The Girl from Devil's Lake

The Girl from Devil's Lake by J. A. Jance
9/30/25; 336 pages
William Morrow
Joanna Brady Series #21

The Girl from Devil's Lake by J. A. Jance is a very highly recommended thriller/procedural and the 21st book in the Joanna Brady series. There is enough background information provided within the story to allow readers to enjoyed it as a stand alone novel. The narrative alternates between the present day point-of-view of Sheriff Joanna Brady and Stephen Roper's point-of-view starting in 1956.

Arizona County Sheriff Joanna Brady is celebrating both Thanksgiving and her daughter Jenny’s graduation from the police academy when she is called away to a crime scene. The body of a young boy is discovered in a bag beneath a flooded bridge. It is clear to Joanna that this case has all the marks of an experienced killer and it is highly likely this was not his first murder, which means he could kill again. The case quickly becomes much more complicated and far ranging. 

Stephen Roper has always heard voices in his head since he was a young child. When he was eleven he committed his first murder, that of his grandfather's second wife Lucille. Roper commits his next murder when he is sixteen. This marks the starts of a serial killer. He becomes a respected teacher who travels across the country in the summer to find his victims.

The alternating points-of-view work very well in this fast-paced procedural. Readers are going to already know who the killer is from the start. The tension is in following Joanna's investigation as she discovers information and follows clues to identify him and his many victims in order to provide closure for the family's of the victims. 

At the same time Joanna has to balance family life with the pressure the investigation places upon her. Complicating matters is reporter Marliss Shackleford who is assiduously looking into the investigation, eager to release information to the public and greatly annoying Joanna at every turn.

For those following the series this will be a welcome addition. You will already know the characters and the backstories. New readers can easily slip into the series with The Girl from Devil's Lake and enjoy it. Thanks to William Morrow for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.