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Ali Reynolds #9.5

A Last Goodbye

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New York Times bestselling author J.A. Jance brings her trademark breakneck pace to this fun and exciting e-novella, where fan favorite Ali Reynolds takes on double responsibilities as both sleuth and bride.

Ali Reynolds is finally getting married to her longtime love B. Simpson. They wanted a simple Christmas Eve wedding, but nothing is ever simple with Ali. Even as a motley crew of her friends—Leland Brooks, Sister Anselm, and others—descend on Vegas, the bride-to-be finds herself juggling last-minute wedding plans and a mystery in the form of a stray miniature dachshund. Ali’s grandson rescues the little dog, but Ali’s not in the market for a new pet right before her honeymoon, and leaves no stone unturned in hunting for the dog’s owner. But what she finds is more than just a shaggy dog story…Bella’s elderly owner has vanished, and her son seems to be behind it. So it’s Ali and B. to the rescue—and still making it to the church on time!

51 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2014

970 people are currently reading
1439 people want to read

About the author

J.A. Jance

117 books4,176 followers
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

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5 stars
1,173 (35%)
4 stars
1,092 (33%)
3 stars
786 (23%)
2 stars
173 (5%)
1 star
78 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
Profile Image for Skip.
3,845 reviews585 followers
December 10, 2015
Personally, I am not a big fan of the in-between filler stories, but this was better than most. First, it covered a big event in Ali's life: her marriage to B. Simpson and all of the hullabaloo. Second, there was a cure little mystery involving her grandkids rescuing a miniature dachshund, and locating its owner. Jance's long personal history with dogs is described in the afterword.
Profile Image for Kathy.
919 reviews44 followers
November 10, 2014
A Last Goodbye is a lovely short Christmas novella featuring J.A. Jance's Ali Reynolds. Ali and her boyfriend B are getting married in Las Vegas over Christmas. If you have been following the Ali Reynolds series then this novella is not to be missed. It accomplished having a wedding without having to deal with it in a full novel. And it is a cute story for dog lovers as well.
Profile Image for Stephanie Hughes.
5 reviews
November 9, 2014
First let me say I love J A Jance! This is a very heart warming story. I love dogs my husband and I have three pit bulls they are wonderful loving breed of dogs. I was thrilled to see Ali and B getting married and can't wait to see what is in store for them n the future.
Profile Image for Bea .
2,037 reviews135 followers
December 8, 2014
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this story. I enjoy Jance's Joanna Brady books, didn't care for the one J.P. Beaumont book I read, and hadn't read any of the Ali Reynolds books. And could I jump in at book nine? But how could I resist that cover? That adorable face?

As it turns out, you can jump in with this book. For the regulars, it should be a nice gift, to see the wedding of the two main characters and to spend time with the other characters. Weddings are fun, especially for the guests, and this one is held in Vegas at Christmas. There's not a strong Vegas feel to the story but there are some nice details about the hotel they stay at and the amenities available.

For newbies such as myself, it was a good introduction to all of the characters and the story line was self contained. The wedding was sweet and Ali and her groom and business partner B. were interesting people. I loved that they were older, proving that neither romance nor interesting stories are the province of the young. They had rich back stories, sharp senses of humor, and while Ali was occasionally cranky, both she and B were full of compassion.

In addition to the wedding, we have the minor mystery of an abandoned dog. They take it in and care for it while trying to find its owner. Both Ali's grandkids and her fiance B fall head over heels for the dog while Ali wants no part of it. The last goodbye of the story has to do with the dog's storyline.

"A Last Goodbye" is a quiet story, low on drama and mystery, but a touching one about family, acceptance, and love. I think I'll look for book one in the series.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,446 reviews61 followers
November 9, 2014
I need to get past my dislike for half books and just accept the fact that author’s think that they are necessary. Unfortunately, this is still a work in progress for me and when it comes to The Last Goodbye by JA Jance, I am still at a loss and scratching my head. What did this book prove? What did it add to the overall series? Very little as far as I am concerned.

The first 20% rehashes her last book and reintroduces characters, which if the reader has been following the series, already know.

The next 70% briefly touches on flying to Las Vegas, Ali and B’s wedding, Christmas and trying to track down the owner of a dog that Ali’s grandson has brought up to their hotel suite the day before the wedding is to take place.

I am not sure if others will be as bothered by where the title came from, but that is so not what I was expecting from a series that usually has a twist and a really bad guy.

Oh, and the last 10% are acknowledgements.

Other than knowing that Ali and B are married, there is no reason for this book.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
74 reviews102 followers
November 30, 2014
As seen on my blog:

Hey, Folks!

Before I begin my critique, I want to express my sorrow at the recent passing of mystery writer P. D. James. The "Queen of Crime" was 94 and leaves us a lasting legacy of excellent prose by which to remember her. My thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones. On to the business at hand...

Now that Thanksgiving is over, and you're ready to trim the tree, are you looking for a short, lighthearted puzzle to get you in the Christmas spirit? J. A. Jance's latest Ali Reynolds novella "A Last Goodbye" may be just the vehicle to do it! In the interest of full disclosure, however, I must admit that I was given a digital review copy by Simon and Schuster, in exchange for my honest thoughts. My posts will never be anything but reflections of truthfulness.

When this story begins, Ali is finally ready to wed her long time significant other, B. Simpson. Las Vegas provides the perfect setting for a December 24th ceremony and everyone they hold dear is in attendance. However, it doesn't quite go as planned. The day before the event, Mr. Simpson takes his new grandchildren shopping, where they rescue a charming miniature dachshund. Grandma doesn't want to bring the new edition along on their honeymoon, so they search high and low for the dog's owner. Unfortunately, no one has seen her recently. Can they track her down in time, or will the nuptials be postponed?

I would recommend this volume to anyone who enjoys a good mainstream sleuthing session with famous names such as Mary Higgins Clark and Linda Fairstein. This is Ali Reynolds # 9.5, so if you haven't met these delightful characters, I would suggest starting at the beginning. The order is as follows:

"Edge of Evil" (Ali Reynolds #1)
"Web of Evil" (Ali Reynolds #2)
"Hand of Evil" (Ali Reynolds #3)
"Cruel Intent (Ali Reynolds #4)
"Trial by Fire" (Ali Reynolds #5)
"Fatal Error" (Ali Reynolds #6)
"Left for Dead" (Ali Reynolds #7)
"Deadly Stakes" (Ali Reynolds #8)
"Moving Target" (Ali Reynolds #9)
"A Last Goodbye" (Ali Reynolds #9.5)

It should be noted that the most recent addition to this series is currently ONLY available in electronic format. Those of you who prefer print will be forced to wait until December 30th, when it will be included in the paperback edition of "Moving Target." Sorry! I believe these books are intended for those sixteen years and older, with the usual amount of violence that is expected in a secular mystery. The only other caveat being that there might be a few off color words, but it should not detract from the entertainment provided by the plot, unless you happen to be sensitive to that content. My rating for "A Last Goodbye" is five out of five stars. This one can be loaded on your device instantly, so head to your favorite online retailer soon! Until we meet again…
Happy Reading,
Carolyn



Profile Image for Nancy Silk.
Author 5 books82 followers
December 31, 2014
"A Short But Good Story"

This is a short novella which moves right along with the wedding plans of Ali Reynolds and B. Simpson. They are in Las Vegas the day before their planned wedding at the Four Seasons Hotel. It's getting down to the wire, but B. takes Colleen and Colin, Ali's grandchildren, shopping while Ali rests comfortably in the soaking tub in their suite. It's 30 minutes before their dinner reservation when B. races in with the kids and the bellman who is loaded down with shopping bags. Also, wrapped in B.'s arms is a scared miniature longhaired dachshund that had been tossed out of a car onto the street, the car swiftly driven away. The kids are not about to turn the dog over to anyone, especially a dog pound. Arrangements have been made for a dog sitter while everyone attends the planned wedding rehearsal dinner. Ali has never had pets while growing up, and she just can't understand how she's going to cope with it on their honeymoon. She wants to find the owner for the little girl dog, so she and B. go to work gathering information while at the same time meeting all their obligations of the planned wedding for the next day. A short, sweet story which will bring a tear down your cheek. If you love dogs, you'll like this story.
Profile Image for Betty.
223 reviews10 followers
December 2, 2014


An excellent novella. Ali and B. Simpson are getting married in Las Vegas on Christmas Day. All of their guests are at the same five-star hotel. B. has taken his grandchildren-to-be shopping for their parent's Christmas gifts, and upon their return to valet parking a jerk throws a miniature dachshund out of his car and speeds off. Ali's young grandson runs into traffic to save the doggy from being killed. The poor little thing looks malnourished and abused, and B. takes the sweetheart back to his and Ali's suite. Ali has too much to do for the ceremony, and she isn't in the market for a dog, but will help B. find the animal's owner.

A very touching tale with the bonus of a wedding, children, and an animal. J. A. Jance can mesmerize the reader in a few pages as well as the longer format. Ms. Jance's characters are humanized, speak intelligent and clever dialogue, and the author's narrative is always spot on.

Betty Cox for ReaderToReader.com
Profile Image for Jean.
1,816 reviews803 followers
December 6, 2014
This is a short Christmas novella featuring J. A. Jane’s Ali Reynolds. Ali and B are getting married in Las Vegas over Christmas holidays. Ali’s grandson rescues a miniature dachshund that someone tossed out of a car but Ali is not ready for a dog as she will be leaving on her honeymoon. Ali and family leaves no stone unturned in searching for the dog’s owner.

The fast pace story accomplished having a wedding without having to deal with it as a full novel and it is a cute story for dog lovers as well. I understand the little dachshund is one of Jance’s own dogs and she decided to write a story featuring it. I read this as an audio book downloaded from Audible. Alisen Fraser narrated the book.
Profile Image for Pamela.
413 reviews9 followers
August 30, 2019
Sweet story, perfect for dog owners.

I read this story snuggled with my chihuahua, Dashiell. Really enjoyed the story and definitely had tears in my eyes when it ended. Everyone should be as kind as Ali and B. I also enjoyed the author’s stories about her dogs. My husband and I have 4 small rescues. Life would not be the same without them.
Profile Image for Cynthia T Cannon.
186 reviews
November 25, 2014
Great novella from one of my favorite writers.

I love J A Jances creative way of making her characters come alive and I love Bella. Look forward to meeting her again in Ali Reynolds novels.
Profile Image for Debra.
1,659 reviews79 followers
November 25, 2014
A wedding and a dog - sounds just about perfect to me.

Ms Jance ends with a remembrance of the dogs in her life - and how they ended up as book characters.
74 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2014
A last goodbyes

Fun read .Moving story for dog lovers.Touching story of how a dog had instincts to those who love or hate them
Profile Image for Anne - Books of My Heart.
3,857 reviews226 followers
October 29, 2016
This is a nice novella about the new dog in Ali's life as much as it is about Christmas and her wedding. If you aren't a fan of the series I don't know if you would care.
Profile Image for Joan.
2,797 reviews101 followers
September 8, 2023
Disappointing. Well-written, of course, as one expects from this author - but without plot.
Profile Image for TeriC.
508 reviews
July 3, 2015
Such a sweet dog story. Ali and B's Christmas gift.
Profile Image for Angela Simmons.
254 reviews18 followers
May 19, 2019
Rating: 3.5

Ali Reynolds believes that a Vegas wedding will be quick and simple with no fuss. But when her husband-to-be brings home a miniature dachshund that someone tossed out of a car, Ali finds herself as bride and sleuth as she tries to track down the dog’s owner and spend her honeymoon with her new husband.

A Last Goodbye was such a sweet and moving cozy little mystery.

While I was new to the Ali Reynolds series, I found that I was able to jump into this novella and get an amazing sense of the characters.

Ali wants a quick and simple Christmas Eve wedding. Things quickly change when her grandson rescues a dog and her husband-to-be, B., brings it back to the hotel. Even though Ali insists that the dog must go, she’s quickly embroiled in the hunt to find its owner and is slowly growing attached to Bella.

The way the hunt for Bella’s owner unfolded and the outcome was very touching and it made me stop and think about what happens to pets when their elderly owner is no longer able to care for them.

Overall, dog lovers will enjoy this quick and touching novella.
486 reviews
June 28, 2024
I have read the various characters written by JA Jance. I like Ali Reynolds the best. It’s been a number of years since I’ve read an Ali Reynolds book. This book, “A Last Goodbye” came up on FB. I’m a dog person so this book drew me to it.
I enjoyed the “novella” very much. I read it in one sitting. Now I am curious to read an Ali Reynold’s book and read about Bella. Reading this book refreshed me in most of the characters in the Ali Reynold’s books. As in her books, Ali with the help of her hubby B and their computer guru Stu solve the mystery of Bella and her owner. This book has a somewhat sad ending in that Bella’s owner is found, but the owner knows she is unable to care for the dog thus asking Ali and B to take her.
The book ends with Bella’s owner gives Ali and B permission to help her to file charges of elder abuse with her son yet the owner tells Ali to take Bella away. The ending implies that the owner knows she will never get well and never be able to care for Bella ever again.
164 reviews13 followers
May 21, 2019
This is a short (64 pp) e-novella in the Ali Reynolds series #9.5). I received a Simon and Schuster email where it was listed, and when I clicked for more info, I saw the photo of a little dachshund on the book cover and read the blurb. I knew from her blog that she had/has a couple of dachshunds so clicked and it was in the book - and named Bella, which was her dog's name - and a character, Ali's mother, is named Edie - JA's mom's name. I thought I would read the excerpt online - I even considered downloading the amazon kindle to read on my computer - but the excerpt appears to be the full novella. I enjoyed reading it. Nice story. And it also provided me with an intro to Ali - I do have a couple from that series in my stock, but have not read any in the series as yet. I have read only several in the Joanna Brady series and the JP Beaumont series.
https://www.simonandschuster.com/book...?
Profile Image for Gail Jenson Roach.
21 reviews16 followers
July 1, 2022
This is a simple story about Ali and B who are in Las Vegas for their Christmas Eve wedding. Add in friends, family including two grandchildren and stir in a small long-haired dachshund rescued by the grandson.

It's a quick enjoyable read that may bring back memories of pets from your past. There may be laughter and maybe some tears as well. I did like this book and will remember it for a while.

My favorite part actually was Ms Jance's memories of some of her dogs and some who made it into her books. I love learning where characters come from; a bit of this a pinch of that, some imagination and some magic are probably involved too.
1,425 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2023
This short story/novella suffers acutely from J.A. Jance "meanwhile back at the ranch" syndrome. Jance feels compelled in all her books to summarize ad nauseum all the other books in the series. This approach is especially problematic in such a short book-- we are stuck in an endless time loop while Jance "reminds" us of the plot elements and characters from previous books. Loved the dog, though. What was it W.C. Fields said-- don't act with children or dogs, they always steal the show? or some such....
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,895 reviews
June 3, 2024
Though hardly a novella, it's a gentle read and heartwarming mystery. Getting to know Ali and B's families a bit better as well as they head to Las Vegas for their wedding. Along the way they encounter a tiny little dog, Bella who looms big in the story and Ali's eventual acceptance of him. The author's notes on her family's history with dogs was almost better than the mystery itself.

A bit lightweight I have to admit but it's nice to have a break from evil and treachery from time to time.
Profile Image for Wendy.
149 reviews
December 11, 2024
Finally, they get married. It's about a dog. Heart warming.

The Author's note at the end is simply amazing. Because I love dogs, I love to rescue dogs (5 and counting) however, not all of our dogs have been rescued per se.
I have purchased from a newspaper ad (my very first pup as a young adult), a pet store (decades ago, my first with American Eskimos), and breeders (with my husband because he was a puppy-only pure- bred snob - happy to say he no longer is).
I love reading/listening about dogs. Yep, I am a dog lover to the max.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
72 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2025
Cute story, especially for dog lovers! This is a relaxing, one-night (or day) read and good for the holiday season if you're looking for something easy, requiring no thought whatsoever, to take your mind off of the stress of everyday life! It is probably best for those who have read at least some of the Ali Reynolds stories. Jance's dialogue sometimes isn't the best, but the story usually makes up for it. Note that although this is mostly a "feel-good" story, there is a component of the story which is sad and may hit close to home for anyone with elderly parents or loved ones.
Profile Image for Val.
122 reviews
March 19, 2017
Charming novella about Ali and B's wedding in Las Vegas, complicated by… nope, not a murder, for a change… but certainly by a mystery about -- oh, I can't spoil it for you, just read it. When the story is over, the author adds an entertaining summary of all the dogs in her adult life and where they've shown up in her books. If you're a fan of J.A. Jance *and* a dog lover, you should enjoy this one!
Profile Image for Syd Perry.
483 reviews22 followers
November 26, 2017
This is a novella, between Ali Reynolds novels. Ali & B Simpson get married in this short story. The focus of the story is more on the dog her grandson saves from being run over in Las Vegas, where the wedding was held. With B's tech savvy, they find the owner.

I enjoy these short stories. They are easy to read, usually a lot of fun, and can be read in a day or two, depending on what else you've god going on.

This is a must read if you are reading the Ali Reynolds series.
Profile Image for Debbie.
896 reviews27 followers
September 17, 2018
I believe A Last Goodbye was a free Kindle novella that I downloaded because I once read a J.P. Beaumont novel by Jance that I really, really liked.

This book has the protagonists of two of her other very popular series meeting to . . . I can’t remember. There was hospital visiting and a dog (as evidenced by the cover) involved, but I forget the rest.

It was well-written, but forgettable.

3½ stars
Profile Image for Carol Butler.
622 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2025
A short novella for the wedding. The day before the wedding, B has the twins for Christmas shopping, and they catch a long haired toy dachshund being thrown out of a car. Ali refuses to keep it, so they search for the owner. They finally find her recovering from a stroke in a nursing home, but her son is slowly stealing all her money and threw the dog out!! They vow to help her, and she gets them to keep the dog. Wedding is successful!
1 review
February 4, 2018
Great read

After reading Ali Reynolds series I had missed the wedding and Bella's story. It is a sad and happy story me being a cat person I could still relate to Bella's owner having to say goodbye. I cried for both as they said goodbye. But as all good stories go Bella has found her furever home with Ali and B and all the great people from Sedona!!
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