When Bec and Jen and I decided to come up with a series of books the Ethereal Readers book club would read instead of voting separately for each book, we wanted to offer a variety. This past year we've read a nonfiction, an historical fiction, a classic, and a Christmas book. We also decided to offer a mystery, since we (really meaning Bec and me) love mysteries. Thus, Damage Control, by J.A. Jance.
Damage Control is the 13th book in a series of 16 books featuring Cochise County Sheriff Joanna Brady as the protagonist. I had never read a book by Ms. Jance. I looked forward to reading this book as this particular series takes place in real-life Cochise County in southern Arizona, specifically in the town of Brisbee. While I’m much more familiar with the area around Phoenix, it still was fun to understand and relate to the climate and topographical issues faced by this fictional sheriff.
Damage Control takes place during the monsoon season, when the rains come as deluges and flooding prevails because of the clay earth. I’ve never actually been here during monsoon season, but I have seen the results of heavy rains, and I could fully understand what the citizens of Cochise County faced.
I thought the storyline was great, though I must admit the fact that the scene that transpired in the prologue wasn’t addressed until almost the end of the book was somewhat disconcerting. In fact, I had completely forgotten about it until it came up again at the end of the book when we learn that the person killed was the boyfriend of the murdered developmentally disabled girl. Whaaaaaaat????
But other than that, I enjoyed the story. Having read about a billion mysteries in my life, I was knew from the get-go that the elderly couple didn’t commit suicide – or at least only did so as a result of some bad action by someone else. The fact that Sheriff Brady figures out what happened when there was somewhere around 40 pages left in the book made me wonder if she was wrong and it was going to be someone else. I began suspecting one of the daughters. I was glad to be wrong.
Simply put, however, what I liked best about the book was Sheriff Brady herself. I found her to be a realistic portrayal of a working mother who was lucky enough to have a stay-at-home husband/baby-dad. I didn’t find her to be particularly Supermom. She was often tired and crabby. She fought with her own mom. (I assume if I read earlier accounts of her life, I will find out what exactly caused the dissention between Brady and her mother.)
The scene depicting the funeral of the murdered sheriff’s deputy was very moving. There must really be very little that is sadder than a funeral for a first-responder.
I’m kind of surprised that this series has never been made into a television movie. It seems perfect.
I think that I’m going to start reading this series from the first book, Desert Heat. I love to watch characters develop throughout a long series of books.
What did you all think? Did you have the murder figured out before Sheriff Brady? Who would star in my made-for-television movie?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Like Kris, I really enjoyed this book. I’ve read quite a bit of this series, although not every book and not strictly in order. But, I have watched the characters grow and develop, and I’ve enjoyed that. In fact, one of the things I liked was that Joanna’s mom’s character is softened a bit in this book. I always have enjoyed the Arizona setting, even before I moved here. Now I really want to take a drive to Bisbee. I suspect it will be underwhelming, but still.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I appreciated in this book and think Jance does well is that both the mystery and the personal life/family story lines interest me. I couldn’t put the book (or device!) down, and read it in just a couple of days. I loved that the mysterious first scene was explained at the end. I can’t say it was in my head the whole time, but when I got to it at the end I loved the ah-ha moment! The old literature teacher in me likes to see that kind of unity.
It is interesting that Kris mentioned the funeral of the fallen officer. I will admit that I sobbed while reading it. I thought it was just me being over-emotional. I don’t know exactly what the author did there, but clearly the writing was strong and effective in eliciting that kind of response from at least two of us.
I agree that it would be a good series or movie. As to who would star, I don’t know enough actors to even suggest anyone. But, Joanna is a great character, so her portrayer would have to be excellent.
I know. Maybe the woman who plays the main character on Law and Order SVU. While I picture Joanna blonde, she has the right mix of strong yet vulnerable.
ReplyDeleteI thought of her, too. She could wear a wig!
ReplyDeleteI can't say I really enjoyed this book. I wanted to like it more than I did. It may have been my frame of mind at the time....kind of blah.....but I just think the book did not meet my expectations and therefore, was a disappointment. It was fine, but I wanted a repeat of My Antonia.
ReplyDeleteSince it is so hard for me to post comments...you will be getting them bit by bit.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I really wanted to like the characters. I had hoped I had found a new series to sink into, but it just didn't hook me the way I had hoped/anticipated. I like the characters in a take them or leave them kind of way. I did like the fact that the wife was able to get out and the husband stayed home but the things that I liked in that way just weren't enough. maybe I should start at the beginning of the series and give it another chance.
I do agree that it should be made into a television series. What is the name of the actress you think should play Joanna? I want to google her and see if she matches my image.I pictured a brunette with a slightly frizzy pony tail. No actress comes to mind right now.
Sometime last month I noticed that the author was in town for a book reading or signing or something. Did any of you go?
Marisa hargitay is the actress' name. Not sure I spelled that right. No, I didn't go. That would have been fun. There aren't many mysteries that are great literature, but I like them for mind candy. This one held my interest.
DeleteI forgot she was going to be here. I would have loved to go!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to be back and finally able to write a review for a book club book. For those of you who know me, I would rather talk, over coffee or wine (and food of course) but coffee and my computer will do for today.
ReplyDeleteI liked the book. It was a fun and easy read. I didn't judge it too harshly as I experienced it for what it is. I could relate to Joanna in that she believes in her work, her purpose in life and she takes it seriously. She is quite lucky to have a husband who is a successful writer, but also plays the stable role in the family.
I enjoyed the relationships among the people in the book, particularly between Joanna and the various other law enforcement players. She is tough yet sensitive and she is able to show others that in a male dominated environment.
In the middle of the book, I was baffled a bit at the various story lines that were popping up, in, and out of this small town's Sheriff's office. However, I supposed that is reality. I too had forgotten about the prologue but found it to be engaging rather than distracting.
The funeral of the fallen officer also moved me. I think that is an important piece of the story that she conveyed very well. It showed the respect, compassion, and significance of the men and women who put themselves at risk every day for the community...much like our men and women in the armed forces.
My one criticism is that Jance wrapped up this book like she was just ready to be done. The last 10 pages reminded me of wrapping that last Christmas or birthday present...alright, I am done with this already.
I like Marissa for this role but I also envision a Sandra Bullock style of actor...
Oh, I like the Sandra Bullock idea!
ReplyDeleteI found this book to be a bit disappointing. But not so much that I thought about not finishing it.
ReplyDeleteI found the characters likable and I enjoyed the AZ setting. The story line just didn't grab me. I always judge how good a book is if I think about it when I'm not reading. I didn't find myself wondering what was going to happen when I read it next.
The prologue was great and I was disappointed it was not incorporated into the story with more complexity. I thought there were too many story lines to make any of them riveting. The prologue was addressed with such lack of fanfare that I found myself wondering toward the end of the book if the author had forgotten about that! I did know before the author disclosed who the killer was of the elderly couple and gave myself a little pat on the back for that.
I will most likely not read another novel from this series. But I do enjoy a light, quick read. And I most often enjoy a book more after hearing/reading other peoples thoughts and I found that with this book as well.
Go Butch Go! I want Mark Ruffalo for Butch in the movie version. Not because of Incredible Hulk but because of 13 Going on 30. Or maybe Colin Firth. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteWait, this book was about Joanna?
I generally like mysteries, and I liked this one overall. I think I'm just a little to OCD to love starting a series at #13 (not a problem with the #13, I just like starting at #1 and then I can jump), but I'm proud to say I didn't get hives or a nervous twitch because I started at #13. I may actually go back and read #1. I think a bit of this novel was more appropriate if one had read other novels in the series.
I think I liked it more than Jennie but less than Kris. Like others have remarked what was up with the prologue ordering??
I agree that for a lighter, quick read, this was good.