Status
Available
Genres
Collection
Publication
Berkley (2010), Edition: Reprint, 464 pages
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Romance. Suspense. HTML:In this suspenseful Arcane Society novel, New York Times bestselling author Amanda Quick delves into the underworld of passion, greed and powers that lie beyond this realm. Victorian botanist Lucinda Bromley has a rare talent: the ability to detect almost any type of poison. She also tends many rare plants, including a species of fern that was stolen from her conservatory just last monthâ??and which turns up in a poison that was used in a noblemanâ??s murder. To keep her name out of the investigation and to find the killer, Lucinda hires a fellow Arcane Society member. The founder of a psychical investigation agency, Caleb Jones is very good at protecting the Societyâ??s secretsâ??and frighteningly good at getting the truth. As a nearly overwhelming desire blooms between Caleb and Lucinda, they are drawn into the dark heart of a deadly conspiracyâ??and into a legacy of madness that could plunge Caleb into the depths of his own t… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member jjmachshev
Historical romance readers will be very, very happy with Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz/Jayne Castle's newest 'Arcane Society' novel, "The Perfect Poison". This is the long awaited story of Caleb Jones, founder of Jones & Jones Investigations. As a long-time and fervent (rabid might be more
Lucinda lost her father, his business partner, and her fiance within two horrible months a year and a half ago. However, it was the fiance's death that caused Lucinda's infamous notoriety. You see, when the fiance of an expert botanist dies...well, rumors run rampant; and the ton loves nothing more than a good, juicy scandal! Lucinda is also a member of the Arcane Society and assists a certain local police inspector (also a Society member) in determining death by botanical means. So when she's called to assist in the inspector's latest case, and discovers the means of death was not only poison--but poison from an extremely rare plant that was recently stolen from her conservatory... well, she calls upon the unique services of Caleb Jones, psychical investigator.
Caleb has his hands full with his new agency. As a strategic and hunter 'talent', his skills make him uniquely qualified, and quite gratified, to do this type of work...if he just didn't have to deal with PEOPLE. Caleb also has another little problem. You see, he's pretty sure he's inherited the insanity that comes with his particular family talent and fears his descent into madness is closer than ever. But it only takes a few minutes in Lucinda's company for Caleb to realize something amazing...she calms his tension and invigorates his passion. And for a man who can't pass up a puzzle, she's the most interesting puzzle he's ever seen.
But there's trouble ahead for these two. A group of power hungry talents have created their own society within the Society. Their aim is to recreate a dangerous drug that can enhance psychic talents...but also kills. It's up to Caleb and Lucinda (despite Caleb's protests) to stop them.
There's so much I enjoy about Quick's writing. Her historical novels have lots of sensual tension, but the actual deeds themselves are few and mostly PG-rated. Not to say I'm averse to hotter, but it's still a fairly easy gauge for me...if it's a Quick novel, it's PG. Also, her wonderful and witty dialogue always lures me into another chapter...and another chapter...and another chapter...until I look up and find myself done with the book and wanting to go back and read it again! There's humor, passion, suspense, very little real violence, a tidy mystery, and always a happy ending. Who can resist?
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truthful) fan of the author, I loved how she contrived connections, both written and implied, to her contemporary 'Arcane Society' books and her Jayne Castle Harmony/St Helens books. But even if you've not been following any of those books, "The Perfect Poison" is a perfect delight.Lucinda lost her father, his business partner, and her fiance within two horrible months a year and a half ago. However, it was the fiance's death that caused Lucinda's infamous notoriety. You see, when the fiance of an expert botanist dies...well, rumors run rampant; and the ton loves nothing more than a good, juicy scandal! Lucinda is also a member of the Arcane Society and assists a certain local police inspector (also a Society member) in determining death by botanical means. So when she's called to assist in the inspector's latest case, and discovers the means of death was not only poison--but poison from an extremely rare plant that was recently stolen from her conservatory... well, she calls upon the unique services of Caleb Jones, psychical investigator.
Caleb has his hands full with his new agency. As a strategic and hunter 'talent', his skills make him uniquely qualified, and quite gratified, to do this type of work...if he just didn't have to deal with PEOPLE. Caleb also has another little problem. You see, he's pretty sure he's inherited the insanity that comes with his particular family talent and fears his descent into madness is closer than ever. But it only takes a few minutes in Lucinda's company for Caleb to realize something amazing...she calms his tension and invigorates his passion. And for a man who can't pass up a puzzle, she's the most interesting puzzle he's ever seen.
But there's trouble ahead for these two. A group of power hungry talents have created their own society within the Society. Their aim is to recreate a dangerous drug that can enhance psychic talents...but also kills. It's up to Caleb and Lucinda (despite Caleb's protests) to stop them.
There's so much I enjoy about Quick's writing. Her historical novels have lots of sensual tension, but the actual deeds themselves are few and mostly PG-rated. Not to say I'm averse to hotter, but it's still a fairly easy gauge for me...if it's a Quick novel, it's PG. Also, her wonderful and witty dialogue always lures me into another chapter...and another chapter...and another chapter...until I look up and find myself done with the book and wanting to go back and read it again! There's humor, passion, suspense, very little real violence, a tidy mystery, and always a happy ending. Who can resist?
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LibraryThing member hoosgracie
This book features Caleb Jones, founder of the Jones and Jones agency, which features prominently on Quick's historical and contemporary titles. The other Jones is Lucinda and we learn how they meet and fall in love. There is of course action - and per the title poison - involved.
LibraryThing member susanamper
Another in the Arcane Society series. Here Lucinda Bromley is a fallen woman, having been accused of poisoning her fiance. Caleb Jones helps her untangle several other mysteries. A very quick read. Similar to others in the series but an enjoyable read nonetheless.
LibraryThing member readinggeek451
Lucinda Bromley is a suspected poisoner with a talent for botany and for detecting poisons. Caleb Jones is a private investigator with a talent for making connections. Together, they seek a scientist who is recreating a dangerous formula which enhances psychic abilities.
Quick's Arcane Society
Quick's Arcane Society
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novels are not my favorites of her many books, but this is one of the better ones. Show Less
LibraryThing member hailelib
An Arcane Society Novel and a historical romantic suspense in Quick/Kentz's usual style. A good light novel with a bit of humor mixed in with the other elements. However, this book will work best for fans who are familiar with the earlier historical Arcane Society novels. This story features Caleb
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Jones and the founding of Jones & Jones, an investigative firm whose main client is the Society. Show Less
LibraryThing member TammyGant
Just finished this book. Those who are interested in the paranormal, especially with the added spice of romance, will really enjoy this book. I also just realized that I had another "Arcane Society" novel sitting in the "to read" section of my bookcase (it's been there over six months). Now I can't
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wait to get to it! Show Less
LibraryThing member SunnySD
Lucinda Bromley has a reputation, and not one that ladies in Victorian England aspire to - not quite a black widow, if only because she's never actually been married. An expert in plant-based poisons, Lucinda's called in when a wealthy gentleman dies under suspicious circumstances. Lucinda
Caleb Jones has a strong talent. It's kept him in and out of trouble for most of his life, but he's afraid it's driving him mad, a family curse. He's never been tempted to settle down. Not, that is, until he meets the woman society knows as "Lucrezia" Bromley. Now he just has to catch a killer and convince the lady. Three guesses as to which will be more difficult!
Classic Quick. Predictable, but charming for all that she's written better.
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identifies the poison - and realizes she has a problem. The poison that killed him bears traces of a rare plant specimen stolen from her greenhouse, a plant that, as far as she knows, no one else in London possessed. She's going to need a detective versed in strange goings on. Good thing she knows of one.Caleb Jones has a strong talent. It's kept him in and out of trouble for most of his life, but he's afraid it's driving him mad, a family curse. He's never been tempted to settle down. Not, that is, until he meets the woman society knows as "Lucrezia" Bromley. Now he just has to catch a killer and convince the lady. Three guesses as to which will be more difficult!
Classic Quick. Predictable, but charming for all that she's written better.
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LibraryThing member nicthechic
Nice light fluff reading. The romance side of things didn't make me cringe like this genre normally does, so that's a big plus for the book! Liked the characters, especially the females. Good writing, fun, happy to read her again (though will need a break between her stories).
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Lucinda Bromley has a rare talent, she can detect almost any kind of poison. Her reputation is soiled by the fact that her finance died from what appeared to be poisoning. However her skills are used by the police. In the latest case she discovers that the poisoning subject was poisoned by a
I enjoyed the read, the two of them were interesting characters and enjoyable. There were moments when things didn't quite work but most of the story kept me well engaged.
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recently stolen fern from her collection. She hires Caleb Jones, part of a psychical investigation agency, to investigate for her. He can see patterns and sense when things ar going well in an investigation. He also fears that he's going mad, as has happened to his ancestors. They're attracted but can their fears keep them apart.I enjoyed the read, the two of them were interesting characters and enjoyable. There were moments when things didn't quite work but most of the story kept me well engaged.
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LibraryThing member phyllis2779
Not a bad read. Went fast and kept my interest but pretty much interchangeable with any of the other Arcane Society novels.
LibraryThing member bookswoman
Another fine addition to the Arcane Society series. Caleb Jones has just established the Jones Detective Agency and ends up involved with Lucinda, a member of the Society who specializes in poisons, the kind that come from plant life. Not a lot of surprises here but the trip is fun and I do enjoy
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Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle's writing! Show Less
LibraryThing member Jaguar897
I came in the middle of this series by starting at book 5 rather than book 1. Although I was a bit lost with the plot line I didn’t feel completely lost with the story and it didn’t hamper my enjoyment of it. This is typical Amanda Quick novel where the broken hero sets out to save the heroine.
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There is a bit more mystery and twists in this one than other Quick novels I’ve read, which made it more enjoyable. Show Less
LibraryThing member JanetArmentani
It wasn't bad, just didn't work for me.
LibraryThing member murderbydeath
I listened to this on Audio and found it to be a very good book. The woman who did the voices struggles with the male parts, but otherwise was excellent. I really didn't feel like this was a romance - it was 9 CD's long and there were only 2 'love' scenes and this takes place in Victorian England,
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so...not really a romance in my book. But the story was intriguing and I enjoyed the paranormal aspects. Show Less
LibraryThing member KarinShah
Lucinda and Caleb are another strong, fun couple from Amada Quick. Clever dialogue, hot sexual tension and a great suspense plot keep the pages turning!
LibraryThing member NDJones
Quick/Krentz books are good for commutes, which is when I have the most time to get a bit of relaxing " reading" done.
LibraryThing member AnaKurland
If you can suspend reality, and consider this book a paranormal mystery instead of a historical romance, then it is very good. The mystery had a good plot, but the constant references to the special talents of the society bothered me a little.
LibraryThing member MyaB
This is the first of the Arcane Society books I have read and i am going to go back and check out the ones prior to it. I loved Caleb, his straight forwardness was refreshing and enjoying.
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
The Perfect Poison
4 Stars
Synopsis
Lucinda Bromley is a botanist with the unique ability to detect any poison but she also has a notorious reputation following the suspicious death of her fiance. When a man is poisoned by a rare fern, Lucinda fears becoming the prime suspect and requests the help of
Review
On the whole, the Arcane series has been a mixed bag for me but The Perfect Poison is more of a hit than a miss. This part of the series comes full circle with explanations for several ideas found in the contemporary books, such as the origins of Jones & Jones and the society's matchmaking service as well as the true nature of Caleb's ability (and by extension that of his descendent, Fallon Jones).
Caleb and Lucinda are wonderful together and their romance is passionate and powerful. Lucinda is the most compelling of the three historical heroines in the series - her intelligence, charm and wit are appealing on many levels, and the fact that she accepts her attraction to Caleb so completely only adds to their chemistry. Caleb has the darkest temperament and struggles to cope with the true nature of his abilities but he brings this intensity to his relationship with Lucinda, which makes it absolutely perfect. One a side note, the explanation of Caleb's mental anguish is particularly fulfilling, especially for fans of Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose - just love the intertextuality.
The mystery is where the book falls short as it lacks the intrigue and intensity of previous installments. The plot itself is contrived and there is no atmosphere of urgency or excitement. Moreover, the climax is predictable and uninspired.
Overall, an easy and entertaining read with a gorgeous tortured hero and a spirited heroine. The series continues with the Dreamlight trilogy and I look forward to continuing with it.
4 Stars
Synopsis
Lucinda Bromley is a botanist with the unique ability to detect any poison but she also has a notorious reputation following the suspicious death of her fiance. When a man is poisoned by a rare fern, Lucinda fears becoming the prime suspect and requests the help of
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Caleb Jones, a man known for being able to decipher any clue. Soon Lucinda and Caleb are immersed in a case of murder and conspiracy and must stop a relentless scientist and a deranged madman in their quest to perfect the deadly Founder's Formula. Review
On the whole, the Arcane series has been a mixed bag for me but The Perfect Poison is more of a hit than a miss. This part of the series comes full circle with explanations for several ideas found in the contemporary books, such as the origins of Jones & Jones and the society's matchmaking service as well as the true nature of Caleb's ability (and by extension that of his descendent, Fallon Jones).
Caleb and Lucinda are wonderful together and their romance is passionate and powerful. Lucinda is the most compelling of the three historical heroines in the series - her intelligence, charm and wit are appealing on many levels, and the fact that she accepts her attraction to Caleb so completely only adds to their chemistry. Caleb has the darkest temperament and struggles to cope with the true nature of his abilities but he brings this intensity to his relationship with Lucinda, which makes it absolutely perfect. One a side note, the explanation of Caleb's mental anguish is particularly fulfilling, especially for fans of Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose - just love the intertextuality.
The mystery is where the book falls short as it lacks the intrigue and intensity of previous installments. The plot itself is contrived and there is no atmosphere of urgency or excitement. Moreover, the climax is predictable and uninspired.
Overall, an easy and entertaining read with a gorgeous tortured hero and a spirited heroine. The series continues with the Dreamlight trilogy and I look forward to continuing with it.
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LibraryThing member Jean_Sexton
I have to admit that this series of paranormal Victorian romances/mysteries has me hooked. Third in the series, this one can be read out of order, although I think some toss-away references to earlier books will be missed. Still, they aren't essential to the enjoyment of the book.
This romance does
Recommended for fans of paranormal romances with a hint of mystery.
This romance does
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have some steamy scenes, but they don't overwhelm the story. I liked the leads in the story and they made sense to me. Lucinda is smart and charming while Caleb is brooding and dark (and smart). While the mystery is a bit predictable, the fun in romances is how one gets from point A to point B, and this one is enjoyable.Recommended for fans of paranormal romances with a hint of mystery.
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2009-04
Physical description
464 p.; 4.2 inches
ISBN
051514777X / 9780515147773