Book Review: Damage Control

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

Damage Control     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
J. A. Jance
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Police Procedural   Woman Main Character
Series: Joanna Brady # 13
William Morrow, 2008, 373 pps.

Alfred and Martha Beasley take a little trip to the Montezuma Pass Overlook. The couple is very elderly and reminisced on the way about when they bought their car years ago, about their estranged daughters and other things that have played a big part in their lives. When reaching the Overlook the two set out for a little picnic. They are a lovely couple and a happy sight to see.

But when Arizona Sheriff Joanna Brady hears about the incident it is with horror. The couple has had an accident and now their car and bodies are at the bottom of the mountain. There is no way to get to the scene without a chopper and Joanna has to play her cards right to get the cooperation of Fort Huachuca Search and Rescue to assist with the helicopter rescue. Before Joanna can even get the investigation under way the two Beasley sisters wind up in a public place in a brawl and end up not only assaulting each other but also the officers attempting their arrest.

Joanna is dealing with bad weather, a new baby that is keeping her sleep-deprived as well as a husband who is trying his best to hold down the fort at home with the help of Joanna’s daughter Jenny. Butch, Joanna’s husband, is on a deadline to finish his book and his editor is insisting that he go on tour. Joanna and Butch’s renters have skipped out leaving Joanna and Butch holding the bag not only with a bad check but the rental house will have to be completely done since the renter trashed it. Joanna’s mother is trying to lend a hand but since Joanna and her mother don’t have the best relationship Joanna is suspicious of her mother’s intentions.

Next, a young boy finds a girl’s body in a bag in the dessert which leads to even more confusion. The girl is identified but finding her killer is not going to be easy.

All the balls Joanna has to juggle makes for an intense, exciting story and one of the best Jance novels I have read to date.

Pat Reid - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Pat Reid - RAM