Ali receives a call from her husband, B. Simpson’s ex-wife. She’s calling from a jail in Washington State, accused of murdering her current husband. B. wants nothing to do with it, but Ali can’t help but become involved after finding out the housekeeper may be booked as an accomplice to murder. Ali and Frigg investigate from Arizona. Meanwhile, someone is targeting Cami Lee while she is on the road working for High Noon. Ali and Frigg work to find the real killer and keep Cami safe.

I have read all of J.A. Jance’s Ali Reynolds series, so I was excited to read the latest installment. Unfortunately, Frigg takes on a bigger role in each book in the series. I’m just not a huge fan of Frigg. I much preferred it when Ali was doing most of the investigation. Despite Frigg doing the majority of the investigation, I did enjoy the plot, and I was drawn into the story, wanting to find out how it would all end. Overall, I would give this one 3/5 stars.

I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Overkill by J.A. Jance, and I really enjoyed it. The story weaves together several seemingly separate murders that ultimately connect in a compelling and mysterious way. The pacing was strong, making it a quick and engaging read.

This was my first time reading a book by J.A. Jance, and I was immediately drawn in by the writing style—it was smooth, immersive, and reminded me of other authors whose work consistently captures my attention. The plot was well-structured, and the characters felt grounded, which added to the overall impact of the story. I’m definitely looking forward to exploring more of Jance’s books in the future!

J A Jance really knows how to bring multiple storylines together. The High Noon series is one of my favorites. Reading a book in the series is like getting together with old friends that you have not seen in a while. Although each book can be read as a stand-alone, in my opinion, it is better to read them in order so that you are able to learn about the different characters. There are multiple storylines in this book, but they each involve someone from High Noon. The stories are intertwined in a way that allows you to appreciate each on their own. This book has suspense, twists and turns and surprises. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher, for the opportunity to review this ARC.

High Noon is a cybersecurity company in Arizona and Ali Reynolds is CFO. Her husband and business partner, B. Simpson, was previously married to Clarice Brewster, present wife of his ex-partner in a video game business in Washington State. Clarice and Chuck Brewster had an affair and she and B, were divorced. Years later, Clarice calls upon her ex-husband for help when she is arrested for killing Chuck. Although found covered in blood with the murder weapon in her hand, she insists upon her innocence. B. Is away when Clarice tries to contact him. Later, after being told that Clarice reached out to him for assistance, B. lets Ali know in no uncertain terms that he wants no involvement with his wife. This is my first Ali Reynolds novel but I was already wondering at that point why she would have married cold-hearted B. He never even says that what Clarice did was unforgivable but that he doesn’t think she would or could ever commit cold blooded murder, stabbing her husband 17 times in the back while he slept. True, he does contact her at the end of the tale but for me it is too little, too late.
Ali gets involved instead, using her connections to get Clarice a competent attorney. Then Ali becomes involved with another suspect in the Brewster murder, Clarice’s housekeeper, Donna Jean Plummer. Donna Jean’s prints were found on the murder weapon after taking the knife from Clarice and dialing 911 and she had access to the Brewster home. Ali also provides Donna Jean with an attorney, believing she is being treated unfairly by the police due to her past history.
J.P.Beaumont, the protagonist of another of J.A. Jance’s series, rates a mention as Ali calls him for advice regarding legal representation for the accused.
In a second storyline, Camille Lee, High Noon’s salesperson, is in London meeting with a prospective client when she at first senses and then knows that she is being followed and Ali assigns her security. A murder occurs and now Ali is involved with a second murder.
Other suspects in the murder is Chuck Brewster’s long estranged son and his husband. Of course, inheritance is the motive.
There are side plots including Ali’s selection of two high school students eligible for a full ride scholarship and Ali’s assistance with funeral arrangements for the beloved aunt of High Noon’s employee Stuart.
Overkill is a thorough, well plotted crime fiction novel. It contains suspense, twists, and mystery. The ending is wrapped up nicely with good people getting vindicated and bad people getting indicted. It was an engaging story, broken in to chapters by characters and their perspective predicaments. The plots move along quickly and are well thought out with all pieces falling in to place by the end. J.A. Janice is a prolific and experienced writer and that explains the readability of this book. Readers should try the author’s Johanna Brady mysteries and the J. P. Beaumont series.
My only problem with the narrative is the voice and contributions of the AI, Frig, who, 17 stabbings notwithstanding, seems to me the real overkill of the story. Although taking place in 2023, the A.I. definitely lives in the future and perhaps not even then. Frig has difficulty with slang and expressions yet conducts off the cuff conversations with Ali. She lets characters know when she gathers information from the AI even when the information is illegally and often, impossibly obtained. Frig takes the initiative with the murders as well as taking orders from Ali while always being professional and scrupulous but unlawful in the information it collects and how it goes about collecting that information. Author JD Robb’s novels, set in the future, employ an AI but that is, as said, in the future. It seems to me that a real employee, extremely tech savvy yet a skilled hacker, would have seemed more in keeping with the timeline of the story, with the legal aspects of the cases, and with the morality of the characters. Frig is an anomaly in this novel and I believe not worth the comic relief, as it were.
I want to thank NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advance copy of Overkill. This is my honest review of J.A. Jance’s book.

This book has many facets to it, but entertaining for sure! Characters are well developed and the stories overlap to complete the objective and to keep you engrossed in the book.

Seventeen stab wounds = overkill

That is however the method by which wealthy video game business owner Chuck Brewster was killed, and all the evidence points to his wife Clarice (whom, according to rumor, he was planning to divorce) having done it. The sheer number of times he was stabbed indicates a crime of passion, and Clarice was even found covered in blood and holding the knife in the bedroom where the body lay dead, muttering that she must have stabbed him. Clarice is taken into custody and the police figure that barring any new evidence they have their perpetrator, although one of the detectives suspects that housekeeper Donna Jean (who has a record for killing her abusive husband years earlier) might be involved. Clarice reaches out to her ex-husband (and Chuck's former partner) B. Simpson for advice, but B. is away on business so she reaches B.'s wife Ali instead. When Ali relates the gist of the call to B. he flatly refuses to have anything to do with it...when your wife cheats on you with your friend and partner, it doesn't usually lead to a harmonious divorce...but Ali (who apparently has a hereditary tendency to butt into other people's business) feels compelled to stay involved. She uses Frigg, the AI created by one of their cybersecurity company's employees, to delve into the case, and what Frigg finds leads them to suspect that the police are on the wrong track. Meanwhile Cami, another of the firm's employees, suspects that she is being followed and narrowly avoids being kidnapped (or worse), though she can't figure out who would want to do so or why. Frigg is tasked with identifying possible suspects in that situation as well, and may be the best chance to find out what is going on in both cases.
It has been awhile since I've read a J. A. Jance novel, and even then it was either in the J. P. Beaumont (who has a brief cameo in this outing) or Joanna Brady series. Overkill reads well as a standalone, with enough details provided for the different characters to be able to fill in their connections and backstories. There are two different mysteries going on and chapters bounce between the two, with Ali being the main point of overlap for them. I guessed pretty early on what was happening in the Brewster murder, which was a bit disappointing, but found the story an overall enjoyable read. Readers of the series will likely be pleased to see what is going on with the various characters' lives, and having an AI entity is an interesting twist (though at times if felt like an overly convenient plot device to get the investigations quickly from A to B in ways I expect wouldn't hold up to scrutiny in the real world). I would rate the book at 3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up to 4), and think it will appeal to readers of Karin Slaughter, Jo Callaghan and Lisa Gardner. My thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for allowing me access to a copy of Overkill in exchange for my honest review.

Figg shines brighter than ever in this series, cementing her place as my favorite character. With her sharp humor and cleverness, she is unquestionably the star of the show. Honestly, Ali Reynolds pales in comparison, often reduced to playing the role of traffic director as Figg steals the spotlight. If this series is to thrive, Figg deserves to be front and center, and I can only hope that Jance embraces her brilliance in future installments.

The book offers two compelling plotlines that keep the reader invested. Camille’s storyline, with its unexpected twists and turns, stands out as the more fascinating of the two. Meanwhile, the Brewster murder plot feels more straightforward—the culprit is almost too easy to deduce through a process of elimination. Nevertheless, Figg’s antics and razor-sharp wit carry the narrative forward, ensuring the plot remains entertaining even when predictability threatens to weigh it down.

What mars the experience slightly are Jance’s descriptions, which feel stuck in a bygone era. There’s a noticeable lack of modernity in the language that could benefit from a subtle, thoughtful update to appeal to contemporary readers. It’s a minor flaw, but one that stands out when juxtaposed with the fast-paced storytelling and engaging technology.

As for the future of the series, Figg is unquestionably its lifeblood—a character brimming with charisma, intelligence, and the kind of humor that keeps readers coming back for more. While Jance has yet to reveal where this journey is headed, one thing is certain: Figg belongs at the forefront of the action, leading the charge with her unique flair.

another best seller from J.A. Jance weaving memorable characters to solve crimes using the AI Frigg as the best way to gather information that can't be accessed other ways the twists and turns holds the readers interests until all is tied up

I never tire of an Ali Reynolds story, so I was absolutely delighted to dive into the latest edition from J.A. Jance. I was thrilled to be offered the chance to read Overkill just after its release—and as always, the author does not disappoint. This newest addition brings back familiar faces: Ali, her husband B. Simpson, High Noon’s salesperson Camille, the High Noon cybersecurity team, and of course, Ali’s favorite AI, Frigg. The story kicks off when B.’s ex-wife Clarice (she had an affair with his former partner that led to their divorce) is arrested for the murder of her husband - the former partner. She reaches out to B. for help No way but with Ali’s past experiences and concern that the police think it’s an open and shut case, she turns to Frigg and begins investigating. Is it Clarice, the cleaning lady Donna, or maybe Clarice’s son? And then how does she release her findings without ‘telling on Frigg” to authorities.

At the same time, Camille, now leading High Noon's sales, finds herself in danger and while in London needs a bodyguard. Thank goodness for the bodyguard requested by Ali. Once again, Frigg is investigating to help Camille stay safe with possible reasons for the danger. From home base, or office, thank goodness Ali also has the time with taxes done, to finish selecting the high school senior(s) who will receive a full ride scholarship to the school of their choice. You can’t say Ali’s life is boring!

Jance does a wonderful job weaving all the different elements of the story into the novel keeping your interest throughout. I love the way she integrates AI. Considering the almost daily information about the latest advancement of artificial intelligence she ties it all right in. With the help she needs, she solves the mysteries that land in her lap. I love the characters, the story, and the plot that make OverKill a great read. Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

Another good installment in the Ali Reynolds series!

In this book, Ali gets a call while her husband B is away on business. She is shocked to find out that B's ex-wife is accused of killing her current husband. B doesn't want to get involved, but Ali can't help but think that Clarice and her housekeeper are innocent. As Ali works with the AI, Frigg, to gather information, she attempts to help the investigators best as possible.

In a minor storyline, High Noon employee Cami suspects she is being followed, but what turns out to be the truth isn't something anyone could have anticipated. Once again Frigg comes to the rescue, proving that not all AI is bad!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

I have loved every book I’ve read by this author and this one was no exception. Every twist and turn had me wanting to read more and more. From the moment I started until I finished was less than 12 hours.

Reading one of Ms. Jance’s novels is akin to visiting with old friends. Having read most, if not all, of her books, this reader is familiar with all of the characters and is aware of their respective backgrounds. It is always interesting to see what occurs in her stories and this one has a lot going on—
murder, attempts to obtain new clients, awarding of scholarships, suspicious characters endangering a life and a wedding to mention a few. The novel is easy reading and forces the reader to continue turning pages to see how everything is resolved.
This book is recommended for all who enjoy this genre and I thank NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

I am a fan of JA Janice. This book is different from other series. I liked the complicated plot and characters. The use of AI is interesting.

I received a free copy of OVERKILL (Book 18 of the Ali Reynolds mystery series) by J.A. Jance in exchange for an honest review. Even though B. Simpson has turn over outside sales to Camille Lee, he’s still often out of town. So, he is out of contact when his ex-wife, Clarice, calls him for help; she’s been arrested for murder after waking up covered in her husband’s dried blood and clutching the knife used to kill him. Ali Reynolds has misgivings, but she takes the message and promises to forward it to B. While waiting for an opportunity to speak to B., Ali sets Frig on the problem, and as usual, Frig finds out everything. . . . At the same time, Camille is out of town entertaining potential clients when she notices she’s being stalked by an armed man. Camille’s mystery stalker ends up being just the beginning of her troubles. Out of town and away from her co-workers, Camille will have to rely on B.’s contacts to keep her safe.

I liked the book and enjoy the series. I recommend the book to fans of the series and the series to fans of murder mystery thrillers featuring older protagonists, artificial actually intelligence, cyber security, and sometimes remote sleuthing.

This book caught my attention on the first page and I couldn’t stop reading it.
I found this book in the series to be very engaging. I liked all the different side stories and finding out how each connected to the main suspect. Jance did an excellent job weaving all the storylines together.
The supporting characters are also well developed. Jance is also a gifted storyteller and keeps her readers on the edge as the story unfolds with ups and downs.

Another entry that will keep you turning pages. When Ali's husband's ex partner turns up dead and her husband's ex-wife calls for help. Ali begins looking into who caused the murder and why without telling her husband. Lots of AI in this one as well as circumstances that add to danger and twists and turns. A good read! Thanks to Net Galley for the arc.

Overkill by J.A. Jance did a little something different by incorporating AI into the story so much. The blending of story lines was well done and kept me interested in finding the end result.

There’s nothing better than a new JA Jance book and I love the Ali Reynolds books. Ali has finished the taxes and is ready for a short break. But everyone is busy and she takes a call for her husband. Turns our it’s B’s first wife who was married to B’s ex-partner who was killed the night before. Clarice is the prime suspect and B wants no part of this. But Ali can’t let this goes. The police involved are the same ones who put one of their current employees in jail—and he wasn’t guilty. Cami Lee is off in California selling their product but something isn’t adding up. The sales are going well but there’s just something. She involves an on-call security team and leaves without checking out.
These two cases are engaging within the case but also the tensions that it causes within the company. Loved this book, can’t wait for the JA Jance book!!

Another entertaining Ali and B book by JA Jance (with a few paragraphs from JP). Always a fun and fast one!

When I read a book by author J.A. Jance, I know I will be reading a fascinating story that is woven through each scene, chapter and twist until the amazing ending! Ali Reynolds receives a call from a woman requesting access to Ali’s husband B. Simpson. It turns out she is B’s ex-wife, Clarice, and she has been arrested for the murder of her husband. The man was murdered after his birthday party in his alarmed home. He had recently mended the rift with his son who had been invited to the party, but had left earlier in the evening. Learning that the housekeeper is also under investigation, Ali fears that the department involved in the investigation will find the housekeeper an easy target. She shouldn’t get involved, but she will. She uses the aide of Frigg, an IA computer that is able to find anything, even information that shouldn’t be available to the public. Meanwhile Ali, as CFO of her and B’s cybersecurity company, High Noon, assists one of the employees. Camille is out of the country on a sales trip and has been targeted. Ali puts Frigg on the case as Camille ends up questioned by the British police. Two men have been murdered and it is up to Frigg to find out how they fit into the case in England. If the wife didn’t murder her husband, then who had motive and opportunity? Who is after Camille and does it have anything to do with access to High Noon’s proprietary software? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)