Barb's Book Reviews: Review of "Dead Wrong: A Sheriff Joanna Brady Novel of Suspense" by J.A. Jance

Monday, January 7, 2019

Review of "Dead Wrong: A Sheriff Joanna Brady Novel of Suspense" by J.A. Jance

In this 12th book in the 'Sheriff Joanna Brady' series, the law enforcement officer has to deal with two big cases while she's nine months pregnant. The novel can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters and story arc is a plus.

*****

Sheriff Joanna Brady of Cochise County, Arizona is almost ready to give birth, but that doesn't slow her down. With one deputy out on sick leave and others fighting for their country, Joanna feels obligated to pick up the slack herself - even if it means squeezing into a (currently) too small Kevlar vest.

There's a lot going on in the region, with illegal immigrants flowing over the border; dead pit bulls being found in the desert; and a homicide to solve. The murder victim, Bradley Evans, was imprisoned for 25 years for killing his wife in a drunken stupor. Since his release, Evans has been working with the prison ministry and living a clean, quiet life. Now his dead body has been found - with all the fingers cut off!

The bizarre killing is of special interest to Joanna because her late father - Sheriff Lathrop - was the officer who originally arrested Evans. Moreover, Lathrop's newly unearthed diaries indicate that he doubted Evans' guilt. As Joanna and her team investigate the murder, some secrets come to light - both about the case and Joanna's dad.

While this is going on, Joanna's Animal Control Officer, Jeannine Phillips, takes it upon herself to stake out the ranch of the O'Dwyer brothers. The nasty, foul-mouthed O'Dwyers are suspected of running an illegal dog-fighting ring, which might explain the dead pit bulls in the area.

Unfortunately Officer Phillips ends up raped, horribly beaten, and fighting for her life. Outraged and distressed, Joanna is determined to bring the culprits to justice.

To add to Joanna's troubles, her husband Butch's parents - who live on the other side of the country - show up unexpectedly.....to wait for the new baby to arrive. Joanna's mother-in-law is an interfering busybody who disrupts the household, sticks her nose (and hands) into everything, and mouths off in public. Joanna tries to be patient, but it's a tough row to hoe.

Popular recurring characters make an appearance in the story, including: Joanna's teenage daughter Jenny - who hides out with the pets to avoid the in-laws; Joanna's best friend, Reverend Marianne Maculyea - who dispenses good advice; the medical examiner Dr. George Winfield - who's happily married to Joanna's difficult mother; Joanna's deputies and detectives - a smart, hard-working bunch; Junior - a mentally challenged man-child who works in his family's restaurant; and more.

By the time Joanna's cases are solved, she's dealt with an abandoned python; 'jailed' a bunch of homeless pit bull puppies; faced off against vicious thugs; demonstrated her sharp-shooting skills; and chosen a name for the new baby.

I enjoyed the book, which is a good police procedural and a compelling family story. Recommended to readers who like mysteries, especially Joanna Brady fans.

Rating: 3 stars

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Barb's Book Reviews

Monday, January 7, 2019

Review of "Dead Wrong: A Sheriff Joanna Brady Novel of Suspense" by J.A. Jance

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