Author J.A. Jance to speak at Port Angeles library on Friday

PORT ANGELES — J.A. Jance, the best-selling mystery novelist who’s made many a trip to the North Olympic Peninsula, will return Friday to talk about her latest thriller, Second Watch.

Admission is free to Jance’s discussion at 7 p.m. Friday at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.

Second Watch, released just today, stars J. P. Beaumont, a detective who takes time off for knee-replacement surgery — but is plunged into one of the most mind-blowing mysteries he’s ever faced.

In this story, Beaumont has a series of dreams that take him back to his early days on the Seattle Police force, and then even farther into the past, to his days in Vietnam.

Jance’s appearances draw a crowd, said Alan Turner, co-owner of Port Book and News in Port Angeles and host of her visits. He urges mystery fans to arrive early for Friday’s event.

More in News

Fire protection may impact insurance rates

New protection class considers nuanced data

The view looking south from Hurricane Ridge, where variable winter weather has limited snow coverage and contributed to pauses in snow sports operations in recent weeks. (Washington’s National Park Fund)
Lack of snow has impact at Hurricane Ridge

Water equivalent well below average for February

Port Angeles secures grant to aid in salmon recovery

State Department of Commerce to provide city with $109,000

Tickets still available for United Way of Clallam County fundraiser

Pajamas are encouraged, teddy bears are optional and comfort… Continue reading

Interviews set for hospital board

At least seven candidates up for commissioner seat

Port Angeles asks for fee to cover lodging tax contracts

Resolution sent to committee for administrative costs

Climate action group is guiding reduction goals

Reduced emmissions require reduced transportation footprint

County, Port Angeles to rebid public safety building

Three bids rejected due to issue with electrical contractor

Aliya Gillet, the 2025 Clallam County Fair queen, crowns Keira Headrick as the 2026 queen during a ceremony on Saturday at the Clallam County Fairgrounds. At left is princess Julianna Getzin and at right is princess Jasmine Green. The other princesses, not pictured, are Makenzie Taylor, Molly Beeman and Tish Hamilton. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Clallam County royalty crowned for annual fair

Silent auction raises funds for scholarships

Port Angeles Community Award recipients gather after Saturday night’s annual awards gala. From left, they are Frances Charles, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Organization of the Year; Kyla Magner, Country Aire, Business of the Year; Amy Burghart and Doug Burghart, Mighty Pine Brewing, Emerging Business of the Year; Rick Ross, Educator of the Year; Kayla Fairchild, Young Leader of the Year; John Fox, Citizen of the Year. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Community leaders honored at annual awards banquet

Fox named Citizen of Year for support of athletic events

Clallam County commissioners consider options for Owens

Supporters advocate for late state justice

Respiratory viruses are rising on the Peninsula

Health officer attributes increase to mutation of type of flu in circulation