Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz), published by G P Putnam Sons (a Penguin Group Member)
The first in the Ladies of Lantern Street series, this book continues Ms. Quick's trademark blend of romance, mystery and the psychic. While not a listed book of the Arcane Society, at this point the Society is always in the back of my mind. This book features the usual strong-minded female lead character (Evangeline Ames), the not-always-traditionally handsome brooding male character (Lucas Sebastian), the close female friends (Beatrice Lockwood and Clarissa Slate - sure to be the female leads in future books), a murder (or murderous plot to be foiled - or both) and psychic talents.
Yes, you may have seen the formula before - but with Ms. Quick, the fun is that she always manages to tweak it so that, instead of becoming repetitive, the story remains fresh and fun to read. If you've never read Ms. Quick - or her other incarnations (Jayne Ann Krentz or Jayne Castle), this is an excellent introduction to her worlds. Although, since she got her start writing Harlequin & Candlelight (I'm pretty sure) romances, you may have already read \& enjoyed her worlds already.
Ms. Quick/Krentz/Castle has been, and remains one of the authors that I willing spend the cash for in Hardcover. (And if that's not an endorsement - I don't know what is!)
If you are wondering about the Arcane Society - check out Ms. Krentz's website at www.jayneannkrentz.com. Her full backlist is there - from all 3 of her writer's voices.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Brownies & Broomsticks make for a tasty mystery!
Brownies and Broomsticks: A Magical Bakery Mystery by Bailey Cates, Published by Obsidian (a member of the Penguin Group)
The first in a new series, this introduction to Katie Lightfoot, her Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben, the Spellbook club ladies and of course, Mungo the Magnificent and Honeybee is a delightful reading experience with well-defined characters, locations and a full-blown murder mystery.
Katie Lightfoot's life has taken a decided turn - for better or worse remains to be seen. With her love-life taking a nose-dive (and since it was a workplace relationship her job tanked too), she's moved to Savannah to open the Honeybee Bakery with her Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben. She's found the perfect small cottage to live-in, and is looking forward to stretching her pastry-chef chops in her own kitchen. But then one of the most hated women in Savannah is killed after forcing the Honeybee to cater the monthly meeting of the Savannah Downtown Business Association. With her Uncle Ben being the primary suspect, Katie dives into a search for the real killer. Along the way, she discovers that she is the latest in a long line of hedgewitchs. And her new pup, Mungo the Magnificent, is her familiar. It's enough to knock anyone off-center.
This delightful read is sure to become one of your favorite reads (it's now one of mine!). Be sure to put this on you "Must Read" pile right away - you won't be sorry.
The first in a new series, this introduction to Katie Lightfoot, her Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben, the Spellbook club ladies and of course, Mungo the Magnificent and Honeybee is a delightful reading experience with well-defined characters, locations and a full-blown murder mystery.
Katie Lightfoot's life has taken a decided turn - for better or worse remains to be seen. With her love-life taking a nose-dive (and since it was a workplace relationship her job tanked too), she's moved to Savannah to open the Honeybee Bakery with her Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben. She's found the perfect small cottage to live-in, and is looking forward to stretching her pastry-chef chops in her own kitchen. But then one of the most hated women in Savannah is killed after forcing the Honeybee to cater the monthly meeting of the Savannah Downtown Business Association. With her Uncle Ben being the primary suspect, Katie dives into a search for the real killer. Along the way, she discovers that she is the latest in a long line of hedgewitchs. And her new pup, Mungo the Magnificent, is her familiar. It's enough to knock anyone off-center.
This delightful read is sure to become one of your favorite reads (it's now one of mine!). Be sure to put this on you "Must Read" pile right away - you won't be sorry.
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