed. This is a quick and fun read, but the overall character pacing seems slow when responding to a potential kidnapping. I liked this better than the first novel (19th element) and Beck's wife Beth proves that she is more than just arm candy as a former CIA computer hacker/code breaker/stay-at-home mom. Overall a nice crime thriller without the constant gun play and fist fights.
May 10, 2012
This is the 2nd book about Beck. I liked that it was a stand alone book. I've read the first one but didn't feel like I'd missed any information in the 2nd one if I hadn't. While I had it figured out as to who the bad guy was and why there was a problem pretty early on, I liked the other action elements - both encounters in the parking deck, George's situation, Beth's intruder, Bull's hospital visit. As this was a Kindle version, there were obviously some editing flaws but nothing that distracted from the story. My biggest gripe is that "God" was never capitalized (well, I believe it was once). In all, I have really enjoyed the tales of James Becker and I'm about to start the third book.
December 9, 2013
I didn't like this book as much as the first book.
This is about a former CIA operative, James Becker, who has retired to Red Wing, MN. Though his former life is not known to most of the towns people, a few have their suspicions. The local sheriff contacts "Beck" to help locate the wife of friend. Though there is a note indicating she left her husband there are indicators that she was kidnapped.
This is about a former CIA operative, James Becker, who has retired to Red Wing, MN. Though his former life is not known to most of the towns people, a few have their suspicions. The local sheriff contacts "Beck" to help locate the wife of friend. Though there is a note indicating she left her husband there are indicators that she was kidnapped.
December 21, 2012
John L. Betcher
I found John's whodunit to be an entertaining and enjoyable read. Excellent plot and characters. Story flowed smoothly. I highly recommend 'The Missing Element' to all readers who like the genre. I gave it five stars.
I found John's whodunit to be an entertaining and enjoyable read. Excellent plot and characters. Story flowed smoothly. I highly recommend 'The Missing Element' to all readers who like the genre. I gave it five stars.
November 18, 2010
Engaging plot, good characters. Fun read. Actually it was kind of nice to read a book in which the protagonist is not fighting demons from his past that threaten to destroy him and all those he loves. He even loves and respects his wife--and she, him. Wow.
July 16, 2012
This book was too detailed in every little thing that Beck was doing. Too much fluff for me. Perhaps a young adult would find this more interesting. Plot was good, characters, good, story told to slow.
July 25, 2012
Another excellent addition to the series. Beck is witty and improvisational as always, and Beth & Bull get more time in the spotlight. Great dialogue and a intriguing plot. The Parker estate should boot Brandeman and let Betcher write the Jesse Stone novels.
January 9, 2015
12/14 first time I've read this author & I will definitely read his others. Book skipped along nicely with engaging characters & and enuf of a mystery to hold your interest to the nery end. Love how the 2 primary characters love and appreciate each other.
July 21, 2015
Beck and Beth, a great team and computer chip espionage.
Very well written. A suspense filled story that will open your eyes on how computer chips are made, and how they might turn into spies and mayhem on your computer.
Very well written. A suspense filled story that will open your eyes on how computer chips are made, and how they might turn into spies and mayhem on your computer.
September 23, 2015
A suspense / mystery story revolving around computers and hacking. Add in some kidnapping and some very intelligent women and you have an intriguing story.
The main character (a male lawyer) is a bit of a doofus but he runs the investigation and solving the mystery very nicely.
The main character (a male lawyer) is a bit of a doofus but he runs the investigation and solving the mystery very nicely.
May 29, 2013
Another good book in the series. Fun to read a mystery set in my home state.
Want to read
November 27, 2012$0.0
2 of 4
2 of 4
May 12, 2012
I liked the main character, James Becker. He wasn't the typical macho mystery solver. Interesting technical plot.
August 21, 2012
Enjoyed this one as well as the 19th Element. I just enjoy the setting being in Red Wing and local author and he tells a great story.
January 31, 2013
A very fun read that entails a good mystery, computers, and many laughs. Very interesting characters and plot.
November 3, 2013
entertaining easy reading. Since it takes place in Minneapolis and Red Wing it is always fun to identify with local names and places.
January 8, 2015
Suspenseful computer espionage novel. Fast paced and well written. While not great literature I found it an entertaining read and perfect for travel reading.
October 29, 2015
Fun read
Enjoyed the characters are the storyline. While not a mystery in the who done way, how the story developed was a good read.
Enjoyed the characters are the storyline. While not a mystery in the who done way, how the story developed was a good read.
January 7, 2016
loved it!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews