Dead to Rights

J.A. Jance

The local veternarian has been killed and his barn set afire. The obvious suspect is Hal Morgan, the man who has been picketing the clinic. The vet had killed Morgan's wife in a drunken accident a few years earlier. Morgan is now picketing for M.A.D.D.

Sheriff Joanna Brady believes the man when he claims not to have done it. But her department is stretched out. There is currently only one detective on staff, and there have been two murders in the county. Officers are needed to guard people in the hospital. The budget has been cut back. She cannot investigate the case in the manner she feels it deserves. She knows there are some strange happenings with the vet's death, but cannot follow them.

She has settled into the job, although it is still new to her. She has learned about all the paperwork involved with being the county sheriff. She is learning how to be a busy working mother whose daughter feels she is being slighted.

The mystery in this book is excellent. I was certain I knew who did it. The red herrings were enough to mislead me. Before it is done more people find their life in danger. This is the fourth book in the series. While each mystery stands on its own, the personal tale builds through each volume. If you haven't read these, you have to start with Desert Heat to set up the storyline.

Desert Heat
Tombstone Courage
Shoot Don't Shoot
Dead to Rights
Skeleton Canyon
Rattlesnake Crossing
Outlaw Mountain
Devil's Claw
Paradise Lost
Partner in Crime w/ J.P. Beaumont
Exit Wounds
Dead Wrong
Damage Control
Fire and Ice w/ J.P. Beaumont