I bought this book in hardcover when it was first published and read it often, until I lost it in a move. I was delighted to find the kindle edition available. This was my first introduction to author Amanda Quick, and to Mrs. Lake and Tobias March. They've a but of Nick and Nora Charles mixed up with Holmes and Watson, mixed with gunpowder. This is the first installment in Quick's series about them, their growing relationship, and their "discreet inquiries" collaborations. The pair meet when...

I bought this book in hardcover when it was first published and read it often, until I lost it in a move. I was delighted to find the kindle edition available. This was my first introduction to author Amanda Quick, and to Mrs. Lake and Tobias March. They've a but of Nick and Nora Charles mixed up with Holmes and Watson, mixed with gunpowder. This is the first installment in Quick's series about them, their growing relationship, and their "discreet inquiries" collaborations. The pair meet when Mr Marsh traces a gang of hardened criminals to Italy, to an antiquities shop they use as a message drop. Tobias soon determines the proprietor, Lavinia Lake, is not a co-conspirator, but an innocent (?) bystander, in some danger. They clash almost immediately, as Mrs Lake is a woman who speaks her mind and prefers to handle her own affairs. Fast- forward ... They meet again in London by chance in the course of dealing with fallout from the affair in Italy, and the game is on.

The book is fast_paced, clever, and holds one's attention. Lavinia Lake puts me in mind of Conan-Doyle's Irene Adler at times, a woman of brains, passion, and grit. Mr. March seems a much earthier Sherlock, someone who understands and joyfully embraces his own humanity, foibles, and place in the world. He's a man of action as well as intellect who has more than met his match -and equal - in Mrs.Lake, and is mightily intrigued by it.

It's a good read, especially if you're traveling, and be sure to read the sequels.

I love Slightly Shady. The characters of Lavinia Lake and her helper in solving crimes, Tobias March. are both fun. I was fascinated by the facts described concerning a woman's roll in society when alone in the world.. Being married at that time assured one's safety and being treated respectfully. Lavinia was not married but was a business woman who was brave to the point of being dangerous. She and Tobias were investigators of crimes and they had special paranormal talents that made investig...

I love Slightly Shady. The characters of Lavinia Lake and her helper in solving crimes, Tobias March. are both fun. I was fascinated by the facts described concerning a woman's roll in society when alone in the world.. Being married at that time assured one's safety and being treated respectfully. Lavinia was not married but was a business woman who was brave to the point of being dangerous. She and Tobias were investigators of crimes and they had special paranormal talents that made investigating very exciting. These characters were special and I found myself rooting for them to finally be together as a romantic couple. It was a great story and it kept me engaged all the way through. I'd like to read more stories with these characters.