This plot was much like the first in the series. Beau seems to be an unhappy man, searching for some meaning in life. Yes, he is a homicide detective, but he finds little fulfillment in that career. He drinks too much, evidently to take his mind off his divorced ex-wife and their kids whom he sees too little of. He also manages to (he thinks) fall in love with beautiful women, though it doesn’t end well for them. I find his partner to be a more interesting character, with his recently rescued kids from the cult his ex-wife had taken them to. This mystery is about politics and murder, a likely combination. Beau, of course, figures it out rather quickly, but finding the evidence takes longer. This may not be a great story, but it is entertaining. ( )

He keeps hooking up with the first female character in the story who then gets killed. ( )

#2 in JP Beaumont ( )

Couldn't put the book down. I would have given this a five star but some scenes were just too unbelievable. But enjoyed the book none-the-less. ( )

J. P. (Beau) Beaumont, veteran Seattle Police Department detective, is on vacation in hopes he may start recovering from events that happened in the first book, Until Proven Guilty. He's walking on the beach when he hears a woman scream. She's discovered the body of a friend and colleague, a fellow Parole Board member. The Parole Board is staying at the resort for their annual meeting. Beau can't help acting like a cop, even though he's out of his jurisdiction. Soon he finds himself entangled in a murder case involving the wife of a candidate for lieutenant governor. Unfortunately he's stepped into the middle of a vendetta against the Parole Board's members, and even their families.

I really enjoyed the first book of this series and this one was almost as good. I think the characters are solidly developed, as is the storyline which stays tight to the end. The mystery is well plotted and the pace is perfect. I'm going to continue with the series when I get an opportunity. ( )