Book Review: Kiss of the Bees

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

[5 stars]

Kiss of the Bees Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
J. A. Jance
Class/Genre: Mystery Ethnic Thriller Serial Killer
Series: Brandon Walker # 2
Avon, Jan 2000, $24.00, 389 pp.

The evil that men do linger long after they have departed this planet. The Tohono O’othhham Nation near Tucson believes that evil is transferred from soul to soul. They may be right when on considers the activities of Andrew Carlisle and Mitch Johnson. Both of them went to the penitentiary for multiple murders. In the case of Andrew, Diana Ladd Walker was responsible for sending the killer to jail for two life sentences after he failed in his attempt to murder her. Her spouse Brandon was responsible for putting away Mitch for killing several Mexicans. In prison, the malevolent duo makes a pact to enact vengeance on the Walkers.

To Mitch’s surprise and delight, he is freed after serving the minimum sentence. By the time he reaches Tucson, his friend is dead. Mitch remains the focus to carry out their diablical quest. His target is the youngest Walker child, sixteen years old Lani, who he successfully kidnaps. As a manhunt ensues, the teenage victim calls on her Native American powers in an effort to survive a monster.

KISS OF THE BEES is in no way similar to J.A. Jance’s beloved Beaumont or the delightful Brady series. This time, Ms. Jance focuses on a thriller that allows the reader to look inside the mind of an evil essence, which she interweaves within the Native American culture. The stunning story line chills the audience, as many characters believe in malevolent spirits that have rocked the earth from the start of humanity. Anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking serial killer tale within a Native American mythos will gain full pleasure from Ms. Jance’s latest work.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner