Barb's Book Reviews: Review of "Deadly Stakes: An Ali Reynolds Mystery" by J.A. Jance

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Review of "Deadly Stakes: An Ali Reynolds Mystery" by J.A. Jance

In this 8th book in the 'Ali Reynolds' series, the journalist/amateur sleuth investigates two murders. The novel can be read as a standalone.

*****

Beautiful divorcee Gemma Ralston, stabbed and paralyzed, dies a horrible slow death in the Arizona desert.

Teenager A.J. Sanders - looking for buried treasure as instructed in a secret letter from his ex-convict, absentee father - happens to be on hand at the end of Gemma's life. The teen texts for help then flees the scene of the crime.

Turns out Gemma was the grasping, money-hungry ex-wife of Alzheimer expert Dr. Chip Ralston. Before long, Chip and his new girlfriend Lynn Martinson become prime suspects, and are arrested for murder.

Soon afterward the body of A.J.'s dad, James Sanders, is found in the desert. Are the crimes connected?

Police detectives investigate as does journalist/amateur detective Ali Reynolds. Ali soon discovers that murdered ex-con James Sanders, a low-salary handyman, had been throwing around a lot of money lately. Did this lead to his death?

Familiar series characters make an appearance, including Ali's mom, boyfriend, cop friends, and computer hacker Stuart Ramey.

To me, extensive scenes of Stuart's data mining and illicit hacking are tedious but computer nerds may enjoy them. Ali carries on questioning persons of interest, has her life threatened by dangerous bad guys, and eventually solves the crime.

This is an okay escapist mystery, good for a few hours of light entertainment.

Rating: 3 stars

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Barb's Book Reviews

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Review of "Deadly Stakes: An Ali Reynolds Mystery" by J.A. Jance

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