Proof
Of Life
by J. A. Jance brings back retired detective J. P. Beaumont.
The difference between these novels and the other series Jance
writes is that these blend sarcastic humor within the mystery.
Now retired, Beaumont (Beau) searches for something to keep
him busy. But thanks to his longtime nemesis Seattle crime
reporter Maxwell Cole, Beau becomes entangled in an investigation.
It seems Cole put in his will that Beau should scrutinize
his death. Although ruled an accident, it appears that there
are clues that lead to the death possibly being ruled a homicide.
It is up to Beau and his police chief wife Mel Soames to sort
everything out and connect the dots.
Intertwined within the mystery is a shout out to man’s
best friend, dogs. Beau and Mel adopt an Irish Wolfhound named
Rambo aka known as Lucy. It seems he is a she and is very
determined to make sure the police couple know they have an
addition to their family. Readers will enjoy the descriptions
of raising a dog and the relationship between the furry friend
and her owners.
Jance noted, “The character Rambo is based on the Irish
Wolfhound we adopted years ago named Boney. Also, our daughter
has a big black mutt called Storm. In personality Rambo resembles
Boney, while in looks she resembles Storm. Even though he
is a she I named the dog out of perversity since Rambo is
really tough.”
The other tip of the cap goes to those in law enforcement.
A powerful quote reflects how they are second guessed for
their actions as well as how the news media selectively informs
people about events, many times leaving out important details.
The quote by Beau sympathizing with his former colleagues,
“The second-guessers of the world-the Monday morning
quarterbacks who have never once put their own lives on the
line-who wants to turn every police shooting into a media
crap storm”
Jance thinks the police have a terribly difficult job. “I
am with them. Until anyone is faced with that shoot/don’t
shoot decision no one knows what it is like. A number of years
ago I did a Citizen’s Academy course. The first night
I thought I could sit in the back and be unobtrusive. But
it turned out the guy teaching was a fan of my books. He dragged
me up to the front, gave me a weapon, and did a virtual reality
demonstration. As I entered the backroom this guy came at
me with a pipe, so I plugged him. This was a powerful lesson
for me on how these things happen in real life.”
Proof Of Life has a story that will make readers
cry, laugh, and look over their shoulder. It is a page-turner
not only for the riveting plot, but also to find out what
will happen to Rambo and Beau’s relationship.
J.P. Beaumont Series
Fire
and Ice - Beaumont #19/ Brady #14
Damage
Control - Beaumont / Brady #13
Proof
Of Life #23
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