Rating: 
Summary: Audio Version Unlistenable
Review: This book seemed like trash to me. Connor O'Brien was so incompetent reading the audio version, however, that it may have contained some sparks of life, before he snuffed them out. If you read it yourself, you may find something to like. Be warned, however, that this story is about child abuse. A five year old girl is found murdered. The autopsy reveals several previously broken bones. When detective J.P. Beaumont begins the investigation at the home of the girl's separated mother, he finds she is a member of a religious cult forbidden to speak with non-members by its charismatic leader, and other children of cult members show signs of beatings. There are several things not to like, besides brutality to children. The cult leader, who appeals to the police as chief suspect initially, is not normal enough to be a satisfactory villain. He belongs in a horror story, not a mystery. I was totally unimpressed by Beaumont, much too insecure and inarticulate for a 15-year homicide veteran. Stylistically, what stood out was the cliches. It's like Jance was totally distracted while writing the book, maybe babysitting six kids at the same time. Returning to the audio, O'Brien read excruciatingly slowly, without the slightest inflection to his voice. If the book contained any wit or humor, any suspense or human emotion, O'Brien made it disappear completely.
Rating:
Summary: Audio Version Unlistenable
Review: This book seemed like trash to me. Connor O'Brien was so incompetent reading the audio version, however, that it may have contained some sparks of life, before he snuffed them out. If you read it yourself, you may find something to like. Be warned, however, that this story is about child abuse. A five year old girl is found murdered. The autopsy reveals several previously broken bones. When detective J.P. Beaumont begins the investigation at the home of the girl's separated mother, he finds she is a member of a religious cult forbidden to speak with non-members by its charismatic leader, and other children of cult members show signs of beatings. There are several things not to like, besides brutality to children. The cult leader, who appeals to the police as chief suspect initially, is not normal enough to be a satisfactory villain. He belongs in a horror story, not a mystery. I was totally unimpressed by Beaumont, much too insecure and inarticulate for a 15-year homicide veteran. Stylistically, what stood out was the cliches. It's like Jance was totally distracted while writing the book, maybe babysitting six kids at the same time. Returning to the audio, O'Brien read excruciatingly slowly, without the slightest inflection to his voice. If the book contained any wit or humor, any suspense or human emotion, O'Brien made it disappear completely.
Rating: 
Summary: Looking forward to the next one
Review: This is a promising first outing from J.A. Jance, published in 1985. Very promising. I liked the introduction to the characters and the set up that will allow readers to hopefully bond with J.P. Beaumont and Detective Ron Peters as they learn to work together as newly partnered Homicide detectives. There was some fun dialog and situations and the slow elevator provides for several amusing incidents. Occasionally I would start to suspect whodunit (just like Beaumont) and then my suspicions would be allayed (just like Beaumont). That was pretty nicely done. Surprisingly, to me the ending was quite a satisfying wrap even though many a book with a similar ending has left me very disgruntled. Midway through, I was concerned. A lot of focus was placed on Beau's whirlwind romantic relationship. If characters in a book can be said to have chemistry it would NOT be these two, although they did become more believable in the end. There was a fairly lengthy section where I was rather disengaged, wedding showers, shopping, setting up house, suspicion, and "Isn't there a guy named Beau in on of those mid-day soaps called 'Days of our Lives'?". I began to loose faith. Then a so-so grand finale and, surprise surprise, a thorough and believable enough wrap up to make me almost forget the tedium. I remember being reluctant when I started Sanford's 'Prey' series and I have been COMPLETELY won over there. If we can build up from this one, Jance may develop another fan.
Rating:
Summary: Looking forward to the next one
Review: This is a promising first outing from J.A. Jance, published in 1985. Very promising. I liked the introduction to the characters and the set up that will allow readers to hopefully bond with J.P. Beaumont and Detective Ron Peters as they learn to work together as newly partnered Homicide detectives. There was some fun dialog and situations and the slow elevator provides for several amusing incidents. Occasionally I would start to suspect whodunit (just like Beaumont) and then my suspicions would be allayed (just like Beaumont). That was pretty nicely done. Surprisingly, to me the ending was quite a satisfying wrap even though many a book with a similar ending has left me very disgruntled. Midway through, I was concerned. A lot of focus was placed on Beau's whirlwind romantic relationship. If characters in a book can be said to have chemistry it would NOT be these two, although they did become more believable in the end. There was a fairly lengthy section where I was rather disengaged, wedding showers, shopping, setting up house, suspicion, and "Isn't there a guy named Beau in on of those mid-day soaps called 'Days of our Lives'?". I began to loose faith. Then a so-so grand finale and, surprise surprise, a thorough and believable enough wrap up to make me almost forget the tedium. I remember being reluctant when I started Sanford's 'Prey' series and I have been COMPLETELY won over there. If we can build up from this one, Jance may develop another fan.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Start to a Series
Review: This is the first book of this author that I have read. I intend to read them all, hopefully in order!
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