Clawback: An Ali Reynolds Novel

Bestseller Jance’s unconvincing 11th Ali Reynolds novel (after 2015’s Cold Betrayal) focuses on the former L.A. newscaster’s parents, Bob and Edie Larson, who have retired from running a diner in Sedona, Ariz. When Bob learns from the TV news that the SEC has closed the company managing their retirement fund, Ocotillo Fund Management, as part of an investigation into financial improprieties, Bob feels especially betrayed, since he made the investment in Ocotillo on the recommendation of an old friend and customer, Dan Frazier. Bob drives over to Dan’s house for an explanation. In the garage, Bob finds Dan bleeding to death from a stab wound; in the kitchen, Dan’s wife is also dying from being stabbed. When the police who respond to Bob’s 911 call take him into custody for the murders, Ali and her husband, who runs an investigative agency, leap into action. Series fans will enjoy this highly personal case, but others should be prepared for plot developments that strain credulity. Agent: Alice Volpe, Northwest Literary Agency. (Mar.)