The Old Blue Line by J.A. JanceMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Old Blue Line by J.A. Jance is a 2014 William Morrow/ Witness Impulse publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This short story/ novella is technically a Joanna Brady novel. If you are expecting the usual Joanna Brady mystery then you will be disappointed. This is a story that is all about Butch Dixon, Joanna's husband, only this story takes place before the two were romantically involved.
Butch is in hot water when his ex-wife is found murdered and from the grave she seems to have fingered him as a suspect. Thankfully, Butch has some friends he can turn to, to help him keep from being framed for murder. I enjoyed reading a little bit about Butch's background and this was an interesting aside from the usual Joanna Brady mystery. Having said that, the story could be a let down for those that are looking for Joanna to make an appearance. It's not until the very end of the book she makes a small cameo, but that's the extent of her contribution to this one. For those who are very big J.A. Jance fans and want to read any and everything she writes you might wish to add this one to your collection if for no other reason than to have all of her work and to get a little peak into Butch's past. Other than that, this one left me with a " I can take it or leave it" attitude. This one is a 2.5 rounded to 3.
