Tombstone Courage

By J.A. Jance

Book Overview

Newly elected Sheriff Joanna Brady investigates the murder of a prominent citizen and finds herself in the midst of the dead man's unpleasant family secrets, racing against time and a killer who plans to strike again. Reprint. PW.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380765462
• ISBN13: 9780380765461
• Release Date: April 1995
• Publisher: Avon Books
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Love Joanna Brady-A Great Character! A+++

The book begins with Harold Patterson, an 84-year old man who is being sued by one of his own daughters, Holly, for incestuous acts. Harold Patterson wants to meet with Holly finally, to try to make amends and talk her out of this lawsuit. They do meet face to face, and Holly is anything but pleased. Harold dies before any amends are made, or is murdered rather mysteriously. Joanna Brady gets elected Chochise County sheriff, the first female ever. As a rookie cop, let alone a woman, none of the other men on the force have any respect for her until she lays down the law. Joanna gets involved in the Patterson case, and seeks out Holly and Ivy, the other daughter herself. Ivy was the one that always was there to care for her mother when she was an invalid both physically, and mentally, whereas Holly was wild, running off and on drugs. They both hated their father, and Joanna is trying to uncover what happened down "Glory Hole," where Harold's body was found, and under that is a skeleton years and years old. The identity of the skeleton is a shock to all. And to uncover the mystery, Joanna puts herself in front of real danger. A very intriguing book all the way through!

GREAT AUDIO BOOK!

This audio book contains one very intriguing mystery. It was great all the way to the end. Well done--I really liked it!

Superb Series, Great Story

This series has been fantastic. Although each novel can stand on it's own, I have found that reading them in order is a better idea. Later books reference earlier books and it is easier to follow the overall history of the characters in this series. Having said that, this is a great book. Joanna has just been elected Sherrif when a grisly murder is discovered. A drugged up ex movie star, a wierd therapist, an old family fued of sorts and the stage is set for a great novel. Joanna is a strong woman and this is a good book. It's good to read about her efforts to mourn with her daughter the loss of her husband. As she comes to grip with the past, she learns to deal with the present. Joanna's mother is an interesting character that adds a lot to this series. Enjoy.

Very enjoyable

This is a suspenseful story. Joanna has become the sheriff upon the death of her husband. She has a difficult crime to solve and faces difficulties in her own office and among her own staff. Many people are unhappy to see Joanna, a woman, as sheriff. Joanna (and the author) handles these issues with an appealing firmness and dignity.Very much recommended.