SUSPENSEFUL, ROMANTIC, AND RICH IN PERIOD DETAIL

Surely one of the most prolific writers working today this author turns out bestsellers under three different pen names. Rather than an effort to be mysterious, she explains that "the three names are designed to let readers know which of my three different worlds they will be getting when they plunk down their hard-earned money for one of my books."

There surely is a lot of "plunking down" going on as her titles, whether by Amanda Quick (historical settings) or by Jayne Ann Krentz or Jayne Castle (paranormal focus), make cash registers ring. Lie By Moonlight, her latest in the history/romance field is typical Amanda Quick, which is precisely what readers' want - suspenseful, romantic, and rich in Victorian period detail.

Consider the opening lines: "Midnight in a fog-shrouded graveyard. There could be no darker place on the face of the earth...." Who can resist reading on?

Concordia Glade is a twenty-something teacher with unique notions about education. She accepts a position as headmistress to four young orphaned heiresses, and journeys to a lonely old castle, Aldwick, to take up her task.

Her charges are charming, their welfare seen to by an unknown person of wealth. However, Concordia's enthusiasm begins to wane when she finds that her predecessor vanished without a trace and, even worse, she suspects that there is an evil plot to sell the girls as courtesans.

Meanwhile, in far off London, Ambrose Wells, a 19th century private detective has agreed to investigate the death of a young woman. His research takes him to the grounds of Aldwick Castle, where to his astonishment he finds the building afire, dead bodies about, and a woman and four girls riding off on horseback.

Will Ambrose champion the five? Of course, he will. Will he and Concordia be attracted to one another? This is a Regency romance. But, who is behind the vile plan to sell the girls and why?

- Gail Cooke

For those of us that likes a spicy read ...

A must read. This fast paced novel will have you anxiously turning pages long past bedtime. Characters are enduring. Natural dialog, sensible storyline and satisfying conclusion. What more could a discerning reader ask for? This is a well written novel.

Janet Sue Terry - CEO
JMB BOOK PUBLISHING COMPANY
www.jmbpub.com
Author of Contemporary Romance Novels "Possibilities," and "Resolutions," as well as, "Just Our Best Short Stories 2005."

Another winner!

I will not rehash what was stated by the previous reviewers. Suffice it to say, I agree that "Lie by Midnight" is one Ms. Quick's best books in years. I envy and appreciate her ability to come up with interesting story lines and fascinating characters book after book. Read and enjoy!