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I just read this story (so far) and it's really awesome. Very different from the show's overall lighthearted tone and I'm digging it! Just one request? Please don't let harm befall the as-yet-unnamed puppy. I couldn't take it!

Author's Response: Well thanks, Pamalamadingdong, I'm glad you gave it a try. Let me assure you, no puppies will be harmed in the playout of this story (though he does figure into the plot in an important way). It isn't the pup you should be worried about. I've sort of bounced between very lighthearted/silly (Smiling and Satisfied) and very very dark (Timing is Everything) when writing here - I love trying on different scenarios for these characters - not necessarily in the genre of the actual series. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing. (I'm working on the conclusion now)

Wow, Jazzfan! This story is great. I’ve just read the whole lot in one go and now I’m sat here trying to keep a hold on all the theories whizzing about my brain. I have my suspicions about who the stalker/burglar is, but I’m taking nothing for granted. You’ve led me down a couple of dead ends already - I’m wise to your mad skills. Ha!

Here’s what I love:

1 - Jim. I don’t think you’ve once let ‘your Jim’ stray from character. His interactions with Ryan and Art Boy (love it!) are GREAT. When he lets Alex have it at the gallery, I actually hissed “yes!” out loud. Honest. Mr. BA shot me a ‘Care Bear stare’.

“Yeah,” Jim said slowly as he shrugged his shoulders. “How do you suppose Van Gogh managed to paint this and not be in New York?” He took a second to enjoy the look on Alex’s face. “Wait, there aren’t even any stars in New York, are there?” Jim tried to keep at least a hint of humor in his voice. “Wouldn’t have happened.”

Alex cocked his head and his look told Jim that Alex had underestimated him. That made him happy.

2 - Jim and Dwight – I loved their interaction. When Jim asks him to ‘maintain order’, I grinned like a damn fool – and bless him, he does. Although, I did think he was going to spray Ryan himself at one point.

“I want you to maintain order.”

“Okay, I will assist you. When and where?” - PERFECT Dwight speak.

And this made me love Dwight even more than I do already:

For a moment, Dwight looked at him with a new respect. Then he said, “A good provider and successful man protects his woman from harm, thus enhancing the survival of his offspring.” The moment was over.

I’m just sorry the ride is almost over. I don’t think I’ve read a JAM mystery story before. Gotta say, I doubted it would be my cup of tea…BUT it so is. Great job!

Author's Response: Thank you so much, Blind Assasin (love the nic), for your detailed review. It made me happy that you find "my" Jim in character through all this. I was trying hard not to make him into some sort of action hero. I love Dwight and Jim together, so I had real fun writing that office scene. I'm delighted you're enjoying my little mystery, and all will be revealed soon. Thanks again!

Quite a suspenseful tale you're weaving, jazz!  I trust neither Alex nor Ryan, so can't wait to see who's responsible for the breakin.

And I love the line, "the pup who cannot be named."  That just cracked me up.  I think it's very in character that Jim would come up with a Harry Potter name.

Looking forward to the next chapter.  And didn't I tell you ... no one minds MORE chapters!