Judith A. (J.A.) is the author of two mystery series. The J. P. Beaumont series features a Seattle homicide detective and includes the titles Without Due Process and Failure to Appear, American Mystery Award winners in 1992 and 1993, respectively. The Joanna Brady series follows the Cochise County (Ariz.) sheriff who is elected following her deputy sheriff husband's sudden death just prior to the election. Titles in this series include Desert Heat, Tombstone Courage, and Rattlesnake Crossing. Another Jance title, Hour of the Hunter, (not part of a series), is a psychological thriller set in Tucson's Native American community.