Until Proven Guilty

J. P. Beaumont Series, Book 1

By: J. A. Jance

Narrated by: Gene Engene

Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Lurking in the dark corners of J. P. Beaumont's bizarre case was not just a demented mind obsessed with murder, but secrets so deadly that even a street-tough cop could die guessing.

Check out more of J. P. Beaumont's mysteries.

©1992 J. A. Jance (P)2011 Books in Motion

Well Worth My Second Try

What did you love best about Until Proven Guilty?

Thought provoking about having the mental illness of dual personality. That prognosis fits only a very small segment of mental illness.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mental illness is a life time illness that can be controlled with medication for some. However, medication cannot help everyone who has a definitive diagnosis of mental illness. Therefore, my favorite character was Ann. Her life was a cruel struggle, that I believe was her father's fault. If Ann had not witnessed the murder of her sister, by her father, she may never have had to become a vigilante for justice against those who murdered a helpless child. That occurrence was the catalyst that destroyed Ann's life.

Which character – as performed by Gene Engene – was your favorite?

That character would be Beau. His character required many variations of tone. There was anger, joy, love, hate and probably other's that I've missed. I feel that the narrator did convey all of his emotions very well.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

That moment for me was when Beau had to use killing as self defense, in order to save himself from death. I know it was noted that Beau was a crack shot but how about the person who shot at him three times? There are always times when the reader has to make their own conclusions.

Any additional comments?

Gene Eugene's mom should have been more kind when naming her son. If the narrator gave himself that name, as an author, he should be ashamed of himself. I will definitely continue with the series. If the second novel is as good or better than the first I will then try the third. Character development was good. Wanting to continue with the novel because of enjoying it makes a good writer.

Liked it, didn’t love it

I decided to give this series a try because I live in Seattle and that is where the series is based. I enjoy actually knowing where the locations are as I have been to many myself. It adds personal memories to the story which helps draw me in. This particular story, however, did not appeal to me as I do not care for hyper-religious/cult storylines. I hope that the storylines are better moving forward in the series and I’m excited to see where they take me.

So Bad - it's Pretty Good!

When I first started listening I wondered if this was meant to be a comedy? The cliches were so thick and the narrator so straightfaced I kept expecting there to be a punch line. With lines like "Women usually shy away from a gun" and a cardboard cut out hard drinking, tough talking cynical cop and a rich, beautiful, lost woman who inexplicably (NO Really - the attraction never made any sense) falls for him, I found myself laughing out loud at times. Having said that the story behind the Bogart impersonation does grow on you after a while and is pretty entertaining. To my surprise I finished the book having quite enjoyed the ride and would probably buy the next one - but only when I fancy a light read and a chuckle.

Disappointing narrative

I can’t believe that JA Jance intended the characters to be as angry as the narrator makes them sound pretty much all of the time. He also slips into a Southern accent fairly often, especially when doing women’s voices. The story itself is intriguing and flows well.

OK book, sub par narrative

liked the story enough to stick it out until the end, but did not grab me to the end. I had a hard time with the narrator. I heard more of what sounded like rubbing fingers together or rubbing paper and mouth noises that was distracting.

Wonderful. Riveting!

I've read and listened to a bunch of the JP Beaumont stories. It was a pleasure to listen to the first in the series, filling in background for the other ones.

It was a moving and riveting story.

absolutely the best.

I happen to have discovered J.A. Jance and J. P. Beaumont quite accidently a few years ago. I no longer consider J.P. a character in a series of books, and I have read all of them. I have also read the great mystery writers, A Conan, D Hammett, M Spillane, and most of the other writers of detective fiction. J. A. is the only writer that can bring tears to my eyes on one page, and have me roaring with laughter two pages later. Gene Engene is my favorite narrator. I never fall asleep listen to him. Some narrators are better sedatives than any one that a doctor might prescribe. If you love a good story, with laughter, tears, drama, and action, J. A. Jance is your glass of Macnoughtons, neat. Do not hesitate to enjoy it to the fullest.

Really Good

Love this writer's style and truly love the narrator Gene Engene. Great story, Lots of ups and downs and more. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!

wow

What made the experience of listening to Until Proven Guilty the most enjoyable?

not what i expected

What did you like best about this story?

learning how Bo met Ann Corley

Have you listened to any of Gene Engene’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

yes the same as other books

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Until Proven Guilty

Great book? We enjoyed the storyline. Voice actor is one of the best we've listened to.