Cold Betrayal - (Ali Reynolds) by J A Jance

Book Synopsis

Revenge isn't the only dish served cold...

Ali Reynolds's longtime friend and Taser-carrying nun, Sister Anselm, rushes to the bedside of a young pregnant woman hospitalized for severe injuries after she was hit by a car on a deserted Arizona highway. The girl had been running away from The Family, a polygamous cult with no patience for those who try to leave its ranks. Something about her strikes a chord in Sister Anselm, reminding her of a case she worked years before when another young girl wasn't so lucky.

Meanwhile, married life agrees with Ali. But any hopes that she and her husband, B. Simpson, will finally slow down and relax now that they've tied the knot are dashed when Ali's new daughter-in-law approaches her, desperate for help. The girl's grandmother, Betsy, is in danger: she's been receiving anonymous threats, and someone even broke into her home and turned on the gas burners in the middle of the night. But the local police think the elderly woman's just not as sharp as she used to be.

While Ali struggles to find a way to protect Betsy before it's too late, Sister Anselm needs her help as well, and the two race the clock to uncover the secrets that The Family has hidden for so long--before someone comes back to bury them forever.

From the New York Times bestselling author hailed for her "inimitable, take-no-prisoners style" (Kirkus Reviews), Cold Betrayal forces Ali to confront the face of evil, and the women who are being hunted.

Review Quotes

"A truly thrilling case with red herrings, characters coming out of the woodwork, back stories that will make you gasp, and a conclusion that you will not see coming!"-- "Suspense Magazine"

"An intriguing plot, colorful characters."-- "San Diego Union-Tribune"

"Characters so real you want to reach out and hug--or strangle--them. Her dialogue always rings true."-- "Cleveland Plain-Dealer"

"Compelling... Satisfying."-- "USA Today"

"Entertaining on all counts."-- "Booklist"

"Heart-stopping . . . Jance deftly brings the desert, people, and towns of southeastern Arizona to life."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"J.A. Jance is addictive because of moments that just rise up and make things so real you'll swear you are a part of the book. . . . Jance will charm you into reading everything by her you can find."-- "Statesman Journal (Salem, Oregon)"

"Jance adroitly combines well-rounded characterizations and brisk storytelling with high-tech exploits, arson, kidnappings, and a shootout for an entertaining and suspenseful addition to this solid series."-- "Booklist, on Moving Target"

"Jance delivers a devilish page-turner."-- "People"

"Jance starts her books fast . . . and keeps things moving with cinematic panache. . . . You want an accessible thriller? Jance is your gal . . . Engaging and entertaining."-- "Los Angeles Times"

"Prolific Jance . . . [carries] readers swiftly to an unexpected conclusion."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Well-drawn characters, brisk prose, and skillful plotting."-- "Booklist"

"Ali's good heart and sense of justice combine withwell-paced suspense to create a satisfying whole." -Kirkus Reviews

"Engaging . . . Ali charms the locals into giving valuable if inadvertent clues."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Fast pacing, multiple plotlines, a fascinating look at online research, and sympathetic characters all provide appeal in Jance's suspenseful story."-- "Booklist"

"Incredible . . . This is a gem by a winning author . . . . Yet another terrific book by Jance that fans and readers will absolutely cheer about."-- "Suspense Magazine"

"Jance skillfully avoids the predictable. . . . Her crisp plotting, sharp characters and realistic dialogue carry Moving Target through its many surprising twists."-- "South Florida Sun Sentinel, on Moving Target"

"Lots of action, and the book is fast-paced and technology-savvy."-- "Tuscon Weekly, on Moving Target"

"Loyal fans and newcomers alike will be glad to join feisty Ali in her latest adventure."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Series fans will welcome the familiar supporting cast, including computer nerd Stuart Ramey and boyfriend B. Simpson."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"The prolific Jance knows how to tell a story...fans won't be disappointed."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"The story, on two continents, is complicated and interesting, but the best thing is the characters, rich and deep and believable."-- "San Jose Mercury News, on Moving Target"

About the Author

J.A. Jance is the New York Times bestselling author of the Ali Reynolds series, the J.P. Beaumont series, and the Joanna Brady series, as well as five Southwestern thrillers featuring the Walker family. Born in South Dakota and raised in Bisbee, Arizona, Jance lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Visit her online at JAJance.com.