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Rating: 
Summary: Another comfortable Jance mystery
Review: Every time I read J.A. Jance, I get this comfortable feeling, like I live in Arizona (though it is one of the few states I've never visited). Sheriff Brady must find a serial killer who scalps the victims as part of his/her trademark. Could the killer be part of the new Apache dude ranch? Or could it be a disgruntled rancher tired of government regulation? The story gets complicated and even fairly kinky as we discover some of the deepest darkest secrets of the Cochise county citizens. You will not be dissappointed with this book.
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Summary: Very Good Mystery
Review: I recently discovered the Joanna Brady series and have been happily reading along and enjoying the character of a woman sheriff in a small town. At first, I thought that her wearing a suit and heels to work was ridiculous but I realized that she probably had to be conservative since she was the first woman sheriff in the region. I also enjoy the Arizona setting and Jance's deft interweaving of family, friends, and mystery. I wasn't nuts about the serial killer plot in this book -- I identified this person the moment they made an appearance in the book by the "profile" similar to many on TV cop shows and movies. However, I suppose serial killers are everywhere. Overall, the Joanna Brady series keeps my interest and I've read about nine books so far.
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Summary: Rattlesnake Crossing
Review: Ilived in Cochise County for 19 years. J.A.Jance discribes the area to a tee.Her stories blend in with the the way of life you will find in down there.
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Summary: Southwestern mystery
Review: Joanna Brady has been the Sheriff of Cochise County Arizona since her husband's death in the line of duty. When two bodies are found scalped, Joanna begins to suspect that a serial killer may be on the loose. As she and her staff struggle to find the solution to the murders, she must also contend with her growing feelings for Butch Dixon and her worries about the health of her best friend's child. This is the sixth novel in the Joanna Brady series and continues to explore Joanna's deepening connections with family and friends, as well as providing good solid mysteries to solve. If you would like to start with the first book in the series, try Desert Heat c1993
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Summary: A SERIES?? OH, JOY!!
Review: This being my first Jance novel, I was a little skeptical especially after reading the reviews first. However, Ms.Jance manages to write a story about a very strong single parent trying to cope in a man's world. She brings in some heavy psychological drama and includes a little romance; atrocious violence (necessary in conjunction with a phsycopathic killer) with excellent suspense. She describes the Arizona area beautifully and I was able to visualize the terrain along with the odd and unusual characters easily. I was very surprised at the ending. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
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Summary: Jance is a reliable author
Review: This Joanna Brady mystery is a good, if not outstanding, addition to the series. A local gun dealer, Clyde Phillips is dead. Was it a suicide or a murder? Clyde has an ex-wife who claims that it couldn't be suicide. Is she the murderer or could it be one of the Indian wannabes who inhabit a lodge down the road? Or could it be Alton Hosfield who has lot of animosity towards his neighbors and the federal government? Joanna works tirelessly to uncover the true culprit. Her daughter, Jenny, is on a trip with her grandparents so Joanna has more time to devote to law enforcement and to a new romance.
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Summary: A great story.
Review: When I first read the Kirkus review, I delayed reading the book. However, I did finally read it and I couldn't put it down. I think Ms. Jance endows her character with compassion and makes her a real person. Real police investigation is not the exciting stuff that is portrayed in some of the tough guy/gal novels. Joanna Brady is more like a real person with a real life. I enjoyed this book very much and am eagerly awaiting the next one in the series. I personally like a little romance.
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Summary: Gret addition to the series Joanna Brady mystery series
Review: While running for the position of Sheriff of Cochise County, Deputy Andy Brady was killed by a drug lord's hired gun. Andy's supporters convince his widow Joanna to run in his place in the upcoming election. Perhaps it was a sympathy vote, but to everyone's amazement, Joanna defeats her more experienced opponents. Months later, the grief has considerably diminished and she has become a very good law enforcement official. Her latest case begins when Joanna arrives at the home of a licensed gun dealer and finds the man dead. Every weapon in the store is missing. Two more corpses are found. Both are the victims of a sniper with a 50-caliber rifle that is identical to what the deceased gun dealer supposedly kept in his stock. The women were scalped and their bodies were positioned in a special way, leading Joanna and her staff to believe they are contending with a serial killer, who must be stopped before someone else is murdered. J.A. Jance brings to life the desert communities of the Southwest in such a vivid manner as to make readers feel as if they visiting Cochise County. In RATTLESNAKE CROSSING, the protagonist is a multi-complex character as she varies and balances her roles as mother, sheriff, friend, and potential girlfriend. This adds to that feeling of being on location. The story line is fast-paced and believable, making for a great addition to the Joanna Brady mysteries. Harriet Klausner
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