In this 23rd book in the 'J.P. Beaumont' series, the detective investigates the death of a prickly journalist. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
J.P. Beaumont (Beau) was a Seattle homicide detective for decades until his elite squad broke up about a year ago and he retired. Now the septuagenarian detective and his younger wife Melissa Soames (Mel) - who's the Chief of Police in Bellingham, Washington - divide their time between their house in Bellingham and their condo in Seattle.
Beau is contemplating how depressing retirement is when a 'case' falls into his lap. Beau and Mel are having dinner in a Seattle restaurant when Beau's old nemesis, crime journalist Maxwell Cole, hobbles up to their table. Clearly in poor health, Cole says he'd like to speak with Beau. Beau agrees to meet, but Cole dies in house fire before that can happen.
The authorities determine that the fire was accidental, but Cole's goddaughter Erin Kelsey suspects foul play....and asks Beau to investigate. As it happens Beau knows Erin, whom he rescued from a killer many years ago. Even before that, however, Erin had a tragic history. She was orphaned as a child; raised by people who - unknown to her - were illegal custodians; lost her 'mother' to a killer; and became estranged from her 'father' when the truth about her parentage came out.
Beau agrees to look into Maxwell Cole's death, and discovers that the fire that killed him was arson.
The detective also learns that the journalist was writing a book about old crimes he'd covered....and may have been about to expose police corruption. When additional deaths occur, it's obvious that SOMEONE is desperate to hide something.
Meanwhile, Mel is dealing with an officer involved shooting. The 'victim' - a violent wife beater and dog abuser - was barely wounded, but the case still requires her attention. On the upside, Mel gets temporary custody of the dog, a huge wolfhound named Rambo.
For Beau, Rambo is just what the doctor ordered. The retiree hurries out to buy dog food, a dog bed, a doggie door, etc.....and his doting care of the big pooch is amusing and touching. A scene where motorists think Rambo is driving the car down the highway adds a touch of fun. When Beau and Rambo befriend a homeless man and his pit bull, it's a good investment for the future.
In Beau's personal life he dines and socializes with his wife; drives his adult son to the oral surgeon; lunches with his beautiful French daughter-in-law; provides some good advice; and catches up with old colleagues and acquaintances.
Rating: 3 stars
No comments:
Post a Comment