Hand of Evil

Ex-TV anchorwoman Ali Reynolds is summoned to the home of Arabella Ashcroft, whose family largesse sent Ali to college. Arabella asks for Ali's help in writing her memoir, which reveals a family history of childhood abuse. Meanwhile, Ali's divorced friend, Detective Dave Holman, learns his teenage daughter has run away from her mother and stepfather in Las Vegas. Karen Ziemba's sweet voice grows stronger as the story progresses. She is especially successful when Ali deals with Dave's surly teenager, and her slight alterations for gender differentiation are also effective. In her third Ali Reynolds adventure, J.A. Jance scores with a solid plot, original characters who make difficult choices, credible solutions, and some fascinating information about blogs, the Internet, teens, and text messaging. S.J.H. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine