DEN OF INIQUITY by J A Jance

Jance may have written a police procedural, but what I read was a family story. Beau’s family is in upheaval when his teenaged grandson shows up on his doorstep announcing he would like to live with Beau and Mel. Darius’s family is devastated by his death, assuming he has succumbed to illegal drugs. Then the deaths and shattered families start mounting. Jance has written a lively and entertaining murder mystery with some humor along with the excitement of a chase to catch a serial murderer before they can strike again. As always, Jance’s characters are well defined and complex. Her plot is multi-faceted and leads to a brilliant conclusion. Altogether a mystery well worth your time with a complex and satisfyingly intricate plot. 5 stars