Den of Iniquity

J.P. Beaumont #26

by J.A. Jance

New York Times bestselling author J. A. Jance returns with a new pulse-pounding suspense novel featuring beloved private investigator J. P. Beaumont as his investigation of a seemingly accidental death uncovers a complex web of evil.

Former Seattle homicide cop J. P. Beaumont faces trouble in the small town of Ashland, as both his personal and professional lives are thrown into turmoil. Beau’s daughter and son-in-law are having marital troubles, and his grandson, a senior in high school, shows up on his doorstep, wanting to live with Beau and his wife Mel as he finishes out the school year.

Meanwhile, a friend from his past asks for Beau’s help in looking into what appears to be an accidental death. A young man died of a fentanyl overdose, but those closest to him are convinced that he would never have used the drug, and that something much more sinister has happened. Beau agrees to unofficially reopen the case, and his investigation leads him to uncover similar mysterious deaths that all point to a most unlikely suspect.

As the case becomes more complicated than he could have imagined, and past and present mysteries collide, it will take everything Beau has to track down a dangerous vigilante killer.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Suspense

368 pages, Hardcover

First published September 10, 2024

About the author

Judith Ann Jance is the top 10 New York Times bestselling author of the Joanna Brady series; the J. P. Beaumont series; three interrelated thrillers featuring the Walker family; and Edge of Evil, the first in a series featuring Ali Reynolds. Born in South Dakota and brought up in Bisbee, Arizona, Jance lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington, and Tucson, Arizona.

Series:
* J.P. Beaumont
* Joanna Brady
* Ali Reynolds
* Walker Family

Reviews

[Teju A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a faithful follower of the series, but did very much enjoyed this one!

Someone's making homicides look like drug overdoses, leaving behind their signature that J.P is clocking! He's also having to deal with a new change in his household and doesn't know how its going to affect his new dynamic. Don't we all just love family 🙄

Solid 4 stars!

[Abibliofob · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite Seattle characters is back in Den of Iniquity by J.A. Jance. This time Beaumont has two separate cases to deal with both with a personal touch to them. I found this book well written as usually with the works of this author. I also thought it was one of the best in a while. It can't be easy wcoming up with a story when it's book 26 in a series. I can really recommend this one.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars
I've been reading this series for a long time and it's hard to believe that it's the 26th book in the series. J.P. "Beau" Beaumont was a Seattle Homicide Detective and is now a private investigator. His wife, Mel Soames, is the Chief of Police of Bellingham, Washington. A young man's grandmother hires Beau to prove that her grandson was killed and did not accidentally overdose. The grandmother points out something important she noticed regarding the case and Beau agrees that it's worth looking into. When Beau's own teenage grandson shows up at his door after a family crisis, Beau agrees to do some research on the new girlfriend of Kyle's father. Both cases turn out to be more complicated than it first appeared, and each have surprising, satisfying conclusions.

The book has a nice balance of Beau investigating his cases, Mel dealing with a difficult case, and touching scenes of Beau and Mel getting to know Kyle better and adjusting to life with a teenager. The resolution of one of Beau's cases relies a little too much on coincidence, but it's still an interesting and suspenseful book. I enjoy spending time with Beau and Mel and Kyle is a welcome addition to the mix. (Note: the book takes place in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic, so it's mentioned a few times in the story.)

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and William Morrow Books. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.P. Beaumont a retired cop and P.I. is informed by a friend that needs help in a death that was ruled accidental. The Victim died of a fentanyl overdose....he was never on any drugs.

Beaumont discovers other similar cases. there were more than three; now he is dealing with a serial killer. The case becomes very complicated.

Great book!! I could not put it down.

Thanks to William Morrow for sending me a finished copy.

[Karen Wegman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. Ms Jance, once again, well done. I have read every one of your J P Beaumont books and I enjoyed this one just as much as the first in the series. My mother was a fan of yours, I am a fan and now I have introduced your books to my daughter.
Thank you for many years of reading enjoyment.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Den of Iniquity, the latest Beaumont mystery, protagonist Beau grapples with two deeply personal cases, desperately searching for answers as readers become acutely aware of his dwindling time. While the author could have more effectively integrated the looming shadow of the pandemic, the book remains a highly entertaining procedural.
An elderly woman implores Beaumont to investigate her grandson's fentanyl overdose death, dismissed by the police as an accident two years prior. Convinced of foul play, she urges Beau to delve deeper. As he investigates, Beaumont uncovers disturbing patterns in the records of several individuals whose overdose deaths were similarly labeled as accidents or suicides. This intriguing blend of a personal investigation and a broader societal issue kept me hooked throughout. This was my first encounter with this author, and I'm eager to dive into the series from the beginning. Beaumont is a truly compelling character, and the writing is undeniably engaging. A special mention goes to audiobook narrator Mike Ortego, who brought Beaumont to life with his exceptional performance.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I love this author's books - her primary characters are so believable/realistic. This upcoming book was loaned to me via #netgalley and the publisher and I can honestly say if you like her JP Beaumont series (in Seattle), you'll love this one so mark it 'to read' when it is released. It was so good i ignored everything on my to-do list and read the whole thing yesterday. JP is a bit older and smarter here and is now a semi-retired private investigator. In this novel, his family is directly and indirectly involved in the plot and as always, the ending is satisfying on several levels.

[Rod Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My introduction to this series - fast paced and intriguing, with a detailed look at the Seattle area and enough family drama to give the investigator a human face.

Several local fentanyl overdoses look like they may be homicides in disguise. Following a trail of clues common to all the cases, P. I. J P Beaumont teams with police and families to track down the culprit. His gentle approach paints a sympathetic image of crime solving.

The likable characters and compelling story made this an enjoyable introduction to a series I look forward to following.

[Gloria ~ mzglorybe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opening a Jance novel is for me, like opening a box of chocolates. You don't quite know what you will get but you know it will be tasty. I always look forward to any of her novels as I have read them all through the years, all her series, and know all her characters. It is like visiting with old friends. I have often recommended and gifted sets of this series featuring JP Beaumont, aka Beau. He is my favorite of her characters.

This novel is set in 2020, pre-Covid. We find Beau enjoying his uncomplicated semi-retirement from law enforcement in this installment. He is a PI but finds plenty of time for his personal pleasures of walking his Irish Wolfhound, Sarah, and working his daily crossword puzzles. His wife Mel is still the Police Chief of Bellingham, WA, a subsidiary of Seattle and they have a loving, close relationship. This uncomplicated lifestyle is about to change as his 18-yr old grandson Kyle shows up on his doorstep with a tale of domestic problems at home and needing a place to stay.

Simultaneously, an old friend of JP's needs his help looking into a closed case of what was ruled an accidental overdose of fentanyl but may have actually been murder. As he gets started on this he uncovers other similar cases and before we know it he is on the trail of a serial killer. JP has not lost his sleuthing capabilities, pulling us into his journey.

As for me, I mostly enjoyed the personal side of JP's story in this one, his support of and growing relationship with his grandson Kyle and witnessing the partnership JP and Mel have as a couple, as parents and as grandparents. The pre-Covid incidents we could relate to as well, the Costco runs, the zoom meetings, online classrooms, etc., but Beau is nothing if not witty and Kyle has fun bringing his Gramps "up to date" with current technology. Both my hubby and I enjoyed this.

A strong 3+ for this offering.
Release date is 9/10/24

#NetGalley #WilliamMorrowPublishing #jajanceauthor

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read all the JP Beaumont books and enjoy them. They're not terrible (one star), they're not the best books I've ever read (5 stars), but generally interesting, with good storylines and characters. This one is no exception and it's 3.5 stars for me.

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really solid mystery.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

new to me series

I have read several of J A Jance’s books featuring Ali Reynolds but this is the first in the Beaumont series. Set in the weeks before the Covid lockdown I was introduced to Beau, his wife Mel, a police chief and grandson Kyle who came to live with them when his parents split up.
A nice family, likable characters. Including references to things of personal interest to me; genetic genealogy research and quilts. as well as an excellent detective, I found it a very enjoyable read.
The tip that finally led to the identity of the killer was a stretch but I was okay with suspending disbelief for the sake of a good story.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great JP Beaumont Mystery!

JP rides to the rescue in this novel about cold cases and a grandson who comes to stay in Bellingham with him and Mel. The cold cases involve supposed suicides that one grandmother is convinced was murder, and when Beau is brought into the case, he has his work cut out for him. The clues are sparse at first, but the mystery is enticing as well as puzzling. Beau, in his usual inimitable and determined fashion, follows the clues and ends up with a huge case to solve. Meanwhile the second storyline with his grandson Kyle also includes the mystery of just who the woman is that Kyle’s dad is living with. Once again, Beau uses his unlimited and savvy resources and finds Caroline’s true identity. The story is riveting, the characters are believable and the setting of just when Covid broke out adds to the tension of solving the mystery quickly before lockdowns start happening. I have read all of the JP mysteries and this one is the best one yet! It gives some insight into Beau’s compassion and his loyalty to his family and his duty. Highly recommend!
I checked out a copy of this book from the local library. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved catching up with Beau Beaumont and his 3rd wife, Mel.

Beau, aka JP, is 76 in this book, which takes place in 2020. Mel, formerly a detective and colleague of Beau's back before he retired from the PD, is chief of police. Because Beau is now an old man (complete with adult grandkids), this book features lots of dog walks, phone calls for investigative purposes, internet reading, crossword puzzling, and eating take out. Honestly, I kept wanting Mel to suggest that Beau, who mostly works pro-bono, if at all, learn to cook. :) Or at least, since Mel is likely commuting/working 12 hours a day, Beau handle all meals -- even if they're 95% take-out. Those parts of the book -- and the parts about their grandson Kyle -- are charming and fill out the awesome story line behind the novel! I loved how Beau figured everything out AND personally spoke to victim families. The book does a great job of discussing victims advocates and how the surviving families are often left behind. Keep them coming, Judy Jance!

[Ellen]

Private Investigator J.P. Beaumont gets involved with an elderly woman who is convinced her son was murdered and was not a victim of a fentanyl overdose. As he delves deeper with a band of volunteer investigators, he learns of other fentanyl deaths that share similarities with his client's son. At the same time, J.P.'s grandson, Kyle, shows up on his doorstep, having left his father's home. J.P. and wife, Mel, take the grandson and unravel the mystery involving Kyle's father and his father's girlfriend.

[Golfergirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A police officer giving a frightened child a teddy bear was the catalyst that started an investigation into a series of drug related deaths. As well as a search for a murderer there are some very interesting family dynamics. JP Beaumonts grandson has come to live with him, unexpectedly. The reason for this is told as a sub story to the murder investigation. The story moves along steadily for both the suicide/murder investigation and the complicated family issues.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was the first book I've read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised! It was so good.

A retired police detective turned private investigator. He has some family drama while investigating a pro bono case. He gets quite involved in his case. Good mix of personal life and work life. Very interesting and I felt as if I was almost along for the investigation.

I will be recommending the author to my friends and looking for more of her books!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love ALL of the J.A. Jance series, so this 26th entry in the J.P. Beaumont series was an easy choice...Reflecting while reading, I found myself thinking, I'm aging right along with Beau as he delves into a couple of cases as a PI...One has a family connection and another features a series of fentanyl overdoses that may have been wrongly ruled as accidental...Could there be a serial murderer at work?...Fun J.P. Beaumont read as always!

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read of J A Jance and it won’t be the last. I enjoyed the story and how J. P. Beaumont solved the case. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series starting with book 1.

[Anna G McDonald · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not “thrilling.” Seems like a book Mimi would like. Classic day in the life of a detective for 368 pages

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two-haiku review:

Death ruled overdose
Mother certain it's murder
Beau investigates

Serial killer
Suspect a bit too easy
But entertaining

[Paige Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

iPad baby detective

[Vonny Hirchert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could give it a 3.75!

[karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like talking to an elder. Comforting and slow.

[Joanne Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

JP finds himself working on a cold case and a case for his grandson. This one take place at the start of 2020 before Covid started to have an impact. A really great read.

[Debbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

J. P. Beaumont at his best. Jance’s best character.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's such a pleasure to read a book that's so well written. This story was not especially thrilling but the investigation combined with the family dynamic kept me interested and wanting to read more.
This was my first book by this author but now I want to go back and start reading this whole series!
A solid 4 stars

[W. Frazier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought me to a complete comfort zone and popped me out of my book funk. The writing is smooth, the story develops in a clean flourish, and I could just sink into it all and enjoy myself. I would advise not to think too deeply on this one, there are not a lot of misdirects and it’s not overly complicated. It’s just an easy and engaging murder mystery that reminds me why I have picked up so many of Jance’s books. (Kindle review).

[Tommy Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot to like about this book: I enjoyed the setting in western Washington (really helped me visualize the scenes), the crotchety old P.I., and slow burn of chasing a serial killer through cold cases that builds to a satisfying climax. I did not correctly guess the killer in this book!