Title: Wicked Widow
Author: Amanda Quick
First published April 4, 2000
330 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780553574111 (ISBN10: 0553574116)
Rating: 3.89
Overview
Rumors of Lady Victoria Courtney’s involvement in her husband’s untimely demise are spreading like wildfire. Desperate to clear her name and protect her family, Victoria enlists the help of the enigmatic and alluring Lucas Cole, the owner of the most exclusive gaming hell in London.
But as they work together to unravel the truth behind her husband’s death, Victoria and Lucas find themselves fighting an unexpected attraction that could ruin everything. With a vengeful killer on their trail, they must navigate a dangerous web of secrets and lies to uncover the true culprit and give in to the passion that threatens to consume them both.
About the Author
Jayne Ann Krentz is a successful author with a collection of more than 40 New York Times bestsellers. Her writing is romantic and suspenseful, often incorporating psychic and paranormal elements.
Krentz writes in three distinct genres, including contemporary, historical, and futuristic, under different pseudonyms, such as Jayne Castle and Amanda Quick. Her books have sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
Krentz holds a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, she worked in various academic and corporate libraries as a librarian.
Krentz currently resides in Seattle, Washington, with her husband, Frank.
Editoral Review
Amanda Quick is a prolific writer of historical romance novels who has gained a large following for her blend of suspense, romance, and mystery. Her novel Wicked Widow, originally published on April 4, 2000, is an excellent example of her style, showcasing her ability to create strong, independent heroines and complicated heroes who find themselves embroiled in dangerous schemes.
Set in the early 19th century, the novel’s main protagonist is Madeline Deveridge, a young widow who has been living in seclusion after the death of her husband. Madeline has always been a strong-willed and independent woman, but she is also plagued by a secret that could devastate her reputation if it were ever revealed.
When she discovers a burglary in progress at her isolated country estate, Madeline finds herself drawn into the intrigue surrounding Lucas Dalton, a private investigator hired to discover the identity of the burglar. Lucas is a brooding hero with a troubled past, and the chemistry between Madeline and Lucas is palpable.
As the investigation proceeds, it becomes increasingly clear that Madeline is in more danger than she ever imagined, and that Lucas may be the only one who can protect her. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Regency era, with its complex social mores and intricate etiquette, and Quick handles this setting with aplomb, creating a vivid portrayal of the era and its challenges.
The tension between the two main characters is skillfully crafted, with the romance growing slowly and believably over the course of the book. One of the strengths of Wicked Widow is Quick’s mastery of historical detail, and the way in which she weaves this into the story.
The characterizations are also excellent, with Madeline and Lucas both complex and multi-faceted, and the supporting cast adding depth and richness to the story. The pacing is also well-crafted, with the novel moving smoothly from one scene to the next, building tension and suspense until the satisfying resolution.
The novel is not without its flaws, however. Some readers may feel that the ending is a bit too rushed, with the resolution of the central conflict coming rather quickly.
Additionally, some of the supporting characters feel a bit underdeveloped, with their motivations and personalities remaining somewhat enigmatic. Overall, Wicked Widow is a highly entertaining historical romance novel that will appeal to fans of the genre.
Amanda Quick delivers a satisfying blend of romance, suspense, and mystery, with well-drawn characters and realistic historical detail. It is a solid example of Quick’s strong writing, and should be a must-read for fans of Regency-era romance.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
