The Old Blue Line and The Cursed

I have two enjoyable audio books to share with you today. One is a novella, the 15.5 installment in the Joanna Brady series, and the other is the 12th installment in the Krewe of Hunters series.

THE OLD BLUE LINE by J.A. Jance

This interesting novella by author J.A. Jance ends all too quickly. It’s an intriguing story you can easily get caught up in.

Narrator James Eckhouse does a great job giving the various characters their own unique voice. His interruption of the characters’ emotions and the setting enhances the author’s already captivating story.

Butch Dixon, owner of the Roundhouse Bar and Grill, finds himself the prime suspect in his ex-wife’s murder. He hasn’t seen or talk to his ex in quite some time, but evidence is showing a different story.

Turning to an old friend for help, Butch soon finds himself being helped by member of the Old Blue Line. He learns the group of retired law enforcement and legal professionals may be old, but they’re tenacious, cunning and a force that gets to the truth.

THE OLD BLUE LINE can be listened to/read on its own. For fans of Jance’s Sheriff Joanna Brady series, this will be an added bonus learning a bit of backstory about the sheriff’s husband before they were married.

It’s a fast moving story with well-developed characters. The story flows smoothly and the author’s vivid descriptions places you in the middle of the action.

The Old Blue Line by J.A. Jance, Joanna Brady Series Book #15.5, Performed by James Eckhouse, Harper Audio, @2014, ASIN: B00KQTOMAO, Unabridged, Digital Downloadable, Listening Time: 1 Hour and 56 Minutes. 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

THE CURSED by Heather Graham

A haunted house in Key West, a notorious smuggling ring, long-lost treasure, and paranormal investigating federal agents make for an intriguing thriller in author Heather Graham’s THE CURSED.

Luke Daniels does a superb job narrating this suspenseful mystery. His cadence and mannerisms give each character their own unique voice to the point it seems there’s more than one reader. His interruption adds depth to the drama of this fascinating story.

Hannah O’Brien owns and operates a B&B in Key West and has the unique ability to not only see the two resident ghosts, but communicate with them as well. After a man is murdered in the alley behind her B&B, he comes to Hannah as a ghost asking for help.

Meanwhile, FBI Agent Dallas Samson makes Hannah’s life difficult when he begins questioning how she knows the things she knows. Dallas knows the dead man was an uncover agent trying to get inside information on a smuggling ring known as Los Lobos, the wolves.

It turns out Hannah has a connection to Los Lobos, since their leader believes there’s a long-lost treasure hidden in her B&B and he will stop at nothing to get it. Things really heat up when Hannah’s cousin Kelsey and her partner arrive in town. They are members of the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters, an elite unit of paranormal investigators. It seems Dallas has been on their radar for some time and there may be more to him than he’s telling.

While this is a paranormal mystery featuring ghosts, the author presents it in such a manner it will quickly seem plausible. The characters are well-developed and likable. The story flows at a steady pace and smoothly.

THE CURSED is a good mix of suspense, Key West legends, humor, murder, and romance blended together for a captivating story. Even though this is the 12th installment in the Krewe of Hunters series, it can be listened to/read on its own with new readers being left in the dark.

The Cursed by Heather Graham, Krewe of Hunters Book #12, Performed by Luke Daniels, Brilliance Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1469221755, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Listening Time: 9 Hours and 1 Minute 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you’re continuing to enjoy a fun-filled holiday weekend (no matter where you live). Have you ever stayed in a haunted B&B? Do you enjoy learning the various legends of the area you’re visiting when on vacation?

*This post contains affiliate links.

On Tour With J. A. Jance, A Giveaway and More

I’m thrilled to be participating in author J. A. Jance’s Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tour for her suspense/mystery release, SECOND WATCH, the 21st installment in her J. P. Beaumont series.

As part of the tour, I’m sharing my thoughts on the book, along with a first chapter excerpt and a giveaway. Though it’s not part of the tour, I’m also going to share my thoughts on a J. P. Beaumont novella release. 

SECOND WATCH by J. A. Jance

While I have read several of author J. A. Jance's series, I had never ventured into the world of J. P. Beaumont until I read SECOND WATCH and now I've found a new protagonist to follow.

This story not only introduced me to the various characters in Jance's latest Beaumont title, but also gave me the opportunity to have a mini ‘catch up session’ for some of the past 20 installments this protagonist has been featured in. SECOND WATCH is a great chance to find out who the players are, where they've been and why they do what they do all while they are busy solving murders and putting out fires. 

Seattle investigator J. P. Beaumont is a seasoned cop, but even the toughest guys have to take time off for knee replacement surgery. Beau goes in to have both knees replaced and finds himself having strange, vivid dreams that bring up old faces of unresolved issues.

Remembering that the first homicide case he worked on was never solved, Beau is reminded by a vision of the dead girl that he made a promise to her mother to find her killer. He begins steps to reopen the case and find closure for the grieving mother and himself.

In another dream, Beau sees the platoon leader he served under during his first days in Vietnam. The man, Lennie Davis, saved his life, as well as several others in the unit before being killed. Beau never told Davis’ fiancée that he saved his life or what a great guy he was. Is it too late to bring up that past?

Beau begins to look for answers in the cold case of the murdered girl and search for Davis’ long-ago fiancée, all while recuperating from the knee surgery. As the search into the cold case turns up intriguing tidbits, it seems the killer will stop at nothing to keep the case closed some 30 years later. With unexpected twists, Beau races to put his demons to rest before more bodies are slain.

This is a thrilling story that moves at a fast pace. Bits of history and prior cases are mingled throughout, but the story flows smoothly. The characters are well-developed and realistic. The story draws you in and holds you spellbound until the end.

Jance does an excellent job weaving the two missions together that Beau has set for himself. The story flows easily between the suspenseful murder mystery and the heartwarming journey of closure from a war that many have chosen to forgot. The murder mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat in suspense, while the touching story of Davis and his fiancée will tug on your heartstrings and bring tears to your eyes.

There is an added bonus to SECOND WATCH, it’s Jance’s explanation of how this story came about. I won’t go into the details of it as I think that would spoil it. I will say, have a box of tissue handy as you come away with a better appreciation of Beau and his journey. With this story Jance stresses the importance of “it’s never too late” to keep a promise or express a heartfelt emotion. In addition, she gives a strong show of support to those men and women who served their country so long ago and to those who continue to serve now.

This is a tantalizing thriller wrapped around a heart-wrenching segment of our nation’s history and those who were and continue to be a part of it’s defense. 
  
Second Watch by J. A. Jance, A J. P. Beaumont Novel, William Morrow, @2013, ISBN: 978-0062134677, Paperback, 368 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me as part of the author’s virtual book tour by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A voracious reader, J. A. Jance knew she wanted to be a writer

from the moment she read her first Wizard of Oz book in second grade. Always drawn to mysteries, from Nancy Drew right through John D. McDonald's Travis Magee series, it was only natural that when she tried her hand at writing her first book, it would be a mystery as well. 


J. A. Jance went on to become the New York Times bestselling author of the J. P. Beaumont series, the Joanna Brady series, three interrelated thrillers featuring the Walker family, and Edge of Evil. Born in South Dakota and brought up in Bisbee, Arizona, Jance lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington, and Tucson, Arizona.

For more on Jance and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook. SECOND WATCH can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads.

THE FIRST CHAPTER EXCERPT…

   Excerpt of Second Watch by J.A. Jance

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: 

This giveaway is for one print copy of SECOND WATCH. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only.

To enter this giveaway, please send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win Second Watch.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win a print copy of SECOND WATCH is 8 p.m. (EDT) on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Be sure to stop by the author’s Partners in Crime Tour Page to visit other blogs participating in the tour for additional chances to win a copy of the book.

* * * * * * * * * *

Now I want to share another review with you. I had the opportunity to listen to this novella by J. A. Jance shortly after I began reading SECOND WATCH. In some ways, the two stories worked well together as I read one and listened to the other.

RING IN THE DEAD by J. A. Jance

Sometimes it’s interesting to look back to where a protagonist has been in order to better understand the place they’re currently in. Author J. A. Jance does just that in RING IN THE DEAD. She gives readers a chance to get a glimpse of her investigator J. P. Beaumont in his early years as a rookie homicide detective in her first e-original novella.

Narrator J. R. Horne does an excellent job giving voice to the realistic characters in this J. P. Beaumont novella. His cadence pulls you as the story unfolds. His mannerisms highlight the author’s writing.

Having been stuck with a rookie, seasoned detective Milton ‘Pickles’ Gurkey makes it his mission to give J. P. ‘Beau’ Beaumont a hard time learning the ropes of detective. However, when Pickles is charged with murder, it’s Beau who makes it his mission to clear his partner. 

It’s a routine day when the partners stop to grab a bite to eat. During the meal, Pickles steps outside just in time to see a crime in progress. But when he goes to confront the bad guys, shots ring and he’s struck down by a heart attack. Responding officers find Pickles unconscious, a dead waitress nearby and the murder weapon in his hand. Beau knows his partner is innocent and with the help of friends on the force works to uncover the truth.

The events of that early investigation are recalled by Beau years later when Pickles’ daughter gives him a portion of a book his late partner was writing. It seems the family had blamed Beau for Pickles death until discovering the manuscript.

This novella is short, but packed with fun characters and loads of suspense. The story moves quickly and is well-developed holding your attention as you try to figure out what really happened. The author mixes mystery, suspense and personal reflection into a well-balanced story that will be hit with new readers or returning fans.

Ring in the Dead by J. A. Jance, A J. P. Beaumont Novella, Performed by J.R. Horne, Harper Audio, @2013, ASIN: B00F0XA89A, Unabridged, Digital Download, Listening Time: 1 Hour and 55 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you enjoy finding new protagonist to follow? Be sure to email me for a chance to win a copy of SECOND WATCH.

Judgment Call by J.A. Jance

Being a high school principal will kill you.

Or so it seems for Cochise County High School Principal Debra Highsmith in author J.A. Jance’s latest release, JUDGMENT CALL. When Highsmith’s body is found in the desert, a ripple effect begins that touches the lives of those around her and the sheriff’s family as well.

Sheriff Joanna Brady’s daughter, Jenny, finds the principal’s body. Jenny is also a student at Highsmith’s school. The investigation takes the sheriff into the world of students and parents on a different level than she’s experienced before. As the investigation continues dark secrets hidden for years begin to surface involving the victim, but also Sheriff Brady’s family.

When a second murder occurs, Sheriff Brady begins connecting the lives of several key players together. In addition, she learns new information about the former sheriff, her father, and what lead him to take the job. Her most disturbing find deals with his death.

Narrator Hillary Huber does a good job bringing the characters to life and giving each their own distinct voice. She brings the turmoil of Sheriff Brady forward playing off her strengths and weakness.

Author J. A. Jance mergers the professional and private life of her protagonist in a realistic way. Listeners/readers can feel when she is torn between the two roles she must play. In addition, the author’s detailed description of the beautiful landscape brings the setting to life making it a character in the story.

Joanna Brady is a strong protagonist making her way in a man’s world, but able to show her softer side where family is concerned. The supporting characters, especially Joanna’s mother, add a nice mix to the story.

JUDGMENT CALL is the 15th installment in the Brady Novel of Suspense series, but can be read (or listened to) on its own.

Author J. A. Jance’s website is http://www.jajance.com/jajance.com

Judgment Call by J. A. Jance, A Brady Novel of Suspense, Performed by Hillary Huber, Harper Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-0062189417, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Listening Time: 11 Hours

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Do you enjoy stories where the female protagonist holds a job normally thought of as a man’s? Thanks so much for stopping by today.

LEFT FOR DEAD by J.A. Jance

I enjoy a series that is strong enough to support stand alone installments, but intriguing enough to entice me to seek out the earlier books.

New York Times Bestselling Author J.A. Jance’s latest release, LEFT FOR DEAD, is just such an installment. This is the 7th book in the Ali Reynolds Series but can be read (or listened to) alone.

Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriff Jose Reyes has been shot and left for dead. The shooting happened during a routine traffic stop. But when officers investigate the scene, they find evidence Reyes may be a dirty cop dealing in drugs.

Ali Reynolds and Reyes went to the Arizona Police Academy together. Reyes earlier helped Ali with a troubled friends. Now it’s Ali’s chance to return the favor as Reyes and his wife are expected a child anytime. Besides, Ali can’t see Reyes as a drug dealer.

Meanwhile, a young ‘Jane Doe’ has been tortured, raped, and left in the desert for dead. She’s found by a border patrol officer who doesn’t believe she’s an illegal immigrant like the other officers do. A rose tattoo is the only clue to her true identify.

As the two cases work their way together, a third story unfolds. A postal worker cares for his wife who refuses to leave their home after the death of their daughter years earlier. The postal worker is found murdered and his wife taken into custody, but his secret life could have bearing on the Reyes case.

The author does a wonderful job pulling all the stories together for a dramatic conclusion. As the story weaves back and forth, the reader (or listener) is never lost as the plot flows smoothly and at a fast pace.

Karen Ziemba does a delightful job of narrating this intriguing tale. She gives each character their own unique voice bringing the emotions of the story to the forefront. Her cadence is pleasant and easy to listen to.

LEFT FOR DEAD will keep you guessing while keeping you on pins and needles until the end.

Author J.A. Jance’s website is www.jajance.com

Left For Dead by J.A. Jance, An Ali Reynolds Novel, Read by Karen Ziemba, Simon & Schuster Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1442346239, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Listening Time 10 Hours, 30 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

Do you enjoy stories that bring 2 or more plots together? Thanks so much for stopping by.