A fifty-year-old cold case murder is Washington State Attorney J. P. "Beau" Beaumont's priority. The murder was witnessed by a four year old child who has kept it blocked from her memory. But recent nightmares and psychoanalysis, including hypnosis, has brought the killing of a prominent Seattle family member to light. Digging through old cases, newspaper articles, and interviews brings Beau and his partner, Melanie Soames, closer, and actually forces Beau to examine his feelings for her.

Another case is being investigated by the State Attorney's office, and Beau has been warned to stay away from the investigation or face harsh repercussions. His former Seattle Police Department partner, Ron Peters, is accused of killing his ex-wife in order to avoid a child custody case. Beau finds it extremely difficult to sit on the sidelines, especially since Melanie is one of the lead investigators, and all the evidence is stacking up against Ron.

I'm ashamed to admit that LONG TIME GONE is my first adventure with the ultra talented J. A. Jance, but it definitely won't be my last one. This incredible tale had me hooked on page one -- when I started falling in love with Beau -- and kept me mesmerized until I turned the last page without coming up for air. Whether it was piecing together a half-century murder, or helping, peripherally, a friend out of a very tough spot, Beau did his job with style and finesse.

LONE TIME GONE is blessed with attractive, intelligent characters, crisp, sharp dialogue, humor, and a soupcon of romance. When you add perfect pacing and the magic of Ms. Jance's narrative to these accolades, you have a five-star winner.