Seattle mystery fans can enjoy another well-written book by Jance with the protagonist Beaumont. JP and the governor went to high school together, but it is a surprise when she calls him about a snuff film found on her son's computer. Suicide, murder and arson ensue.

Jance's series are quick but worthwhile reads; for me Beaumont is the best of them, meaty and always with a point. In this one, their state's governor finds a snuff video on her step-grandson's cell phone and calls the state attorney general, who calls in Beau and Mel. They work fast, as other lives are at stake, but the case goes south as they find rich teens who are used to being bailed out by their parents. This makes Beau's blood boil, as he wants to see justice done. As sometimes happens in his cases, justice can get turned upside down. Extra interest for me in this book is that at the time of writing, the governor actually was a woman in a second marriage, who worked hard to keep her private life private. Luckily, she didn't have to face this issue. I wondered if Jance talked to the guv before writing the book, as every local reader would know who the character was loosely based on.

This was actually pretty good. Fast-paced, entertaining, with a good plot with several unexpected twists. Definitely a good read

When a snuff film is discovered on a cell phone belonging to the grandson of Washington State's governor, the governor turns to J. P. Beaumont for help. But this case of an apparent juvenile prank gone wrong has deeper and more startling implications.

G&M recommendation. Was OK, but not strong enough to make me want to finish it - limited time for reading so have to make choices

A great addition to the J P Beaumont series. Topical theme (bullying and its consequences). A good read.

Good topic, but a bit slow-going at times. I like this character.