Behind the Bullet: Why Beretta, Walther, and Colt Are Stars of Modern Mystery Novels
Mystery novels have always had a love affair with the world of espionage, secret agents, and the pulse-racing intrigue of undercover operations. Integral to this shadowy world is the weaponry that often takes center stage, ensuring our protagonists are armed and ready for whatever danger lurks around the next corner. Among these, three brands have stood out in recent literary masterpieces: Beretta, Walther, and Colt. These aren’t merely guns; they are symbols, carrying with them histories, legacies, and a certain kind of allure that makes them ideal for the modern mystery narrative.
In C.J. Box’s “The Highway,” the plot teems with suspense and danger. The character Cody prepares for confrontation, packing “two .45 ACP 1911 Colts with extra magazines.” The Colt 1911 isn’t just a choice of weapon but a statement about Cody himself, mirroring his ruggedness and readiness to face peril head-on.
Franklin Horton’s “The Borrowed World” offers a contemplative stance on firearms. The protagonist reflects on his first-ever self-purchased gun, stating, “It was a Beretta 92 9mm with fixed sights.” This Beretta isn’t just a tool for defense—it represents a rite of passage, a symbol of stepping into adulthood and taking responsibility for one’s safety.
The political thriller, “The President Is Missing” by Bill Clinton and James Patterson, introduces us to President Jonathan Lincoln Duncan. A war hero, Duncan recalls his training days with the Beretta, subtly highlighting his readiness to tackle not just political, but physical threats. He observes, “The Glock is lighter by a good measure than the Beretta I was trained on…” The mention of the Beretta here is more than a nod to the weapon—it’s an insight into Duncan’s past, his military prowess, and his dedication to his country.
These novels do more than merely name-drop gun brands. They imbue them with meaning, weaving them into the fabric of the story, making them almost characters in their own right. So, what is it about the Beretta, Walther, and Colt that makes them such prominent features in the world of mystery novels?
The Highway
C.J. Box
First published: July 30, 2013
Setting: Gardiner, Montana; Yellowstone National Park
Gun: Colt 1911
In “The Highway,” former police investigator Cody Hoyt is battling personal demons and a drinking problem. But when his friend and fellow law enforcement officer, Cassie Dewell, alerts him about two missing girls in Montana, he can’t help but get involved.
The story unfolds as Danielle and Gracie Sullivan set off on a road trip to visit their father, but they never arrive. Their last communication with their mother indicated they had broken down on a remote part of the highway.
Cody’s involvement becomes personal when he realizes the case may be linked to a long-haul trucker dubbed the “Lizard King,” a man he’s been trying to apprehend for a long time. This trucker is not only involved in drug trade but is also suspected of multiple abductions and murders across the highways of America.
Cody’s gear, especially the .45 ACP 1911 Colts, exemplifies his determination and the stakes involved. The Colt 1911, in particular, plays a significant role in the novel as not just a weapon but a symbol of Cody’s readiness to confront the dire situation head-on. The novel doesn’t just use the gun as a tool, but as a manifestation of the tension, danger, and seriousness of the investigation.
Throughout the story, the Colt 1911 becomes a recurring presence. It’s a testament to Cody’s past, his capabilities, and, more importantly, the looming threat of the “Lizard King.” As Cody and Cassie get deeper into the investigation, they find themselves in perilous situations where the gun provides not just protection but a psychological edge.
At the request of our customers, we have made a miniature of this gun in ⅓ scale and as realistic as possible to keep the mechanism running smoothly. Our handmade Colt is a miniature model made of metal with carefully crafted notched wooden grips, just like a real pistol. We worked on detailing and added an inscription on the barrel with a logo in the form of a stallion for bigger picturesque. Regarding functionality, this is a working model that works with 2mm centerfire cartridges. Movable hammer-trigger mechanism, bolt and fuse, removable dummy magazine, all this makes playing with the model as exciting as possible and takes you to the world of cinema heroes or real historical events.
It should also be noted that the Colt 1911 is really large in size, so it looks good in the frame. So even at ⅓ scale, which we do, it feels like a real gun in the hand. We tried to reproduce the shape elegance, make the maximum detail and did not forget about the functionality. This model also shoots with 2mm centerfire cartridges. The shutter works like a slider. Its position is fixed by a fuse. The hammer is cocked, the trigger is pressed and boom. Shot. A bullet pierces a tin can.
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The novel takes dark twists and turns, diving deep into the sinister world of long-haul truckers and the hidden dangers of the open road. “The Highway” is a chilling reminder of the evils that can lurk in the most unexpected places and the heroes determined to bring them to justice.
Cody packed a gear bag with two .45 ACP 1911 Colts with extra magazines, night vision goggles, body armor, .223 rounds for the AR-15 and 12-gauge buck for the shotgun, binoculars, rope, handcuffs and flex-ties, a pair of radios, and several cell phones. While he was bent over buckling a holster with a 9MM Model 26 “Baby” Glock to his ankle, the door was pushed open.
The Borrowed World
Franklin Horton
First published: May 1, 2015
Gun: Beretta 92
“The Borrowed World” is the first book in a post-apocalyptic series written by Franklin Horton. The story focuses on how ordinary people can react, adapt, and survive when confronted with unexpected catastrophes.
Jim Powell, the protagonist, is a dedicated family man and prepper. While he is on a business trip with his colleagues, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks occur across the U.S., crippling the country’s infrastructure. This devastating event brings the nation to its knees, causing a cascade of systemic failures, including the collapse of the electrical grid and a halt in transportation, among other utilities.
Without warning, the modern conveniences that people took for granted vanish, and society rapidly descends into chaos. The story follows Jim and his colleagues as they journey across a world transformed overnight by anarchy, trying to get back to their homes and families. The landscape is fraught with danger, from violent gangs and looters to the sheer desperation of other survivors.
The mention of the Beretta 92 is indicative of Jim’s mindset even before the catastrophe strikes. He’s a person who values preparedness and understands the importance of self-defense. The gun represents his foresight and understanding of the fragility of modern society.
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Beretta pistol has significance in the plot. The gun comes into the story as an essential tool for defense and survival. Throughout the novel, the firearm symbolizes more than just protection—it is a representation of power dynamics, decision-making under pressure, and the thin line between civilization and chaos.
While the Beretta gun’s specific actions and significance might vary, its overarching presence in the story adds layers to the narrative, emphasizing the constant tension and the high stakes at every turn in this post-apocalyptic world.
In essence, “The Borrowed World” is a tale of resilience, survival, and the lengths to which one will go to protect their loved ones in a world turned upside down.
It was Beretta 92 9mm with fixed sights. Although it was not the first gun I’d ever owned, it was the first gun I ever went out and bought with my own money. I’d just gotten my first full-time job and wanted a handgun.
Embrace the Fire
Stephen England
First published: May 31, 2016
Gun: Walther
In a tumultuous world backdrop, where the Middle East is in chaos and refugees flood into Europe, destabilizing already economically fragile nations, the scene is set for a deep-rooted conflict. The added tension from a rising nationalist far-right movement in the UK threatens the country’s stability, bringing it to the brink of disaster.
Amidst this socio-political turmoil, two ominous figures arrive in London. One is a notorious terrorist, accountable for one of the West’s most devastating attacks since 9/11. The other is Harry Nichols, a former CIA paramilitary operations officer with a vendetta. He spent 15 years dedicated to thwarting threats to America, tracking and eliminating enemies. However, the tragic Las Vegas attacks, which resulted in the loss of countless innocent lives, including the woman he loved, forced him to leave the Agency.
Now, with a personal mission and unrestrained by law or allegiance, Nichols operates in the shadows of the UK. Driven by the desire for revenge and guided by his own sense of justice, he’s determined to eliminate the terrorist responsible for the Las Vegas tragedy. His preparation, as evidenced by the earlier quote, includes arming himself with weapons like the Walther gun, symbolic of his readiness and determination.
In “Embrace the Fire,” vengeance becomes the central theme, blurring the lines between right and wrong. Nichols’ quest showcases the lengths an individual might go to seek retribution, set against the backdrop of a world in chaos. The Walther gun, and other weapons like it, serve not just as tools for survival but emphasize the high stakes, tension, and deadly determination present throughout the narrative.
The firearms, specifically the Walther gun, play a significant role in the narrative, suggesting scenes of tension, intrigue, and potential conflict. The presence of firearms often indicates high stakes and can be used to heighten the tension in thrillers or action-packed narratives.
“Flaharty sent you?” he asked, watching the man’s eyes — his hand not far from the butt of the Walther.
“Aye, that he did,” a second voice announced, Harry’s head swiveling to see another man emerge from back near the confessional, a compact CZ 75 leveled in his right hand.
He looked back to see the “worshipper” standing before him, his Beretta drawn, only inches away from Harry’s face.
Close enough to take.
He could have seized it, killed them both before they had time to react. Being held at gunpoint with a pistol wasn’t the game-ender that Hollywood portrayed. Not if you had the training to deal with it.
The President Is Missing
Bill Clinton, James Patterson
First published: June 4, 2018
Setting: Washington, D.C. (United States)
Gun: Beretta
“The President Is Missing” is a political thriller co-authored by former U.S. President Bill Clinton and bestselling novelist James Patterson. The collaboration marries Patterson’s knack for suspense with Clinton’s inside perspective on the presidency, resulting in a unique and gripping tale.
The novel is centered around President Jonathan Lincoln Duncan, a war hero and politician battling a looming impeachment in the face of a cyber-terrorism threat that could cripple the United States. The threat, a virus called Dark Ages, has the potential to wipe out America’s technological infrastructure, plunging the country back into the ‘dark ages.’
Amidst this high-stakes scenario, Duncan, for reasons only known to a few, goes missing. The title of the book isn’t just a catchy phrase; the President literally disappears from the public eye, leading to political chaos, conspiracy theories, and a race against time.
The Beretta’s mention is crucial because it’s the weapon with which Duncan is familiar and was trained on. Throughout the story, Duncan’s military training, including his familiarity with weapons like the Beretta, plays a significant role in how he navigates challenges and threats.
The Beretta, therefore, stands as a symbol of Duncan’s past, his competence, and the skillset he brings to the presidency beyond mere politics. While the novel doesn’t focus on prolonged gunfights or typical action sequences, the knowledge and tactics he garnered from his time with the Beretta and other weapons are evident in how he approaches the cyber-terror threat and the conspiracies that surround him.
To sum it up, “The President Is Missing” is a roller-coaster of political intrigue, personal struggle, and national security threats. The Beretta, while not a central plot device, serves as a testament to President Duncan’s capabilities and his unique perspective as a commander-in-chief with hands-on military experience.
The Glock is lighter by a good measure than the Beretta I was trained on, with a better grip, and I’ve heard it’s accurate, but weapons are like cars—you know they have standard stuff like lights and an ignition and windshield wipers, but it still takes a few seconds to figure them out when they’re unfamiliar. So I burn precious moments getting a feel for it before I’m ready to point and shoot.
Dragonfire
Ted Bell
First published: July 21, 2020
Gun: Walther PPK
The Walther PPK is a renowned compact pistol, often associated with espionage and spy fiction, most famously wielded by James Bond. In many thrillers, the Walther PPK is chosen for its blend of concealability and effectiveness. A character in “Dragonfire” prefers the Walther PPK, valuing its combination of lightness and lethality. This could imply stealth, precision, and a preference for close encounters or personal engagements in the narrative.
In “Dragonfire,” the history and current affairs of global espionage converge as Alex Hawke, the quintessential British spy and noble, embarks on a perilous mission at the request of the Queen. Her favorite grandson has vanished without a trace in The Bahamas, last seen at the exclusive Dragonfire nightclub, a property run by the enigmatic Tang brothers, descendants of the shrewd Ambassador Tiger Tang.
Hawke’s quest for the prince isn’t merely a matter of royal concern. The narrative delves deep into the treacherous waters of wartime alliances and hidden agendas. Back in 1941, a day after the Pearl Harbor attack, Ambassador Tiger Tang, the then Chinese ambassador to the U.S., engaged in clandestine talks with President Roosevelt. While both nations presented a united front during the war, the ambassador may have harbored secret intentions.
Fast forward to the present day, as Hawke’s investigation leads him closer to the truth behind the prince’s disappearance, he’s confronted with a maze of deceit, dating back decades. The Walther PPK, described as light but lethal, becomes an emblem of Hawke’s approach to espionage—stealthy, efficient, and deadly when needed. In a world where every step could be a trap, and every face might hide an enemy, the trusty Walther PPK stands as Hawke’s reliable companion, emphasizing his readiness and resolve.
As Hawke ventures deeper into the world of the Tang family, he uncovers layers of treachery that span generations, raising questions about the true nature of the wartime alliance between China and the U.S. and the long shadows it casts on the present.
In “Dragonfire,” Ted Bell masterfully weaves historical intrigue with modern-day espionage, delivering a tale where allies might be enemies and where trust is a luxury that Alex Hawke, with his Walther PPK by his side, cannot afford.
It was a Walther PPK, his favorite. Light and small but lethal.
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About the Author
My name is Olha Polah, and I have been working in miniature weapons production since 2015. I started the mini firearms brand and have been running the brand’s Instagram page since 2016. The brand’s miniatures are popular worldwide, with fans in 25+ countries. I became the sole owner of the brand in 2018 and created a comprehensive line of miniatures. More than 60 models of miniature weapons from various historical periods have been created. In November 2023, I was interviewed by Robert Dunn for the GunTech magazine, where I talked about the hardships I had to endure in my business. I also run a newsletter for the brand’s customers, which has evolved into a full-fledged magazine with in-depth articles published on the wpolah.com.
My mission is to make people’s lives more joyful by sharing interesting facts about miniature weapons and inspiring everyone to express themselves.