Ruth’s Book Review of Partner in Crime

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Partner in Crime by JA Jance


Imagine two of JA Jance’s popular main characters joining forces to solve not one but two murder crimes. When aspiring artist Rochelle Baxter turned up dead one day before her gallery showing, Special Homicide detective JP “Beau” Beaumont was sent to oversee the situation. Sheriff Joanna Brady, was insulted and hurt by the procedure mandated by Washington State, until it was discovered that the murder victim was actually Latisha Walls, a whistle-blower who was in the Witness Protection Program. Joanna had solved crimes way before Beau came to Arizona. She really didn’t like it when someone questioned her detective skills.
A few days later, Dee, owner of the gallery where Wall’s artworks were supposed to have been shown, was found dead. This second murder case finally united the two main characters. Although Beaumont is a seasoned detective, he let Joanna Brady take the limelight for a while and helped her get out of serious trouble. Soon enough, the two started respecting each other, hence partnering on the case with ease and trust.



I liked how the main characters held their viewpoints on this collaboration-story. Joanna’s viewpoint is narrated by third person while JP Beaumont maintains his first person voice. The writing was flawless, as expected from JA Jance. She introduced a chemical used in air bags and made this a weapon for murder. I think that was a brilliant idea. I also liked how the story lines were expertly intertwined. I wouldn’t be surprised if there will be more collaborations between these two characters in the future.