Proof of Life

J.P. Beaumont #23

by J.A. Jance

J. P. Beaumont’s latest investigation strikes too close to home in this riveting mystery from New York Times bestselling author J. A. Jance.

Be careful what you wish for . . .

Before he retired, J. P. Beaumont had looked forward to having his days all to himself. But too much free time doesn’t suit a man used to brushing close to danger. When his longtime nemesis, retired Seattle crime reporter Maxwell Cole, dies in what’s officially deemed to be an accidental fire, Beau is astonished to be dragged into the investigation at the request of none other than the deceased victim himself. In the process Beau learns that just because a long-ago case was solved doesn’t mean it’s over.

Caught up in a situation where old actions and grudges can hold dangerous consequences in the present, Beau is forced to operate outside the familiar world of law enforcement. While seeking justice for his frenemy and healing for a long fractured family, he comes face to face with an implacable enemy who has spent decades hiding in plain sight.

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

Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2017

About the author

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

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

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proof of Life by J.A. Jance is a 2017 William Morrow publication.
I’ve touched base with Joanna Brady and Ali Reynolds recently, but not J.P. Beaumont- my favorite J.A Jance series- in a long while.

So, what has Beau been up to lately?

Of course, at his age, he is retired, he’s still happily married, living in Seattle, but he’s bored and mildly depressed. Meanwhile, his very busy wife is caught up in the politics surrounding an officer involved shooting during a domestic violence call. The family at the center of the case is taken to a safe place, but their dog is left without a place to go.

So, much to his surprise, Beaumont becomes a first- time dog owner, at least temporarily. This should lift his spirits and give him something to occupy his time, but when he runs into an old nemesis, who later turns up dead after his house catches on fire, Beaumont gets sucked into the investigation when the death becomes a suspicious one.

Suddenly, Beaumont is back in his element, his depression all but forgotten…

Beaumont is quite a character, but in this 23rd chapter in the series, he is sublime. Be aware that Beau is very much a product of his time. Not everything he says lines up with our current politically correct guidelines. He still thinks men should do all the yard work, for example, and doesn’t understand why a teacher wouldn’t want a police officer to bring a gun into her elementary school classroom while he speaks to her students. But, mostly he’s a sweet guy who has mellowed nicely in his twilight years.

His interactions with his newly acquired dog are priceless and his tender approach to a delicate family situation gave me the warm and fuzzies- not something I thought I’d ever say about J. P. Beaumont.

But, of course, the reason we tune in is to solve a mystery and this one is a doozy. An old murder case connected to the death of Beaumont’s old acquaintance is woven into the current investigation, which is complex, but compelling. It was a real guessing game right to the end, and I never could have figured out how things would turn out.

I am very satisfied with this latest chapter in the series and am happy to see our favorite detective back in the saddle again!!

4.5 stars

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this 23rd book in the 'J.P. Beaumont' series, the detective investigates the death of a prickly journalist. The book can be read as a standalone.

*****

J.P. Beaumont (Beau) was a Seattle homicide detective for decades until his elite squad broke up about a year ago and he retired. Now the septuagenarian detective and his younger wife Melissa Soames (Mel) - who's the Chief of Police in Bellingham, Washington - divide their time between their house in Bellingham and their condo in Seattle.



Beau is contemplating how depressing retirement is when a 'case' falls into his lap. Beau and Mel are having dinner in a Seattle restaurant when Beau's old nemesis, crime journalist Maxwell Cole, hobbles up to their table. Clearly in poor health, Cole says he'd like to speak with Beau. Beau agrees to meet, but Cole dies in house fire before that can happen.



The authorities determine that the fire was accidental, but Cole's goddaughter Erin Kelsey suspects foul play....and asks Beau to investigate. As it happens Beau knows Erin, whom he rescued from a killer many years ago. Even before that, however, Erin had a tragic history. She was orphaned as a child; raised by people who - unknown to her - were illegal custodians; lost her 'mother' to a killer; and became estranged from her 'father' when the truth about her parentage came out.

Beau agrees to look into Maxwell Cole's death, and discovers that the fire that killed him was arson.



The detective also learns that the journalist was writing a book about old crimes he'd covered....and may have been about to expose police corruption. When additional deaths occur, it's obvious that SOMEONE is desperate to hide something.



Meanwhile, Mel is dealing with an officer involved shooting. The 'victim' - a violent wife beater and dog abuser - was barely wounded, but the case still requires her attention. On the upside, Mel gets temporary custody of the dog, a huge wolfhound named Rambo.



For Beau, Rambo is just what the doctor ordered. The retiree hurries out to buy dog food, a dog bed, a doggie door, etc.....and his doting care of the big pooch is amusing and touching. A scene where motorists think Rambo is driving the car down the highway adds a touch of fun. When Beau and Rambo befriend a homeless man and his pit bull, it's a good investment for the future.



In Beau's personal life he dines and socializes with his wife; drives his adult son to the oral surgeon; lunches with his beautiful French daughter-in-law; provides some good advice; and catches up with old colleagues and acquaintances.

The plot gets a bit convoluted but I enjoyed the book. Recommended to readers who like mysteries, especially J.P. Beaumont fans.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

J. P. Beaumont appears to be in a post-retirement depression. His wife, Melissa Soames, is the Chief of Police of Bellingham, Washington. One of Beau’s least favorite news reporters, Maxwell Cole, dies in a fire. The Maxwell character has appeared off and on throughout the series. Erin, Maxwell’s goddaughter, contacts Beau about Maxwell’s death. She thinks he was murdered because he was working on a book about political corruption at a very high level. I enjoyed the information about the Wolf Hound. Beau and Mel unexpectedly get a dog named Lucy and have to adjust their life to accommodate the dog’s needs. Lucy features prominently in the ending of the book.

The book is well written. The plot twists and turns with subplots tossed in. There are quite a few flashbacks which at times I found annoying as I have read most of the books in the series and did not need a refresher. Jance is a great story teller and I always enjoy her books. I do appreciate that the author has aged Beau over the years of.

I read this book as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is twelve hours long. Alan Sklar does an excellent job narrating the book. Sklar is an actor and voice-over artist. He is also an award-winning audiobook narrator. This series has had different narrators over the years. I prefer that series stay with one narrator for the entire series for better consistency of the characters.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

At age 72, detective J.P.Beaumont has retired and is keeping the home fires burning while wife Mel has become chief of police. Out one evening, Beau sees journalist Maxwell Cole. Although they are more enemies than friends, Beau doesn't like to hear that Max dies a couple of days later in a house fire. Before Max died, he was writing a book based on an earlier case which makes Beau wonder if he missed some details.

Jance has managed to make this series better by introducing the dog Lucy into the storyline. I also enjoyed Mel playing a large role in this particular book with her domestic abuse case. Nice to find out what Beau will be doing with his time in the future.

[Connie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual for me, this J.A. Jance book flew by. JP Beaumont gets involved in a complicated mystery that brings in many old friends from earlier books, which is fun for returning readers but maybe not for new readers of the Beaumont series. I like the title reference as well as thoughts about aging, dogs, and so on. Plus I enjoy the locations in Washington State.

See the blurb for the plot.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I have enjoyed all the books by Jance for years. The characters age, which is a little different than with some authors. J. P. Beaumont, the main character, must contend with knee replacements as well as a new dog. Lucy, the dog, probably would not have been J.P. and Mel's first choice, but she certainly is the dog for them. Beaumont deals with several murders that are connected to a much earlier case of his. The author takes some time to describe the settings, which I appreciate. Near the end, Beaumont applies for a P.I. license, which will set the stage for the next books.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am having a hard time getting used to Beaumont as retired. I liked the action when he was a policeman. Now the novels are more about relationships, such as with his wife and a newly acquired dog. It is interesting to see how Beaumont almost stumbled through events to find the truth behind the murder. I do enjoy reading about the Pacific Northwest.

[Jeff Dickison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot of this book is excellent, but there is so much filler I subtracted one star. J.P. is retired now and he has some problems (prostate, knee, stamina) that he didn't use to have. Still, he is a veteran investigator and he gets the bad guys (a whole group of them). Recommended, just know that if Jance left out much of the filler this would almost be a novella.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catching up with Beaumont's life and following his process in solving a complex murder mystery is always a treat.

Thanks to HarperCollins for the advance digital reading copy.

[Mara · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is okay, decent enough mystery, but the writing is simplistic to the point that it was a struggle to finish.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proof of Life: J.A. Jance

Boredom can really take its toll on your mind except if you are J.P Beaumont who can find a way to get into the groove of things even when he’s just looking to spend time with his wife, Chief of Police Melissa Soames. A former homicide detective at 72 he’s still on the ball and yet needs a serious diversion. His wife is inundated with cases at work, murder, cold cases and more while Beau at times is asked to work at a volunteer cold-case center in order to have something other than watching television or reading to pass the time of day. But, wishful thinking sometimes comes from a direction you won’t expect. Maxwell Cole is a crime reporter and columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and someone who Beau really can’t stand. At one time they were in the same fraternity but when Beau used his charm and handsome ways and stole Max’s girlfriend the war was one and the friendship went south. Something happens to connect them in a different way when Max dies in what appears as an accidental fire that killed him but was it an accident or murder? Erin Kelsey Howard inherited all of Max’s money and worldly possessions and wants to hire Beau to look into the death of someone she called Uncle Max. Max was her godfather and his death bothers her since she was in a dangerous situation when someone tried to kill her and Beau saved her life. Erin is straightforward, to a point and although Beau might not be her favorite person, Max left a letter instructing her to call on Beau in case anything happened to him. Added in we learn that before his death he was working on a book focused on corruption at the highest level and the letter would be a start for him to find out what happened. Max’s letter specifically says NO POLICE!
This is a multi-complex novel with another plot that runs throughout the story as one of Mel’s officers is suspended when someone fires a BB gun at him and he shoots back. The case of course needs to be handled in delicate manner and the person that is charged is the abusive husband of a wife and two children as well as a precious wolfhound dog named Rambo aka Lucy. The scenes with the dog are priceless as the wife and her two children are in a save place hoping that her husband does not come after them but when in jail after released from the hospital someone actually posts his bail and the fear that he will find them leaves a dark cloud over the family and the hint that there is more to come. There was something about Marcia Kelsey’s murder or suicide that bothered Beau and with the help of Ron Peters his connection in the police force he was given access to the murder book and the evidence box. Wanting to find out more about the death of Max Cole he too checked out this box four times before he died. But why? The author goes into detail the procedures for gaining access to a room with this type of evidence and the way the person viewing the materials is allowed to proceed. This is interesting and will help other authors who want to create the proper sequence of events when writing a murder mystery.
Beau also meets with Max’s literary agent who is gay and is an owner in the Drag Queen Comedy Theater and puts him in contact with Amanda his partner learning more about Max and his sexual orientation that had been kept secret until Beau and Mel learned more from this drag queen. Investigating more he learns that the person who might have been hired to off Max was a victim of a deadly hit and run leading him to believe that there is much more to this case then meets the eye.
The author reminds us of Erin’s family history and the two people that were her parents yet she is estranged from the man who took care of her as her father even though in reality he was an army deserter but cared for her as if she were his own child. Marcia Kelsey and her father had an unusual relationship before Marcia was killed. The evidence boxes bring to light Max’s history; Erin’s family history and two people involved that day in the death of Marcia Kelsey. Marcia was said to have killed her lover and then herself but was it a suicide or was it murder. Add in Todd Farraday who was killed by someone who decided to make sure he fell off of the wagon and drank himself into oblivion but what was his connection to Max Cole? Someone came into the bar that Beau is picking up his dinner at and saw Max and asked to help change his tire and the next thing Max’s house is burned down to the ground and the man who set it on fire was hit in a hit and run intentional accident.
Thomas Gaines was the literary agent Max hired to help promote and publish his book called Tangled Web. At the same time Beau was going to see him Ken Purcell was being arraigned. Hopefully he won’t make bail and endanger his family or anyone else. Todd Farraday met with Max and the next think you know he’s dead too but if he stopped drinking what was it that made him feel disoriented? Marcia Kelsey was murdered and was married in name only to John Madsen. Max according to what Raines tells him was gay and the author’s he represents are mainly mainstream fiction. Everyone he contacts and questions turns out to be in danger because someone hiding behind the scenes is controlling the events that are about to unfold. Erin Howard became his friend and Al Thorne his contact to in the department to help him find out more about the fire in Max’s house, whose prints were on a specific object that he notices and allowing him to do an unofficial investigation of become part of one. Noticing the object while going through the burned Max filled with water damage, smoke and a horrific odor, he finds something and manages to get someone to try and identify the prints.
Going through the evidence boxes for Marcia’s murder and her lover Alvin Chambers whom she shot and then shot herself he sees something that might enlighten everyone. Her case remained unsolved and went cold and the investigation into her death not dealt with. Crime scene photos were there, a murder book where he learned that the murder weapon belong to Alvin Chambers a security guard in a school who needed it to protect himself due to the many closures and union labor negotiations that went south. Todd Farraday linked to this somehow and the reality that he was supposed to get money from a house that belonged to his mother before she died and then owned by his stepfather plus her antique business sent up red flags. Pete Kelsey’s name is really John Madsen after getting a new identity because he was an army deserter. Charlotte Chambers was interviewed who enlightened the police about Marcia, John and Marcia’s other partner Andrea Stovall.
Things get ugly when Detective Kevin Blaylock agrees to share information to appoint with Beau. A man named Duc Nguyen was killed in a hit an run but not before setting fire to Max’s house and puncturing his tire before meeting him for a drink at Sneaky Pete’s and J.P. wondered who was behind the hit on both ends?
Things come out and they learn from another source a man living in place called the Refuge for homeless people, told Beau that he is certain that Todd was sober and that someone did something to him and his stepfather had to have something to do with it but did he? His stepfather was police chief for a short time and married again after his mother died. Larry Harden is his stepfather and although Todd might have gone to him his mom would not have thrown him out but he did. Todd was supposed to get part of the proceeds if his stepfather sold the house.

Beau makes the connection to Sneaky Pete’s and things start falling into place but meeting with the Detective, sharing what he knows and found sends the detective right into the hands of a killer. Todd Farraday did not die from being drunk but from something else. Duc Nguyen was killed and his prints found at the crime scene in Cole’s house. The ME was thorough and the information sends him and his wife Mel into dangerous territory. Lawrence Harden work with the port commission gave him access to the kind of people that could send him drugs and other contraband that could be smuggled and placed in his late wife’s antique business hidden away in a dark room or basement. When Duc was killed and LAB the gang he belonged to is finally stopped what they learn from those hoping to get a deal with make your head spin. Clues mount up and author J.A. Jance throws readers several huge hailstones blocking you from seeing what might be right in front of you and the true mastermind behind the four murders. Fingerprints that belonged to Duc, something that was given to Todd, someone who killed the detective and one more revelation that will make your blood curdle and define the true meaning of sadistic. Duc Nguyen punctured Max’s tire, offered to change it and then went to burn down his house. Todd Farraday just what killed him and when Mel joins in the investigation when the detective is killed things move in a different direction. But, with Rambo/Lucy in play and someone wanting revenge in his family the surprise they both get will prove just how smart Mel but can she take this man down or will Beau watch him kill her or worse? The ending is terrifying and when the pieces are put together you won’t believe the fate of someone duped, swindled and tortured when the truth behind the murders is revealed. J.P. Beaumont is a smart, astute and relentless character that at times is impulsive but won’t give up until he gets the answers he wants. Hard hitting, tough, persistent and a character you want more of author J.A. Jance created a plot that focuses on deceit, lies, greed, money, power, and a huge black veil that is thrown over the reader’s eyes to shield you from learning the truth.
Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine

[3 no 7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Proof of Life” by J. A. Jance is number 23 in the J. P. Beaumont series, but it is not necessary to have read the other books to enjoy this one. Any needed background information is provided as part of the story.
“Proof of Life” is a first person narrative by Jonas Piedmont Beaumont, called “Beau” by many. Now 72 and retired, he and his current wife, Melissa Soames, live in Bellingham where she is the Chief of Police. Beau kept his condominium in Seattle, and both he and Melissa spend time there when it is convenient.
He is rather bored with retirement, so when longtime adversary, retired Seattle crime reporter Maxwell Cole, dies under suspicious circumstances, he takes this opportunity to investigate what happened. Of course, the investigation is complicated; he has to run down people from the past as well as criminals from around the neighborhood, all without his familiar law enforcement tools and authority
This is not a formula book with continuing characters just dropped into a random plot line. Beau has aged, mellowed, and improved his eating habits over the past books. The easy conversational style gives the reader the feeling of sitting with J.P. chatting, sharing memories of his life. The story unfolds layer after layer as Beau tried to untangle the mess surrounding Cole’s death. To complicate matters, he also is dog sitting for a family forced to move to a shelter as the result of domestic violence.
The pace is casual and easy but the story is not without twists, turns, and danger. Every reader will love this book. Those who have followed Beau through, now, 23 books will love this one. New readers will absolutely want to go back and look at Beau’s earlier adventures. And, of course, Jance gives readers a few little hints about what Beau will be doing with his time in the next book.

[Marci - · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of J A Janice's books are great, I'm more partial to the female lead characters, but this book is just as good as they are. With the three different lead characters in her series, it's at times hard to separate them all out of the mix. But a good read nonetheless

[Chris Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.A. Jance has delivered another great Beau Beaumont ride. He may be getting older but he is still a great detective and a really good man.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The JP Beaumont series has been around a long time, but JA Jance is still coming up with great plots for the main character. "Proof of Life" is exciting and fast-paced.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

JP longtime nemesis Max, is found dead and JP is dragged into solving the case. He mets up with Max’s ‘daughter’ who wants him to find out what happened. She tells JP that Max had been writing a book that could help solve a cold case. In the mean time a domestic case turns bad and while the wife/kids are safe they can’t handle their super large dog so JP takes the dog in. there are so many things going on in the book that it is hard to keep track of everything.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank God for the eBook service through our library system during the Coronavirus Lockdown, unfortunately, its really hard to get my favorite authors...Luckily, occasionally, one of them becomes available... J.A. Jance is a one of my "Go-To" authors...I just love the Sheriff Joanna Brady series...This one though, is a JP Beaumont, now a retired Seattle homicide detective who is married to the Chief of Police of one of Seattle far exurbs...JP is pulled into investigating the death of a former Seattle PI police beat reporter and old nemesis Maxwell Cole...They also have a new member added to their household...Good Stuff!!!

[Kathi Arbogast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. It wasn’t just a who done it. I laughed enough to add comedy to the mix! I used audio books and was eager to have to go for a drive so I could continue the story. The characters were relatable, except for the money they had, but they weren’t snooty. Quite the opposite, they were generous and kind. It was a fun read!

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

JP Beaumont is trying to get accustomed to retirement while Mel is dealing with the trials and tribulations of being a police chief in Bellingham. When Maxwell Cole confronts JP at a restaurant and dies in what is deemed an accidental fire and JB is approached by a woman out of his past and a great friend of Cole's to look into the death, he reluctantly he agrees. Meanwhile Mel is dealing with an officer shooting and wounding of a domestic abuser and while getting the wife and kids to a save haven has agreed to look after their dog, an Irish wolf hound named Rambo. They both have a learning curve in caring for a dog let alone one the size of Rambo. The plot grows as several murders occur and JP begins to put bits and pieces together to come to the final conclusion. Another good Jance and JP is still going now in his mid 70s.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy each new book in the J. P. Beaumont series. Part of it may be that the setting is so familiar, as it takes place in Seattle, a city I lived in for many years and try to go back to visit as often as I can. The other part is that Beau is just a darn good detective and I enjoy following and making sense of all the clues with him as he works out the answers as to why someone's life has met an untimely end. And I was very happy that Beau finally gave in to his wife Mel's request that they get a dog. Actually, Lucy the dog was my favorite character. Loved the dog. Hope to see lots more of her in future books.

[Vannessa Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beau is asked to investigate the death of Maxwell Cole a death that has been ruled accidental. Maxwell Cole sent a text to his Goddaughter the day before his death asking her to ask Beau to investigate his death.

In the meantime Beau, who has never owned a dog, becomes a dog-sitter for a domestic violence family who are living in a shelter where dogs are not allowed.

Proof of Life is one of the top of the line well written police thrillers. Author Jance is great at dismantling and remantling the crime. Author Jance is good at creating shady and interesting characters.

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy the books by JA Jance in all the series. JP is the original, where I started. Now he is retired but his wife is chief of police in a town north of Seattle. But he keeps getting onto cases for friends. This was convoluted, multiple murders. I figured out the bad guy as soon as we knew the person existed. I'm glad there is more.

[Al Stoess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Standard J.P.Beaumont book by jance. Follows the formula. Worth reading.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just okay. The plot was okay. This isn't my favorite series by this author.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly not his best but enjoyable.

[Mara Pemberton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I’ve listened to a J.P. Beaumont book. It was great to catch up and know he was doing okay.

[Bev Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

She definitely kept me turning pages.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good installment of the J.P. Beaumont series. I really enjoyed this one, as evidenced by my reading it in 4 days.

[Joanne Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. Not sure if its me or the books but I didn't enjoy this as much as the previous books. This book is clearly setting us up for the next stage of Beau's life. I still enjoyed it so I will continue with this series.

[John W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

PROOF OF LIFE is the latest book in J.A. Jance’s Beaumont Mystery. Jance takes her readers behind the scenes exploring Beau’s issues surrounding his retirement from a very active life as a successful detective. Beau has a great deal of time on his hands staying busy running the household and some time working cold cases.

After work, Mel joins Beau in Seattle for a quiet dinner at a restaurant close to their condo. Beau runs into a Maxwell Cole at their dinner. The next day Beau learns Maxwell Cole is dead. Beau gets a call from Maxwell’s goddaughter Erin asking Beau to come to Maxwell’s funeral. Jance gives her readers the backstory of Beau’s history with Maxwell including details of how Beau was instrumental is saving Erin’s life. The author places her readers next to Beau as he meets with Erin and agrees to investigate Maxwell’s suspicious death.

Jance introduces subplots relating to family issues between Beau’s son and daughter-in-law. Both ask Beau for fatherly advice about starting a family. The author provides Beau with the proper vehicle to give advice when Mel brings home a Wolf Hound named Lucy who needs rescuing. Jance skillfully adds a human side to Beau as he fulfills his advisory role. Lucy and Beau’s memory of his grandmother dog provide Beau with great wisdom

PROOF OF LIFE is a perfect title of Jance’s newest Beaumont Mystery as Jance manages to connect all the loose ends delivering a heartwarming story giving purpose to the principal characters’ lives. Jance provides her current fans and new fans with updates on past events clarifying issues surfacing from Beau’s investigation. The spine-tingling ending keeps readers turning pages looking to discover Jance’s secret to Beau’s and Mel’s future happiness. PROOF OF LIFE is a fast read full of action and common sense and is must read. Jance earns a five-star-ranking.