Review: Queen of the Night by J A Jance

Queen of the Night is the fourth book in the Brandon Walker series by J A Jance and a Thriller Novel from William Morrow.

Book Blurb:

Every summer, in an event that is commemorated throughout the Tohono O'odham Nation, the Queen of the Night flower blooms in the Arizona desert. But one couple's intended celebration is shattered by gunfire, the sole witness to the bloodshed a little girl who has lost the only family she's ever known.

To her rescue come Dr. Lani Walker, who sees the trauma of her own childhood reflected in her young patient, and Dan Pardee, an Iraq war veteran and member of an unorthodox border patrol unit called the Shadow Wolves. Joined by Pima County homicide investigator Brian Fellows, they must keep the child safe while tracking down a ruthless killer.

In a second case, retired homicide detective Brandon Walker is investigating the long unsolved murder of an Arizona State University coed. Now, after nearly half a century of silence, the one person who can shed light on that terrible incident is willing to talk. Meanwhile, Walker's wife, Diana Ladd, is reliving memories of a man whose death continues to haunt her.

As these crimes threaten to tear apart three separate families, the stories and traditions of the Tohono O'odham people remain just beneath the surface of the desert, providing illumination to events of both self-sacrifice and unspeakable evil.

Queen of the Night was submitted for review and I retain my copy.

This is the first book I have read by J A Jance - and though Queen of the Night is the 4th book in the Brandon Walker series - I had no trouble reading it as a stand alone novel.

When a multiple murder leaves a little girl the only surviving witness - Border Patrol Agent Dan Pardee is bound and determined to keep her safe until the perpetrator is brought to justice.

Doctor Lani Walker feels an instant kinship with the little girl and a spark of something more with Dan Pardee - but both of them want only what is best for young Angie.

Lani's adoptive father Brandon Walker, is hoping to solve a long outstanding murder case - but he is worried about his wife Diana Ladd who has been acting out of character. He doesn't know which will be easier to solve - the case, or Diana's issues.

I enjoyed Queen of the Night very much. I love how Ms. Jance weaves the traditions and stories of the Tohono O'odham people into this book.

I give Queen of the Night 4 out of 5 stars.

M

Brandon Walker
1. Hour of the Hunter (1991)
2. Kiss of the Bees (1999)
3. Day of the Dead (2004)
4. Queen of the Night (2010)