Moving Target: Volume 9
An Ali Reynolds Mystery
Published on 7. October 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
384 pages
978-1-6680-4658-6 (ISBN)
Description
"Humming with suspense and never-ending action" (RT Book Reviews), this unputdownable thriller follows Ali Reynolds as she unearths a cold case that puts her in the crosshairs of a deadly arsonist-from New York Times bestselling author J.A. Jance.
Lance Tucker, an incarcerated juvenile offender and talented hacker in his own right, is set on fire while hanging Christmas decorations in a lockup rec room. B. Simpson, Ali Reynolds's fiance and the man who helped put Lance in jail, feels obliged to get to the bottom of what happened. With Ali off in England to help Leland Brooks at a reunion with his long-estranged family, B. turns to someone else to help out-Ali's good friend and Taser-carrying nun, Sister Anselm.
Meanwhile, in Bournemouth-Leland's hometown-Ali begins to investigate the decades-old murder of his father, which Leland himself was once suspected of committing. With unsolved murders on both sides of the Atlantic, Ali, B., and Sister Anselm are united by their search for answers-and the danger they get into as a result in this high-flying thriller that "hits the bull's eye" (South Florida Sun-Sentinel).
Lance Tucker, an incarcerated juvenile offender and talented hacker in his own right, is set on fire while hanging Christmas decorations in a lockup rec room. B. Simpson, Ali Reynolds's fiance and the man who helped put Lance in jail, feels obliged to get to the bottom of what happened. With Ali off in England to help Leland Brooks at a reunion with his long-estranged family, B. turns to someone else to help out-Ali's good friend and Taser-carrying nun, Sister Anselm.
Meanwhile, in Bournemouth-Leland's hometown-Ali begins to investigate the decades-old murder of his father, which Leland himself was once suspected of committing. With unsolved murders on both sides of the Atlantic, Ali, B., and Sister Anselm are united by their search for answers-and the danger they get into as a result in this high-flying thriller that "hits the bull's eye" (South Florida Sun-Sentinel).
Reviews / Votes
"Jance skillfully avoids the predictable. . . . Her crisp plotting, sharp characters and realistic dialogue carry Moving Target through its many surprising twists." * South Florida Sun Sentinel * "Lots of action, and the book is fast-paced and technology-savvy." * Tuscon Weekly * "The story, on two continents, is complicated and interesting, but the best thing is the characters, rich and deep and believable." * San Jose Mercury News * "Jance adroitly combines well-rounded characterizations and brisk storytelling with high-tech exploits, arson, kidnappings, and a shootout for an entertaining and suspenseful addition to this solid series." * Booklist * "Jance delivers a devilish page-turner." * People * "Heart-stopping . . . Jance deftly brings the desert, people, and towns of southeastern Arizona to life." * Publishers Weekly * "An intriguing plot, colorful characters." * San Diego Union-Tribune * "Characters so real you want to reach out and hug-or strangle-them. Her dialogue always rings true." * Cleveland Plain-Dealer * "J.A. Jance is addictive because of moments that just rise up and make things so real you'll swear you are a part of the book. . . . Jance will charm you into reading everything by her you can find." * Statesman Journal (Salem, Oregon) * "Prolific Jance . . . [carries] readers swiftly to an unexpected conclusion." * Kirkus Reviews * "Fast pacing, multiple plotlines, a fascinating look at online research, and sympathetic characters all provide appeal in Jance's suspenseful story." * Booklist * "Series fans will welcome the familiar supporting cast, including computer nerd Stuart Ramey and boyfriend B. Simpson." * Publishers Weekly * "Engaging . . . Ali charms the locals into giving valuable if inadvertent clues." * Publishers Weekly * "Entertaining on all counts." * Booklist * "Loyal fans and newcomers alike will be glad to join feisty Ali in her latest adventure." * Kirkus Reviews * "A truly thrilling case with red herrings, characters coming out of the woodwork, back stories that will make you gasp, and a conclusion that you will not see coming!" * Suspense Magazine * "Jance starts her books fast . . . and keeps things moving with cinematic panache. . . . You want an accessible thriller? Jance is your gal . . . Engaging and entertaining." * Los Angeles Times * "Compelling... satisfying." -- USA TodayMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
New York, NY
United States
Publishing group
Simon & Schuster
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 208 mm
Width: 135 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
340 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-6680-4658-6 (9781668046586)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
J.A. Jance is the New York Times bestselling author of the Ali Reynolds series, the J.P. Beaumont series, the Joanna Brady series, and the Walker Family series. Born in South Dakota and raised in Bisbee, Arizona, Jance lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington. Visit her online at JAJance.com.