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librarianinperiwinkle's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars just because Ms. Quick dialed back her over-use of her most formulaic words and phrases (i.e. heat, heated, jacked up, raised senses, running hot, psychical, para-senses, etc.) and for a change included a hero who didn't believe in the paranormal at all, despite his own talent for finding things. While the sex scenes (I hesitate to call them love scenes because there still isn't a lot of foundation for the romance) remain eye-rollingly silly, at least there was no stock description of mind-blowing aura merging and whatnot. Hooray for small favors!
In book two of the "Ladies of Lantern Street" series, we follow Flint & Marsh agent Beatrice Lockwood as she masquerades in her role as a virtually invisible paid companion to wealthy ladies in need of assistance foiling dastardly plots. Beatrice came to the agency some months earlier when her previous employer was murdered by someone seeking to kidnap her. She manages to create a new life for herself in a new career, until during the course of an investigation she is located by Joshua Gage, former spy for the Crown, who needs her assistance in trapping the man blackmailing his sister, a client from Beatrice's old life. The blackmail scheme turns out to be just the tip of the iceberg, so Joshua and Beatrice team up to stop a madman before they become the next victims.
My favorite thing about this novel is that Beatrice is so strong and well-prepared. She carries a small pistol strapped to her thigh, she has a vial of specially-prepared smelling salts to ward off unwanted sexual advances, and she thinks quickly in emergency situations. She is no wilting wallflower. I appreciated that very much.
For readers' advisors: story and setting doorways (i.e. Victorian England). A couple of sex scenes.
In book two of the "Ladies of Lantern Street" series, we follow Flint & Marsh agent Beatrice Lockwood as she masquerades in her role as a virtually invisible paid companion to wealthy ladies in need of assistance foiling dastardly plots. Beatrice came to the agency some months earlier when her previous employer was murdered by someone seeking to kidnap her. She manages to create a new life for herself in a new career, until during the course of an investigation she is located by Joshua Gage, former spy for the Crown, who needs her assistance in trapping the man blackmailing his sister, a client from Beatrice's old life. The blackmail scheme turns out to be just the tip of the iceberg, so Joshua and Beatrice team up to stop a madman before they become the next victims.
My favorite thing about this novel is that Beatrice is so strong and well-prepared. She carries a small pistol strapped to her thigh, she has a vial of specially-prepared smelling salts to ward off unwanted sexual advances, and she thinks quickly in emergency situations. She is no wilting wallflower. I appreciated that very much.
For readers' advisors: story and setting doorways (i.e. Victorian England). A couple of sex scenes.
acesarrows's review against another edition
3.0
This was much better than [b:Crystal Gardens|12019626|Crystal Gardens (Ladies of Lantern Street, #1)|Amanda Quick|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1342254487s/12019626.jpg|16985086], the first book in the series, but still not up to the regular [a:Amanda Quick|42211|Amanda Quick|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1362431091p2/42211.jpg] historicals that I love.
The paranormal aspect here was very muted and I felt that both of the characters were somewhat underdeveloped. Or, rather, they were developed characters, but that didn't come through in the writing or their interactions with one another.
Both Beatrice and Joshua seem like really interesting people - well adjusted, smart, capable and good to have on your team. I liked them as people and I liked them together as a couple.
What this was missing was the witty and sparkly banter Quick is known for and the spark that the two mains should have with one another.
What I really liked about the Arcane series was that the paranormal aspects of the plot were intertwined with the characters, in this one, it just serves as a foil for Bea and Josh to snipe at one another.
I liked it, but I didn't love it.
The paranormal aspect here was very muted and I felt that both of the characters were somewhat underdeveloped. Or, rather, they were developed characters, but that didn't come through in the writing or their interactions with one another.
Both Beatrice and Joshua seem like really interesting people - well adjusted, smart, capable and good to have on your team. I liked them as people and I liked them together as a couple.
What this was missing was the witty and sparkly banter Quick is known for and the spark that the two mains should have with one another.
What I really liked about the Arcane series was that the paranormal aspects of the plot were intertwined with the characters, in this one, it just serves as a foil for Bea and Josh to snipe at one another.
I liked it, but I didn't love it.
breezy610's review against another edition
3.0
I think this one suffered the middle book disease. I really couldn't connect with this one.
misspippireads's review against another edition
Ladies of Lantern Street return in Book #2 - The Mystery Woman. Beatrice Lockwood is hired as a companion with special talents. She is part of a secret mission to save those in her care from unscrupulous persons. (Beatrice also has psychical talents, but she must keep them to herself because the Bone Man is looking to kill her should he discover her.)
Time Period: 1800's
Location: England
Reviewed from a library copy.
Time Period: 1800's
Location: England
Reviewed from a library copy.
deweydecimalsisters's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
franb_42's review against another edition
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
masquerader888's review against another edition
4.0
This review also posted at A Bookish Compulsion
I have had a soft spot for Amanda Quick’s (AKA Jayne Ann Krentz) books ever since I read Mystique; the first substantial book I voluntarily finished and my entry into the world of a reader. At fourteen the medieval setting was fascinating, the characters believable and somewhat scandalous, and the experience of entering another world within the pages of a book addictive. Over the years, while I still enjoy historicals, my tastes have shifted making it require a certain mood for me to really be able to delve into such books without my brain running a constant commentary on the societal differences. Which is why The Mystery Woman has been sitting on my shelf since it came out, waiting for me to be in the proper mood to enjoy it. Thankfully I finally was in the mood…
The Mystery Woman was a fun and fast read taking us back to the Ladies of Lantern Street and a world where Victorian England had a fascination with the paranormal. With our leading lady a practitioner and leading male a sceptic this was an interesting relationship to watch unfold. While I felt that the story itself was more of a variation on the theme of most of Ms. Quick’s works it was never-the-less an enjoyable read that kept me engaged and entertained throughout.
I happily look forward to the third installment of the series and give The Mystery Woman an entertaining four stars.
I have had a soft spot for Amanda Quick’s (AKA Jayne Ann Krentz) books ever since I read Mystique; the first substantial book I voluntarily finished and my entry into the world of a reader. At fourteen the medieval setting was fascinating, the characters believable and somewhat scandalous, and the experience of entering another world within the pages of a book addictive. Over the years, while I still enjoy historicals, my tastes have shifted making it require a certain mood for me to really be able to delve into such books without my brain running a constant commentary on the societal differences. Which is why The Mystery Woman has been sitting on my shelf since it came out, waiting for me to be in the proper mood to enjoy it. Thankfully I finally was in the mood…
The Mystery Woman was a fun and fast read taking us back to the Ladies of Lantern Street and a world where Victorian England had a fascination with the paranormal. With our leading lady a practitioner and leading male a sceptic this was an interesting relationship to watch unfold. While I felt that the story itself was more of a variation on the theme of most of Ms. Quick’s works it was never-the-less an enjoyable read that kept me engaged and entertained throughout.
I happily look forward to the third installment of the series and give The Mystery Woman an entertaining four stars.
diana_acc's review against another edition
3.0
Creo que el título no le pega mucho, Beatrice no es una mujer misteriosa, sino desconocida, hasta que Joshua la encuentra por que la cree involucrada en un caso de chantaje.
La historia en sí está buena, pero hubiera estado perfecta con unas 100 páginas menos, le dan muchas vueltas al tema, lo que solo deriva en que tiene mucho relleno.
Me gustó que Josh no sea el típico hombre que levanta pasiones por dónde pasa, y que se sienta herido en su orgullo cada vez que las personas lo hacen menos por usar bastón.
A mi parecer resalta más Joshua por distintos motivos que Beatrice, se le atribuyen más méritos a él que a ella.
La historia en sí está buena, pero hubiera estado perfecta con unas 100 páginas menos, le dan muchas vueltas al tema, lo que solo deriva en que tiene mucho relleno.
Me gustó que Josh no sea el típico hombre que levanta pasiones por dónde pasa, y que se sienta herido en su orgullo cada vez que las personas lo hacen menos por usar bastón.
A mi parecer resalta más Joshua por distintos motivos que Beatrice, se le atribuyen más méritos a él que a ella.
inmyhumbleopinion's review against another edition
5.0
Another historical mystery/romance with a bit of a paranormal bent by Jayne Anne Krentz’s alter ego Amanda Quick .
The Ladies of Lantern Street are private investigators with a little extra. They each have a paranormal talent. Beatrice Lockwood came to work for the Ladies after her previous employer was murdered and now his murderer is looking for her. Joshua North doesn't believe in the paranormal but has the reputation of being able to find anyone. He has found Beatrice and now so has the man who killed her former employer. Joshua needs to keep Beatrice safe but can he keep his heart safe too?
I love these stories. The mix of mystery, romance and humor are a fantastic way to while away a rainy afternoon. Literary escapism at its best.
The Ladies of Lantern Street are private investigators with a little extra. They each have a paranormal talent. Beatrice Lockwood came to work for the Ladies after her previous employer was murdered and now his murderer is looking for her. Joshua North doesn't believe in the paranormal but has the reputation of being able to find anyone. He has found Beatrice and now so has the man who killed her former employer. Joshua needs to keep Beatrice safe but can he keep his heart safe too?
I love these stories. The mix of mystery, romance and humor are a fantastic way to while away a rainy afternoon. Literary escapism at its best.