The Old Blue Line

A Joanna Brady Novella

By: J. A. Jance

Narrated by: James Eckhouse

Butch Dixon has been taken for a ride …

Not a jump in the car, see the sights kind of ride. He's been taken for everything he has. He's lost his house, his restaurant business, his savings, his car, his best friend, his faith—all to his conniving ex-wife. But that was seven years ago. He picked himself up, left Chicago, and started over in Peoria, Arizona, running the Roundhouse Bar and Grill. He doesn't look back on those bad years; there's no point. Not until two curious cops show up at the Roundhouse.

Faith, Butch's ex-wife, has been murdered, and the evidence points to him. Stunned, Butch quickly realizes that the black-hearted woman is going to ruin him again, from her grave. Lucky for Butch, the Old Blue Line, a group of retired—but still sharp and tenacious—former legal and law enforcement coots, have taken it upon themselves, as a favor, to make sure he doesn't cross that thin line. After the dust settles, Butch's life is again upended—when a little red-haired ball of fire, Sheriff Joanna Brady, takes a seat at his bar.

Background on Joanna Brady's husband Bruce

A very engaging story of Bruce's back story which probably helped propel him into writing mystery fiction.

Brief, exceptional backstory!

Anyone who enjoys the Joanna Brady stories will enjoy this 2 hour short which fills in Butch's backstory.

A new husband for the Sheriff

Would you listen to The Old Blue Line again? Why?

Great story how our Sheriff from the town of Bisbee finds a husband that any woman would love to find.

What other book might you compare The Old Blue Line to and why?

Have not read that many to compare

Which scene was your favorite?

How the police were set in their place

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Murder in the night

Any additional comments?

It was fun to try and out think the Private Eye. He was great.

A restaurant owner is rescued by Grandma.

The narration was entertaining and lively. This novella is amusing and filled with interesting characters. The story of a failed marriage and the rehabilitators who restored kindness and belief in human beings to man accused of killing his ex-wife.

Excellent short story

For longtime Jance afficionados this fills in a nice spot in Butch Dixon's backstory. Well done and a nice crisp little story. May be a little light on motive, though.