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Joanna Brady #21
The Girl from Devil's Lake: A Brady Novel of Suspense
Arizona County Sheriff Joanna Brady solves her biggest case yet, from a body in the desert to crimes spanning decades and countries, in the thrilling latest installment in the New York Times bestselling suspense series.
Sheriff Joanna Brady is looking forward to the holidays with her busy family, and to celebrating her daughter Jenny’s graduation from the police academy. But the family is interrupted when a body is discovered beneath a flooded bridge in the Arizona desert, and Joanna is called onto the case. A young boy was murdered, and the details of the crime scene tell Joanna two This was not the killer’s first murder. And it’s only a matter of time before he kills again.
As Joanna digs deeper into the case, she begins to understand this murder is just one piece of a much, much bigger puzzle. She uncovers unlikely connections between cases of mysterious deaths and missing persons, having long since gone cold, that extend far beyond the confines of her small town and include the discovery of a body near Devil’s Lake, North Dakota. To get justice for the victims and to save the town of Bisbee from a predator, Joanna must chase down every dangerous lead.
Meanwhile, as a dogged journalist is circling the case and privileged information is leaked, Joanna can’t be sure who to trust. Could a prolific killer be hiding in plain sight? And how far will that person go to keep his many crimes hidden?
Sheriff Joanna Brady is looking forward to the holidays with her busy family, and to celebrating her daughter Jenny’s graduation from the police academy. But the family is interrupted when a body is discovered beneath a flooded bridge in the Arizona desert, and Joanna is called onto the case. A young boy was murdered, and the details of the crime scene tell Joanna two This was not the killer’s first murder. And it’s only a matter of time before he kills again.
As Joanna digs deeper into the case, she begins to understand this murder is just one piece of a much, much bigger puzzle. She uncovers unlikely connections between cases of mysterious deaths and missing persons, having long since gone cold, that extend far beyond the confines of her small town and include the discovery of a body near Devil’s Lake, North Dakota. To get justice for the victims and to save the town of Bisbee from a predator, Joanna must chase down every dangerous lead.
Meanwhile, as a dogged journalist is circling the case and privileged information is leaked, Joanna can’t be sure who to trust. Could a prolific killer be hiding in plain sight? And how far will that person go to keep his many crimes hidden?
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Published September 30, 2025
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About the author
J.A. Jance
117 books4,174 followersJudith 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
Series:
* J.P. Beaumont
* Joanna Brady
* Ali Reynolds
* Walker Family
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
November 13, 2025
A serial killer is in the midst and its close to Joanna's home. When a young boy's strangled boys is discovered; Joanna races to find his killer. Also Jenny; Joanna's daughter now a newly minted officer may just have settling down on her mind 😉.
Solid 4.5 stars!!!!
Solid 4.5 stars!!!!
October 16, 2025
Excellent!! If you like the Joanna Brady series, you will love this book! I think it’s one of the best books of the series! It’s a great storyline, told from the viewpoints of Joanna Brady and the bad guy.
The suspect is a serial killer who has been killing for decades across the US, and finally in Mexico, which is when Joanna gets involved. The action really picks up as Joanna investigates and determines who the suspect is. The whole capture and arrest setup part of the story is absolutely excellent.
This book also provides a deeper look into the character of journalist Marliss Shackleford, Joanna’s annoying archnemesis. I even felt a little compassion towards her
in this book.
Great storyline, fast paced, really a great read!!
Thanks to William Morrow Publishers and NetGalley for providing the opportunity to read and review this book!
The suspect is a serial killer who has been killing for decades across the US, and finally in Mexico, which is when Joanna gets involved. The action really picks up as Joanna investigates and determines who the suspect is. The whole capture and arrest setup part of the story is absolutely excellent.
This book also provides a deeper look into the character of journalist Marliss Shackleford, Joanna’s annoying archnemesis. I even felt a little compassion towards her
in this book.
Great storyline, fast paced, really a great read!!
Thanks to William Morrow Publishers and NetGalley for providing the opportunity to read and review this book!
November 1, 2025
I just finished reading “The Girls from Devi’s Lake” by J. A. Jance, book twenty-one in the Sheriff Joanna Brady series. Of the four series Jance has written, this one remains my favorite. Perhaps it is because it was my introduction to her work, or maybe it is the familiarity I have with the setting that makes it feel so personal.
Normally, I steer clear of stories involving serial killers, but Jance focused more on Sheriff Brady’s investigation than on the killings themselves. The narrative was balanced with uplifting moments, including Joanna’s daughter’s wedding, which helped soften the weight of the decades-long crimes. I am already looking forward to the next installment.
I listened to this as an audiobook from Audible. It runs nine hours and fifty-two minutes, and Hilary Huber delivers a strong performance that complements the story beautifully.
Normally, I steer clear of stories involving serial killers, but Jance focused more on Sheriff Brady’s investigation than on the killings themselves. The narrative was balanced with uplifting moments, including Joanna’s daughter’s wedding, which helped soften the weight of the decades-long crimes. I am already looking forward to the next installment.
I listened to this as an audiobook from Audible. It runs nine hours and fifty-two minutes, and Hilary Huber delivers a strong performance that complements the story beautifully.
October 13, 2025
4.25 stars
Joanna Brady is a sheriff in southern Arizona and is looking forward to the upcoming holiday season. However, the body of a young boy is discovered after a flash flood. This case takes priority over Joanna's personal life, especially when evidence shows the killer has other victims and will strike again if not caught. The format of this book is a little different and there are multiple timelines for chapters told from the killer's point-of-view as he has killed through the years. This killer has no remorse, so some of those chapters are hard to read.
This is the 21st book in the Joanna Brady series and is available now. Even though this series has been going on for a while, I still think it would work as a standalone.
There is pressure on Joanna and her team to solve the case and local reporter and Joanna's nemesis, Marliss Shackleford, is right in the middle of the investigation. The book is suspenseful, but I thought the case wrapped up a bit too quickly to be realistic. However, I enjoy this series and liked catching up with Joanna and her family in this book. Most of the story is focused on the case, but there are some important developments included in the book.
This review also appearing on the Smitten by Books review site. I received an advance copy of this ebook from William Morrow Books and NetGalley for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Joanna Brady is a sheriff in southern Arizona and is looking forward to the upcoming holiday season. However, the body of a young boy is discovered after a flash flood. This case takes priority over Joanna's personal life, especially when evidence shows the killer has other victims and will strike again if not caught. The format of this book is a little different and there are multiple timelines for chapters told from the killer's point-of-view as he has killed through the years. This killer has no remorse, so some of those chapters are hard to read.
This is the 21st book in the Joanna Brady series and is available now. Even though this series has been going on for a while, I still think it would work as a standalone.
There is pressure on Joanna and her team to solve the case and local reporter and Joanna's nemesis, Marliss Shackleford, is right in the middle of the investigation. The book is suspenseful, but I thought the case wrapped up a bit too quickly to be realistic. However, I enjoy this series and liked catching up with Joanna and her family in this book. Most of the story is focused on the case, but there are some important developments included in the book.
This review also appearing on the Smitten by Books review site. I received an advance copy of this ebook from William Morrow Books and NetGalley for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
December 1, 2025
This book was a bit of a compliment sandwich for me. The opening wasn’t necessarily slow, but the writing style just didn’t capture me at first. Some of the dialogue felt stiff or unrealistic—not exactly juvenile, but there were moments where I thought, people don’t really talk like this.
But I kept going, and I’m glad I did.
The middle section is where the story really hits its stride. The dual POVs and dual timelines worked well, shifting between a boy’s first kill and how he evolves into a serial killer over decades, and the present-day investigation into the murder of a young boy. I especially appreciated that the book dives into the after of catching a serial killer—the full scope of the investigation, arrest, confessions, and evidence. Those details made the story feel grounded and genuinely engrossing.
My only real complaint is the ending. It felt a bit rushed, almost abrupt—I turned the page on my Kindle and genuinely thought there had to be more. I wanted just a little more closure. But this is part of a long-running series, so maybe that’s to be expected.
For context, this is the first Joanna Brady book I’ve ever read, and I had no issue following along without reading the previous installments.
Overall, a solid read with a strong core story and an ending that left me wanting a bit more. 3.75 stars.
But I kept going, and I’m glad I did.
The middle section is where the story really hits its stride. The dual POVs and dual timelines worked well, shifting between a boy’s first kill and how he evolves into a serial killer over decades, and the present-day investigation into the murder of a young boy. I especially appreciated that the book dives into the after of catching a serial killer—the full scope of the investigation, arrest, confessions, and evidence. Those details made the story feel grounded and genuinely engrossing.
My only real complaint is the ending. It felt a bit rushed, almost abrupt—I turned the page on my Kindle and genuinely thought there had to be more. I wanted just a little more closure. But this is part of a long-running series, so maybe that’s to be expected.
For context, this is the first Joanna Brady book I’ve ever read, and I had no issue following along without reading the previous installments.
Overall, a solid read with a strong core story and an ending that left me wanting a bit more. 3.75 stars.
October 25, 2025
The Joanna Brady series has been a solid 4 stars for me, and this 21st installment fits right into that range. I like Joanna. She is strong, confident, and gets deeply involved in her cases, as well as deeply involved in her family and community.
The story moves at a blazing pace when a murdered little boy is discovered. As Joanna searches for the killer, she stumbles onto something much larger, a slew of unsolved murder cases spanning decades.
The mystery is gripping as we get the lay of the land, but two things pulled me out of the story a bit. First, the killer's confession came far too fast and easy. For someone portrayed as cautious and intelligent, that moment didn't fit. The second thing is small but it's a pet peeve. The title did NOT fit. Sure, it sounds alluring but that is not what this book is about. It was annoying and felt a little lazy.
Still, I like this series and the characters. This one was creative and definitely not boring. So 4 stars.
The story moves at a blazing pace when a murdered little boy is discovered. As Joanna searches for the killer, she stumbles onto something much larger, a slew of unsolved murder cases spanning decades.
The mystery is gripping as we get the lay of the land, but two things pulled me out of the story a bit. First, the killer's confession came far too fast and easy. For someone portrayed as cautious and intelligent, that moment didn't fit. The second thing is small but it's a pet peeve. The title did NOT fit. Sure, it sounds alluring but that is not what this book is about. It was annoying and felt a little lazy.
Still, I like this series and the characters. This one was creative and definitely not boring. So 4 stars.
July 18, 2025
Sheriff Joanna Brady is busy with her family preparing for the holidays and the upcoming marriage of her daughter. All that is put on hold when the body of a young child is discovered. Clues suggest that this is not the first time the perpetrator has killed. As the mystery unfolds, Brady uncovers a nationwide trail of murders spanning decades.
I haven’t read a Jance novel in years, and despite this being the twenty-first Joanna Brady story, it is the first in the series that I have read. Credit the author that despite what must be a lot of background history for the repeating characters, this worked well as a standalone, and I really liked it.
This fast-paced and riveting read is a journey through different timelines, providing insight into the background and mind of a serial killer. That narrative parallels the police procedural, solving a murder that unexpectedly spirals into a much larger and more complex mystery. Throughout the story, the humanity of the victims and their families is never forgotten.
This reads like a true crime novel. I had to keep reminding myself that it was fiction. A five star read for me.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @WilliamMorrowBooks for the DRC.
I haven’t read a Jance novel in years, and despite this being the twenty-first Joanna Brady story, it is the first in the series that I have read. Credit the author that despite what must be a lot of background history for the repeating characters, this worked well as a standalone, and I really liked it.
This fast-paced and riveting read is a journey through different timelines, providing insight into the background and mind of a serial killer. That narrative parallels the police procedural, solving a murder that unexpectedly spirals into a much larger and more complex mystery. Throughout the story, the humanity of the victims and their families is never forgotten.
This reads like a true crime novel. I had to keep reminding myself that it was fiction. A five star read for me.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @WilliamMorrowBooks for the DRC.
October 20, 2025
I have read every book in the Joanna Brady series. I liked the flow of this book and the character development through the years in her books.
June 11, 2025
My NetGalley Review on the latest Joanna Brady (series), "The Girl From Devil's Lake".
Pub date: 30-Sep-2025. Rating: 5 stars.
A NetGalley review is one where the publisher provides an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of a to-be-published book to an approved reviewer. No compensation. No requirement for a "certain rating". The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
One of my favorite "police story" authors is J.A. Jance. She has several series in this genre, but my favorite is the Joanna Brady series. Twenty-first in the series is "The Girl From Devil's Lake". The synopsis is tantalizing. Two murders so much alike, but hundreds of miles apart. My first thought was a serial killer before I turned the first page.
I often wonder how an author does it. Write 21 books and keep the 'magic' of the story alive. But Jance does it. I could give you a taste of this well-written book ... sorry, I'm not gonna. You don't need it.
This one was a page-turner for me. A you-should-be-doing-stuff-not-reading book. Just about the time you *think* you know who or what or how? The story does a U-turn.
If you liked the Brady series, you're gonna love this one. Yes, I highly recommend "The Girl From Devil's Lake". Thank you to the publisher, William Morrow, for the advanced review copy.
Rating: 5 stars
Cover: Good — but could be a bit more spooky
Publish Date: 30 Sep 2025
#TheGirlfromDevilsLake #jajance #NetGalley #netgalleyreviewer
Pub date: 30-Sep-2025. Rating: 5 stars.
A NetGalley review is one where the publisher provides an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of a to-be-published book to an approved reviewer. No compensation. No requirement for a "certain rating". The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
One of my favorite "police story" authors is J.A. Jance. She has several series in this genre, but my favorite is the Joanna Brady series. Twenty-first in the series is "The Girl From Devil's Lake". The synopsis is tantalizing. Two murders so much alike, but hundreds of miles apart. My first thought was a serial killer before I turned the first page.
I often wonder how an author does it. Write 21 books and keep the 'magic' of the story alive. But Jance does it. I could give you a taste of this well-written book ... sorry, I'm not gonna. You don't need it.
This one was a page-turner for me. A you-should-be-doing-stuff-not-reading book. Just about the time you *think* you know who or what or how? The story does a U-turn.
If you liked the Brady series, you're gonna love this one. Yes, I highly recommend "The Girl From Devil's Lake". Thank you to the publisher, William Morrow, for the advanced review copy.
Rating: 5 stars
Cover: Good — but could be a bit more spooky
Publish Date: 30 Sep 2025
#TheGirlfromDevilsLake #jajance #NetGalley #netgalleyreviewer
October 31, 2025
If you like police procedural and or small town mysteries this one could be something for you. If you also like serial murders then it's also for you. The Girl from Devil's Lake by J.A. Jance is the latest in her Joanna Brady series and it's a well told story with two timelines, told in an unusal way. You get to follow the culprit through his life from early teens up until now but sheriff Brady is only in 2023. I usually don't like serial killer stories but I do like the works from this author. I have read everything so far that she has written.
September 29, 2025
Thank you for a copy of this book @williammorrowbooks
This was my first book from this authors and it will not be my last. This was an amazing thriller. The details in this story were top notch. I really enjoyed how the story was told through the killer Steve’s pov as well as Sheriff Joanna Brady’s pov. Learning how Steve grew up and how it all began was such a great part of the story. I was completely shocked with how easy everything was for him. He stuck to the same routine for years and never got caught. It was nice to hear about Joanna’s family life to break up the story a bit from the investigation. The cigar box was so detailed with each item that I was so impressed how it all came together at the end. Usually in stories once the killer is caught the book just ends. That was not the case in this one. I really loved how the author let us follow along to see what happens after the killer is caught. From the tip lines, news conferences and the arraignment, it was the perfect touch to wrap up the story. What a great book!
This was my first book from this authors and it will not be my last. This was an amazing thriller. The details in this story were top notch. I really enjoyed how the story was told through the killer Steve’s pov as well as Sheriff Joanna Brady’s pov. Learning how Steve grew up and how it all began was such a great part of the story. I was completely shocked with how easy everything was for him. He stuck to the same routine for years and never got caught. It was nice to hear about Joanna’s family life to break up the story a bit from the investigation. The cigar box was so detailed with each item that I was so impressed how it all came together at the end. Usually in stories once the killer is caught the book just ends. That was not the case in this one. I really loved how the author let us follow along to see what happens after the killer is caught. From the tip lines, news conferences and the arraignment, it was the perfect touch to wrap up the story. What a great book!
August 22, 2025
3.5⭐️ The Girl From Devil’s Lake was my first experience with the Joanna Brady series, and I was pleasantly surprised. Being from Arizona, I enjoyed all the Bisbee and Southern Arizona references. The mystery moved at a fast pace, and the final race against time had me hooked. I really appreciated the dual points of view, which offered great insight into both Sheriff Brady’s and Steven Roper’s motivations and thought processes. That said, Sheriff Brady did seem a little too lucky at times, which stretched believability. Overall, if you’re in the mood for a quick, engaging mystery, this new installment in the Joanna Brady series is worth picking up.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sending me an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for sending me an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 23, 2025
A Wild Ride with a Serial Killer
This book captured my attention from the beginning, particularly because of the different points of view. One of the POVs was the serial killer himself and the other was what was going on in the town and with the investigation by Sheriff Brady and her detectives. The pace was fast and the story maintained my interest from beginning to end. There are some twists and surprises that were unexpectedly sad, but they added to the story. The characters are relatable, even the villain who is made to show his humanity even though he is pure evil. This is a great read and a fantastic addition to the Joanna Brady series!
I checked out a copy of this book from the local library using the Libby App. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
This book captured my attention from the beginning, particularly because of the different points of view. One of the POVs was the serial killer himself and the other was what was going on in the town and with the investigation by Sheriff Brady and her detectives. The pace was fast and the story maintained my interest from beginning to end. There are some twists and surprises that were unexpectedly sad, but they added to the story. The characters are relatable, even the villain who is made to show his humanity even though he is pure evil. This is a great read and a fantastic addition to the Joanna Brady series!
I checked out a copy of this book from the local library using the Libby App. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
December 18, 2025
I enjoy all the books I read from this author. While a work of fiction, it reads like it’s ripped from the headlines and you are drawn in from the very first page. Steven Roper appears to be an upstanding and well-respected citizen. However, from childhood, he heard voices in his head that lead him to do unspeakable acts. With his job as a teacher, he has plenty of time and the means to travel the country plucking innocent victims and stealing their lives. Clever and cunning, he literally gets away with murder, many of them, until he doesn’t. Sheriff Joanna Brady has her hands full with this case. Can she unravel the mystery of who the killer is, give closure to the families of his victims and restore peace and justice to her jurisdiction? Read this book and see.
September 6, 2025
The Girl From Devil’s Lake is another thriller in the Sheriff Joanna Brady series. A body of a missing child sends Joanna down a trail after serial killer that spans decades. Told in alternating timelines, Joanna faces one of her worst cases yet as connections click and the full picture is grim with a large body count. Wonderful characters and a capitulating thriller prove once again why the series has been around for so long and promises to continue being as good as always. My voluntary and unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.
November 27, 2025
Having read every one of the this prolific author's novels, we certainly wouldn't care to miss the latest Sheriff Brady adventure. Unfortunately, the buildup on this one, nearly a third of the book, was rather dull, and then seemingly everything fell into place about a murder committed nearby; and the rest of the book was about identifying the serial killer involved for sure and could he be captured.
While as usual the writing was fine, the plot and tale in general seemed not as entertaining as in past Brady exploits...
While as usual the writing was fine, the plot and tale in general seemed not as entertaining as in past Brady exploits...
November 23, 2025
This book is missing that spark. The plot has a lot of promise but it gets stuck in a framework that still feels like an outline. It’s a very straight-forward murder mystery, a format which has worked well for this author in the past, however this one just doesn’t have the supporting elements to pull it off. There are character recaps, procedural fillers, and a couple of soft side-stories. They all start to feel like extraneous add-ons rather than meaningful layers. The writing is easy so I’ll try again, but this long-running series is now almost serial-like, the books are losing their power to stand alone.
October 25, 2025
Really good writing. Enjoyed the story even though the premise of solving the murders of so many people by one man, is pretty gruesome but glad for the way justice was done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2025
Oh boy!!! This is a terrific book with a truly horrible muurderer.
October 28, 2025
Of all the JA Jance series, the Sheriff Joanna Brady series stands out as my favorite. It skillfully weaves together the elements of a continuous family soap opera with police procedural elements, resulting in an engaging and thrilling read in every novel. In this latest installment, while Joanna is occupied with planning her daughter’s wedding, a gruesome discovery is made—the body of a young boy. This gruesome finding sets off a hunt for a clandestine serial killer who has been operating in the shadows for an extended period.
October 31, 2025
Always enjoy J.A.Jance’s novels. Like the Joanna Brady and J.P. Beaumont mysteries. This one was a Brady mystery. Good read, nice people and crazy awful serial killer case.
October 17, 2025
Always glad to read a JOANNA BRADY Mystery and this one was excellent. Sheriff Brady has come along way and this case is the biggest of her career.
October 30, 2025
I've always loved this series. The Girl from Devil's Lake is no exception. Well done.
October 26, 2025
I guess I’m in the minority here, but this novel just didn’t work for me. It felt like one long run-on sentence that never stopped — constantly repeating details that didn’t need to be repeated. So much focus was placed on the victims and the murders, yet the killer’s character was barely developed at all.
It also stretched credibility that the suspect was found so easily, and that after discovering multiple victims across state lines, the FBI was never involved. We’re supposed to believe a small-town sheriff solved the entire case in just a couple of weeks? It all felt pretty far-fetched.
On top of that, the story kept rehashing the victims’ causes of death and the killer’s M.O., to the point where it became tedious. There were even random mentions of people dying from COVID — three or four times — with no real purpose or connection to the plot. And honestly, I can’t understand why the book dragged on for another three hours after the suspect was arrested.
It also stretched credibility that the suspect was found so easily, and that after discovering multiple victims across state lines, the FBI was never involved. We’re supposed to believe a small-town sheriff solved the entire case in just a couple of weeks? It all felt pretty far-fetched.
On top of that, the story kept rehashing the victims’ causes of death and the killer’s M.O., to the point where it became tedious. There were even random mentions of people dying from COVID — three or four times — with no real purpose or connection to the plot. And honestly, I can’t understand why the book dragged on for another three hours after the suspect was arrested.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
I have read JA Dance books this is only after finishing I wasn't satisfied.The last 25% of book just rehashed the events of the the first 75%, which I really enjoyed .It got so redundant I skipped pages
April 14, 2025
You have to hand it to JA Jance for keeping the Joanna Brady books fresh through twenty volumes. We've seen Joanna Brady from her first day on the job, to becoming a seasoned police officer, and learning more about crime and evil than anyone should ever need to.
The mystery here is both far-reaching and close to home, which Jance balances beautifully. It starts with the discovery of the body of a young boy. In anyone else's hands, the murder of someone trying to make it across the Mexican border into the US would have been shrugged off. Brady's fin-honed observation skills tell her this isn't the first murder.
Clues are scant at first, and not a lot of people at the border want to talk to the police, whether they are Bisbee County team or the Mexican Federales. Yet, because of hard work and honest dealings, Brady has resources others don't. Some people network. Brady's ability to tragedy into found family (seen over multiple past novels) means she has connections others don't. This gets us to the suspected serial killer who has been active for decades with friends and acquaintances none the wiser.
It would be easier, of course, if Bisbee County's rank (in both senses of the word) journalist wasn't dogging the investigating team's every step. Still, Jance gives us some insight to Marliss Shackleford that, to my endless surprise, had me feeling compassion for the woman for the first time.
The pacing is just short of frantic once the body is discovered, which kept me thoroughly engaged all the way. The characterizations are consistent, and Brady also gets to be inspiring when she addresses her eldest daughter's police academy graduating class.
One of the begt I've read in this series. Highly recommended. My thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the opportunity to review.
The mystery here is both far-reaching and close to home, which Jance balances beautifully. It starts with the discovery of the body of a young boy. In anyone else's hands, the murder of someone trying to make it across the Mexican border into the US would have been shrugged off. Brady's fin-honed observation skills tell her this isn't the first murder.
Clues are scant at first, and not a lot of people at the border want to talk to the police, whether they are Bisbee County team or the Mexican Federales. Yet, because of hard work and honest dealings, Brady has resources others don't. Some people network. Brady's ability to tragedy into found family (seen over multiple past novels) means she has connections others don't. This gets us to the suspected serial killer who has been active for decades with friends and acquaintances none the wiser.
It would be easier, of course, if Bisbee County's rank (in both senses of the word) journalist wasn't dogging the investigating team's every step. Still, Jance gives us some insight to Marliss Shackleford that, to my endless surprise, had me feeling compassion for the woman for the first time.
The pacing is just short of frantic once the body is discovered, which kept me thoroughly engaged all the way. The characterizations are consistent, and Brady also gets to be inspiring when she addresses her eldest daughter's police academy graduating class.
One of the begt I've read in this series. Highly recommended. My thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the opportunity to review.
April 6, 2025
Thanks to William Morrow and Netgalley for this eARC.
Wow, I have followed the Joanna Brady series faithfully for years, and in The Girl from Devil's Lake Jance creates her most captivating novel in the series to date!
Joanna Brady faces her biggest challenge as she searches for a serial killer who has been operating in multiple states for numerous decades.
I was RIVETED and I read this book 📖 in one sitting - I cannot imagine any fan of police procedurals or mysteries doing otherwise!
If you haven't yet read Jance's Joanna Brady's series, start with this one, and like your favorite snack 🥨 food, I cannot imagine you can stop by reading just one - they are addictive, and this novel was... a perfect blend - not really a whodunit, but rather a "will this monster EVER be stopped?" type of a mystery.
Don't miss this one, mystery fans; it is a hand-down, standing ovation, 5 star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ winner (please excuse my mixed metaphors, I just really LOVE this mystery)! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Wow, I have followed the Joanna Brady series faithfully for years, and in The Girl from Devil's Lake Jance creates her most captivating novel in the series to date!
Joanna Brady faces her biggest challenge as she searches for a serial killer who has been operating in multiple states for numerous decades.
I was RIVETED and I read this book 📖 in one sitting - I cannot imagine any fan of police procedurals or mysteries doing otherwise!
If you haven't yet read Jance's Joanna Brady's series, start with this one, and like your favorite snack 🥨 food, I cannot imagine you can stop by reading just one - they are addictive, and this novel was... a perfect blend - not really a whodunit, but rather a "will this monster EVER be stopped?" type of a mystery.
Don't miss this one, mystery fans; it is a hand-down, standing ovation, 5 star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ winner (please excuse my mixed metaphors, I just really LOVE this mystery)! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
September 22, 2025
Book Review: The Girl from Devil’s Lake by J. A. Jance
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
I’ve been a fan of suspense for years, but few writers deliver the consistency, depth, and pacing that J. A. Jance does, and The Girl from Devil’s Lake is proof that even 21 books into a series, you can still be surprised, shaken, and completely hooked. This entry in the Joanna Brady series might just be one of the most layered, unsettling, and emotionally grounded installments yet—and it works brilliantly both for longtime fans and new readers alike.
The story opens with a body—a young boy found in a blue duffle bag beneath a flooded bridge in Arizona’s desert landscape. The crime is brutal, senseless, and instantly personal for Sheriff Joanna Brady, who is supposed to be celebrating her daughter Jenny’s graduation from the police academy. But this case doesn’t wait. And soon, it’s clear this murder is not isolated. It’s part of a decades-long nightmare stretching across states and even national borders. The real gut punch? The killer has been hiding in plain sight, masquerading as a respected teacher and community volunteer.
Jance makes a bold narrative choice by letting readers into the mind of the killer, Stephen Roper, from the very beginning. We meet him as a disturbed child in 1950s Minnesota, and we follow his evolution from his first kill at age 11 through decades of horror. At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted that much access to him. But as the novel unfolded, I saw the value in understanding the pathology behind the violence—not to excuse it, but to underscore the reality that monsters often wear human faces and live quiet lives. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that monsters don’t always look like monsters,” Joanna says at one point, and that quote stuck with me because it captures the terrifying heart of this book.
The tension ramps up as Joanna starts to connect dots others have missed. With the help of Mexican law enforcement, the FBI, and her loyal deputies, she begins unearthing a pattern that ties her small Arizona town to crimes across the country—including the titular murder near Devil’s Lake, North Dakota. Along the way, Jance shows her strengths: crisp procedural detail, nuanced character development, and the emotional weight of law enforcement work. Joanna isn’t just a badge. She’s a mother, a wife, a leader, and a woman constantly balancing her instincts with evidence, her grief with duty.
One of the novel’s quieter but deeply satisfying threads is Joanna’s evolving relationship with journalist Marliss Shackleford. For years, Marliss has been a thorn in Joanna’s side—sensationalist, invasive, and often reckless. But in this book, we get more dimension to her. Without giving anything away, there’s a moment of unexpected compassion that completely changed how I saw her. That’s what Jance does so well—she takes familiar characters and lets them grow, even after twenty-plus books.
What also stood out was the emotional core around Joanna’s daughter, Jenny. Seeing her follow in her mother’s footsteps, ready to start her own law enforcement career, gave the story a multigenerational pulse. Joanna’s speech at the graduation was one of my favorite moments—not just because it was proud and maternal, but because it underscored how much has changed in policing over the years. Joanna is self-aware, brutally honest about the job’s dangers, and still absolutely dedicated to the pursuit of justice.
The Girl from Devil’s Lake is not just a whodunit—it’s a “how the hell did no one see this” story. And it’s scary because of how real it feels. The killer doesn’t lurk in the shadows; he teaches high school. He volunteers with border charities. He smiles and blends in. That chilling normalcy makes the book all the more unsettling. Jance doesn’t glorify violence. She forces you to sit with it, to see its ripples across families, communities, and entire systems. The victims in this story—particularly the young boy found in the desert—are never lost in the background. Joanna is determined to bring them justice, no matter how long it takes or how far she has to dig.
By the final chapters, the pacing becomes relentless. The investigation tightens, secrets unravel, and Joanna is forced to make tough decisions that put her—and those around her—in danger. The resolution is satisfying without being neatly tied up, and the emotional fallout is handled with honesty and restraint. There’s one twist near the end I didn’t see coming, and it hit hard.
You don’t need to have read the other Brady novels to appreciate this one, but if you have, you’ll feel the weight of how far Joanna has come. You’ll recognize the names, the old scars, and the evolution of a woman who’s spent her life chasing truth and navigating grief. And if this is your first J. A. Jance book? Prepare to binge the backlist.
A suspenseful, deeply human, and expertly told thriller that proves Jance hasn’t lost a step—if anything, she’s only getting better. Highly recommended.
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
#TheGirlfromDevilsLake #JAJance #NetGalley #JoannaBrady #CrimeThriller #PoliceProcedural #WomensFiction #SuspenseNovel #MysteryReads #BorderCrimeFiction #SerialKillerStory #ARCReview #BookReview #MustRead2025
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
I’ve been a fan of suspense for years, but few writers deliver the consistency, depth, and pacing that J. A. Jance does, and The Girl from Devil’s Lake is proof that even 21 books into a series, you can still be surprised, shaken, and completely hooked. This entry in the Joanna Brady series might just be one of the most layered, unsettling, and emotionally grounded installments yet—and it works brilliantly both for longtime fans and new readers alike.
The story opens with a body—a young boy found in a blue duffle bag beneath a flooded bridge in Arizona’s desert landscape. The crime is brutal, senseless, and instantly personal for Sheriff Joanna Brady, who is supposed to be celebrating her daughter Jenny’s graduation from the police academy. But this case doesn’t wait. And soon, it’s clear this murder is not isolated. It’s part of a decades-long nightmare stretching across states and even national borders. The real gut punch? The killer has been hiding in plain sight, masquerading as a respected teacher and community volunteer.
Jance makes a bold narrative choice by letting readers into the mind of the killer, Stephen Roper, from the very beginning. We meet him as a disturbed child in 1950s Minnesota, and we follow his evolution from his first kill at age 11 through decades of horror. At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted that much access to him. But as the novel unfolded, I saw the value in understanding the pathology behind the violence—not to excuse it, but to underscore the reality that monsters often wear human faces and live quiet lives. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that monsters don’t always look like monsters,” Joanna says at one point, and that quote stuck with me because it captures the terrifying heart of this book.
The tension ramps up as Joanna starts to connect dots others have missed. With the help of Mexican law enforcement, the FBI, and her loyal deputies, she begins unearthing a pattern that ties her small Arizona town to crimes across the country—including the titular murder near Devil’s Lake, North Dakota. Along the way, Jance shows her strengths: crisp procedural detail, nuanced character development, and the emotional weight of law enforcement work. Joanna isn’t just a badge. She’s a mother, a wife, a leader, and a woman constantly balancing her instincts with evidence, her grief with duty.
One of the novel’s quieter but deeply satisfying threads is Joanna’s evolving relationship with journalist Marliss Shackleford. For years, Marliss has been a thorn in Joanna’s side—sensationalist, invasive, and often reckless. But in this book, we get more dimension to her. Without giving anything away, there’s a moment of unexpected compassion that completely changed how I saw her. That’s what Jance does so well—she takes familiar characters and lets them grow, even after twenty-plus books.
What also stood out was the emotional core around Joanna’s daughter, Jenny. Seeing her follow in her mother’s footsteps, ready to start her own law enforcement career, gave the story a multigenerational pulse. Joanna’s speech at the graduation was one of my favorite moments—not just because it was proud and maternal, but because it underscored how much has changed in policing over the years. Joanna is self-aware, brutally honest about the job’s dangers, and still absolutely dedicated to the pursuit of justice.
The Girl from Devil’s Lake is not just a whodunit—it’s a “how the hell did no one see this” story. And it’s scary because of how real it feels. The killer doesn’t lurk in the shadows; he teaches high school. He volunteers with border charities. He smiles and blends in. That chilling normalcy makes the book all the more unsettling. Jance doesn’t glorify violence. She forces you to sit with it, to see its ripples across families, communities, and entire systems. The victims in this story—particularly the young boy found in the desert—are never lost in the background. Joanna is determined to bring them justice, no matter how long it takes or how far she has to dig.
By the final chapters, the pacing becomes relentless. The investigation tightens, secrets unravel, and Joanna is forced to make tough decisions that put her—and those around her—in danger. The resolution is satisfying without being neatly tied up, and the emotional fallout is handled with honesty and restraint. There’s one twist near the end I didn’t see coming, and it hit hard.
You don’t need to have read the other Brady novels to appreciate this one, but if you have, you’ll feel the weight of how far Joanna has come. You’ll recognize the names, the old scars, and the evolution of a woman who’s spent her life chasing truth and navigating grief. And if this is your first J. A. Jance book? Prepare to binge the backlist.
A suspenseful, deeply human, and expertly told thriller that proves Jance hasn’t lost a step—if anything, she’s only getting better. Highly recommended.
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
#TheGirlfromDevilsLake #JAJance #NetGalley #JoannaBrady #CrimeThriller #PoliceProcedural #WomensFiction #SuspenseNovel #MysteryReads #BorderCrimeFiction #SerialKillerStory #ARCReview #BookReview #MustRead2025
October 30, 2025
If you are reading this review or any other review to assist you in determining if you would like to read The Girl from Devil’s Lake, I would just like to let you know that the story involves the violent murder of several young children, one as young as four years of age.
This is the 21st book in the Johanna Brady series and it is crime fiction and a police procedural. Johanna Brady is the sheriff of Bisbee in Cochise County in southern Arizona. Her family makes their appearance again in this title with her daughter from her first marriage graduating from the police academy. Jenny would a be 4th generation law enforcement officer. Joanna is chosen to address the graduating class. Jenny is also ready to marry Nick Saunders and Joanna must fit preparations for the upcoming nuptials in to her busy work schedule.. Joanna’s husband, Butch Dixon and their two young children are present in the story and there is mention of Joanna’s mother.
The body of a four year old boy is found in a duffle bag under a flooded highway bridge in Arizona. The cause of death for Xavier Francisco Delgado is determined to be manual strangulation. Sheriff Brady investigates the murder which eventually leads her to believe that this is not the killer’s first murder as she connects it to a number of cold cases. Each of the other bodies were discovered in bodies of water, all were killed by manual strangulation, the victims fully dressed, none sexually assaulted and there was something missing from every crime scene. Joanna believes the articles missing to have been taken as souvenirs by the serial killer. Later in her investigation, as she has a suspect in sight, she is able to find other similarities between the murders.
Murders with identical descriptions occurring in many different states, and victims that are children, young adults, and in one case an older person, with no connection to each other makes the plot interesting. Joanna realizes that the killer is a repeat offender when a young male victim is discovered with his clothes and shoes having been bathed in bleach after he was asphyxiated in an attempt to destroy any DNA evidence. We know the identity of the serial killer but good background information regarding his childhood and family helps the reader to better understand who he is rather than just what he does. Learning the Steven Roper’s first murder was at age eleven makes his last murder at age 76 even more profound.There is great detail paid to all of the souvenirs taken from the victims and the method of finding those victims using the missing items was ingenious. Information given about the timeline of DNA retrieval and use of CODIS was interesting and demonstrated how the connection of the murders could have gone undetected for so long as well as their importance in solving the crimes. How the evidence of the case was dispersed from the small town of Bisbee across several states through the media, emails, conferences and tip lines so that all comparable murder cases could be reported was gratifying.
It is amazing to read how Roper’s friends, acquaintances and co-workers are oblivious to his lies, his excessive disappearances, his fake goodwill.
An important character in the tale is Marliss Shackleford, a reporter who had a column in the local newspaper until it folded and then started a website with a twice weekly crime column in which she was a persistent critic of Sheriff Brady and her handling of the Cochise County Sheriff’s Department. Every heroine like Johanna Brady needs a good nemesis and Ms. Shackleford fits the bill.
I am confounded by the title of the book. The victim that was found near Devil’s Lake in North Dakota was just one of 100 murders committed by the serial killer and I’m not sure why it was singled out. It was not the first nor the last murder and was similar in all aspects to the other murders except for the first and the last.
Suspenseful and attention keeping, with a caring and dedicated female protagonist and a villain who is inhuman, the novel is a welcome addition to the series and a well worth read. I have read several books in the series and look forward to reading both the rest and the next.
I would like to thank NetGalley and William Morrow Publishers for an advance copy of The Girl from Devil’s Lake, This is my honest review of J.A. Janice’s book.
This is the 21st book in the Johanna Brady series and it is crime fiction and a police procedural. Johanna Brady is the sheriff of Bisbee in Cochise County in southern Arizona. Her family makes their appearance again in this title with her daughter from her first marriage graduating from the police academy. Jenny would a be 4th generation law enforcement officer. Joanna is chosen to address the graduating class. Jenny is also ready to marry Nick Saunders and Joanna must fit preparations for the upcoming nuptials in to her busy work schedule.. Joanna’s husband, Butch Dixon and their two young children are present in the story and there is mention of Joanna’s mother.
The body of a four year old boy is found in a duffle bag under a flooded highway bridge in Arizona. The cause of death for Xavier Francisco Delgado is determined to be manual strangulation. Sheriff Brady investigates the murder which eventually leads her to believe that this is not the killer’s first murder as she connects it to a number of cold cases. Each of the other bodies were discovered in bodies of water, all were killed by manual strangulation, the victims fully dressed, none sexually assaulted and there was something missing from every crime scene. Joanna believes the articles missing to have been taken as souvenirs by the serial killer. Later in her investigation, as she has a suspect in sight, she is able to find other similarities between the murders.
Murders with identical descriptions occurring in many different states, and victims that are children, young adults, and in one case an older person, with no connection to each other makes the plot interesting. Joanna realizes that the killer is a repeat offender when a young male victim is discovered with his clothes and shoes having been bathed in bleach after he was asphyxiated in an attempt to destroy any DNA evidence. We know the identity of the serial killer but good background information regarding his childhood and family helps the reader to better understand who he is rather than just what he does. Learning the Steven Roper’s first murder was at age eleven makes his last murder at age 76 even more profound.There is great detail paid to all of the souvenirs taken from the victims and the method of finding those victims using the missing items was ingenious. Information given about the timeline of DNA retrieval and use of CODIS was interesting and demonstrated how the connection of the murders could have gone undetected for so long as well as their importance in solving the crimes. How the evidence of the case was dispersed from the small town of Bisbee across several states through the media, emails, conferences and tip lines so that all comparable murder cases could be reported was gratifying.
It is amazing to read how Roper’s friends, acquaintances and co-workers are oblivious to his lies, his excessive disappearances, his fake goodwill.
An important character in the tale is Marliss Shackleford, a reporter who had a column in the local newspaper until it folded and then started a website with a twice weekly crime column in which she was a persistent critic of Sheriff Brady and her handling of the Cochise County Sheriff’s Department. Every heroine like Johanna Brady needs a good nemesis and Ms. Shackleford fits the bill.
I am confounded by the title of the book. The victim that was found near Devil’s Lake in North Dakota was just one of 100 murders committed by the serial killer and I’m not sure why it was singled out. It was not the first nor the last murder and was similar in all aspects to the other murders except for the first and the last.
Suspenseful and attention keeping, with a caring and dedicated female protagonist and a villain who is inhuman, the novel is a welcome addition to the series and a well worth read. I have read several books in the series and look forward to reading both the rest and the next.
I would like to thank NetGalley and William Morrow Publishers for an advance copy of The Girl from Devil’s Lake, This is my honest review of J.A. Janice’s book.
October 1, 2025
J. A. Jance proves once again why she remains one of the most reliable voices in crime fiction with The Girl from Devil’s Lake, a dark, suspenseful, and deeply unsettling thriller. At its core, this novel tells the story of a serial killer who slipped through the cracks of justice and was able to claim far too many victims over the years. The narrative is not just about catching a murderer—it’s about the terrifying ways evil can hide in plain sight, disguised as an ordinary, trusted figure in the community.
From the opening scenes, Jance sets the tone with an atmosphere that is both eerie and relentless. The crimes themselves are chilling, but what elevates this story is the way the author explores the psychology of both the killer and those affected by his actions. The unsettling realization that this man could be someone as unassuming—and as trusted—as a teacher makes the narrative cut even deeper. It raises questions about how well we ever really know the people around us, and how often we miss the warning signs hiding beneath a polished exterior.
The structure of the novel keeps the tension sharp. Each chapter reveals new details and perspectives, drawing readers further into the darkness while also weaving in the voices of investigators, survivors, and the community shaken by fear. The killer’s presence lingers throughout the book like a shadow, and though he may try to blend into normalcy, the reader never forgets the horror of what he’s done. That contrast between his façade and his crimes is one of the book’s most powerful elements.
What also stands out is Jance’s ability to balance suspense with humanity. The victims in this story are never reduced to statistics; instead, they are remembered, their voices honored, their loss felt. The emotional weight adds depth to the narrative, making the pursuit of justice not just a procedural necessity but a moral demand. Readers become invested not only in uncovering the truth but also in seeing justice delivered for those silenced too soon.
Beyond the central mystery, The Girl from Devil’s Lake explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the fragility of safety. It asks difficult questions: How much do we really know about the people we welcome into our schools, our neighborhoods, our lives? How many monsters hide behind the mask of respectability? These thematic undercurrents keep the novel resonant long after the final page, transforming it from a simple whodunit into a powerful meditation on hidden evil.
Stylistically, Jance writes with precision and purpose. The pacing is measured but never slow, with tension building in careful increments until the story becomes impossible to put down. Her ability to craft both chilling suspense and fully realized characters is on full display here. Readers feel both the creeping dread of being in the killer’s orbit and the determination of those committed to bringing him down.
The Girl from Devil’s Lake is not just a thriller—it’s a haunting exploration of how ordinary lives can be disrupted, manipulated, and shattered by someone hiding in plain sight. With gripping prose, nuanced characters, and a story that lingers in the mind, J. A. Jance delivers a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. Fans of psychological suspense, true-crime-inspired fiction, and richly atmospheric mysteries will find themselves utterly captivated.
From the opening scenes, Jance sets the tone with an atmosphere that is both eerie and relentless. The crimes themselves are chilling, but what elevates this story is the way the author explores the psychology of both the killer and those affected by his actions. The unsettling realization that this man could be someone as unassuming—and as trusted—as a teacher makes the narrative cut even deeper. It raises questions about how well we ever really know the people around us, and how often we miss the warning signs hiding beneath a polished exterior.
The structure of the novel keeps the tension sharp. Each chapter reveals new details and perspectives, drawing readers further into the darkness while also weaving in the voices of investigators, survivors, and the community shaken by fear. The killer’s presence lingers throughout the book like a shadow, and though he may try to blend into normalcy, the reader never forgets the horror of what he’s done. That contrast between his façade and his crimes is one of the book’s most powerful elements.
What also stands out is Jance’s ability to balance suspense with humanity. The victims in this story are never reduced to statistics; instead, they are remembered, their voices honored, their loss felt. The emotional weight adds depth to the narrative, making the pursuit of justice not just a procedural necessity but a moral demand. Readers become invested not only in uncovering the truth but also in seeing justice delivered for those silenced too soon.
Beyond the central mystery, The Girl from Devil’s Lake explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the fragility of safety. It asks difficult questions: How much do we really know about the people we welcome into our schools, our neighborhoods, our lives? How many monsters hide behind the mask of respectability? These thematic undercurrents keep the novel resonant long after the final page, transforming it from a simple whodunit into a powerful meditation on hidden evil.
Stylistically, Jance writes with precision and purpose. The pacing is measured but never slow, with tension building in careful increments until the story becomes impossible to put down. Her ability to craft both chilling suspense and fully realized characters is on full display here. Readers feel both the creeping dread of being in the killer’s orbit and the determination of those committed to bringing him down.
The Girl from Devil’s Lake is not just a thriller—it’s a haunting exploration of how ordinary lives can be disrupted, manipulated, and shattered by someone hiding in plain sight. With gripping prose, nuanced characters, and a story that lingers in the mind, J. A. Jance delivers a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. Fans of psychological suspense, true-crime-inspired fiction, and richly atmospheric mysteries will find themselves utterly captivated.
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