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J.P. Beaumont #7
Dismissed with Prejudice
Japanese businessman Tadeo Kurobashi had many passions, including computers, poetry, money, and Samurai lore. So his suicide method of choice would naturally be the ancient art of seppuku -- what the uninitiated call hara-kiri. But despite the bloody samurai sword Kurobashi clutches tightly in his lifeless hand, Seattle detective J.P. Beaumont senses the dead software magnate played a less active role in his own demise. Because glaring errors have been made in the time-honoured Asian death ritual -- which has Beau looking for someone with a less traditional passion -- cold-blooded murder!
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1989
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About the author
J.A. Jance
119 books4,220 followersJudith Ann Jance is the top 10 New York Times bestselling author of the Joanna Brady series; the J. P. Beaumont series; three interrelated thrillers featuring the Walker family; and Edge of Evil, the first in a series featuring Ali Reynolds. Born in South Dakota and brought up in Bisbee, Arizona, Jance lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington, and Tucson, Arizona.
Series:
* J.P. Beaumont
* Joanna Brady
* Ali Reynolds
* Walker Family
Series:
* J.P. Beaumont
* Joanna Brady
* Ali Reynolds
* Walker Family
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
September 19, 2024
4 Stars for Dismissed With Prejudice: J. P. Beaumont, Book 7 (audiobook) by J. A. Jance read by Gene Eugene.
At first it seemed like the Japanese businessman had taken his own life but soon J. P. Beaumont was on the trail of a murder. Things are still a little bit fuzzy for him after he woke up with a broken hand and didn’t remember how it had happened. But there’s no time to worry about the small things when there’s a killer on the loose.
At first it seemed like the Japanese businessman had taken his own life but soon J. P. Beaumont was on the trail of a murder. Things are still a little bit fuzzy for him after he woke up with a broken hand and didn’t remember how it had happened. But there’s no time to worry about the small things when there’s a killer on the loose.
September 12, 2019
Dismissed with Prejudice is Jance's seventh book in the Beaumont series. I am reading from the beginning so I do not know how the series progresses from here. So far I have had three complaints with the series. First Beaumont (Beau) has been stupid with women, falling for more than one murder suspect! Second, the early books feel very dated (because they are) and I have struggled with the way some opinions are verbalized as well as the lack of scientific knowledge that existed. And, thirdly, Beau drinks far too much alcohol. The first is something that seems to be improving and could make me stop reading the books. The second is something I just have to be patient with as it will change with time as the books are written closer to the modern day. The last one is something this book addresses.
In this volume, Beau wakes up with a painful, bandaged right hand, but with no idea what happened. He remembers being Peters' wedding, and not much else. I thought this was probably to be expected thanks to his alcohol habit. Of course Beau has an odd and difficult crime to solve. A Japanese businessman is murdered in a horrific manner. Beau learns that there is a Chicago mobster who wanted to take the business, sued him and made him lose everything. Everyone is calling the death suicide, except his friend (a friend of Beau's) and his wife. Beau believes them and decides to investigate. As is usual, the case is complex but Beau is able to solve it.
The best part of this book, though is the fact that it addressed all of my concerns. There was no inappropriate romantic relationship. The science and technology weren't much of a factor. And, best of all Beau is told that he has liver damage and must get help to stop drinking or he will die.
In this volume, Beau wakes up with a painful, bandaged right hand, but with no idea what happened. He remembers being Peters' wedding, and not much else. I thought this was probably to be expected thanks to his alcohol habit. Of course Beau has an odd and difficult crime to solve. A Japanese businessman is murdered in a horrific manner. Beau learns that there is a Chicago mobster who wanted to take the business, sued him and made him lose everything. Everyone is calling the death suicide, except his friend (a friend of Beau's) and his wife. Beau believes them and decides to investigate. As is usual, the case is complex but Beau is able to solve it.
The best part of this book, though is the fact that it addressed all of my concerns. There was no inappropriate romantic relationship. The science and technology weren't much of a factor. And, best of all Beau is told that he has liver damage and must get help to stop drinking or he will die.
May 27, 2012
And to think I almost passed on this one!
Then I would not have found out that Ron Peters got married, and will return to work 'upstairs' from Beau...and...I would have missed the set up for the next book.
Beau wakes up with his right hand wrapped up in a bandage and hurting like... and he has no idea what happened. Last he remembered was drinking champagne at Peters wedding...
A successful Japanese businessman is the victim of a Chicago mob boss who wants his business for his daughters new husband....seriously!!!! That is despicable! So it is arranged for him to be sued, taken to court and lose everything. He is then found dead on his office floor and assumed a suicide or hari kiri by the sword lying beside him. A Japanese business associate of Beau's is called to help at the scene. He also happened to be the victims friend and he tells them how this man would never kill himself, and as a matter of fact, it was not staged authentically anyway.
Set up for the next book: Beau is diagnosed with liver damage and he has a choice to make, quit drinking or die! The doctor tells him his liver is so bad that he cannot quit drinking by himself but will need professional help so as not to kill himself trying.
I am so glad that I did not skip this book.
Then I would not have found out that Ron Peters got married, and will return to work 'upstairs' from Beau...and...I would have missed the set up for the next book.
Beau wakes up with his right hand wrapped up in a bandage and hurting like... and he has no idea what happened. Last he remembered was drinking champagne at Peters wedding...
A successful Japanese businessman is the victim of a Chicago mob boss who wants his business for his daughters new husband....seriously!!!! That is despicable! So it is arranged for him to be sued, taken to court and lose everything. He is then found dead on his office floor and assumed a suicide or hari kiri by the sword lying beside him. A Japanese business associate of Beau's is called to help at the scene. He also happened to be the victims friend and he tells them how this man would never kill himself, and as a matter of fact, it was not staged authentically anyway.
Set up for the next book: Beau is diagnosed with liver damage and he has a choice to make, quit drinking or die! The doctor tells him his liver is so bad that he cannot quit drinking by himself but will need professional help so as not to kill himself trying.
I am so glad that I did not skip this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2021
Two-haiku review:
Businessman is dead
Murder looked like suicide
Had just lost court case
Interesting plot
Japanese in Seattle
Beau has some issues
Businessman is dead
Murder looked like suicide
Had just lost court case
Interesting plot
Japanese in Seattle
Beau has some issues
March 5, 2013
This is a classical whodunnit, dun right.
We're introduced to all the characters fairly early, so there's no sudden introduction of the killer 90% of the way through the book. Everything follows logically, without outrageous coincidence (as detective Beaumont says, the police don't believe in coincidences, so why should mystery readers be expected to), and naturally, I didn't figure out whodidit, even with all the clues.
I must say though that it was terribly dated - this library e-book had a copyright date of 2005, but the DTB was published in 1989. Nobody has cell-phones (Beaumont has a car phone), everybody apparently uses actual answering machines, and computer technology is primitive. How did we ever manage?
January 9, 2021
"... but an error in the ritual pointed to ... murder!" It turns out not to be a subtle error, but a blatant one. Not only that, the boneheaded chief detective automatically dismisses and brushes aside the info when the narrator tries to tell him.
A few days later, the protagonist receives a call from the police. "You were right. He was murdered. Bludgeoned in the head."
The only possible way this story could recover is if it becomes a story about hypnotism, including the narrator's own susceptibility. Specifically, hypnotism leading the entire investigative team to censor from their perceptions the bloody head.
I read this in the nineties, I think. I don't remember really, it was so far back.
A few days later, the protagonist receives a call from the police. "You were right. He was murdered. Bludgeoned in the head."
The only possible way this story could recover is if it becomes a story about hypnotism, including the narrator's own susceptibility. Specifically, hypnotism leading the entire investigative team to censor from their perceptions the bloody head.
I read this in the nineties, I think. I don't remember really, it was so far back.
July 23, 2019
Beaumont does it again!
It is a bit confusing at times, but gathers up all the loose ends and makes for a satisfying read in the end. Love J.A. Jance! Her books and strong characters make you look forward to each new story.
It is a bit confusing at times, but gathers up all the loose ends and makes for a satisfying read in the end. Love J.A. Jance! Her books and strong characters make you look forward to each new story.
August 23, 2019
The cases Beau stumbles upon are so far, pretty intriguing. This one was no exception. However, it was a bit more gruesome and sad. Reader beware.
October 20, 2022
Well this was a mystery alright. I feel I should point out that these books were written in the late eighties so they are somewhat dated but that is what I personally love about them.
Along with solving a murder Beaumont is forced to take a long hard look at himself and his really bad habits. Another really satisfying read from Jance
Along with solving a murder Beaumont is forced to take a long hard look at himself and his really bad habits. Another really satisfying read from Jance
July 16, 2017
JP Beaumont is called to the scene of what appears to be a ritual suicide by a Japanese inventor who was also an expert in the Samurai traditions and history. However, what looks like suicide can be deceiving especially to someone who doesn't know how Samurai committed Seppuku or Hari-Kiri as it is also known.
I pretty much knew it was going to be a murder before Beaumont knew for sure. One of my Grandfather's on my Mother's side of the family was Samurai and when I found that out I became curious about it. It's always been interesting to me what people see and think about the Japanese and their history and people and how in a lot of cases it is entirely different from what it actually is or was.
I pretty much knew it was going to be a murder before Beaumont knew for sure. One of my Grandfather's on my Mother's side of the family was Samurai and when I found that out I became curious about it. It's always been interesting to me what people see and think about the Japanese and their history and people and how in a lot of cases it is entirely different from what it actually is or was.
April 1, 2024
it was a solid story, but I didn't love the plot. still enjoy the J.P. and the challenges he faces, but wasn't invested in the crime drama this time. It felt too stretched out for my liking. It felt underwritten and over the span of the characters and the national draw from other areas, I didn't enjoy it as much as other books in this series.
December 26, 2015
On to the next....
This author is amazing. I don't know how I missed these books as she published these tales that just keep me reading. I like this series J.P Beaumont because he is a delightful character. She keeps the same circle of friends in each book. I feel like I know them. I have to keep reading so I can keep up with what they are doing. Now, I have to see what Beau plans to do about his health. Enjoy your reading. If you haven't read this series you need to start with book 1. I'm about to start book 7. Oh, I am a new reader of her writings. I love the trail of technology. I can relate to the thoughts of acceptance and usage of technologies that have evolved around my life to the characters in this series.
This author is amazing. I don't know how I missed these books as she published these tales that just keep me reading. I like this series J.P Beaumont because he is a delightful character. She keeps the same circle of friends in each book. I feel like I know them. I have to keep reading so I can keep up with what they are doing. Now, I have to see what Beau plans to do about his health. Enjoy your reading. If you haven't read this series you need to start with book 1. I'm about to start book 7. Oh, I am a new reader of her writings. I love the trail of technology. I can relate to the thoughts of acceptance and usage of technologies that have evolved around my life to the characters in this series.
September 8, 2016
This book was somehow less interesting to me than some of the others in the series that I have read. It seemed a bit disjointed. In this one, a Japanese businessman appeared to have committed ritual suicide but of course it was actually murder. It seemed that Jance was trying to put in more plot twists but it just made the novel seem to lurch from setting to setting and event to event. At this point, however, I remain a Beaumont fan and do plan to read more novels in this series. I would only give this one a "luke warm" recommendation.
June 1, 2020
Not a mystery that you'll probably rave about, but a solid, easy-reading page-turner nonetheless. I've read this series from the start, and I like JP Beaumont. He's just different enough to set him apart from a stereotypical hard-bitten detective. The plot is original, but as others have mentioned in their reviews, it's a bit disjointed in spots. Jance doesn't waste her readers' time with subplots that go nowhere or ornate descriptions and details that take the reader out of the narrative.
Easy to read, enjoyable work by an author who has mastered the genre.
Easy to read, enjoyable work by an author who has mastered the genre.
April 5, 2013
When a Japanese American computer whiz is found dead with a ceremonial sword at his side, it is first assumed that he has committed ritual suicide, but it soon becomes apparent that he was murdered. J. P. Beaumont and his partner are soon embroiled in another fascinating case. I think that you can become addicted to these Beaumont novels!
November 10, 2010
this one really kept my attention. the mystery was a good one, and it had enough of a personal story (that goes from book to book) to really keep me interested. although, J.P. Beamount without McNaughton's?! that will be interesting!
October 20, 2015
Beaumont investigates the death of a Japanese businessman who appeared to commit suicide (hari kiri). Beau isn't buying it.
November 17, 2021
I like the older books in this series as they have somewhat of a police procedural noir feel about them. This one had a clever and compelling plot, although somewhat convoluted, with a major character that never resurfaces after a vicious attack, a vague motive for the murderer, and a fast sum-up of the inadequate ending. I do like how the recurring characters are continuing to develop and are being fleshed out with each new book.
Seattle Police Homicide Detective, J. P. Beaumont, wakes up the morning after his ex partner's (Ron Peters) wedding hung over, puzzled, and with three middle fingers on his right hand bandaged securely to metal splints. He is embarrassed to ask anyone if they know what happened, suspects he drank too much champagne and blacked out, and spends most of the book trying to figure out what happened. He and his partner, Big Al Lindstrom, are called out on a case where it looks like the President of Microbridge, Japanese-American Tadeo Kurobashi, committed ritual suicide by seppuku or "Hara-kiri". A very valuable antique Samurai short sword is found lying next to the body. After investigating, they find out Tadeo had just lost a major patent infringement lawsuit, his company was going out of business, he was selling his house and most of his possessions to pay the huge settlement, and he was filing for bankruptcy.
George Yamamoto of the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory is called in because he knows Japanese, and there is part of a poem on all the computers that is repeated over and over. It turns out that Tadeo was a good friend of his, and they bonded and survived together the 1942 round-up of Japanese-Americans that were placed in the war relocation camp in Minidoka in the Idaho desert. George does not believe Tadeo committed suicide. Tadeo was an expert on the Samurai and was wearing the wrong clothes, there was no sword furniture or equipment, and it did not happen in the traditional manner. He deduces that it was murder. Beaumont is worried that the killer(s) will go after Tadeo's wife and daughter next.
Suspects include:
- Tadeo's wife Machiko who speaks poor English, cannot read or write, came to America as a war bride, husband died and she then married Tadeo, was a recluse of sorts, has several secrets, despises George Yamamoto, and desperately wants the antique sword back.
- Kimiko Kurobashi, Tadeo's daughter, who lives on a horse ranch in Ellensburg, WA, works for room and board for herself and her horse, is getting a degree in computer engineering, and has been estranged from her father for years. He summoned her to come see him the day before he was murdered. She is still furious with him.
- Mr. Blakeslee is President of RFLink, Ltd. where Tadeo worked before he started his own company. Blakeslee is the one who filed the patent infringement lawsuit against Tadeo and claims Tadeo used Blakeslee's technology and patents to start his own company Microbridge. Blakeslee was trying to put Tadeo out of business.
- Clay Woodruff was a friend who worked with Tadeo at RFLink, Ltd. and left the company when Tadeo did. He was summoned to testify at Tadeo's trial to verify that Tadeo didn't steal any patents and worked on the project on his own time. Woodruff never showed up to testify and so Tadeo lost everything.
- Dean Morrison of DataDump who was summoned by Tadeo to gather up all data and materials from Microbridge and shred everything. He was the last one to see Tadeo alive.
- Chris Davenport, Tadeo's lawyer, has some secrets of his own.
- David Lions who owns a helicopter service and flies some hit men (who are also suspects) out to viciously attack Kimi and her mother. This gets several police jurisdictions involved who then coordinate investigations with Beaumont.
Beaumont is an independent, gruff-yet-sensitive hero, principled, loyal, tenacious, dedicated, respectful of others, and newly wealthy. Beaumont also has a growing realization that he has a drinking problem and has blacked out several times. The cliff hangar has him making a life and death decision with the help of his lawyer, Ralph Ames. It's probably best to read this series in order because of the progression of the story lines and the character development. Jance is one of my favorite authors - recommended reading.
Seattle Police Homicide Detective, J. P. Beaumont, wakes up the morning after his ex partner's (Ron Peters) wedding hung over, puzzled, and with three middle fingers on his right hand bandaged securely to metal splints. He is embarrassed to ask anyone if they know what happened, suspects he drank too much champagne and blacked out, and spends most of the book trying to figure out what happened. He and his partner, Big Al Lindstrom, are called out on a case where it looks like the President of Microbridge, Japanese-American Tadeo Kurobashi, committed ritual suicide by seppuku or "Hara-kiri". A very valuable antique Samurai short sword is found lying next to the body. After investigating, they find out Tadeo had just lost a major patent infringement lawsuit, his company was going out of business, he was selling his house and most of his possessions to pay the huge settlement, and he was filing for bankruptcy.
George Yamamoto of the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory is called in because he knows Japanese, and there is part of a poem on all the computers that is repeated over and over. It turns out that Tadeo was a good friend of his, and they bonded and survived together the 1942 round-up of Japanese-Americans that were placed in the war relocation camp in Minidoka in the Idaho desert. George does not believe Tadeo committed suicide. Tadeo was an expert on the Samurai and was wearing the wrong clothes, there was no sword furniture or equipment, and it did not happen in the traditional manner. He deduces that it was murder. Beaumont is worried that the killer(s) will go after Tadeo's wife and daughter next.
Suspects include:
- Tadeo's wife Machiko who speaks poor English, cannot read or write, came to America as a war bride, husband died and she then married Tadeo, was a recluse of sorts, has several secrets, despises George Yamamoto, and desperately wants the antique sword back.
- Kimiko Kurobashi, Tadeo's daughter, who lives on a horse ranch in Ellensburg, WA, works for room and board for herself and her horse, is getting a degree in computer engineering, and has been estranged from her father for years. He summoned her to come see him the day before he was murdered. She is still furious with him.
- Mr. Blakeslee is President of RFLink, Ltd. where Tadeo worked before he started his own company. Blakeslee is the one who filed the patent infringement lawsuit against Tadeo and claims Tadeo used Blakeslee's technology and patents to start his own company Microbridge. Blakeslee was trying to put Tadeo out of business.
- Clay Woodruff was a friend who worked with Tadeo at RFLink, Ltd. and left the company when Tadeo did. He was summoned to testify at Tadeo's trial to verify that Tadeo didn't steal any patents and worked on the project on his own time. Woodruff never showed up to testify and so Tadeo lost everything.
- Dean Morrison of DataDump who was summoned by Tadeo to gather up all data and materials from Microbridge and shred everything. He was the last one to see Tadeo alive.
- Chris Davenport, Tadeo's lawyer, has some secrets of his own.
- David Lions who owns a helicopter service and flies some hit men (who are also suspects) out to viciously attack Kimi and her mother. This gets several police jurisdictions involved who then coordinate investigations with Beaumont.
Beaumont is an independent, gruff-yet-sensitive hero, principled, loyal, tenacious, dedicated, respectful of others, and newly wealthy. Beaumont also has a growing realization that he has a drinking problem and has blacked out several times. The cliff hangar has him making a life and death decision with the help of his lawyer, Ralph Ames. It's probably best to read this series in order because of the progression of the story lines and the character development. Jance is one of my favorite authors - recommended reading.
July 11, 2022
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS:
Print: COPYRIGHT: (1989) 9/1/2003; PUBLISHER: Severn House Publishers; ISBN 978-0727859815; PAGES 384; Unabridged
Digital: Yes
*Audio: COPYRIGHT: 1/21/2005; PUBLISHER: Books in Motion; DURATION: 08:52:37; PARTS: 8; File Size: 253773 KB; Unabridged
Feature Film or tv: No
SERIES: J. P. Beaumont Series, Book 7
CHARACTERS: (Not comprehensive)
Jonas Piedmont Beaumont-J.P. Beaumont (Beau)—Seattle Washington Detective
Ron Peters—Former partner of Beau
Amy Peters – Ron’s wife
Heather Peters – Ron’s daughter
Tracy Peters – Ron’s daughter
Ralph Ames -- Beau's lawyer
Dr. Wang – Internist
Al Lindstrom (Big Al) – Beaumont’s partner
Detective Halverson – A detective that teems up with Beaumont
Monica Halverson – the detective’s wife
Tadeo Kurobashi - businessman
Kimiko (Kimi) Kurobashi – Tadeo’s daughter
Machiko Kurobashi – Tadeo’s wife
George Yamamoto – Crime lab detective
SUMMARY/ EVALUATION:
How I picked it: I have decided to listen to all of Jance’s books and this was the next one in the series.
What’s it about? A man found dead in his office is thought to have committed suicide with the sword that lays beside him, but as we know, things aren’t always as they seem.
What did I think? Another good episode.
AUTHOR:
J. A. (Judith Ann) Jance -- (born October 27, 1944) "Jance was born in Watertown, South Dakota,[2] and raised in Bisbee, Arizona (the setting for her Joanna Brady series of novels). Before becoming an author, she worked as a school librarian on a Native American reservation (Tohono O'Odham), and as a teacher and insurance agent." -- Wikipedia
NARRATOR:
Gene Engene -- "Gene Engene is an award-winning reader with an astounding catalog of audiobooks to his credit. He is best known as J.P. Beaumont in the J.A. Jance mystery series. Gene is a veteran stage actor, director, and is a retired Professor of Drama at Eastern Washington University." -- Books in Motion
Eugene still doing a great rendition of his primary character, but I still have complaints about many of the voices given to other characters.
GENRE:
Fiction; Suspense; Thriller
LOCATIONS:
Washington
TIME FRAME:
Contemporary (1989)
SUBJECTS:
Japanese culture; antiquities; computer technology; hari kari
DEDICATION:
“To Alice and Alan, the happy campers and to Doc Thornton, J.P. Beaumont’s personal physician”
SAMPLE QUOTATION:
From Chapter 1:
“The jangling telephone reverberated through my head, ramming its way through champaign-stupefied senses, jarring awake both me and a pounding headache. Without opening my eyes, I grappled blindly for the phone, knowing the only way to stifle the awful racket was to answer the damn thing.
Except I couldn’t pick it up. When I tried to close my fingers around the handset, they wouldn’t. The receiver slipped out of my hand and clattered noisily across the bedside table.
Even hung over, I’m usually not quite that clumsy.
Puzzled, I opened my eyes and looked at my hand. The three middle fingers, bandaged securely to metal splints, stood stiffly at attention. No wonder my hand wouldn’t close. With each heartbeat, a dull throbbing pain echoed from my fingertips up through my hand and wrist. I stared stupidly at the injured fingers as if maybe they belonged to somebody else. What was wrong wit them? Were they broken or what? How had it happened?”
RATING:
4 stars
STARTED READING – FINISHED READING
7-1-2022 to 7-10-2022
Print: COPYRIGHT: (1989) 9/1/2003; PUBLISHER: Severn House Publishers; ISBN 978-0727859815; PAGES 384; Unabridged
Digital: Yes
*Audio: COPYRIGHT: 1/21/2005; PUBLISHER: Books in Motion; DURATION: 08:52:37; PARTS: 8; File Size: 253773 KB; Unabridged
Feature Film or tv: No
SERIES: J. P. Beaumont Series, Book 7
CHARACTERS: (Not comprehensive)
Jonas Piedmont Beaumont-J.P. Beaumont (Beau)—Seattle Washington Detective
Ron Peters—Former partner of Beau
Amy Peters – Ron’s wife
Heather Peters – Ron’s daughter
Tracy Peters – Ron’s daughter
Ralph Ames -- Beau's lawyer
Dr. Wang – Internist
Al Lindstrom (Big Al) – Beaumont’s partner
Detective Halverson – A detective that teems up with Beaumont
Monica Halverson – the detective’s wife
Tadeo Kurobashi - businessman
Kimiko (Kimi) Kurobashi – Tadeo’s daughter
Machiko Kurobashi – Tadeo’s wife
George Yamamoto – Crime lab detective
SUMMARY/ EVALUATION:
How I picked it: I have decided to listen to all of Jance’s books and this was the next one in the series.
What’s it about? A man found dead in his office is thought to have committed suicide with the sword that lays beside him, but as we know, things aren’t always as they seem.
What did I think? Another good episode.
AUTHOR:
J. A. (Judith Ann) Jance -- (born October 27, 1944) "Jance was born in Watertown, South Dakota,[2] and raised in Bisbee, Arizona (the setting for her Joanna Brady series of novels). Before becoming an author, she worked as a school librarian on a Native American reservation (Tohono O'Odham), and as a teacher and insurance agent." -- Wikipedia
NARRATOR:
Gene Engene -- "Gene Engene is an award-winning reader with an astounding catalog of audiobooks to his credit. He is best known as J.P. Beaumont in the J.A. Jance mystery series. Gene is a veteran stage actor, director, and is a retired Professor of Drama at Eastern Washington University." -- Books in Motion
Eugene still doing a great rendition of his primary character, but I still have complaints about many of the voices given to other characters.
GENRE:
Fiction; Suspense; Thriller
LOCATIONS:
Washington
TIME FRAME:
Contemporary (1989)
SUBJECTS:
Japanese culture; antiquities; computer technology; hari kari
DEDICATION:
“To Alice and Alan, the happy campers and to Doc Thornton, J.P. Beaumont’s personal physician”
SAMPLE QUOTATION:
From Chapter 1:
“The jangling telephone reverberated through my head, ramming its way through champaign-stupefied senses, jarring awake both me and a pounding headache. Without opening my eyes, I grappled blindly for the phone, knowing the only way to stifle the awful racket was to answer the damn thing.
Except I couldn’t pick it up. When I tried to close my fingers around the handset, they wouldn’t. The receiver slipped out of my hand and clattered noisily across the bedside table.
Even hung over, I’m usually not quite that clumsy.
Puzzled, I opened my eyes and looked at my hand. The three middle fingers, bandaged securely to metal splints, stood stiffly at attention. No wonder my hand wouldn’t close. With each heartbeat, a dull throbbing pain echoed from my fingertips up through my hand and wrist. I stared stupidly at the injured fingers as if maybe they belonged to somebody else. What was wrong wit them? Were they broken or what? How had it happened?”
RATING:
4 stars
STARTED READING – FINISHED READING
7-1-2022 to 7-10-2022
February 25, 2017
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
Couldn't wait to the end...Continued listening since this is a series and I love Ron and family.
This book was somehow less interesting to me than some of the others in the series that I have read. It seemed a bit disjointed. In this one, a Japanese businessman appeared to have committed ritual suicide but of course it was actually murder. It seemed that Jance was trying to put in more plot twists but it just made the novel seem to lurch from setting to setting and event to event. At this point, however, I remain a Beaumont fan and do plan to read more novels in this series.
****
Beau wakes up with his right hand wrapped up in a bandage and hurting like... and he has no idea what happened. Last he remembered was drinking champagne at Peters wedding...
A successful Japanese businessman is the victim of a Chicago mob boss who wants his business for his daughters new husband....seriously!!!! That is despicable! So it is arranged for him to be sued, taken to court and lose everything. He is then found dead on his office floor and assumed a suicide or hari kiri by the sword lying beside him. A Japanese business associate of Beau's is called to help at the scene. He also happened to be the victims friend and he tells them how this man would never kill himself, and as a matter of fact, it was not staged authentically anyway.
Set up for the next book: Beau is diagnosed with liver damage and he has a choice to make, quit drinking or die! The doctor tells him his liver is so bad that he cannot quit drinking by himself but will need professional help so as not to kill himself trying.
Couldn't wait to the end...Continued listening since this is a series and I love Ron and family.
This book was somehow less interesting to me than some of the others in the series that I have read. It seemed a bit disjointed. In this one, a Japanese businessman appeared to have committed ritual suicide but of course it was actually murder. It seemed that Jance was trying to put in more plot twists but it just made the novel seem to lurch from setting to setting and event to event. At this point, however, I remain a Beaumont fan and do plan to read more novels in this series.
****
Beau wakes up with his right hand wrapped up in a bandage and hurting like... and he has no idea what happened. Last he remembered was drinking champagne at Peters wedding...
A successful Japanese businessman is the victim of a Chicago mob boss who wants his business for his daughters new husband....seriously!!!! That is despicable! So it is arranged for him to be sued, taken to court and lose everything. He is then found dead on his office floor and assumed a suicide or hari kiri by the sword lying beside him. A Japanese business associate of Beau's is called to help at the scene. He also happened to be the victims friend and he tells them how this man would never kill himself, and as a matter of fact, it was not staged authentically anyway.
Set up for the next book: Beau is diagnosed with liver damage and he has a choice to make, quit drinking or die! The doctor tells him his liver is so bad that he cannot quit drinking by himself but will need professional help so as not to kill himself trying.
March 12, 2023
I have read several books of this series but not in order and had always wondered
An initially apparent ritual suicide leads to investigation of several horrifying crimes -note a few of these not for the faint of heart.
Despite broken fingers and pain, Beau ended up all over the place investigating the first mystery which lead to the others and discover of them all
An initially apparent ritual suicide leads to investigation of several horrifying crimes -note a few of these not for the faint of heart.
Despite broken fingers and pain, Beau ended up all over the place investigating the first mystery which lead to the others and discover of them all
August 30, 2024
When a prominent Japanese business man, Tadeo Kurobashi, is found brutally murdered, it's on homicide detective JP Beaumont's caseload. Initially considered a possible suicide by the ancient rite of seppuku, quite quickly that decision was reversed and the investigation continues. The ancient sword found at the body is another mystery, it is a priceless heirloom but the Tadeo's business was in bankruptcy. Something just doesn't make sense.
When Tadeo's wife is beaten and his daughter almost killed, it's pretty obvious they have missed something.
Meanwhile, Beau has woken with his hand in bandages with no understanding of why. His fingers are broken but his memory of the evening is completely blank. Another mystery to solve and it's pretty obvious his co-workers know the answer and aren't telling him.
From Seattle to Anacortes and surrounds, the investigation continues as even more bodies are discovered.
A quick read, complicated as you would expect, but good nonetheless.
When Tadeo's wife is beaten and his daughter almost killed, it's pretty obvious they have missed something.
Meanwhile, Beau has woken with his hand in bandages with no understanding of why. His fingers are broken but his memory of the evening is completely blank. Another mystery to solve and it's pretty obvious his co-workers know the answer and aren't telling him.
From Seattle to Anacortes and surrounds, the investigation continues as even more bodies are discovered.
A quick read, complicated as you would expect, but good nonetheless.
January 15, 2023
A Japanese businessman whose business is bankrupt is found dead, an apparent suicide in a time-honored suicidal event. But another Japanese man says it’s not so, citing important discrepancies. It’s enough to make Beau look for a murderer. As with most of his cases, one thing leads to another, and more crimes are committed against this man’s family. It’s an interesting mystery, but equally interesting are the lives of the characters. Beau has awakened with broken fingers after a wedding of a friend, with no idea how it happened. Eventually, he puts two and two together . . . after all, he IS a detective! And he gets more news from his doctor, which Beau probably didn’t expect, but astute readers probably did. The writing in the series may seem dated by today’s standards, but it’s still well written. Beau’s lawyer friend is dragging him into the technological world little by little. It’s a nice - and realistic - aspect to the series.
November 27, 2023
As usual Beau is the detective on this case, which includes a death of a Japanese man, who at first glance seems to be a suicide, which turns out not to be.
The dead mans wife and daughter are attacked .
There are other deaths that are connected to this case in different locations and all of the policemen in these different locations have to come together to try and solve it.
Beau in the meantime has been suffering from broken and fingers and as usual he was too drunk to know how it happened.
Upon being treated for his broken fingers, the doctor insists that he sees another doctor about his serious condition, which he ignores at first.
All in all the book finally concludes with why there was a death of the Japanese man in the first place.
I found this book to be a little slow and it it took me longer than usual to complexly read it to the end.
I still recommend reading it so that the reader can go on to the nest book, #8.
The dead mans wife and daughter are attacked .
There are other deaths that are connected to this case in different locations and all of the policemen in these different locations have to come together to try and solve it.
Beau in the meantime has been suffering from broken and fingers and as usual he was too drunk to know how it happened.
Upon being treated for his broken fingers, the doctor insists that he sees another doctor about his serious condition, which he ignores at first.
All in all the book finally concludes with why there was a death of the Japanese man in the first place.
I found this book to be a little slow and it it took me longer than usual to complexly read it to the end.
I still recommend reading it so that the reader can go on to the nest book, #8.
December 24, 2024
J P Beaumont pieces together another thrilling mystery
Jance turns her quick wit and deft writing style to lure the avid reader into a page turner involving a cast of well developed characters. Engaging well known characters from previous novels, the author weaves a tail based on high tech industry practiced by. An old world intellect.
What begins as an apparent act of hari-kari, is ultimately solved by Beaumont and a collaboration of allies from Seattle to Chicago where it is discovered that organized crime, the Mafia is in fact ultimately responsible.
Beau's nagging hand injury leads to medical care that discovers his alcohol consumption, his treasured Macnaughton's has led to dire consequences. This is perhaps an introduction of a life change.
Thus book is a good read for fans of Jance and follows of the life and times if Seattle Police Department Detective J P Beaumont. Stand by for next sequel.
Jance turns her quick wit and deft writing style to lure the avid reader into a page turner involving a cast of well developed characters. Engaging well known characters from previous novels, the author weaves a tail based on high tech industry practiced by. An old world intellect.
What begins as an apparent act of hari-kari, is ultimately solved by Beaumont and a collaboration of allies from Seattle to Chicago where it is discovered that organized crime, the Mafia is in fact ultimately responsible.
Beau's nagging hand injury leads to medical care that discovers his alcohol consumption, his treasured Macnaughton's has led to dire consequences. This is perhaps an introduction of a life change.
Thus book is a good read for fans of Jance and follows of the life and times if Seattle Police Department Detective J P Beaumont. Stand by for next sequel.
July 31, 2022
I usually listen to J A Dance audiobooks from the library while on the treadmill. I can't find some of her earlieraudiobooks, if they were produced, so I ended up reading a paperback. That the print was large enough for my macular degenerated eyes is a plus. the story started and ended on a personal note for J P and I want to read more of the early books to see how that goes. It plot and setting were early computer development settings in the late 1980s and the victim was Japanese-American. Sympathetic handling and interesting cultural notes. J P starts with busted fingers in a splint and suffers during a take down. Since a new J P was just released, he survives to live quite a few more days and years. I wonder who Dance characters appeal most to? Probably old time mystery readers like me who enjoy a look back.
August 20, 2024
It was a great book, but I was a little less fond of the specific crimes in it, as well as Beau’s heavy drinking. I get that it is an integral part of the story, but if I had known before I started I might have never opened the first book. And there are some associated inconsistencies that bug me a big. J. A. Jane makes a big deal about seemingly every time Beau has a drink. Yet there are days he only drinks one glass, or goes completely without. Also appears to drive after drinking, which I understand is not unusual, but for example has no bottle in the Porsche. No doubt we’ll have the “how I wish I had a drink” sprinkled through for a while going forward, just like the “how I wish I had not given up smoking at this moment…. But as for the case, it starts with Hara Kiri, goes on through several other murders, beating, rape, and even a mafia connection. What more could you want?
October 11, 2019
The book has great characterization, good plotting and pace, and is well written. The author keeps the writing tight which keeps the pace moving. There is some subtle humor occasionally and some self effacement shown by the protagonist. I felt like I was reading a book by a male author, and maybe the author intentionally created that impression since she used her first two initials rather than her given first name which would have clearly identified her gender.
This is the first book in this series that I have read and I plan to read more. Now I just need to decide whether to keep going forward or to start with the first one.
This is the first book in this series that I have read and I plan to read more. Now I just need to decide whether to keep going forward or to start with the first one.
July 30, 2022
library ebook
this one beau was looking into a death of a japanese man, he was convinced the man did not kill himself with the sword and he was right. the sword turned out to be priceless that the mans 2nd wife took when she left japan after the bombing
the daughter took the mom to live with her, as the dad lost the business in a court case (due to his witness not showing up), they lost the house too. the mom and daughter were attacked by the same men who killed the dad
beau drove all over tracking them down and i loved the end of the book . beau had broken his fingers, but couldnt remember how. the finger dr insisted he see a internist and they found his liver enlarged. his lawyer got him into a good rehab and thats how the book ended. it was the best part of this book
this one beau was looking into a death of a japanese man, he was convinced the man did not kill himself with the sword and he was right. the sword turned out to be priceless that the mans 2nd wife took when she left japan after the bombing
the daughter took the mom to live with her, as the dad lost the business in a court case (due to his witness not showing up), they lost the house too. the mom and daughter were attacked by the same men who killed the dad
beau drove all over tracking them down and i loved the end of the book . beau had broken his fingers, but couldnt remember how. the finger dr insisted he see a internist and they found his liver enlarged. his lawyer got him into a good rehab and thats how the book ended. it was the best part of this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2018
Japanese business man Tadeo Kurobashi had many passions, including computers, poetry, money and Samurai lore. So his suicide method of choice would naturally be the ancient art of seppuku-- what the uninitiated call "hara-kiri". But despite the bloody Samurai sword Kurobashi clutches tightly in his lifeless hand - Seattle detective JP Beaumont senses the dead software magnate played a less active role in his own demise. Because glaring errors have been made in the time honored Asian death ritual-which has Beau looking for someone with a less traditional passion-for cold blooded homicide.
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