by J. A. Jance
Part of J.P. Beaumont, book 1
First published 2009
Seattle Homicide Detective J.P. Beaumont faces the worst kind of case when a child is murdered. The investigation pulls Beaumont into the dark corners of the city as he works to identify the killer and build a case that will hold up in court. Beaumont must navigate the complexities of police procedure while dealing with the emotional weight of a crime that strikes at the heart of innocence. The detective's pursuit of justice becomes personal as he confronts the reality that some crimes leave scars on everyone they touch. This case will test Beaumont's skills as an investigator and his ability to maintain his humanity in the face of unthinkable violence. The story explores how those who seek justice must find ways to carry on when confronted with the very worst of human behavior.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, detective
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: emotional-weight, personal-stakes, pursuit-of-justice
Setting: Seattle
Period: Contemporary
336 pages · ebook · William Morrow Paperbacks
Content warnings: child-death, violence