Duel to the Death

Ali Reynolds #13

by J.A. Jance

The New York Times bestselling author J.A. Jance returns with the thirteenth pulse-pounding thriller in the “engaging and entertaining” (Los Angeles Times) Ali Reynolds series.

After taking down the man responsible for his best friend’s death, Stuart Ramey believes the case is finally closed. That is, until Stu discovers he’s been left with a multimillion dollar fortune in Bitcoin in a desperate attempt by Frigg, a rogue A.I. program created by the killer, to keep itself from being fully deactivated.

To take Frigg down for good, Stu enlists the help of Ali Reynolds and the rest of his cyber security colleagues at High Noon Enterprises. But they are not the only ones who know about Frigg’s existence.

Graciella Miramar, an unassuming accountant to all appearances, is actually the right-hand woman to El Pescado, the leader of a dangerous drug cartel. She’ll do anything to get her hands on that program. With Frigg’s help, Graciella hopes to take over El Pescado’s criminal underworld and become wealthy beyond her wildest dreams. But Stu—and El Pescado and his henchmen—may not be so easily defeated.

As the “grand master of the game” (The Providence Journal), J.A. Jance crafts another electrifying thriller that shows that everything has its price.

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

Audio CD

First published March 20, 2018

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 3 out of 5]

Duel to the Death by J.A. Jance is a 2018 Touchstone Publication.

This thirteenth installment in the Ali Reynolds series picks up pretty much where the last book left off. Stu discovers he has inherited a huge sum of money, but before he can collect he will have to reactivate ‘Frigg’. For those who are unfamiliar, Frigg is an AI program previously deactivated for several disturbing reasons.

However, Stu soon learns he is not the only one who knows about Frigg. Graciella Miramar, a ruthless woman with ties to a dangerous drug cartel, has big plans for Frigg. But, the cartel, and Stu are going to give her plenty of competition. Can Ali and High Noon Enterprises keep Frigg from falling into the hands of criminals?

I really enjoyed ‘Man Overboard’, and immediately took a liking to Stu- warts and all. In fact, I liked him so much I found myself thinking he should have his own series.

So, suffice it to say, I was thrilled to see him show up in this book, but, I'm afaid I may be having some reservations about his prominent role this time around.

At the risk of sounding repetitive, I was appreciative of Jance’s research on the dark web, and crypto-currency- which have made headlines and are becoming more popular and mainstream.

I am also a big fan of traditional crime dramas and to see that genre merged with modern technology is an interesting approach. I know some of you are probably wondering if I’m ignorant of techno-thrillers since this book sort of sounds like that- but, no, I’m talking about drug cartels, organized criminals who commit crimes the old -fashioned way, and artificial intelligence mingled together like a mish mash. It is certainly a unique set-up.

However, as with “Man Overboard”, the momentum was stymied by the tech jargon, but in that book, the plot was more interesting, and Stu's large personality kept the story flowing at a smoother and quicker pace.

Unfortunately, in this follow-up, the suspense is just flat, and Stu’s prominent personality was downplayed, AND Ali and her husband once again took on a lesser role than usual. Frigg is also a central character, which freshens things up just a little, but not enough to give the story the shot of adrenaline it sorely needed.
The other issues I had with the book was a sly, almost subliminal departure from neutrality on certain social and political issues. This book as an undertone, which seemed to lean towards one side, despite the author’s efforts to view both sides of the argument. This is something I have not noticed in Jance's other books, and that bugged me a little.

I’m not sure if the series is running out of steam, or if Jance trying to segue into a new series- which as I said before- I wouldn't mind if Stu and Cami got their own spin-off- but, either way, the characters, old and new, felt bored and tired, and in dire need of an energy boost.

I was slow to warm up to this series, but over time, I’ve come to enjoy it as much as the Beaumont and Brady series, I'd hate to see it fizzle out. I hope it rebounds a bit in the next chapter.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

J. A. Jance is one of my favorite mystery authors. This is book number thirteen in the Ali Reynolds series. Usually you can start a Jance series at any point but this book is written as a continuation of the prior book “Man Overboard” so it is best to read book twelve first. Jance delves into some hot and timely topics in this book such as cyber security and bitcoins. Also, a carryover from the prior novel is the artificial Intelligence “Frigg”.

The book is well written and the plot is intriguing. As usual Jance has multiple subplots intertwining. The characters are fascinating and become the reader’s friend after a few books. Jance makes the reader part of the family. It is great to watch how the character Stuart Ramey has developed over the series. Jance is a master story teller. If you enjoy a good mystery story this is a must-read series.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is almost eleven and a half hours. Karen Ziemba has done an excellent job narrating the series. Ziemba won the Tony Award in 2000 for the Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Ziemba is an actress and audiobook narrator.

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up where Man Overboard ended, Stu Ramey and his colleagues from High Noon Enterprises are maneuvered by a Panamian banker, Graciella Miramar, to revive the artificial intelligence (named Frigg). Frigg was developed by the deceased serial killer, Owen Hansen (a/k/a Odin), who transferred Hansen's illegal gains to Ramey to save herself and who has the passwords needed to pay taxes on this wealth. Turns out that Graciella is the illegitimate, psychopathic daughter of a Mexican drug lord, intent on grabbing power and changing the family business. The highlights of the book are whether or not Frigg can be rehabilitated to be good or whether she is a threat to High Noon and its principals and Stu Ramey's development from recluse to human being, assisted, of course, by Cami Lee. His interaction with Hansen's mother is especially surprising. On the other hand, we see very little of Ali Reynolds in this book.

[LInda L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots about bitcoins and Artificial Intelligence - AI. Those were kind of interesting in that I may now know more than I did before -- or maybe not. Anyway, I've loved all of J.A. Jance's books that I've read, especially the Joanna Brady series, but also have liked the Ali Reynolds series. Have not read all of the Beaumont series, but expect that when I do, I'll like those as well. This was mostly about one of High Noon's employees, Stuart Ramey, which was interesting, as he has some on-going issues. Ali, B, and Alonzo were as usual, but Stuart and the AI were the main focus. And Cami. It was an enthralling, if unlikely, story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And if Jance made some errors, think about all the great books she's written and the many hours of enjoyment she has given gazillions of people.

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

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart

I received this book for free from Publisher for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I have read all three series by J.A. Jance for a long time.  This  Ali Reynolds series, is probably the least realistic of the three, and is not based on law enforcement personnel like the other series.  I still love it. Ali was a news anchor who was briefly in law enforcement and now works with her husband's high-tech firm. I reviewed Man Overboard last spring.  It involved AI, artificial intelligence.

Duel to the Death picks up right where it ended. And I loved it so much!  The focus is on Stuart Ramey and the AI more than Ali and B. It was great to have more development of their characters. The intelligence and careful planning was so fun to watch. The machinations with the drug cartel were suspenseful with plenty of potential for violence.

Frigg was a joy to see in action. I felt worried she would be a problem or they would shut her down. I'm excited to see what happens now if she remains part of the team! I really can't wait for more.

 
Narration:
I  listened to Karen Ziemba previously on Man Overboard so this felt just right. I did like the unique voices for different characters and I don't always notice them. She was easy to understand and it was a pleasure to listen to her. Frigg and Stuart being main characters were particularly well done.  I used a 1.25x speed.

 

Listen to a clip:
https://soundcloud.com/simonschuster/...

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuart Ramey and the team at High Noon Enterprises find themselves in a bit of a pickle when Stuart receives a message from a Garciella Miramar informing him that he has been given a large amount of assets the formally belonged to a serial killer and computer genius. To get access to the monies hw will have to provide account numbers and passwords to her. This information is held by Frigg, an artificial intelligence program developed by the killer. Fearing for its existence Frigg has sent its memory and files off into various clouds and set its basic program to Stuart and shut its self down. For Stuart to recover the information he must reactivate the program which is the first problem that faces him and once that is done he can acquire the information. The problem is that Frigg is exceedingly "smart" and having been developed by a criminal mind has no inhibitions about using any and all means that it can, even patently illegal ones. Nuf said, you will have to read the book to see how it all falls out, and think on what it would be like if Frigg was actual and not imagined.
From the ending it would appear that we will see more of Frigg in the future.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ali Reynolds and her husband B.'s firm High Noon Enterprises assists their employee Stu Ramey when he is left a Bitcoin fortune and an artificial intelligence named Frigg. Stu and Frigg match wits with Graciella, the daughter of a drug cartel kingpin.

Ali and B. both have small roles and mostly just provide support to Stu in this story. If you liked the last Ali Reynolds book, Man Overboard, you will like this one as it's a continuation of the same story. I'm amazed at everything Frigg is able to do. Book read well and quickly. Love J.A. Jance's style. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the next.

[Luanne Ollivier]

J.A. Jance is an author I've read for years. She writes many series and I'm hard pressed to pick a favourite. Duel to the Death is the latest in the Ali Reynolds series.

From the publisher:

"After taking down the man responsible for his best friend’s death, Stuart Ramey thinks the case is finally closed. That is, until Stu finds himself left with a multimillion dollar fortune in Bitcoin in a desperate bid by Frigg, a rogue A.I. program created by the killer, to keep itself from being fully deactivated.

To sort out his situation and take Frigg down for good, Stu enlists the help of Ali Reynolds and the rest of his cyber security colleagues at High Noon Enterprises. But they are not the only ones who know about Frigg’s existence.

Graciella Miramar, an unassuming accountant to all appearances, is actually the right-hand woman to El Pescado, the leader of a dangerous drug cartel. She’ll do anything to get her hands on that program. With Frigg’s help, Graciella hopes to take over her father’s criminal underworld and become wealthy beyond her wildest dreams. But Stu—and El Pescado and his henchmen—may not be so easily defeated."

Now, I hadn't read the plot summary before I started listening. I did find it a bit odd - an AI and a cartel connection in the first two chapters. I kept listening, waiting for Ali and her team to make an appearance. It's these recurring characters that keep me revisiting Jance's works. And I was happy to reconnect....but...

Listening provides a different experience and outlook on a novel than reading does. And here's where Duel to the Death fell down for me. The amount of detail and minutiae become overwhelming. Now, this is also what makes Jance's novels feel like visiting old friends. But in this case it became distracting, boring and wandered away too often from the main plot. And I lost interest. I tried a second time but just couldn't get past the rambling or interested again in the book. Sadly, Duel to the Death is a DNF for me.

The reader was Karen Ziemba. She's a narrator I've listen to before. She's got a nice, crisp voice that is pleasant to listen to. She enunciates well and each word is clear and clean. Her voice has movement and gives animation to the words.

[Betsy Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was better than the last book but still not up to the true Ali R. adventures. She is a supporting character in this book as she was in the last book. I understand the desire to develop other players but not at the expense of the main character! I hope J.A. Jance gets back on track in the upcoming books - #14 due in April.

[Donna Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jance is one of my favorite hometown writers, and so I was pleased to see this title offered on Net Galley. Thanks go to that site and Touchstone for the free review copy. It’s for sale now.

This is the 13th entry in the Ali Reynolds series, and its constant readers will likely want to read this one also. New readers may be a harder sell. Although the novel has some bright spots, it’s slow to wake up and burdened with a number of issues, some of which are deal-breakers.

The opening is slow, and there is a great deal of back story that slows down the inner narrative. If I hadn’t taken a review copy from Simon and Schuster, I would have tossed the book on my giveaway pile and called it quits. But staying with it has its rewards. Though Reynolds is featured in this story and it is set in her home and within the cybersecurity firm she and her husband own, the important characters here are Stuart, her technical wizard, and the surprisingly charming Artificial Intelligence entity named Frigg that bonds to him. Graciella Miramar, a talented Panamanian hacker and the daughter of a drug lord, is determined to hack into Frigg in order to get the password that serves as the key to a vast fortune in Bitcoins.

I am nearly halfway into the book before I am engaged, but once I am hooked I am in it for keeps.

The immense amount of money Reynolds and her husband toss around prevents me from empathizing with them. A large amount of independent wealth solves a lot of logistical problems for the novelist, just as it does for the affluent in real life, but Jance is a seasoned writer, and I am disappointed that she takes the easy way out. In addition, the denouement—not given here lest you decide to read it anyway—strains credibility.

All of the bad guys—we have one female villain, Graciella, and a whole list of her family members and associates—are Latino, either from Panama or Mexico. All Latinos, apart from the Reynolds’ domestic employee, are bad. All the good guys are Caucasian except for Cami, who is Asian-American. I am disquieted by the portrayal of at least a dozen immigrant characters as “gangbangers”, thieves, rapists, arsonists, and murderers. Particularly given current events and attacks on immigrants’ rights by the U.S. government, this is disturbing.

So if you are a reader who is heartily sick of fiction that wants to appear politically correct, congratulations. Here’s your book; knock yourself out. Everyone else is forewarned.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Stuart Ramsey inherits an artificial intelligence named Frigg, the chief financial officer for a drug cartel attempts to gain control of Frigg while plotting to also control the cartel. Stuart, who is an introvert, must overcome his phobias while battling to stay in control. While listed as an Ali Reynods mystery, Ali is a bit player.

[Kathi Arbogast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this audio book up at the library after reading another J A Jance book. I didn’t pay much attention to the synopsis on the back but once I started listening I realized the story was about an AI with a mind of its own! This is a topic that my kids tell me I should be more careful how I speak to Siri, Alexa and Google because when they take over……I have already seen I Robot so now I’m thinking I don’t think I can get the upper hand with any of them, including Frig in Duel to the Death! I’m hoping the next book includes Frig.

[Ladyhawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I normally reserve 5 star ratings for Epic stories. You know, the ones that trek through time or at least across the globe. But this... was such a great, creative story! Jance offers up some page turning suspense! Even if you can anticipate what may happen next, you still can't turn away from it.

[Sally Lemon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extremely disappointed in this one. The plot is based on a false premise which is made worse as it goes on with illogical actions. Tax on an inheritance is paid by the estate, not the person who inherits. Once they got access to the computer program they had all the money anyway if they had needed it.
And the characters were hardly developed this time.
Have enjoyed JJ Janice’s books for years and am so sorry this one Was so bad.

[Jackie Chattopadhyay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed.

I’m an avid J. A. Jance reader, enough that we once took a trip to Bisbee. This book isn’t her best.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A follow-up to "Man Overboard" which I haven't read...So-so Ali Reynolds as the gang at High Noon Enterprises confront the collateral leftovers from the deceased serial murderer from "Man Overboard & the AI that Stuart Ramey holds the key to...throw in Mexican drug lords, drug cartels, MS-13 killers & we have a page-turner, but certainly not the best from Jance!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well. That was better than I was expecting it to be considering how it started out. The author was seriously let down by her editing team/beta readers/continuity checkers. When I ran face-first into a couple I thought were particularly unforgivable, I was hard pressed to keep reading. I can definitely see why so many other reviewers were crying “foul” about the way it ends. It is quite literally deus ex machina. There is no way this story could have turned out this way without the intervention of Frigg. That being said, I read this series for the mystery and human element. I have reached my quota of AI.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of the best novels by this author. This is usually my favorite series by her and I'm excited when I get to read them. This book wasn't really suspenseful nor was it a mystery. It was just a lot of useless information that wasn't really believable (at least to me). I did enjoy how it used Stu Ramey as the main character though. We got to learn more about him. I need more action in a book by Ms. Jance and hope we get it in her future novels.

[Jim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm over the Ali Reynolds series. She frequently relates a conversation between characters, then repeats much of it to someone else. The redundancies are very annoying. Too many unnecessary words throughout. Doesn't seem like the author writes her other series' this way, so I await the next Beaumont book.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my last Ali Reynolds. I couldn’t finish it.

[John W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

J. A. Jance’s new Ali Reynolds release is captivating look at the subject of artificial intelligence. In DUEL TO THE DEATH, Jance provides her readers with an intriguing plot featuring the principal characters she has created over her first twelve books. She skillfully provides each characters' background as needed and at the same time continues ongoing development as each character comes into her fast-moving storyline. In the tech side of the storyline, the author keeps readers on pins and needles with exciting details about each of the key characters.
The author increases the pace of her storyline as she creates subplots adding surprises and intrigue encouraging readers to keep reading. She creates several support characters and provides their background as she introduces them to the storyline.

Jance explores how advances in computer technology can affect the actions of good and evil individuals. Ali Reynolds and her husband and his cyber-security company work with Stuart Rammey as they try to understand Frigg’s AI program. As the storyline moves forward, Jance helps those who are not computer literate realize what is happening.

She creates several support characters providing their background as she introduces them to the storyline. Jance keeps changing the direction of the plot as she adds twists and turns, giving her readers an inside look at both of her new protagonists, as well as her very evil antagonists. Jance combines suspicious murders, drug cartels and manipulations of people. Ali Reynolds works hard to ensure Stuart Ramey stays out of danger from the antagonist and an AI program named Frigg.

DUEL TO THE DEATH, adds surprises at the turn of each page keeping the momentum of the storyline moving forward. Jance keeps her readers guessing as to where the story is heading. DUEL TO THE DEATH with its dramatic ending motivates readers to be aware of how artificial intelligence is in their lives, earns a five-star ranking and is a must-read

[Linda Munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is an Ali Reynolds book; I would say the main characters were Stuart Ramey and Frigg (the rogue AI program that wanted to make sure she wasn't deactivated and set her sights on Stu). None the less, it was no less intense than any other Ali Reynols books!

Stuart Ramey, rather an introvert has been 'coming out' lately! First, he managed taking down the man responsible for his best friends death. Now, Stu has discovered that it has been targeted by a rogue AI, but in a good way, he is now a multimillionaire, providing he reactivates a killer's AI.

Fearing that Frigg is not on the up and up, Stu enlists his colleagues from High Noon to help him take the AI down; but Frigg knows more than she should and alerts Stu to other's seeking her, namely Graciella Miramar, although appearances would make one believe she is nothing more than an accountant, Frigg informs Stu that she is the right-hand woman to a dangerous drug cartel.Graciella wants Frigg to help her take down El Pescado so she can take over the cartel.

Can Stu and Frigg make sure she doesn't get her way?

[Nicholas George · Rating 3 out of 5]

I braced myself for this one, as it includes the bizarre character of Frigg, who was introduced in the previous book of the Ali Reynolds series. An Artificial Intelligence entity "living" entirely in cyberspace, Frigg is a bit more easy to take in this one, perhaps because it doesn't have a stock serial killer villain. Also, Jance does a better job exploring the dynamics of tracking down a villain online and arranging their demise (some of it brought about by the villain herself). Stuart Ramey, Ali's tech genius from the previous novel, is featured so prominently that this is mostly a book about him (Ali herself is almost a bit player). Overall, this isn't top-notch Jance, but contains her facility for multi-layered storytelling and was far better than I expected.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuart Ramey enlists the help of Ali Reynolds and the team of cybersecurity
colleagues at High Noon Enterprises to find out who wants to purchase
Frigg -a rogue AI program created by a killer to keep itself from being
deactivated. Graciella Miramar who works for the leader of a drug cartel
will do anything to get her hands on the AI program. Stu and the team work
Together to take down the cartel and save Frigg. It is a fat paced and
exciting thriller with good characters and storyline. I enjoyed this book.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuart Ramey has a problem and it can and will cause many more. He shut down Frigg and now he has to bring her back on line. Who is Frigg? A very complex computer program and there is someone who wants Frigg and will do anything to get her. This is a really interesting plot. We get to follow not only Stu, Ali, and B we also get to follow the characters who want the program. I loved following each character and seeing how everything would work out. It was also fun to watch the interaction between Frigg and the various characters. One of the best yet in this series.

[Laura Ruetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of the Ali Reynolds books that I have read and I was really pleased with it. This was a really gripping read for me. Can an AI think for themselves? What happens when one takes steps to protect themselves and their programming after being created by a serial killer? This is a techno-thriller that isn't bogged down by jargon, and focuses on the people and the plot. I will need to circle back to the rest of the books in this series for sure.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've pretty much decided that my favorite J. A. Jance series is the one I read most recently. I love the family of characters and their interactions. The international intrigue in recent books has expanded the scope and my interest. And the newest character, an artificial intelligence named Frigg, makes for excellent possibilities as stories develop. As always, I'm eager for the next one.

[Mary L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woke up this morning at 3:30 and couldn't get back to sleep so started reading Duel to the Death again. Ali Reynolds and B. Simpson help out Stuart (the 2nd in command at High Noon their cyber security company) when he is willed a lot of bitcom type money and an artificial intelligence named Figg. Figg has quite the personality and the interaction between them in trying to keep her out of the hands of the bad guys is the reason I stayed awake and finished the book at 6 this morning.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy reading book 13 of the series. You get to know a little bit more about Stu Ramsey and he develops into a more fully functional character the stories overall progressing and continuing on the book 14.

[annapi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm having difficulty rating this, but ultimately it's 3.5. Rounding up or down can go either way, but for now I'll round up just because I like the series overall even though it's not the greatest. The reason for the waffling is that though I enjoyed the story, which brings the secondary character Stu Ramey front and center along with the genius AI Frigg from the previous book of the series, ultimately there was no real conflict as we have in Frigg the ultimate Mary Sue.

In the previous book Stu had decided that Frigg was too powerful to reactivate. But I guess the temptation was too much for the author and here she is brought back to "life". We have a Mexican drug cartel kingpin and his psychopathic daughter pitted against Stu Ramey and Frigg, but there's really no contest as Frigg just has the world at her cyber-fingertips. She can hack into anything, and all Stu really has to do is ask for it.

Which was my problem with this book. It was all too easy. Even the final showdown with Graciella, the drug lord's daughter who wants Frigg for herself, fizzled away at the end. All the conflicts were pretty much rendered non-existent with the figurative touch of a keyboard key. Oh, I like the character of Stu and I enjoyed the character of Frigg, as well as the thought of an artificial intelligence that is close to sentient, but making her pretty much all-powerful started to wear a little thin at the end despite the cool factor. Jance will have to be careful where she takes this in future books.