Second book in the Lake/March series, this story gets more into Lavinia's history, when an old family friend appears on her doorstep the same day she glimpses an old enemy on the streets. The old friend is a mesmerist, a profession Lavinia's parents and Lavinia herself once engaged in. Lavinia's relationship with Tobias March is getting more intimate as well. They are falling in love but act like porcupines at times- all spines and prickly but very much drawn to each other. When the old frien...

Second book in the Lake/March series, this story gets more into Lavinia's history, when an old family friend appears on her doorstep the same day she glimpses an old enemy on the streets. The old friend is a mesmerist, a profession Lavinia's parents and Lavinia herself once engaged in. Lavinia's relationship with Tobias March is getting more intimate as well. They are falling in love but act like porcupines at times- all spines and prickly but very much drawn to each other. When the old friend's wife is murdered, he retains Lake and March (or March and Lake) to find the killer. But as usual, things are not as they seem, and rapid developments bind the two lovers in a complicated situation where one commission has become three outwardly unrelated jobs that involve persons willing to kill to keep their secrets or get what they want. Or to get Mrs. Lake and Mr. March to stand down, which, of course isn't going to happen.

This one is better than the first book in the series, I think. We learn more about Anthony, Emmeline, Joan Dove, and meet Lord Vale, admirer of Joan and collector of rare antiquities. Tobias places him on his suspect list early, but finds him to be a man he can respect and possibly, a kindred spirit. I read it in one sitting, can't wait to get into the next one.

Or, March and Lake, as the case may be... this was a delightful, lively, and exciting story. I enjoyed it very much. I appreciated Tobias's subtle gaslighting; poor Lavinia didn't know what hit her. Anthony and Emmeline are a wonderful addition to the team of Lake and March, and I enjoyed the bi-play between Joan and Lord Vale. I am anxious to read the next in the series.

Or, March and Lake, as the case may be... this was a delightful, lively, and exciting story. I enjoyed it very much. I appreciated Tobias's subtle gaslighting; poor Lavinia didn't know what hit her. Anthony and Emmeline are a wonderful addition to the team of Lake and March, and I enjoyed the bi-play between Joan and Lord Vale. I am anxious to read the next in the series.

Reading this book was like meeting old friends and watching their interaction and struggles as they try to create a partnership without losing their own identities. There is the added complication that Lavinia's niece, Emeline, wants to work with her, while Tobias's nephew, Anthony, has decided he wants to shadow Tobias. As usual Jayne Ann Krentz, in her Amanda Quick persona, presents her characters with a touch of humor and, even the villains are fun to read about.

The question of who kil...

Reading this book was like meeting old friends and watching their interaction and struggles as they try to create a partnership without losing their own identities. There is the added complication that Lavinia's niece, Emeline, wants to work with her, while Tobias's nephew, Anthony, has decided he wants to shadow Tobias. As usual Jayne Ann Krentz, in her Amanda Quick persona, presents her characters with a touch of humor and, even the villains are fun to read about.

The question of who killed Celeste and who has the priceless Blue Medusa bracelet is the mystery that Lavinia has been hired to solve. The twists and turns as Labinia and Tobias try to discover what chappened and who is responsible. The process of working their way through all the suspects and learning what is trying to be hidden.

This second book starring Lavinia Lake and Tobias March doesn't disappoint, and I can't wait for the 3rd book in the series.