Betrayal of Trust: A J. P. Beaumont Novel

“Murder, teenage bullying, sleazy adults, and good police work add up to another fine entry by Jance.”
—The Oklahoman

Betrayal of Trust is the twentieth mystery by New York Times bestseller J.A. Jance to feature Seattle p.i. J. P. Beaumont—and it is another surefire winner from the author the Chattanooga Times calls, “One of the best—if not the best.” When Beau discovers a snuff film recorded on a smart phone—a horrific crime that has a devastating effect on two troubled teens—his investigation unleashes a firestorm that blazes all the way up through the halls of Washington state government. Betrayal of Trust is certain to win this phenomenal crime fiction master (“In the elite company of Sue Grafton and Patricia Cornwell”—Flint Journal) a wealth of new fans while enthralling the army of devoted readers already addicted to the potent Jance magic.

Seattle investigator J. P. Beaumontuncovers a dark and deadly conspiracy that reaches deep intothe halls of state government,in this latest thriller from New York Times bestsellingauthor J. A. Jance

At first glance, the video appears to be showing a childish game: a teenage girl with dark wavy hair smiles for the camera, a blue scarf tied around her neck. All of a sudden things turn murderous, and the girl ends up dead.

It’s as bad as a snuff film can get, and what’s worse, the clip has been discovered on a phone that belongs to the grandson of Washington State’s governor. However, the boy, who has a troubled background, swears that he’s never seen the victim before.

Fortunately, the governor is able to turn to an old friend, J. P. Beaumont, for help. The Seattle private investigator has witnessed many horrific acts over the years, but this one ranks near the top. Even more shocking is that the crime’s multiple perpetrators could be minors.

Along with Mel Soames, his partner in life as well as on the job, Beaumont soon determines that what initially appears to be a childish prank gone wrong has much deeper implications. But Mel and Beau must follow this path of corruption to its very end, before more innocent young lives are lost.

“Brilliant....Jance...has crafted a mystery that Hillerman would be proud of and that her fans will love.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Believable and intense.” - West Coast Review of Books

“A gripping tale that’s easily one of [Jance’s] best.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Jance...knows how to grab our attention.“ - Washington Post

“Jance has a sure hand. . . . Engrossing.” - Publishers Weekly

“Solid....Jance’s denunciation of adolescent bullying and adult hypocrisy rings true.” - Publishers Weekly on Betrayal of Trust