Publication
New York : G.P. Putnam'S Sons, 2013.
Collection
Call number
Fiction Q
Physical description
371 p.; 24 inches
Status
Checked out
Due 2024-06-07
Call number
Description
Targeted by a disabled former spy for the Crown who wrongly believes she is blackmailing his sister, Beatrice Lockwood offers her assistance in tracking down the real culprit and eventually falls for the spy only to find herself hunted by a mad scientist who would resurrect a dead lover.
Genres
User reviews
LibraryThing member winterlillies
I’m a fan of Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz) and auto-buy her books. I admit I lost interest in her Arcane series once we reached the conclusion of how Jones & Jones agency came together and she started expanding the Arcane series to include outside associates. I wanted to prep for this
Amanda Quick’s The Mystery Woman is the second book in her Ladies of Lantern Street series. If you haven’t read the first book, Crystal Gardens, it’s not necessary to do so. Quick does a good job giving you an overview of what exactly the agency Flint & Marsh specializes in and a brief history of how it was established.
On the night her mentor, Roland Fleming, is found murdered, Beatrice Lockwood is forced to change her identity to hide from the killer. She finds employment at Flint & Marsh, a private agency that specializes in discreet inquiries. Undercover as a paid companion, Beatrice meets Joshua Gage, former messenger to the mysterious Mr. Smith, and helps her foil a kidnapping attempt on her employer. Joshua informs Beatrice that he has been looking for her and needs her assistance in finding his sister’s blackmailer. Little do they know, someone with a more sinister plan is also looking for Beatrice. Will they be able to uncover the identity of the blackmailer or will Beatrice become the killer’s next victim?
The writing is very typical Quick especially with the use of paranormal elements she’s been fond of using these past couple of years. It doesn’t distract a reader and it goes hand in hand with the time period of late Victorian England. The paranormal became popular during the era and there was a demand for people who had the ability to conjure spirits or speak with the dead. It makes sense that she would have a character with some type of extrasensory ability. In this case, Beatrice is a clairvoyant and Ronald Fleming recognized her talent. Joshua doesn’t believe in the paranormal and several times Beatrice reminds him how his intuition has been spot on and therefore is an extension of the psychic realm. Quick once again does thorough research and it shines throughout The Mystery Woman. She incorporates aspects of Egyptology in her plot and again it makes sense, since the Victorians were obsessed with Egypt. As the use of electricity emerged in the 19th century, so did the question of raising the dead. Quick takes advantage of this experimentation and incorporates into the plot. I won’t say exactly what it is, but it goes hand in hand with Egyptian mythology and paranormal ability.
In terms of characterization, one thing that stood out immediately is how much Joshua resembles a previous Quick character. Joshua reminded me of a lot of Tobias March (from the Lake/March series) and both share the same characteristics in terms of an injured leg and having a nephew under his wing. What I really like about Quick is that she gives us strong heroines who aren’t afraid to make a life for themselves. These are no shrinking violets and The Mystery Woman reminded me once again why I’m a fan of Amanda Quick. She also makes you think about the possibilities of science. The whole idea of reviving someone who is dead will leave most readers fascinated and yet horrified. I’m still thinking about it a few weeks later.
If you’re a fan of historical romance mixed with a bit of mystery, I recommend Amanda Quick’s The Mystery Woman. Just be advised, there a few plot holes regarding the mystery, but nothing you’ll lose sleep over.
Show More
review by reading the last 3 books I missed, but decided it would be best to read from a new reader’s perspective without any previous knowledge as most new readers.Amanda Quick’s The Mystery Woman is the second book in her Ladies of Lantern Street series. If you haven’t read the first book, Crystal Gardens, it’s not necessary to do so. Quick does a good job giving you an overview of what exactly the agency Flint & Marsh specializes in and a brief history of how it was established.
On the night her mentor, Roland Fleming, is found murdered, Beatrice Lockwood is forced to change her identity to hide from the killer. She finds employment at Flint & Marsh, a private agency that specializes in discreet inquiries. Undercover as a paid companion, Beatrice meets Joshua Gage, former messenger to the mysterious Mr. Smith, and helps her foil a kidnapping attempt on her employer. Joshua informs Beatrice that he has been looking for her and needs her assistance in finding his sister’s blackmailer. Little do they know, someone with a more sinister plan is also looking for Beatrice. Will they be able to uncover the identity of the blackmailer or will Beatrice become the killer’s next victim?
The writing is very typical Quick especially with the use of paranormal elements she’s been fond of using these past couple of years. It doesn’t distract a reader and it goes hand in hand with the time period of late Victorian England. The paranormal became popular during the era and there was a demand for people who had the ability to conjure spirits or speak with the dead. It makes sense that she would have a character with some type of extrasensory ability. In this case, Beatrice is a clairvoyant and Ronald Fleming recognized her talent. Joshua doesn’t believe in the paranormal and several times Beatrice reminds him how his intuition has been spot on and therefore is an extension of the psychic realm. Quick once again does thorough research and it shines throughout The Mystery Woman. She incorporates aspects of Egyptology in her plot and again it makes sense, since the Victorians were obsessed with Egypt. As the use of electricity emerged in the 19th century, so did the question of raising the dead. Quick takes advantage of this experimentation and incorporates into the plot. I won’t say exactly what it is, but it goes hand in hand with Egyptian mythology and paranormal ability.
In terms of characterization, one thing that stood out immediately is how much Joshua resembles a previous Quick character. Joshua reminded me of a lot of Tobias March (from the Lake/March series) and both share the same characteristics in terms of an injured leg and having a nephew under his wing. What I really like about Quick is that she gives us strong heroines who aren’t afraid to make a life for themselves. These are no shrinking violets and The Mystery Woman reminded me once again why I’m a fan of Amanda Quick. She also makes you think about the possibilities of science. The whole idea of reviving someone who is dead will leave most readers fascinated and yet horrified. I’m still thinking about it a few weeks later.
If you’re a fan of historical romance mixed with a bit of mystery, I recommend Amanda Quick’s The Mystery Woman. Just be advised, there a few plot holes regarding the mystery, but nothing you’ll lose sleep over.
Show Less
LibraryThing member thewalkinggirl
If you're attracted to this book because the headless, near-naked model makes you think it's about a brainless bombshell who uses her body and occasional threats of violence to get her way, you're going to be disappointed. The heroine, Beatrice, instead uses her brain, determination, and
Anyway, other than the cover art, the book itself was fun and very much in AQ/JAK's normal style -- a fizzy tone with hints of grit to give the story enough weight; a smart, self-assured heroine; a stoic-but-passionate hero. In this case, while the hero, Joshua, helps Beatrice stay alive and figure out who's after her, Beatrice helps Joshua recover his confidence and sense of worth after he was betrayed and lost full use of his leg a year before.
The blurb on this talks up the "ancient Egyptian formula" and "ancient Egyptian tombs" but those are mostly plot devices, they don't actually get used much in the story. (More's the pity.)
The best part of this, like in most AQ books, was the character interactions: I found Joshua and Beatrice both goofy and charming. Goofy:
"This is more of Lancing's work," Joshua said. "The plan was to smoke us out--literally."
Charming:
"If you take one more step toward that bag," he said evenly, "you will collide with me, in which case one of two things will happen."
She blinked. "Yes?"
"The impact will either cause me to lose my balance and topple to the floor--"
"Unlikely," she said. Her eyes were very bright. "What is the other possibility?"
"I will grab hold of you in a desperate effort to steady myself."
"Oh," she said.
She looked at him for what seemed like an eternity. His blood heated. The atmosphere in the small space was charged as if a thunderstorm was gathering. He dared not move.
"I might not be able to let go of you," he said.
Beatrice took two very small, very cautious steps forward.... She lifted one finger and pushed gently against his chest.
Show More
misdirection to accomplish her goals; when she has sex it's because she wants to. (Full disclosure: the cover art on this so annoyed me that it negatively impacted my ability to enjoy this story.)Anyway, other than the cover art, the book itself was fun and very much in AQ/JAK's normal style -- a fizzy tone with hints of grit to give the story enough weight; a smart, self-assured heroine; a stoic-but-passionate hero. In this case, while the hero, Joshua, helps Beatrice stay alive and figure out who's after her, Beatrice helps Joshua recover his confidence and sense of worth after he was betrayed and lost full use of his leg a year before.
The blurb on this talks up the "ancient Egyptian formula" and "ancient Egyptian tombs" but those are mostly plot devices, they don't actually get used much in the story. (More's the pity.)
The best part of this, like in most AQ books, was the character interactions: I found Joshua and Beatrice both goofy and charming. Goofy:
"This is more of Lancing's work," Joshua said. "The plan was to smoke us out--literally."
Charming:
"If you take one more step toward that bag," he said evenly, "you will collide with me, in which case one of two things will happen."
She blinked. "Yes?"
"The impact will either cause me to lose my balance and topple to the floor--"
"Unlikely," she said. Her eyes were very bright. "What is the other possibility?"
"I will grab hold of you in a desperate effort to steady myself."
"Oh," she said.
She looked at him for what seemed like an eternity. His blood heated. The atmosphere in the small space was charged as if a thunderstorm was gathering. He dared not move.
"I might not be able to let go of you," he said.
Beatrice took two very small, very cautious steps forward.... She lifted one finger and pushed gently against his chest.
Show Less
LibraryThing member jarvenpa
A first reads win (thank you)
Excellent Amanda Quick, with all that you might expect: fascinating characters, quick (no pun intended) plot, gothic details and Fated Romance. I could make fun of this book, but it entirely diverted me and I enjoyed it enough to neglect pressing work. I'll want to read
Excellent Amanda Quick, with all that you might expect: fascinating characters, quick (no pun intended) plot, gothic details and Fated Romance. I could make fun of this book, but it entirely diverted me and I enjoyed it enough to neglect pressing work. I'll want to read
Show More
the others in this series as they come out. Show Less
LibraryThing member keeneam
Once again I love the characters, so well written by Quick. The plot was very fast and moved at a nice pace, and led me to need to finish the book. I love who Quick focuses on all characters, it really makes the story come alive.
LibraryThing member RavynWhyt
This book was a great read. I really enjoyed it's fast pace and quirky characters. Several parts of this book made me laugh, and even cry, it really engaged me!
Now I will have to find the first of Ladies of Lantern Street, and can't wait for the ones to follow!
Now I will have to find the first of Ladies of Lantern Street, and can't wait for the ones to follow!
LibraryThing member Books4Ever
Beatrice Lockwood can sense psychic resonances, but when she finds her mentor and friend murdered, even her skills cannot help her. Leaving her old life behind, she becomes a ladies companion/private detective. Her new life is going just fine until someone starts threatening her. She knows that she
Show More
will have to solve the old murder of her friend in order to stay safe in her new world. But the only way she can do this is with the help of a man who does not believe that she has an psychic abilities. Soon though, they will be thrown together and must learn to appreciate the other's skills in order to survive. Set in regency England, this is another great addition to Quick's novels. Show Less
LibraryThing member phyllis2779
The usual Krentz paranormal type novel. Very standard, I wish she would get off this paranormal silliness. She used to be a much better writer. It's like the books are now coming off an industrial conveyor belt. Give each character a slightly different backstory, an individual trait slightly
Show More
different from her other characters, but at root, they are all the same character. Strong brooding male, gutsy independent female, etc. And the plots are incredibly silly with all this paranormal nonsense. The historical background feels very inauthentic, even when she gets a few things right. Why do I still read her books? Well I no longer buy them, I get them from the library, and sometimes I miss reading a few. But I keep hoping foolishly, this is the one that will be like the earlier ones that I used to put on my keeper shelf. Sigh. Show Less
LibraryThing member bleu21
I’ve been waiting for The Mystery Woman to come out for a while now and it didn’t disappoint. I love the spy/investigative action that happens in the book. There is plenty of mystery, action and romance. The era is one of my favorites and I love reading about the times and the societal
I loved Beatrice’s character. She’s a go-getter and won’t depend on a man to do what needs to be done. It was intriguing to see just how handy she could be. The banter between Josh and her made me laugh and thoroughly enjoy the book. There were a few plot twists and turns that made the book really interesting and worth continuing reading. The secondary characters are creepy, evil and just bizarre but that is what makes a story go from ordinary to unique :)
Amanda Quick never disappoints and she always takes you on a new adventure that you are sure to enjoy. So far I am loving the Ladies of Lantern Street series and can’t wait until the next book comes out. It won’t be for a while though :(
Show More
etiquette. It would drive me nuts if I had to have a chaperoned every time I went out. Luckily I don’t live in that era. :)I loved Beatrice’s character. She’s a go-getter and won’t depend on a man to do what needs to be done. It was intriguing to see just how handy she could be. The banter between Josh and her made me laugh and thoroughly enjoy the book. There were a few plot twists and turns that made the book really interesting and worth continuing reading. The secondary characters are creepy, evil and just bizarre but that is what makes a story go from ordinary to unique :)
Amanda Quick never disappoints and she always takes you on a new adventure that you are sure to enjoy. So far I am loving the Ladies of Lantern Street series and can’t wait until the next book comes out. It won’t be for a while though :(
Show Less
LibraryThing member ShannaV
The Mystery Woman is more of a detective mystery than a romance novel. Beatrice Lockwood is not what she appears to be. While acting as a paid companion, she actually works as an undercover agent for the Flint and Marsh Agency. She's no shrinking violet and is just as capable as any man in
Show More
defending herself and protecting the clients she works for. It's definitely a departure from the typical historical novel. Beatrice is the hero of her own story. She doesn't wait for any man to save her but is happy if one wants to lend a hand. She's confident, smart and capable. I did however think the romance was a bit weak and could have been developed more. I wasn't really sold on the falling in love bit between her and Joshua Gage. I also thought the love scene was predictable and she had more modern sensibilities than other women of that time would have had. Overall it was a good read and I'd be interested in checking out the other books in this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member hailelib
The second in "The Ladies of Lantern Street" novels and a fun, quick read. About middling for JAK's recent books regardless of which name she is using. Much of the story is set in Victorian London and the paranormal elements are very important to the story. Those who have read many of her other
Show More
books will quickly realize that the author is recycling characters and plot elements. She is very good at telling the same story over again and yet making it intereting while one is reading. A bit fluffy but an OK bit of fluff. Show Less
LibraryThing member WriterWarrior
The 2nd book in the Ladies of Lantern Street series.
Starts with a bang and has us enmeshed in investigations, plots, counter plots and spies. While revealing more about the Ladies of Lantern Street than book 1, for me it lacked some of the mystery and sparkle. I wish AQ had explained more about the
I do like the strong women with their careers and independence.
The cover perfectly portrays Beatrice's character!
The variety of backgrounds, Roland"s escape plans,Joshua's steadfast explanation for his ability. The ending was masterfully done. It carries the same charm and intriguing paranormal senses as the rest of her work. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
Starts with a bang and has us enmeshed in investigations, plots, counter plots and spies. While revealing more about the Ladies of Lantern Street than book 1, for me it lacked some of the mystery and sparkle. I wish AQ had explained more about the
Show More
Lion and his place in saving England. Are there more Spymasters like the Lion serving the crown? Why is he called the Lion? I do like the strong women with their careers and independence.
The cover perfectly portrays Beatrice's character!
The variety of backgrounds, Roland"s escape plans,Joshua's steadfast explanation for his ability. The ending was masterfully done. It carries the same charm and intriguing paranormal senses as the rest of her work. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
Show Less
LibraryThing member ginger30297
When I received my copy of this book I went in expecting that it extended from the first in the Lantern series. I was pleasantly surprised to find out it stood on it's own! I loved the fact that Mrs. Flint and Mrs. March still got their info in there, but you did not need to read the previous book
Show More
to catch up. Beatrice and Josh both owned their story and while it was not one of my favorites by Ms. Quick, I would still keep it on the shelf, or kindle, to go back and re-read. Loved the fact that Ms. Quick did not make the romantic part a drawn out thing. She kept to the plot of the mystery they were solving and kept you on the edge when it came to catching the bad guy. Everyone could be left rooting for the good guys and hoping their romance made it in the end. Completely worth it!! And not a sappy story!! Show Less
LibraryThing member utacraft
2nd book in ladies of lantern street...fighting mysterious and murderous enemy and her attraction to the only man that can help her..joshua who carries out investigations for the crown is intrigued
LibraryThing member Kegan
I got this as a ARC from the Library Thing Early Reviewers give away. This is the second book in the Ladies of Lantern Street series i have not read the first one but that didn't take away from this book. Its a fun fast passed read filled with mystery and romance. I will definitely read more from
Show More
this author. Show Less
LibraryThing member SunnySD
Working as a paid companion really isn't that different from her previous career as a paranormal counselor - the ability to read people is still a valuable commodity for Beatrice Lockwood. And the man with the scarred face and marked limp she spots watching her from across the ballroom floor is
Quick's knack for writing the same story peopled by the same characters over and over again is getting a bit thin. This one made for a couple hours nicely spent, but it wouldn't have been overly difficult to put down.
Show More
definitely someone she'd like to read more of. For Lion's Messenger and ex-assassin Joshua Gage, locating the woman he suspects of blackmailing his sister was only the first step. Finding her will take them both down a path of danger, secrets and paranormal connections, and of course straight into happily ever after.Quick's knack for writing the same story peopled by the same characters over and over again is getting a bit thin. This one made for a couple hours nicely spent, but it wouldn't have been overly difficult to put down.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Kwidhalm
I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this book as much as I did. It had the perfect amount of intrigue, paranormal tendencies and romance to make this a fast read. I have never read anything by this author but would make it a point to pick other books of hers from the library. Was it great
Show More
literature? It was not. It is a great vacation/beach read when you just need to lose yourself from reality for a few hours. Show Less
LibraryThing member Talaskat
This book started off slow but i stuck with it and it was worth it.
LibraryThing member bookswoman
This addition to the Ladies of Lantern Street involves a former spy who doesn't believe in the paranormal and a woman who has a lot of talent. Joshua Gage hunts down Beatrice Lockwood, something he is very, very good at accomplishing. Beatrice has been in hiding because of an "incident" at her last
As with all Quick/Krentz/Castle books there is a little romance in her stories along with an intriguing story to keep people guessing.
Love these books and will be reading them as long as Ms. Krentz wants to keep writing them.
Show More
place of employment and Joshua thinks she is a murderer.As with all Quick/Krentz/Castle books there is a little romance in her stories along with an intriguing story to keep people guessing.
Love these books and will be reading them as long as Ms. Krentz wants to keep writing them.
Show Less
LibraryThing member schmapp
I did receive this book a while ago as an Early Reviewer copy. I just un-earthed it after our move to a new house. The book started out slow but I stuck with it and pleasantly surprised by the ending. Once I got past the beginning I finished it in a few sittings.
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Probably closer to a 3.5 star read but it did keep me reading yesterday and I did want to know what was going to happen next, even if it was somewhat obvious and well flagged throughout. The author keeps me interested throughout even with the plot holes and somewhat modern attitudes of the
Miss Beatrice Lockwood is working with Flint and Marsh, her current mission is to keep an heiress from a predatory suitor. During this she meets Joshua Gage, who helps her and then disappears, when he returns to accuse her of blackmail the following day the sparks begin to fly. She's a psychic and he's a sceptic, but the two of them team up to find out who is blackmailing his sister and there are undercurrents that they both have to deal with.
I really enjoyed the read, I like this series and like the characters, a lot of fun, light reading but I was at the edge of my seat several times.
Show More
characters. Miss Beatrice Lockwood is working with Flint and Marsh, her current mission is to keep an heiress from a predatory suitor. During this she meets Joshua Gage, who helps her and then disappears, when he returns to accuse her of blackmail the following day the sparks begin to fly. She's a psychic and he's a sceptic, but the two of them team up to find out who is blackmailing his sister and there are undercurrents that they both have to deal with.
I really enjoyed the read, I like this series and like the characters, a lot of fun, light reading but I was at the edge of my seat several times.
Show Less
LibraryThing member dearheart
Someone is looking for Miss Beatrice Lockwood and even killed her friend/boss to get to her. She had been working with a disguise and has to quickly change her career so she won’t be noticed. Beatrice now works for a private investigative firm in the guise of a paid companion. Joshua Gage used to
This book was recommended by a friend. I hadn’t read an Amanda Quick book in years. I’d always enjoyed them, but after a number of them, the basic storyline and characters become too similar. The characters, situation as well as the “what and why” were good. As with all of the author’s characters in this era, Beatrice is a little out of the norm; more forward thinking, independent and confident, as well as having an appreciation of the arcane.
But I have to say that the overuse of the word psychical was starting to drive me nuts. It was used 48 times and I’d never heard the word before. Beatrice does have a psychic ability and Joshua is a non-believer, which is a big part of the story.
I got this through the library, and did enjoy it enough to also check out the prior book.
Show More
work for the Crown until an accident a year ago left him with scars on his face, a painful leg and the need to use a cane. He comes out of retirement when his sister is blackmailed and believes Miss Lockwood is the blackmailer.This book was recommended by a friend. I hadn’t read an Amanda Quick book in years. I’d always enjoyed them, but after a number of them, the basic storyline and characters become too similar. The characters, situation as well as the “what and why” were good. As with all of the author’s characters in this era, Beatrice is a little out of the norm; more forward thinking, independent and confident, as well as having an appreciation of the arcane.
But I have to say that the overuse of the word psychical was starting to drive me nuts. It was used 48 times and I’d never heard the word before. Beatrice does have a psychic ability and Joshua is a non-believer, which is a big part of the story.
I got this through the library, and did enjoy it enough to also check out the prior book.
Show Less
LibraryThing member kmartin802
In this second book in the Ladies of Lantern Street series, Miss Beatrice Lockwood is working for Flint & March and is undercover as a paid companion protecting a young heiress when she meets Joshua Gage who helps her foil the abduction of her charge. Joshua is recovering from injuries that
Joshua is called back to London from his brooding when he believes that Beatrice is the one who is blackmailing his sister. Psychic sparks fly between Joshua and Beatrice when they meet though each is wary of the other. The running joke through this whole story is Beatrice's acceptance of her psychic powers and Joshua's determination to deny that they exist and to rely instead on logic. Joshua quickly comes to see that Beatrice is in danger and it looks like the case that injured Josh so badly isn't over.
This story had all the elements of an intriguing mystery and an inevitable romance. Both Beatrice and Joshua are strong characters who have a great deal in common as they are both investigators and competent adults. However, they come from different social classes. Beatrice can't see a future for them but Joshua is not a conventional sort of man. The villains include a Russian assassin called the Bone Man and a truly mad scientist.
This was a fun story for all of Amanda Quick's fans and anyone who like paranormal historical fiction.
Show More
happened when one of his investigations as an agent for the Crown went badly awry, He has spent the past year in isolation at his family estate and has been left with a scarred face, a weak leg, and a determination to leave investigations in the past.Joshua is called back to London from his brooding when he believes that Beatrice is the one who is blackmailing his sister. Psychic sparks fly between Joshua and Beatrice when they meet though each is wary of the other. The running joke through this whole story is Beatrice's acceptance of her psychic powers and Joshua's determination to deny that they exist and to rely instead on logic. Joshua quickly comes to see that Beatrice is in danger and it looks like the case that injured Josh so badly isn't over.
This story had all the elements of an intriguing mystery and an inevitable romance. Both Beatrice and Joshua are strong characters who have a great deal in common as they are both investigators and competent adults. However, they come from different social classes. Beatrice can't see a future for them but Joshua is not a conventional sort of man. The villains include a Russian assassin called the Bone Man and a truly mad scientist.
This was a fun story for all of Amanda Quick's fans and anyone who like paranormal historical fiction.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Sheila1957
Belinda finds her employer near death. He tells her to run. Someone has been sent to kidnap her but he does not know why. Belinda heeds his advice and runs before the murderer comes back into the room. She hides but is found by Joshua Gage, a former spy for the Crown. Now that he has found her he
I loved this book. I liked the historical element of Egyptology to tie the story together. I also liked Joshua and Belinda being on different sides of the debate of logic and reason vs. paranormal activity or intuition. Joshua and Belinda work well together. She has pulled him out of his year-long fog after an assignment gone wrong. The villains are hiss-worthy. I liked Joshua's nephew who is like him. The story was so interesting it was hard to put the book down.
I will be reading more of this series.
Show More
believes she is neither a murderer nor a blackmailer which is why he was sent to find her. She is a private detective and together they join forces to find who wants her and why. What they find is a madman.I loved this book. I liked the historical element of Egyptology to tie the story together. I also liked Joshua and Belinda being on different sides of the debate of logic and reason vs. paranormal activity or intuition. Joshua and Belinda work well together. She has pulled him out of his year-long fog after an assignment gone wrong. The villains are hiss-worthy. I liked Joshua's nephew who is like him. The story was so interesting it was hard to put the book down.
I will be reading more of this series.
Show Less
LibraryThing member kmartin802
In this second book in the Ladies of Lantern Street series, Miss Beatrice Lockwood is working for Flint & March and is undercover as a paid companion protecting a young heiress when she meets Joshua Gage who helps her foil the abduction of her charge. Joshua is recovering from injuries that
Joshua is called back to London from his brooding when he believes that Beatrice is the one who is blackmailing his sister. Psychic sparks fly between Joshua and Beatrice when they meet though each is wary of the other. The running joke through this whole story is Beatrice's acceptance of her psychic powers and Joshua's determination to deny that they exist and to rely instead on logic. Joshua quickly comes to see that Beatrice is in danger and it looks like the case that injured Josh so badly isn't over.
This story had all the elements of an intriguing mystery and an inevitable romance. Both Beatrice and Joshua are strong characters who have a great deal in common as they are both investigators and competent adults. However, they come from different social classes. Beatrice can't see a future for them but Joshua is not a conventional sort of man. The villains include a Russian assassin called the Bone Man and a truly mad scientist.
This was a fun story for all of Amanda Quick's fans and anyone who like paranormal historical fiction.
Show More
happened when one of his investigations as an agent for the Crown went badly awry, He has spent the past year in isolation at his family estate and has been left with a scarred face, a week leg, and a determination to leave investigations in the past.Joshua is called back to London from his brooding when he believes that Beatrice is the one who is blackmailing his sister. Psychic sparks fly between Joshua and Beatrice when they meet though each is wary of the other. The running joke through this whole story is Beatrice's acceptance of her psychic powers and Joshua's determination to deny that they exist and to rely instead on logic. Joshua quickly comes to see that Beatrice is in danger and it looks like the case that injured Josh so badly isn't over.
This story had all the elements of an intriguing mystery and an inevitable romance. Both Beatrice and Joshua are strong characters who have a great deal in common as they are both investigators and competent adults. However, they come from different social classes. Beatrice can't see a future for them but Joshua is not a conventional sort of man. The villains include a Russian assassin called the Bone Man and a truly mad scientist.
This was a fun story for all of Amanda Quick's fans and anyone who like paranormal historical fiction.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Storeetllr
I read this awhile ago but have gotten distracted by little things like planning to quit my job, retire and move to another state. Anyway, I have been reading Amanda Quick's historical and paranormal romances for a long time now, and I always enjoy them, some more than others. This one was
Show More
somewhere in the middle ~ I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but I had no burning desire to get right back to it when I had to put it down. Not sure why, though perhaps I'm not as enamored of the new series which seems to be an amalgam of her straight historical, Arcane Society and Lost Colony stories. I do like her characters and their interactions, the strong women and decent though broody men, and the dialogue is always fun. I'm going to continue to read the series, of course! Show Less
Language
Original publication date
2013-04-23
ISBN
9780399159091