From Publishers Weekly
Private investigators Lavinia Lake and Tobias March (Slightly Shady; Don't Look Back) return to the chase in Regency England, hot on the trail of a murderer for hire when not disporting themselves discreetly beneath the sheets. This time a macabre murderer appears to be copycatting two killers who left behind memento mori rings at the scenes of their crimes. The original Memento Mori Man murdered for hire decades earlier, taking on assignments only if he thought the target thoroughly deserved death. Three years before the start of this novel, the same "ghastly signature" was employed by Zachary Elland in tribute to his predecessor. Elland, March's fellow spy (during the Napoleonic wars), committed suicide after March unmasked him, so when a memento mori ring turns up on the doorstep of Elland's rich lover, Aspasia Gray, March is not surprised when she seeks him out at Lord Beaumont's country-house party. Lake, however, is dismayed, since Gray wants more than just March's investigative skills. A murder is promptly committed at Beaumont's estate, and Lake and March launch their investigations, centering on a certain unstylish blonde wig and a trio of dangerous, dowagers. Quick, a pseudonym for prolific romance author Jayne Anne Krentz, relies on her quicksilver sense of humor and tart research into period hairdressers and British upper-crust society. Lake and March's lusty if predictable romps should please Quick fans, as should the contrasting "demure" period flirtation between Lake's niece, Emeline , and March's adopted brother, Anthony, which is tested by the arrival of Dominic Hood, Anthony's half-brother, suggesting future fireworks. As this engaging effort demonstrates, Quick has the Regency-murder mystery mix down to a fine science.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--Ce texte provient de la
Hardcover
édition.
From School Library Journal
Adult/High School-Lavinia and Tobias, private inquiry agents, have looked forward to relaxing in one another's company at a weekend house party in the country. However, they are asked to leave when they suggest that a guest's death was a murder. With minimal clues available, the sleuths and their eager, young assistants, Emmeline and Anthony, realize that there have been other suspicious deaths, with an unusual common denominator. Has a murderer come back from the dead? Quick is an expert at witty dialogue, which keeps the plot moving, and the depiction of early-19th-century England. Fans of the series will particularly enjoy learning more about Tobias's mysterious past and prior relationships, which are an important part of this story. It is not necessary to have read the earlier novels to enjoy this light mystery.
Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VACopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--Ce texte provient de la
Hardcover
édition.
de Amanda Quick
de Amanda Quick
de Amanda Quick
de Amanda Quick
de Amanda Quick
