Book overview Joanna Brady, Book 21 J. A. Jance

The Girl from Devil's Lake by J.A. Jance – Book Summary and Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Quick Facts

Field Detail
Title The Girl from Devil's Lake
Author J.A. Jance
Series Joanna Brady
Publication Year 2025
Genre Mystery, Suspense
Setting Arizona desert (Cochise County), with flashbacks to Minnesota, North Dakota, and other U.S. locations
Narrator Third-person limited, focusing on Sheriff Joanna Brady

Short Summary

Sheriff Joanna Brady of Cochise County, Arizona, investigates the murder of a young boy, Xavier Delgado, whose body is found in a duffel bag under a bridge. The case leads her to a retired teacher, Stephen Roper, who has been killing for over sixty years. As Joanna balances her daughter Jenny's police academy graduation and wedding, she uncovers a network of cold cases spanning multiple states. With help from the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Voices (MMIV) task force, she links Roper to the 1962 murder of Amanda Hudson from Devil's Lake, North Dakota. Roper's collection of trophies—shoelaces, rings, and other personal items—becomes key evidence. After he kills reporter Marliss Shackleford, Joanna orchestrates his arrest. Roper confesses to dozens of murders, revealing a lifelong pattern of predation. The novel explores themes of justice, family, and intergenerational trauma.

Full Summary

The novel opens in 1956 Fertile, Minnesota, where eleven-year-old Steve Roper lives with his mother and abusive step-grandmother Lucille. Tormented and hearing voices, Steve rigs a fishing line trap that kills Lucille. He takes her wedding ring as his first trophy, and the death is ruled accidental. In 1961, now a teenager, Steve drowns a lost Cub Scout, Brian Olson, taking his Wolf pin. In 1962, he picks up hitchhiker Amanda Hudson near Grand Forks. When she defends herself with a switchblade, he strangles her, dumps her body in the Turtle River, and keeps the knife. The case goes cold.

Present-day 2023: Sheriff Joanna Brady rushes from her ranch to attend her daughter Jenny's police academy graduation in Peoria. Jenny, engaged to Nick Saunders, reveals hazing she endured. Joanna delivers a speech about Tombstone Courage and pins Jenny's badge, struggling with emotion as her daughter enters law enforcement. At home, Thanksgiving weekend is disrupted when a flood reveals a blue duffel bag under the St. David Bridge containing the body of a young boy. Medical examiner Kendra Baldwin determines the child was manually strangled, and bleach was used to destroy evidence. One shoelace is missing—a possible trophy.

Joanna learns the victim is Xavier Delgado, a four-year-old whose mother Elena is a trafficking survivor living in a migrant camp. Through Captain Arturo Peña, Joanna interviews Elena, who identifies Xavier's shirt but not his shoes—a detail later used as a holdback. Crime-scene investigators collect trash from the suspect's home for DNA. Meanwhile, Joanna's daughter Jenny plans a Christmas wedding, providing domestic respite.

The investigation points to Stephen Roper, a retired Bisbee High School teacher who volunteers for "Hands Across the Border," driving a food truck. An informant says Xavier was last seen talking to "Mr. Roper." Joanna's team discovers that Roper lied about returning to a family farm each summer—his grandfather sold the land years ago. Roper's summers were spent traveling remote highways, killing. The MMIV task force, led by Anna Rae Green, matches a palm print from Roper's trash to the 1962 murder of Amanda Hudson. The connection solidifies Roper as a serial predator.

Flashbacks detail Roper's life. After his mother dies of breast cancer, he moves to Bisbee in 1976, posing as a dedicated teacher. He kills hitchhikers, prostitutes, and children across the country, taking shoelaces and other tokens. He uses chloroform and gloves to avoid leaving evidence. By 2002, he stops killing due to surveillance cameras. After retiring, he runs the Free Store, earning the nickname "Señor Santa Claus." In 2022, he is diagnosed with male breast cancer. The voices return, and he resumes killing, targeting Xavier Delgado.

Back in the present, Joanna obtains a search warrant based on the palm print and the missing shoelace pattern. As her team prepares to arrest Roper, reporter Marliss Shackleford—who has been dogging the case—confronts Roper at his home. Believing she knows too much, Roper chloroforms her, zip-ties her, and shoves her into a crawlspace, hoping she dies. He steals her car and attempts to flee. Joanna orders a traffic circle blockade in Bisbee using fire trucks. Roper is trapped, attempts suicide with a derringer that fails to fire, and is arrested.

Garth and Deb execute the search warrant and find Marliss gravely injured. She later dies from a medulla injury caused during movement. At the jail, Roper demands to confess to Joanna alone, using his cigar box of trophies as a prop. He confesses to six murders initially, including Lucille Hawkins, Brian Olson, Amanda Hudson, and Xavier Delgado. Over the next days, more victims are identified through the cigar box: a class ring links to Janice Jensen (1981), a glow-in-the-dark cross to Jimmy Gibson (1986), a yellow ribbon to Calvin Dobbs (1982), a barrette to Wendy Adams (1991), and a shoelace to Lisa Daniels (1983). A map with 23 X marks indicates unidentified victims. The final trophy count reaches 99 items, representing dozens of murders across decades.

Roper pleads guilty to second-degree murder for Xavier and Marliss. He is remanded without bond. Joanna delivers a press conference asking the public to help identify the trophies. She later gives a eulogy at Marliss's memorial and scatters her ashes at Juniper Flats. Retired detective Ernie Carpenter volunteers to work the cold cases. The novel concludes with Jenny and Nick's wedding; Butch gives the bride away. Joanna finds a moment of peace, having brought a monster to justice while supporting her family.

Main Characters

  • Sheriff Joanna Brady – The protagonist, a dedicated sheriff balancing career and family. She leads the investigation into Roper's crimes.
  • Stephen Roper – The serial killer, a retired teacher who murders across the country for decades, collecting trophies.
  • Jennifer "Jenny" Brady – Joanna's daughter, a new deputy who graduates the academy, gets engaged, and marries during the investigation.
  • Butch Dixon – Joanna's supportive husband, who manages the ranch and provides emotional stability.
  • Detective Deb Howell – A key detective who helps connect cold cases and feels guilt over Marliss Shackleford's death.
  • Marliss Shackleford – A persistent newspaper reporter who confronts Roper and is killed, triggering his arrest.

Themes

  • Serial Killing and Cold Cases – The investigation reveals a killer who operated for decades, with victims spanning generations and jurisdictions.
  • Justice and Legal Procedure – The story explores the tension between investigative creativity and constitutional safeguards, including warrants, DNA evidence, and confessions.
  • Family and Motherhood – Joanna balances her demanding career with her roles as mother and wife, particularly during her daughter's wedding.
  • Intergenerational Trauma and Abuse – Roper's abusive childhood and his mother's family secrets contribute to his violent development, while victims' families bear long-term grief.
  • Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIV) – Several victims are Indigenous women, and the MMIV task force plays a key role in linking cold cases across state lines.

Symbols

  • Cigar Box of Trophies – Roper's collection of shoelaces, rings, and other items taken from victims serves as his trophy case and key evidence.
  • Shoelaces – Roper takes shoelaces from many victims as trophies, using them to later identify unsolved murders.
  • Blue Duffel Bag – The bag used to transport Xavier Delgado's body, purchased by Roper and later linked to the crime.
  • Map with X Marks – A map in Roper's possession with 23 X marks indicating locations of unidentified victims, revealing the scale of his killing spree.

Ending Overview

Stephen Roper pleads guilty to two counts of second-degree murder for Xavier Delgado and Marliss Shackleford. He is remanded without bond. Joanna holds a press conference revealing the cigar box of 99 trophies and asks for public help identifying victims. She delivers a eulogy at Marliss's heavily attended memorial and later scatters her ashes at Juniper Flats. Retired detective Ernie Carpenter, now in remission from cancer, accepts the cold case file to continue working on identifying the remaining victims. The novel ends with the wedding of Jenny and Nick, where Butch gives the bride away. Joanna finds emotional closure, having honored both her duty and her family. For a deeper analysis, see our ending explained.

Chapter-by-Chapter Summary

The table below covers every chapter from the Prologue through the "About the Publisher" section. For detailed recaps, use the individual chapter summary links.

Chapter Title (if any) Key Events
Note to Readers – E‑book accessibility features and print ISBN. No story content.
Prologue – 1956: Steve Roper kills step-grandmother Lucille with fishing line trap, takes wedding ring as trophy.
Chapter 1 – Joanna attends Jenny's police academy graduation; reflects on her own past.
Chapter 2 – Joanna delivers graduation speech; Jenny reveals hazing; Joanna pins badge.
Chapter 3 – 1961: Steve drowns Cub Scout Brian Olson, takes Wolf pin.
Chapter 4 – Thanksgiving: Jenny accepts Nick's proposal; Xavier Delgado's body found in duffel bag.
Chapter 5 – 1962: Steve picks up Amanda Hudson, kills her when she fights back, takes switchblade.
Chapter 6 – Relaxed Sunday at ranch; Jenny discusses training; Joanna reassures her.
Chapter 7 – Autopsy reveals bleach and missing shoelace; victim identified as Xavier Delgado via Arturo Peña.
Chapter 8 – 1963: Steve visits father Jackson Roper in prison; learns his father killed a woman.
Chapter 9 – Team briefing on possible serial killer; Jenny plans Christmas wedding for health insurance.
Chapter 10 – 1967: Steve inherits money, kills mother's boyfriend Frederick with swapped cocaine/LSD.
Chapter 11 – Interview with Elena Delgado; she identifies Xavier's shirt but not shoes; DNA taken.
Chapter 12 – Team plans cross-border interviews; Marliss presses for info; Joanna dodges.
Chapter 13 – 1970: Steve kills Deborah Miller at Coney Island, takes barrette.
Chapter 14 – Jenny handles chaotic DUI stop; investigation stalls; Marliss pressures Joanna.
Chapter 15 – 1972: Steve kills a young woman near Coolidge Dam, takes turquoise necklace.
Chapter 16 – 1972-76: Steve cares for dying mother Cynthia, inherits money, plans Arizona move.
Chapter 17 – Informant Aña Mendoza says Xavier was seen with "Mr. Roper"; team identifies Roper.
Chapter 18 – 1976: Steve sells everything, moves to Bisbee, starts teaching.
Chapter 19 – Team meeting: Roper is person of interest; weak probable cause; warning about leaks.
Chapter 20 – 1976: Steve kills hitchhiker Richard Romero and an LA prostitute; takes belt buckle and earring.
Chapter 21 – Quiet Sunday; Jenny efficiently plans wedding; Joanna assigns Butch as father of the bride.
Chapter 22 – DNA confirms Xavier; warrantless search plan rejected; trash DNA collection authorized.
Chapter 23 – 1977: Steve kills Lucianne Highsmith and a Navajo hitchhiker; takes shoelace and bandanna.
Chapter 24 – Deb learns Roper lied about family farm; case expands nationwide.
Chapter 25 – Overview of Roper's killing career until 2022; cancer diagnosis.
Chapter 26 – Operation Garbage Can yields palm print linking Roper to Amanda Hudson 1962 murder.
Chapter 27 – Anna Rae Green explains MMIV involvement; parallel evidence with Xavier Delgado.
Chapter 28 – Roper undergoes cancer treatment; voices return; he retrieves cigar box.
Chapter 29 – Deb and Garth investigate blue duffel bag at Target; Arturo will use informant.
Chapter 30 – Spring 2023: Roper recovers, buys all blue duffel bags from Target for Free Store.
Chapter 31 – Two more cold cases match pattern; BOLO for victims; surveillance continues.
Chapter 32 – Roper recalls killing Xavier; learns from news; dismisses Joanna as incompetent.
Chapter 33 – Retired sheriff Dan Hogan links Roper to 1961 Brian Olson murder and Lucille's death.
Chapter 34 – Joanna presents evidence to county attorney; probable cause for search warrant.
Chapter 35 – Luke Running Deer reveals father's abuse and missing switchblade; Joanna connects trophy pattern.
Chapter 36 – Joanna requests arrest warrant; briefs team; prepares search warrant for Roper's home.
Chapter 37 – Joanna coordinates arrest plan with Bisbee police; Missouri sheriff links 1977 murder.
Chapter 38 – Marliss confronts Roper; he chloroforms and zip-ties her, shoves her into crawlspace.
Chapter 39 – Navajo police link Michael Young murder; Marliss's car appears at Roper's home.
Chapter 40 – Roper chloroforms Marliss, steals her car, discards clothing, flees.
Chapter 41 – Joanna takes over dispatch; trap set at Bisbee Traffic Circle; Roper surrounded.
Chapter 42 – Garth and Deb find Marliss in crawlspace, rescue her, call EMS.
Chapter 43 – Roper arrested; Marliss dies from medulla injury; Dr. Ybarra shares history with Joanna.
Chapter 44 – Joanna processes trophy evidence: cigar box, shoelaces, map, derringer; Deb guilty over Marliss.
Chapter 45 – Roper confesses to six murders using cigar box; blames voices; fires attorney.
Chapter 46 – Joanna connects class ring to Janice Jensen; Roper's attorney accuses coercion; bodycam proves otherwise.
Chapter 47 – Glow-in-the-dark cross links to Jimmy Gibson; confirmed victim count rises.
Chapter 48 – Team meeting: 99 trophies, 23 X's, second BOLO for remaining victims.
Chapter 49 – Lisa Daniels and Calvin Dobbs identified through shoelace and kite ribbon; Roper confesses.
Chapter 50 – Joanna plans press conference; Anna Rae advises national reach.
Chapter 51 – Marliss's mother asks Joanna to give eulogy; Joanna accepts.
Chapter 52 – Roper arraigned, pleads guilty to two second-degree murders; remanded without bond.
Chapter 53 – Press conference: Joanna reveals trophy case and asks public for help identifying victims.
Chapter 54 – Nebraska sheriff identifies Wendy Adams via barrette; Marliss's memorial; Ernie Carpenter takes cold case file.
Chapter 55 – Jenny and Nick marry; Joanna scatters Marliss's ashes at Juniper Flats.
About the Publisher – HarperCollins contact information; no story content.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Who is the killer in The Girl from Devil's Lake? The killer is Stephen Roper, a retired Bisbee High School teacher who murdered victims across the United States for over six decades. He was first known to have killed his step-grandmother in 1956 at age eleven.

2. What is the significance of the cigar box? The cigar box contains Roper's trophies—shoelaces, rings, a switchblade, a Cub Scout pin, and other personal items taken from each victim. It becomes the key evidence linking him to multiple unsolved murders.

3. How does Joanna Brady discover Stephen Roper? An informant from a migrant camp reported seeing Xavier Delgado with "Mr. Roper" near a food truck. Investigation revealed Roper was a retired teacher who volunteered for Hands Across the Border. A palm print on a soda can from his trash matched the 1962 murder of Amanda Hudson.

4. What role does the MMIV task force play? The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Voices task force, led by Anna Rae Green, provides resources and federal coordination. They help connect Roper's crimes to cold cases involving Indigenous women, such as Amanda Hudson and Inez Johnson.

5. Why does Marliss Shackleford die? Marliss, a reporter, confronts Roper at his home after learning he is a suspect. Roper chloroforms her, zip-ties her, and shoves her into a crawlspace, hoping she dies. She later succumbs to a medulla injury.

6. How many victims does Roper confess to? Roper initially confesses to six murders, but the investigation identifies dozens more through his trophy collection. The final count includes 99 trophies and a map with 23 X marks for unidentified victims, suggesting a total of over 100 murders.

7. What happens at the end of the novel? Roper pleads guilty to two second-degree murders. Joanna delivers a eulogy at Marliss's memorial and scatters her ashes. Retired detective Ernie Carpenter takes the cold case file. The novel ends with Jenny and Nick's wedding, bringing family closure.

8. Is this book part of a series? Yes, The Girl from Devil's Lake is part of the Joanna Brady series by J.A. Jance. It follows Sheriff Joanna Brady's personal and professional life, continuing her investigations in Cochise County.

Deeper Dives