The Guide

A Novel

By: Peter Heller

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The best-selling author of The River returns with a heart-racing thriller about a young man who is hired by an elite fishing lodge in Colorado, where he uncovers a plot of shocking menace amid the natural beauty of sun-drenched streams and forests.

“Peter Heller is the poet laureate of the literary thriller." (Michael Koryta, New York Times best-selling author of Those Who Wish Me Dead)

Kingfisher Lodge, nestled in a canyon on a mile and a half of the most pristine river water on the planet, is known by locals as "Billionaire's Mile" and is locked behind a heavy gate. Sandwiched between barbed wire and a meadow with a sign that reads "Don't Get Shot!" the resort boasts boutique fishing at its finest. Safe from viruses that have plagued America for years, Kingfisher offers a respite for wealthy clients. Now it also promises a second chance for Jack, a return to normalcy after a young life filled with loss. When he is assigned to guide a well-known singer, his only job is to rig her line, carry her gear, and steer her to the best trout he can find.

But then a human scream pierces the night, and Jack soon realizes that this idyllic fishing lodge may be merely a cover for a far more sinister operation. A novel as gripping as it is lyrical, as frightening as it is moving, The Guide is another masterpiece from Peter Heller.

Look for Peter Heller's new novel, The Last Ranger, coming soon!

©2021 Peter Heller (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

• A USA Today Book Not to Miss • A LitHub Most Anticipated Book • A CrimeRead Novel You Should Read • An Alta Best Book • A Veranda Magazine Best Book • An AARP Hot New Novel

"Heller writes like a veteran outdoorsman influenced by Cormac McCarthy and Jon Krakauer…. Masterclasses in the unsettling.”—Boston Globe

“In his new mystery, author Peter Heller pulls off a rare balancing act once again: He gives us fast-paced action and intrigue, interspersed with closely observed, reflective nature writing. Speed up for the crime-solving, slow down for the Zen.”—Associated Press

“The Guide is a literary work and a paean to fishing, as inspiring as A River Runs Through It…. Poetic … Engaging … The Guide is a beautifully written book, a tribute to Colorado, its bounty and its ability to heal the soul.”—Denver Post

not as good as newer work

I am a fan of his newer work and have been going through his older work. I felt like the plot wasnt crisp and seemed mushy. too many sentences started with "He" He this, he that it got old for me. You get glimpses of the description and dialogue that is so fabulous in "The Painter".

Great story

This book was amazing! I listened every chance I had! Never read this author, but I will be reading more after this one!!

Fairly good

Kind of meanders. Especially when it doesn’t need to. It’s clear there’s some human testing crazy stuff going but it takes a little longer than necessary. The characters are written well enough so that you’ll root for them, but their paths never “meet”satisfying enough. But overall, a good read!

like an expensive fishing trip...

Thoroughly enjoyed this. very evocative, takes you to that place and that river. Just the right amount of suspense vs pleasure. My Colorado, well painted!

Spectacular.

I’ve never read a Peter Heller book I didn’t love, and this was no exception. This one was hard to put down, gripping story.

It’s a mystery with a little romance

The story here is pretty straightforward and not super twisty and crazy like so many of today’s thrillers. But that is fine with me. Mainly, because Heller writes so beautifully. In this one, the descriptions of fishing and the setting, completely drew me in. It made me long to jump on a plane to Colorado to go fly fishing.

Half-hearted and rushed

I love the intention here. But off all Heller’s books, this is by far my least favorite. The writing is, as usual, is great. But the story here feels like a half-hearted attempt. Like he was rushing to get something out.

Great read

Good narrator, great pace, suspenseful and full of outdoor imagery. Not necessary to read The River first.

Follow up to The River

I loved Dog Star; in my top ten all time favorites. I enjoyed The River, and this one as well. Though neither comes close to the magic of Dog Star. Heller knows how to write. I am not a fisher nor an avid outdoors person, yet I have reflected on The River over the months since I completed it. His story's have staying power. I am assuming there will be another in the series as I am left with questions...

Good not great

Hurried ending. Not well explained plot is interesting. Relatable to the western fly fisher looking for a a suspenseful book.