Reviews

Hand of Evil by J.A. Jance

starthelostgirl's review against another edition

4.0

This was a decent mystery with good characters and an enjoyable story. The ending wasn’t mind blowing but it was a fun and fast read. I’d probably read more from this series.

asukaluthien's review against another edition

2.0

I liked the first two books in the series, but I do not like how they developed Ali in this third book. Especially the way she treated Crystal. She's a 12 year old teenager who went through some serious shit, give the girl a break.

javamamanc's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

cathiedalziel's review against another edition

3.0

Another mystery whodunit where the woman (an ordinary citizen) can't keep her nose out of other people's business, and plants herself right dab in the middle of not one, but 2 different murder investigations (with a total of 8 bodies ~ at least I think it was 8; I stopped counting!) plus a child molestation case.
The book kept me interested right up to about 3/4 of the way through and by that time I had invested enough energy and time in the read that I wanted to finish it.

I finally was ready to chuck it, I rolled my eyes, muttered "no way"; thank gawd the ending was there.

jeo224's review against another edition

dark

4.0

This one definitely has a darker side to it. Good characters and they grow with each book as the situations change.

laden_bookshelf's review against another edition

3.0

Generally speaking I love JA Jance. This series, while entertaining, hasn't grabbed me enough to pick them all up. I think I read the first one as a kindle freebie and this one as a dollar deal. Good books, nice action, good characterization but something in the mix is just not hitting the right buttons for me.

kjelu1022's review against another edition

4.0

The 3rd in the Ali Reynolds series captivated me with the multiple plots within the book. Ali is back in Sedona dealing with the aftermath of her cheating husband’s death and gets involved in several murder mysteries including a family that was her benefactor as a teenager. The topic of sexual abuse of minor girls and the effect it has on their physical and mental health was intriguing. This book allowed for exploration into Ali’s past and the dynamic relationships with her family and friends. Ali’s character was further developed by obtaining a better understanding the effect that being “poor” had on her life and desire to become an independent woman.

novelesque_life's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 STARS

"In this latest book of the series featuring the ex-anchorwoman Ali Reynolds, the mystery begins when an elderly woman finds a brutally mutilated corpse while taking her daily walk in Arizona. Is it just a coincidence that, later that day, Ali is
summoned to tea with the most powerful woman in her hometown? Once again, Ali is on the trail of a killer...but will she survive to recount the tale on her popular blog, cutlooseblog.com?" (From Amazon)

A great suspense/mystery novel.

muddypuddle's review against another edition

1.0

I couldn't wait until I'd finished this. I didn't like the first one at all, either, so I don't know why I keep torturing myself with this series. Perhaps because of the locale. So what is it I don't like? Ali. Goody-goody Ali. Her stupid blog. And the writing. Every tiny detail is explained over and over. And people remember details of information from 40, 50 years previously. Sure. Also, so much more could be said about this lovely community and it's totally missing. Blech! (I guess I really, really want to like these and I keep getting disappointed....)

trixie_reads's review against another edition

2.0

Not boring -- not great.