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Final Jeopardy: A Jake Sledge Mystery
A clean private detective novel about a PI on a Christian faith journey.
Jake "The Hammer" Sledge traded his NFL career for a private investigator's license, but he never expected his past to come back with a vengeance. When Jeopardy Dupree walks into his River City office, Jake knows he's in for trouble. She's the woman whose dangerous alter ego once tried to kill him, and now she wants him to prove her schizophrenic brother Barker didn't murder Sandy Akins, the nurse's aide he planned to marry.
The case seems open and shut. Barker walked away from River Bluffs Treatment Center days before the murder. His bloody fingerprints are at the scene. But Jake's detective instincts tell him something is off, and his investigation uncovers secrets that put a target on his back.
Someone wants Jake dead. A mystery woman in a dark SUV tries to run him down. She attacks his girlfriend Allison with a brutal stay away from Jake Sledge. When Jake's contacts start dying and evidence begins disappearing, he realizes he's stumbled onto something far more sinister than a crime of passion. At the center of it the Dupree family and a twisted legacy that turns loyalty into a weapon.
Partnered with Bobo Johnson, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle with unshakeable faith and a devastating right hook, Jake races to untangle the truth before the killer strikes again. But as he digs deeper into the Dupree family's dark secrets, he's forced to confront his own demons. Haunted by violent flashbacks and questioning everything he once believed, Jake discovers that solving this case might require more than his trademark fedora and his beloved 1975 Delta 88.
The closer Jake gets to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes. Bodies are piling up. Evidence points in every direction. And the line between victim and villain blurs when Jake realizes the most dangerous player might be the one he least suspects.
Perfect for fans of hard-boiled detective fiction with heart, Final Jeopardy delivers classic PI mystery elements with a fresh twist. Featuring a tough-talking hero with a vulnerable side, rapid-fire action, complex family dynamics, and a faith journey that adds depth without preaching, this thriller keeps readers guessing until the final page.
In River City, there's always trouble. And Jake Sledge is about to discover that the most dangerous game of all is one where the rules keep changing, the player you trust might be your worst enemy, and the only way to win is to risk losing everything that matters.
From tense stakeouts to explosive confrontations, from River City's gritty streets to desperate showdowns, Final Jeopardy is a riveting mystery that combines the classic elements of detective noir with contemporary suspense, proving that sometimes the hardest person to save is yourself.
If you love private detective mysteries, complex psychological thrillers, stories of redemption and faith, classic cars and fedoras, witty banter and heart-pounding action, then you'll love B.D. Lawrence's Jake Sledge series. The mystery deepens with every clue, the danger escalates with every chapter, and the truth is more twisted than Jake ever imagined.
Grab your copy today and join Jake on a case where nothing is what it seems, everyone has secrets worth killing for, and the final answer might be the deadliest jeopardy of all.
Jake "The Hammer" Sledge traded his NFL career for a private investigator's license, but he never expected his past to come back with a vengeance. When Jeopardy Dupree walks into his River City office, Jake knows he's in for trouble. She's the woman whose dangerous alter ego once tried to kill him, and now she wants him to prove her schizophrenic brother Barker didn't murder Sandy Akins, the nurse's aide he planned to marry.
The case seems open and shut. Barker walked away from River Bluffs Treatment Center days before the murder. His bloody fingerprints are at the scene. But Jake's detective instincts tell him something is off, and his investigation uncovers secrets that put a target on his back.
Someone wants Jake dead. A mystery woman in a dark SUV tries to run him down. She attacks his girlfriend Allison with a brutal stay away from Jake Sledge. When Jake's contacts start dying and evidence begins disappearing, he realizes he's stumbled onto something far more sinister than a crime of passion. At the center of it the Dupree family and a twisted legacy that turns loyalty into a weapon.
Partnered with Bobo Johnson, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle with unshakeable faith and a devastating right hook, Jake races to untangle the truth before the killer strikes again. But as he digs deeper into the Dupree family's dark secrets, he's forced to confront his own demons. Haunted by violent flashbacks and questioning everything he once believed, Jake discovers that solving this case might require more than his trademark fedora and his beloved 1975 Delta 88.
The closer Jake gets to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes. Bodies are piling up. Evidence points in every direction. And the line between victim and villain blurs when Jake realizes the most dangerous player might be the one he least suspects.
Perfect for fans of hard-boiled detective fiction with heart, Final Jeopardy delivers classic PI mystery elements with a fresh twist. Featuring a tough-talking hero with a vulnerable side, rapid-fire action, complex family dynamics, and a faith journey that adds depth without preaching, this thriller keeps readers guessing until the final page.
In River City, there's always trouble. And Jake Sledge is about to discover that the most dangerous game of all is one where the rules keep changing, the player you trust might be your worst enemy, and the only way to win is to risk losing everything that matters.
From tense stakeouts to explosive confrontations, from River City's gritty streets to desperate showdowns, Final Jeopardy is a riveting mystery that combines the classic elements of detective noir with contemporary suspense, proving that sometimes the hardest person to save is yourself.
If you love private detective mysteries, complex psychological thrillers, stories of redemption and faith, classic cars and fedoras, witty banter and heart-pounding action, then you'll love B.D. Lawrence's Jake Sledge series. The mystery deepens with every clue, the danger escalates with every chapter, and the truth is more twisted than Jake ever imagined.
Grab your copy today and join Jake on a case where nothing is what it seems, everyone has secrets worth killing for, and the final answer might be the deadliest jeopardy of all.
- GenresClean RomanceMystery
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2026
About the author
B.D. Lawrence
11 books119 followersB.D. Lawrence has always loved reading fiction. Ironically, though, his worst subject in high school was English. One night, sitting in a master's level computer programming class, daydreaming about vigilantes, he decided to give writing a try. Out of that came his first novel, which went nowhere. That was many years ago. During his writing journey he’s dabbled in several genres, including mystery, suspense, science fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction. He currently is focusing on crime stories of justice, vengeance, and redemption. He hopes his Lefty Bruder private detective series will not only entertain lovers of P.I. fiction but will also help fight the scourge of human trafficking, as B.D. Lawrence is going to donate half of all his profits from that series to organizations helping to fight human trafficking.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 19, 2026
What unforgettable PIs! What unforgettable partners!
Jake Sledge and his partner Maurice Johnson are partners in the Sledge Hammer Detective Agency in River City, Missouri. Sledge and Bobo share similar histories as former professional football players and former police officers. Just as there are similarities, there are differences, too, but it will be more interesting for readers if you meet the men as they pursue leads in a case involving a woman from Jake's past. Her name is Jeopardy Dupree, and once met, never forgotten, but don't rush to judgment. It is not what you may think.
From their first introduction in Book 1, these characters captured not only my attention but my heart. They're authentic and grounded, treating each other with respect. When a nudge is called for—usually for Jake—it comes with a blend of witty banter and genuine care, always in each other's best interest.
This case is complicated—Jake's life and his girlfriend Allison's are at risk, the investigation is full of more questions than answers, and leads seem to vanish as quickly as they appear. The suspense made it truly page-turning. I was tempted to skip ahead—more than I usually am.
I hope this series continues for many more books.
p.s. At the conclusion of both Book 1 and Book 2, the author encourages you to discover "Double Jeopardy." This short story reveals how Jake first crossed paths with Jeopardy Dupree. Visit the author's website to download the short story in your preferred format—ePub, MOBI, or PDF.
Jake Sledge and his partner Maurice Johnson are partners in the Sledge Hammer Detective Agency in River City, Missouri. Sledge and Bobo share similar histories as former professional football players and former police officers. Just as there are similarities, there are differences, too, but it will be more interesting for readers if you meet the men as they pursue leads in a case involving a woman from Jake's past. Her name is Jeopardy Dupree, and once met, never forgotten, but don't rush to judgment. It is not what you may think.
From their first introduction in Book 1, these characters captured not only my attention but my heart. They're authentic and grounded, treating each other with respect. When a nudge is called for—usually for Jake—it comes with a blend of witty banter and genuine care, always in each other's best interest.
This case is complicated—Jake's life and his girlfriend Allison's are at risk, the investigation is full of more questions than answers, and leads seem to vanish as quickly as they appear. The suspense made it truly page-turning. I was tempted to skip ahead—more than I usually am.
I hope this series continues for many more books.
p.s. At the conclusion of both Book 1 and Book 2, the author encourages you to discover "Double Jeopardy." This short story reveals how Jake first crossed paths with Jeopardy Dupree. Visit the author's website to download the short story in your preferred format—ePub, MOBI, or PDF.
February 18, 2026
This is a great "whodunnit" that will keep you guessing who the killer is until the very last pages. This book contains great characters with some very catchy names. Included in this story is a little romance, a lot of suspense and a drawing to church and to the things of Christ. This is not a overly spiritual book, but we learn how some of the characters look to Christ for direction and guidance and how the Lord begins drawing our main character, Jake Sledge. I like that Jake's journey is not overnight. Like many nonbelievers, the journey to Christ takes awhile and the road may be full of twists and turns, hills an valleys. Even though this is the second in a series, it can be read by itself. You'll want to go back and read book 1, though, for the adventure. This can be enjoyed by young adults, older adults and everyone in between.
February 16, 2026
Final Jeopardy by B.D. Lawrence is a gritty, fast moving PI thriller that hooked me from the start.
Jake “The Hammer” Sledge, a former NFL star turned private investigator takes what looks like a simple murder case until the evidence vanishes and the body count rises. The deeper he digs into the Dupree family’s secrets, the more dangerous it gets and this time, he’s the target!
Dark, twisty, and layered with heart and redemption, Final Jeopardy keeps you guessing to the very last page. Perfect for fans of hard boiled detective fiction with depth.
Jake “The Hammer” Sledge, a former NFL star turned private investigator takes what looks like a simple murder case until the evidence vanishes and the body count rises. The deeper he digs into the Dupree family’s secrets, the more dangerous it gets and this time, he’s the target!
Dark, twisty, and layered with heart and redemption, Final Jeopardy keeps you guessing to the very last page. Perfect for fans of hard boiled detective fiction with depth.
May 31, 2026
I and my reader community was already interested in the story when Jeopardy Dupree showed up asking Jake Sledge to help her brother, but Chapters 3, 4, and 5 were the point where I became fully invested.
What we liked most in Chapter 3 was how Jake approached the case. Even with all the evidence pointing at Barker, he wasn't willing to accept the obvious answer. That immediately made me trust his instincts as a detective. The way he starts pulling at loose threads in the investigation made me feel like there was something much bigger hiding underneath the surface.
Chapter 4 raised even more questions. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was happening, another detail came along and made me rethink everything. I especially enjoyed the interactions between Jake and the people connected to the case because they felt authentic and revealed just enough information to keep me guessing.
Chapter 5 was where the suspense really kicked in for me. The threats against Jake no longer felt distant—they felt personal and dangerous. The scene involving the mysterious woman and the growing pressure around the investigation had me turning pages much faster than I expected. I also appreciated that Jake isn't written as a flawless hero. His struggles, doubts, and memories from his past make him feel like a real person rather than a typical tough-guy detective.
One thing B.D. Lawrence does very well is blend mystery, action, and faith without any of them overpowering the story. Jake's spiritual journey feels natural and adds depth to his character instead of distracting from the investigation.
By the end of these chapters, I genuinely wanted to know who was telling the truth, who was hiding something, and how Jake was going to survive long enough to figure it out. If the rest of the book is as strong as Chapters 3 through 5, mystery fans are in for a great ride.
What we liked most in Chapter 3 was how Jake approached the case. Even with all the evidence pointing at Barker, he wasn't willing to accept the obvious answer. That immediately made me trust his instincts as a detective. The way he starts pulling at loose threads in the investigation made me feel like there was something much bigger hiding underneath the surface.
Chapter 4 raised even more questions. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was happening, another detail came along and made me rethink everything. I especially enjoyed the interactions between Jake and the people connected to the case because they felt authentic and revealed just enough information to keep me guessing.
Chapter 5 was where the suspense really kicked in for me. The threats against Jake no longer felt distant—they felt personal and dangerous. The scene involving the mysterious woman and the growing pressure around the investigation had me turning pages much faster than I expected. I also appreciated that Jake isn't written as a flawless hero. His struggles, doubts, and memories from his past make him feel like a real person rather than a typical tough-guy detective.
One thing B.D. Lawrence does very well is blend mystery, action, and faith without any of them overpowering the story. Jake's spiritual journey feels natural and adds depth to his character instead of distracting from the investigation.
By the end of these chapters, I genuinely wanted to know who was telling the truth, who was hiding something, and how Jake was going to survive long enough to figure it out. If the rest of the book is as strong as Chapters 3 through 5, mystery fans are in for a great ride.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first B.D. Lawrence book that I have read, and it has made me a fan. I look forward to reading more books in the Sledge Hammer series. B.D. Lawrence’s Final Jeopardy is a fast paced, lots of twists and turns story that gets you involved from page one and keeps you invested all the way through.
Although I hadn’t read any of the previous books, I did feel that the characters were so well developed and presented that I felt I knew them and quickly became attached. The book was full of great quips and comebacks as the characters interacted with each other. Even minor characters contributed a great deal to the story and I could envision a day in each of their lives.
The book had a little bit of everything, from crime scenes to restaurants, jail cells to organized crime gangs, romance and religion and in this book, emotional and mental health issues which so many struggle with. The underlying issue of Jake’s PTSD, which you could feel throughout the episodes he had, was made to be relatable and had you wanting to be sure he got the help he needed.
The book was a combination of Law & Order meets Brooklyn 99, joining the serious work of solving crimes with the relationships of the characters and the good times they shared. It illustrates that we all need to have close ties to important people in our lives for both the tragedies and comedies we experience.
Although I hadn’t read any of the previous books, I did feel that the characters were so well developed and presented that I felt I knew them and quickly became attached. The book was full of great quips and comebacks as the characters interacted with each other. Even minor characters contributed a great deal to the story and I could envision a day in each of their lives.
The book had a little bit of everything, from crime scenes to restaurants, jail cells to organized crime gangs, romance and religion and in this book, emotional and mental health issues which so many struggle with. The underlying issue of Jake’s PTSD, which you could feel throughout the episodes he had, was made to be relatable and had you wanting to be sure he got the help he needed.
The book was a combination of Law & Order meets Brooklyn 99, joining the serious work of solving crimes with the relationships of the characters and the good times they shared. It illustrates that we all need to have close ties to important people in our lives for both the tragedies and comedies we experience.
February 18, 2026
Final Jeopardy is a hardboiled-detective mystery featuring Jake (Jake Sledge, “The Hammer”) and his wonderful partner, Bobo.
Jeopardy Dupree hires Jake to find her brother, Barker Bob Dupree, who has been accused of killing a woman. Jeopardy is a mess. She’s saccharine sweet one minute and hissy-fit viscous the next. Neither Jake nor the reader knows which Jeopardy is going to show up at a meeting.
Another disturbed character, Concentration, makes an appearance. Yes, there’s a motif with regard to the game show names. It’s kind of humorous but makes total sense in the story. When Lawrence finally reveals Concentration’s backstory, you understand why she’s so disturbed, and it’s an emotional moment in the story.
As you might guess, themes of forgiveness, PTSD, and reconciliation (with others and with God) weave their way through the book. Additionally, Lawrence layers on family dynamics, family history, Jake’s musings about faith, high-action scenes, tie-ins to past casework, and police procedure to make this book an amazing read.
SERIOUSLY good. Five stars!
Jeopardy Dupree hires Jake to find her brother, Barker Bob Dupree, who has been accused of killing a woman. Jeopardy is a mess. She’s saccharine sweet one minute and hissy-fit viscous the next. Neither Jake nor the reader knows which Jeopardy is going to show up at a meeting.
Another disturbed character, Concentration, makes an appearance. Yes, there’s a motif with regard to the game show names. It’s kind of humorous but makes total sense in the story. When Lawrence finally reveals Concentration’s backstory, you understand why she’s so disturbed, and it’s an emotional moment in the story.
As you might guess, themes of forgiveness, PTSD, and reconciliation (with others and with God) weave their way through the book. Additionally, Lawrence layers on family dynamics, family history, Jake’s musings about faith, high-action scenes, tie-ins to past casework, and police procedure to make this book an amazing read.
SERIOUSLY good. Five stars!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Final Jeopardy is so much more than a “whodunnit”, though that mystery had me guessing until the final revelation.
The banter between the PI’s, Jake and Bobo, is entertaining, as are the conversations Jake has with himself as he tells the story. They are perfectly matched as crime-solving partners, with Jake living life slightly on the edge, and Bobo always standing close to pull him back to solid ground.
The colorful characters bring a taste of romance, spirituality, and even some mental health disorders, adding a bit of spice to the overall story. Each is described by the author in such a way it makes it easy for the reader to visualize their version of them, right down to the clothes on their backs.
Final Jeopardy captured me from the beginning and kept me “turning the page” to see what happened next until the very end. I quickly became a big fan of Jake and Bobo and the series.
The banter between the PI’s, Jake and Bobo, is entertaining, as are the conversations Jake has with himself as he tells the story. They are perfectly matched as crime-solving partners, with Jake living life slightly on the edge, and Bobo always standing close to pull him back to solid ground.
The colorful characters bring a taste of romance, spirituality, and even some mental health disorders, adding a bit of spice to the overall story. Each is described by the author in such a way it makes it easy for the reader to visualize their version of them, right down to the clothes on their backs.
Final Jeopardy captured me from the beginning and kept me “turning the page” to see what happened next until the very end. I quickly became a big fan of Jake and Bobo and the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Final Jeopardy is a fast-paced, hard-boiled mystery that delivers classic private-eye grit with a fresh, modern edge. Jake “The Hammer” Sledge is a compelling lead tough, flawed, and deeply human and his tangled history with the Dupree family adds real emotional weight to an already gripping case. The plot is layered with twists, rising danger, and morally complex characters that keep the pages turning, while the partnership with Bobo Johnson brings both heart and humor. With sharp dialogue, relentless suspense, and a noir atmosphere that feels authentic and alive, this second installment in the Jake Sledge Mysteries proves B.D. Lawrence knows exactly how to keep readers guessing until the very end.
February 20, 2026
I bought this book because I had already read book one of the series and I liked the story. I didn’t care for the main character, Jake Sledge.
Jake has a quick temper and seems to believe violence is the best and quickest way to solve problems. He drives his favorite car, an ‘88 Oldsmobile convertible that seems to spend most of its time in the body shop being repaired from multiple bullet holes and crashes.
Jake’s partner and best friend is also an ex football player and Hall of Famer and a well- liked church-going Christian. I guess opposites attract.
The story has lots of action and a few twists. I would have given this story five stars but B. D. Lawrence did such an excellent job depicting Jake that I thoroughly despised him. I’m waiting for the next book.
Jake has a quick temper and seems to believe violence is the best and quickest way to solve problems. He drives his favorite car, an ‘88 Oldsmobile convertible that seems to spend most of its time in the body shop being repaired from multiple bullet holes and crashes.
Jake’s partner and best friend is also an ex football player and Hall of Famer and a well- liked church-going Christian. I guess opposites attract.
The story has lots of action and a few twists. I would have given this story five stars but B. D. Lawrence did such an excellent job depicting Jake that I thoroughly despised him. I’m waiting for the next book.
February 16, 2026
Can the split personality still exist after supposedly being "cured"? That is one question that haunts this Private Eye as he tries to solve the case and keep himself and others alive.
As you read through this book, you wonder the same thing. And can the partners dig deep enough to prove the alter-ego is the one that committed the crimes? You just have to read this great book to find out.
Only thing that takes away from the book is the constant mentioning of religion. A few references would have been enough. If you are not religious this may turn you off to the book.
As you read through this book, you wonder the same thing. And can the partners dig deep enough to prove the alter-ego is the one that committed the crimes? You just have to read this great book to find out.
Only thing that takes away from the book is the constant mentioning of religion. A few references would have been enough. If you are not religious this may turn you off to the book.
February 15, 2026
Author B.D. Lawrence writes stories worth reading, and this sequel to Chilled to the Bone is nothing short of excellent. I enjoyed the way Private Investigator Jake Sledge employs his skills to prove the innocence of a person accused of murder, while recurrent horrors from his past, and stumbling blocks along the way, wreak havoc on the likelihood of success. Highly recommended.
February 16, 2026
Loved this book, looking forward to reading more books in this series. Jake Sledge and his partner retired football player Bobo Johnson are hired by Jeopardy Dupree to prove that her brother Barker Dupree is innocent of murdering his girlfriend. The story has many twist and turns, with many suspects.
February 21, 2026
Absolutely amazing. I was kept guessing the whole way through who the murderer was. Only hint I will give you, it wasn't me. Everyone else, is still suspect.
You will enjoy this thrilling private investigator mystery as much as I did.
You will enjoy this thrilling private investigator mystery as much as I did.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews