Author: J.A. Jance
Published: April 1, 2025 by Gallery Books
Format: Kindle, 330 Pages
Genre: Mystery
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Ali Reynolds #18
Blurb: Chuck Brewster, the former business partner of Ali Reynolds’s husband B. Simpson, once carried on an affair with Clarice, B.’s first wife. So when he’s found murdered with Clarice standing nearby covered in blood, it seems an open and shut case.
But Clarice swears she’s innocent and begs for Ali’s help. At the same time, someone is targeting Camille Lee while she’s on the road for High Noon. Ali is swiftly running out of time to find the real killer and keep her employee safe in this high-octane thrill ride.
My Opinion: Figg shines brighter than ever in this series, cementing her place as my favorite character. With her sharp humor and cleverness, she is unquestionably the star of the show. Honestly, Ali Reynolds pales in comparison, often reduced to playing the role of traffic director as Figg steals the spotlight. If this series is to thrive, Figg deserves to be front and center, and I can only hope that Jance embraces her brilliance in future installments.
The book offers two compelling plotlines that keep the reader invested. Camille’s storyline, with its unexpected twists and turns, stands out as the more fascinating of the two. Meanwhile, the Brewster murder plot feels more straightforward—the culprit is almost too easy to deduce through a process of elimination. Nevertheless, Figg’s antics and razor-sharp wit carry the narrative forward, ensuring the plot remains entertaining even when predictability threatens to weigh it down.
What mars the experience slightly are Jance’s descriptions, which feel stuck in a bygone era. There’s a noticeable lack of modernity in the language that could benefit from a subtle, thoughtful update to appeal to contemporary readers. It’s a minor flaw, but one that stands out when juxtaposed with the fast-paced storytelling and engaging technology.
As for the future of the series, Figg is unquestionably its lifeblood—a character brimming with charisma, intelligence, and the kind of humor that keeps readers coming back for more. While Jance has yet to reveal where this journey is headed, one thing is certain: Figg belongs at the forefront of the action, leading the charge with her unique flair.
But Clarice swears she’s innocent and begs for Ali’s help. At the same time, someone is targeting Camille Lee while she’s on the road for High Noon. Ali is swiftly running out of time to find the real killer and keep her employee safe in this high-octane thrill ride.
My Opinion: Figg shines brighter than ever in this series, cementing her place as my favorite character. With her sharp humor and cleverness, she is unquestionably the star of the show. Honestly, Ali Reynolds pales in comparison, often reduced to playing the role of traffic director as Figg steals the spotlight. If this series is to thrive, Figg deserves to be front and center, and I can only hope that Jance embraces her brilliance in future installments.
The book offers two compelling plotlines that keep the reader invested. Camille’s storyline, with its unexpected twists and turns, stands out as the more fascinating of the two. Meanwhile, the Brewster murder plot feels more straightforward—the culprit is almost too easy to deduce through a process of elimination. Nevertheless, Figg’s antics and razor-sharp wit carry the narrative forward, ensuring the plot remains entertaining even when predictability threatens to weigh it down.
What mars the experience slightly are Jance’s descriptions, which feel stuck in a bygone era. There’s a noticeable lack of modernity in the language that could benefit from a subtle, thoughtful update to appeal to contemporary readers. It’s a minor flaw, but one that stands out when juxtaposed with the fast-paced storytelling and engaging technology.
As for the future of the series, Figg is unquestionably its lifeblood—a character brimming with charisma, intelligence, and the kind of humor that keeps readers coming back for more. While Jance has yet to reveal where this journey is headed, one thing is certain: Figg belongs at the forefront of the action, leading the charge with her unique flair.
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