I expect very novel by J. A. Jance to be exciting and intriguing. The series about Ali Reynolds is becoming my favorite of Jance’s four, and her newest, Left for Dead, grabbed my attention and kept it throughout from beginning to end. As I’ve said before, having an “older” protagonist who lives life to the fullest appeals to me as a woman and as a reader.

Jance makes the plot believable and probable. She weaves in modern issues such as online predators and stalkers, economic problems that cause cuts in law enforcement and living conditions for those who must work for a living. I will have to admit I do skip any sexual details, but that’s my personal taste.

Ali comes to the aid of another friend, one who helped her years before while they attended the Arizona Police Academy. Now Jose Reyes struggles for his life after being ambushed, at first considered a victim but then a part of the illegal drug world. The legal system puts Reyes and his pregnant wife on the list of drug dealers. Ali doesn’t believe the charges and fights to prove her friend and his wife innocent as well as the unidentified young woman Sister Anselm protects. Ali, Sister Anselm and Sheriff Renteria fight to find truth and justice, despite pressure from above to stop digging into the cases.

I have to give this novel a ten for interest, excitement, characters, and plot. Well done.

I recommend Left for Dead for anyone who enjoys good suspense and intrigue. J.A. Jance is at her best, as I say after every Jance novel.