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Don't Look Back

In this most entrancing tale of mystery and romance by the New York Times bestselling author AMANDA QUICK, lovers and partners-in-crime investigators Lavinia Lake and Tobias March continue their exciting newfound relationship, with its delicious mix of risky business, rising passion, and now--murder.

As if a head for business and a nose for trouble aren’t enough to distinguish fiercely independent Lavinia Lake from the other women of London’s fashionable Claremont Lane, there is one more feature to set her apart. Lavinia is also well versed in the practice of mesmerism, an extraordinary gift that far surpasses mere charm and physical appeal. Nobody knows this better than the usually coolheaded Tobias March, who seems to have fallen hopelessly under her spell. Fortunately for all, however, Lavinia uses her powers for good. And ever since a tragedy involving one of her subjects, she has even retired them in favor of her work with Lake and March, a joint venture providing “discreet private inquiries for individuals of quality.” Celeste Hudson, the stunningly beautiful young wife of a family friend and fellow mesmerist, would surely count herself among such individuals--were she still alive, that is. While mythology’s Medusa could turn men to stone, lovely Celeste was more accustomed to turning them to jelly. In fact, unbeknownst to her husband, Howard, the ambitious Celeste was planning to use her talents to forge a new future in Society--one that would not include him. Sadly, her plans were cut short when she was murdered. Only a gentleman’s cravat wound around her lovely neck remained for evidence--small compensation for the strange and priceless bracelet that may have been snatched from her wrist as she drew her last breath.

As a result, Lake and March are soon in Howard Hudson’s employ on the trail of the killer. But Tobias is convinced the dashing widower is more interested in tracking down the missing relic. If so, Howard is not alone. Any number of ruthless types are after the very same antiquity, whose centerpiece is an unusual blue cameo of inestimable value and supposed legendary powers--powers of immeasurable worth to anyone in Howard’s line of work.

Together, Lake and March undertake a tantalizing investigation that leads them from the glittering ballrooms of the ton to London’s seediest taverns to a mesmerist whose therapies include treating ladies suffering from “hysteria” is a a most unconventional method--and, not least of all, to the darkest reaches of men’s psyches. Along the way, Don’t Look Back becomes a completely mesmerizing read as the irrepressible Lavinia and Tobias mix business with pleasure....

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Top Reviews

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.

By Robbin Towne

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.

By Merrill Torphy

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.

By Lyda Murazik