"The Exiled Element" by John Betcher is the fourth novel in the James Becker series, but the first one I have read. It is a pulsating modern thriller in which 21st century politics play the major part with treachery, terrorism and technology all involved. It is plausible and spinechilling, but laced with splashes of humour to enhance its entertainment value and relieve the tension. Beth Becker is a tough and experienced field agent whose particular expertise is needed in this investigation. She is ambivalent about returning to service, mainly because of the office politics that grumble away in the background, but soon becomes drawn in by her sense of duty. Meanwhile, her husband James is assisting the Chief Deputy Sheriff in organizing plans for the visit by a VIP. But things go drastically wrong and become critically complicated. James is also keeping an eye on what Beth is doing.

The viewpoint shifts from third person narrative, in which we principally follow Beth’s actions, find out what is going on behind the Aurora military plane project and discover the intrigue building up in Egypt, to first person when Beth’s husband James takes over the narration. There are snippets from memos and even a transcript of a conversation in the Epilogue. Does this authorial versatility work or is it disorientating? At first I found it perplexing but soon thoroughly enjoyed it as Betcher is a talented writer who can carry off these shifts skillfully. The lighter tone of Becker’s narration works well against the more clinical account of unpredictable events elsewhere in the book. Having discovered the Beckers, I shall certainly read more in Betcher’s Element series, and highly recommend other readers to do the same.

John Betcher’s fans will be thrilled with the release of "The Exiled Element", Book 4 James Becker Series. Betcher was a lawyer for over twenty five years; however, he now spends his time focused on his true passion, writing. In Betcher’s first Element book we met James Becker, aka Beck. He became one of my favorite heroes in that book and continues to be at the top of the list. In the latest book, Betcher takes us to Area in the Prologue. Army Colonel Colin Jackson was stationed at Area 51. On this day in July his mission was to escort and introduce Senator Elbert Grossman around the base and make him familiar with the contents of Hangar 16. Although Grossman signed a nondisclosure agreement, not everyone can be trusted. Beth Becker was a former CIA agent. When a man attempted to mug her in the parking garage elevator she more than kicked his butt but her own injuries landed her in the hospital. After a couple of weeks recuperating at home the CIA recalls Beth for an urgent assignment. Meanwhile, back home in Red Wing, Minnesota James was meeting with Deputy Sheriff Doug Gunderson, aka Gunner. A dignitary was coming to town and Gunner needed James’s help. What should have been a very predictable security detail turned into a calamity and chaos when a sniper and private security firm get involved.

John Betcher does it again! He brings readers an exciting, action-filled, fast paced, thriller. Betcher always manages to fill his books with intrigue and a dash of humor. His plots are fiction but could easily be ripped from the headlines. Beth is a strong character in more than one way. I appreciate the way Betcher developed her. She makes me want to take a few self-defense classes. Betcher’s books are equally plot and character driven. He makes me eager for the next book in this series.