Payment in Kind

J.A. Jance

The receptionist comes into the school administration office and discovers two bodies in the closet. One was the head of Labor Relations of the Seattle school system. The other was the security officer that was employed since the school had received bomb threats earlier in the year. Was this a lover's tryst? J.P. Beaumont is called out in one of the worst blizzards in recent history to investigate this double murder.

As he and his temporary partner look into the deaths, more secrets are uncovered. As well as investigating, he is butting heads with his spotlight grabbing partner. The two tend to work against each other, keeping information from each other as long as possible. Is that any way to run a police investigation?

The Labor Relations Head's husband and daughter are stunned at her death. But he is hiding family secrets that Beaumont slowly uncovers. Are these related to the death? Is the husband guilty of murder?

This is an excellent mystery. Each time a secret is uncovered, the solution takes another twist. I would think I had a handle on the murderer. Then another clue was uncovered. Jance has woven an intriguing novel. This book follows in the series, but doesn't need it. It stands alone and only slightly furthers Beaumont's personal life.

Until Proven Guilty
Injustice For All
Trial by Fury
Taking the Fifth
Improbable Cause
A More Perfect Union
Dismissed With Prejudice
Minor in Possession
Payment in Kind
Without Due Process
Failure to Appear
Lying in Wait
Name Withheld
Breach of Duty
Birds of Prey
Partner in Crime with Joanna Brady
Long Time Gone
Justice Denied
Fire and Ice with Joanna Brady
Betrayal of Trust