J. A. Jance (Judith Ann Jance), born on October 27, 1944, is a prolific American author best known for her mystery novels. She writes in several series, including those featuring Seattle investigator J.P. Beaumont, Arizona County Sheriff Joanna Brady, and former Los Angeles news anchor Ali Reynolds. Jance initially used her initials as a pseudonym because her publisher believed that readers might not readily accept a mystery novel featuring a male detective written by a woman. 

Before becoming a successful author, Jance worked as a high school teacher, a school librarian on a Native American reservation (Tohono O'Odham), and an insurance agent. She drew upon these experiences and the challenges she faced, including instances of gender-based restrictions in academia and her first marriage to an alcoholic, to shape the complex and relatable characters in her novels. Jance's writing style is noted for its ability to create compelling narratives, often beginning with a murder and meticulously detailing the ensuing investigation. She emphasizes nuanced character development, realistic dialogue, and a strong sense of place, often setting her novels in Arizona and Washington, states where she has lived for much of her life. 

Betrayal of Trust, the 20th novel in the J.P. Beaumont series, focuses on the themes of murder, teenage bullying, and political corruption. In the story, J.P. Beaumont, a Seattle private investigator, is drawn into a high-stakes case when a snuff film is discovered on the cell phone of the Washington State Governor's grandson, according to Amazon.com. The young man claims to have no knowledge of the victim, and the governor, a former acquaintance of Beaumont's, turns to him for assistance. Working alongside his wife and partner, Mel Soames, Beaumont uncovers a dark conspiracy involving teenage bullying, abuse of privilege, and corruption within the highest levels of state government. The investigation, described as a "firestorm," reveals how a seemingly isolated incident is part of a larger pattern of abuse and the potentially devastating consequences when trust is betrayed. The book's plot is further complicated by a personal subplot exploring Beaumont's past, adding an additional layer to his character's journey.

J.A. Jance, A J.P. Beaumont Novel Book 20: Betrayal of Trust

"Murder, teenage bullying, sleazy adults, and good police work add up to another fine entry by Jance." --The Oklahoman Betrayal of Trust is the twentieth mystery by New York Times bestseller J.A. Jance to feature Seattle p.i. J. P. Beaumont--and it is another surefire winner from the author the Chattanooga Times calls, "One of the best--if not the best." When Beau discovers a snuff film recorded on a smart phone--a horrific crime that has a devastating effect on two troubled teens--his investigation unleashes a firestorm that blazes all the way up through the halls of Washington state government. Betrayal of Trust is certain to win this phenomenal crime fiction master ("In the elite company of Sue Grafton and Patricia Cornwell"--Flint Journal) a wealth of new fans while enthralling the army of devoted readers already addicted to the potent Jance magic.

Joanna Brady (#18): Field of Bones by J.A. Jance

Sheriff Joanna Brady’s best intentions to stay on maternity leave take a hit when a serial homicide case rocks Cochise County, dragging her into a far-reaching investigation to bring down a relentless killer in this chilling tale of suspense from New York Times bestselling author J. A. Jance.

This time Sheriff Joanna Brady may expect to see her maternity leave through to completion, but the world has other plans when a serial homicide case surfaces in her beloved Cochise County. Rather than staying home with her newborn and losing herself in the cold cases to be found in her father’s long unread diaries, Joanna instead finds herself overseeing a complex investigation involving multiple jurisdictions.

Filled with the beloved characters, small town charm, vivid history, intriguing mystery, and the scenic Arizona desert backdrop that have made the Joanna Brady series perennial bestsellers, this latest entry featuring the popular sheriff is sure to please J. A. Jance’s legion of fans.

Ali Reynolds Series (#14): The A List by J.A. Jance

 

In this timely “devilish page-turner” (People) from New York Times bestselling author J.A. Jance, Ali Reynolds learns that no good deed goes unpunished.

More than ten years after the sudden end of her high-profile broadcasting career, Ali Reynolds has made a good life for herself in her hometown of Sedona, Arizona. She has a new house, a new husband, and a flourishing cybersecurity company where her team of veritable technological wizards hunts down criminals one case at a time.

But the death of an old friend brings Ali back to the last story she ever reported: a feel-good human interest piece about a young man in need of a kidney to save his life, which quickly spiraled into a medical mismanagement scandal that landed a prestigious local doctor in prison for murder.

Years may have passed, but Dr. Edward Gilchrist has not forgotten those responsible for his downfall—especially not Ali Reynolds, who exposed his dirty deeds to the world. Life without parole won’t stop him from getting his revenge. Tattooed on his arm are the initials of those who put him behind bars, and he won’t stop until every person on that Annihilation List is dead in this white-knuckled thriller in which the “pace heats up, the body count rises, and violent surprises lurk in every chapter” (The Seattle Times).