Sins of the Fathers: A J.P. Beaumont Novel

Bestseller Jance’s 25th J.P. Beaumont novel (after 2017’s Proof of Life) is a mystery with heart. Retired Seattle homicide detective Beau is now a private eye, more out of boredom than need. One day Alan Dale, an old acquaintance, shows up at his door with a six-week-old baby girl named Athena. Athena’s drug-addicted mother, Naomi, who abandoned the infant at the hospital after giving birth, has gone missing. Alan also admits that Naomi is his daughter. Beau thinks it’s a simple case of finding a homeless mother, but he soon discovers that a past indiscretion of his is linked to the case. The stakes rise as his search uncovers the murder of Athena’s father, a real estate scandal, and the theft of the baby’s inheritance. What starts out as a missing person’s case becomes a life-changing event for Beau and his wife, police chief Mel Soames. Even though readers know where the story is heading, they will savor every word until getting there. Jance should win new fans with this one. Agent: Alice Volpe, Northwest Literary. (Sept.)