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lethaldose's review against another edition
2.0
Here is what I like about this book, the way the story is told is nice. It has the feel and style of like a noir style private eye story and that is pretty cool, but for me that is where the coolness ends.
This book was written in the 80's and I guess that can forgive some of this, but J.P. Beaumont is an unpleasant character, he is what would have been called a man's man in his time, the kind of guy modeled after John Wayne or someone the sort. The kind of guy who hates liberals, homosexuals, hippies, and minorities. The kind who could pay lip service to the idea of equality but could never agree that gays should be able to get married, or that a woman should be his boss. This series has a ton of books in them and some way more modern, so maybe I will try to dip my toe back into this series later, but this book is immensely skippable, I kind of wish J.A Jance would have skipped writing it.
This book was written in the 80's and I guess that can forgive some of this, but J.P. Beaumont is an unpleasant character, he is what would have been called a man's man in his time, the kind of guy modeled after John Wayne or someone the sort. The kind of guy who hates liberals, homosexuals, hippies, and minorities. The kind who could pay lip service to the idea of equality but could never agree that gays should be able to get married, or that a woman should be his boss. This series has a ton of books in them and some way more modern, so maybe I will try to dip my toe back into this series later, but this book is immensely skippable, I kind of wish J.A Jance would have skipped writing it.
gossamerwingedgazelle's review against another edition
4.0
Wow! I was just stunned by the outcome of this book. A good mystery and definitely worth reading.
kerragan_h's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
javamamanc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dnicole515's review against another edition
3.0
I did enjoy this book. The "murderer" was obvious very early on, but finding out the details made it worth continuing to read; plus the main protagonist, JP Beaumont, is one I want to read more about in the future.
nullasalus3's review against another edition
1.0
I found this book to be more of a romance novel than a detective novel, which was a disappointment to me. If you’re looking for a novel in the film noir style, then this book might be for you. But it wasn’t my cup of tea.
carolpk's review against another edition
3.0
Because I respect the opinion of two of my librarian friends who love J.A. Jance's J.P Beaumont Series, I decided it was time to give one a try. With 21 in the series I won't lack for reading if this proves a hit.
Just as Beaumont says of his new partner, Peters "There's so much to learn before you can function as a team., I'm getting to know this new character. He works homicide (Detective) in Seattle. He's tall, 6'3", downs MacNaughton's like it's water, and if it's healthy he's not eating it. He's divorced, doesn't cook, eating most meals out, but those that he doesn't, get proper treatment with real plates, silverware and napkins. He runs his dishwasher and washing machine once a week, even if not needed. When he divorced he got an apartment close to downtown, gave up his car and either walks, buses, or gets a car from the motor pool for transportation. He's named after both paternal and maternal grandfather's, Jonas Piedmont, grew up as "Beau" but prefers J.P.
When a sludge truck driver finds the body of a beautiful 5 year old girl, J.P and Peters are the detectives called to the scene. Angel, Angela Barstogi was dumped on the roadside, like a piece of garbage, still wearing her pink Hollie Hobby nightgown. We quickly learn she had been reported missing just a few hours ago. Forget the "if you find them in the first 24 hours". It's soon apparent that her mother is a brain-washed cult member and the search is on for the killer. Lots of possible suspects but the Pastor Michael Brody is at the top of the list. According to J. A. Jance she had a chance encounter in the 80's with a cult. She decided to use some of this to form her first book. The cult though, is just the beginning of what proves to be an interesting first venture in Beaumont's career.
Besides a well plotted mystery, characters that come alive on the page, the Seattle backdrop proves an interesting setting. Robin and Mary, I'm in!
Just as Beaumont says of his new partner, Peters "There's so much to learn before you can function as a team., I'm getting to know this new character. He works homicide (Detective) in Seattle. He's tall, 6'3", downs MacNaughton's like it's water, and if it's healthy he's not eating it. He's divorced, doesn't cook, eating most meals out, but those that he doesn't, get proper treatment with real plates, silverware and napkins. He runs his dishwasher and washing machine once a week, even if not needed. When he divorced he got an apartment close to downtown, gave up his car and either walks, buses, or gets a car from the motor pool for transportation. He's named after both paternal and maternal grandfather's, Jonas Piedmont, grew up as "Beau" but prefers J.P.
When a sludge truck driver finds the body of a beautiful 5 year old girl, J.P and Peters are the detectives called to the scene. Angel, Angela Barstogi was dumped on the roadside, like a piece of garbage, still wearing her pink Hollie Hobby nightgown. We quickly learn she had been reported missing just a few hours ago. Forget the "if you find them in the first 24 hours". It's soon apparent that her mother is a brain-washed cult member and the search is on for the killer. Lots of possible suspects but the Pastor Michael Brody is at the top of the list. According to J. A. Jance she had a chance encounter in the 80's with a cult. She decided to use some of this to form her first book. The cult though, is just the beginning of what proves to be an interesting first venture in Beaumont's career.
Besides a well plotted mystery, characters that come alive on the page, the Seattle backdrop proves an interesting setting. Robin and Mary, I'm in!
jannenemarie's review against another edition
4.0
This was a good book. It was suspenseful and I never saw the ending coming. I really liked the way the author set up the plot. The characters seemed like you already knew them. I really felt for J.P. and Peters. I am glad their partnership turns out so well.