Not as good as the first two -- the serial killer basically gets himself caught; has a improbable victim in Joanna Brady's classmate at state patrol training; takes place outside Bisby so there's no development with the town residents or sheriff department; her kid gets kidnapped and then magically found; the relationship with local police is perfect with no hitches, personality classes or jurisdiction disputes. ( )

The first time I read one of J.A. Jance's Joanna Bradly novels I thought that she was a very descriptive write. This series about a young widow who was elected Sheriff after the death of her husband is set in southern Arizona. When the story touched on places in Bisbee, Tucson and other locations I had a very vivid picture of those places. I didn't fully realize that the image was so vivid because I know that area so well until I read one of here Seattle based stories. While I have been to Seattle I don't know it that well, I was not seeing the same vivid images in my mind as I read her other books. Then I realized that her descriptions were not that well crafted, it was mostly my own experience and imagination. That being said Shoot Don't Shoot is a good suspenseful story set in the Phoenix AZ area mostly at a Police Academy where the Joanna Bradly character went after being elected Sheriff of Cochise County AZ. While attending the Police Academy Joanna figures out that there is a serial killer on the loose. Does she solve the mystery and catch the killer? I won't spoil the story.

Usually, with a series, I grow more fond of the characters. This installment was a letdown. I thought we were going to get redemption or something with instructor Thompson. Nope, just killed off by the serial killer. In the first two books, even unlikeable characters somewhat redeem themselves. Well, on to the next book. Hopefully, it gets better. ( )

Joanna Brady novel — New Mexico sheriff

Set against Arizona's parched landscape, the new mystery starring Sheriff Joanna Brady delivers the breakneck plot, genuine characters and unceasing Brady style that Jance's readers have come to expect. When a peeping Tom serial killer stalks the campus of the Arizona Police Academy, Joanna is drawn into a chilling, emotional investigation.

Newly elected Cochise County, Arizona, sheriff Joanna Brady reluctantly leaves her 13-year-old daughter and comfortable hometown of Bisbee for Phoenix, where she enrolls in a recommended law-enforcement course. Recently Phoenix has been besieged by several brutal domestic-violence crimes, which turn out to be the work of a serial killer. Joanna finds herself drawn into the case of a suspect she believes has been falsely accused.

Shoot/Don't Shoot has a very convoluted structure, and there are several plot lines running in parallel.
The mysteries in the book aren't that complex. There are also some odd details about the Police Training Facility that seemed fairly obvious but the author does a fairly good job using them to enhance the suspense. In her last adventure, Joanna's balance of toughness and vulnerability was utterly believable, as were her struggles with her domineering mother and troubled daughter. But Jance goes a little overboard here with a couple of the personal plot lines.

This tale is a little different since it takes place in Phoenix, Arizona instead of Bisbee. I live in the Phoenix area and have to say that Jance's descriptions were extremely accurate. This wasn't my favorite of the three Joanna Brady books I've read but I enjoyed it and plan to continue the series.

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