Title: Garden of Lies
Author: Amanda Quick
First published April 21, 2015
359 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780399165153 (ISBN10: 0399165150)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
The prestigious Kern Secretarial Agency has a reputation for providing unparalleled professional services to the elite. Unfortunately, Anne Clifton, one of their finest women, has met a tragic end, and Ursula Kern suspects foul play.
Slater Roxton, a daring archaeologist and adventurer, is convinced that Ursula is playing with fire by meddling in dangerous affairs. Despite his skepticism, Slater is drawn to Ursula’s mysterious beauty and her piercing green-gold eyes.
As they delve deeper into the dark side of high society, they must work together to unmask a killer. To succeed in their mission, they must also confront their own darkest secrets and desires.
About the Author
Jayne Ann Krentz is a renowned author who has written more than 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers. Her writing style focuses on romantic-suspense, often including a psychic and paranormal twist, across a range of different worlds.
She writes contemporary novels under the name Jayne Ann Krentz, historical novels under the name Amanda Quick, and futuristic novels under the name Jayne Castle. Her books have sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
Krentz attended the University of California at Santa Cruz, where she earned a B.A. in History. She later obtained a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California.
She worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries before deciding to pursue writing full-time.
Krentz currently resides in Seattle, Washington with her husband, Frank.
Editoral Review
Garden of Lies by Amanda Quick is a thrilling historical romance novel that was first published on April 21, 2015. Amanda Quick, also known as Jayne Ann Krentz, is a prolific and acclaimed author who has written over 100 novels in various genres, including science fiction, mystery, and romance.
Garden of Lies is set in Victorian London, and the book opens with the mysterious death of Ursula Kern’s beloved aunt. Ursula is a skilled businesswoman who has made her fortune designing and maintaining private gardens for wealthy clients.
When her aunt’s solicitor enlists her help in investigating the death, Ursula is drawn into a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal. Along the way, she meets and falls in love with the charismatic and enigmatic detective, Slater Roxton.
Together, they must navigate the treacherous waters of Victorian society and uncover the truth behind her aunt’s death. The book is an engaging mix of historical fiction, mystery, and romance, with a strong and intelligent heroine at its center.
Amanda Quick’s writing is polished and captivating, immersing the reader in the sights and sounds of Victorian London. The book is well-researched, and Quick’s attention to detail makes the characters and setting come alive in vivid detail.
One of the strengths of Garden of Lies is its character development. Ursula Kern is a complex and multifaceted protagonist, and her relationship with Slater Roxton is both believable and compelling.
Quick does an excellent job of showing the challenges of a woman trying to make her way in a male-dominated society, while also highlighting the importance of female friendships and support networks. At the same time, some readers may find the book’s pacing and plot structure somewhat predictable.
The mystery element of the novel is not particularly challenging, and the ending may feel a bit rushed. Some critics have also noted that the romance between Ursula and Slater develops too quickly and lacks depth.
Despite these limitations, Garden of Lies is a delightful and enjoyable read. Amanda Quick’s writing is sure to captivate fans of historical romance and mystery alike.
The book offers a window into Victorian society and the challenges faced by women at that time. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, and a celebration of love, loyalty, and friendship.
Overall, Garden of Lies by Amanda Quick is a solid and engaging historical romance novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy strong and independent heroines, intricate plots, and a touch of mystery. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and entertaining read.
I give it a rating of four out of five stars.