laurenjodi's review
3.0
Garden of Lies
3 Stars
While an Amanda Quick book is almost guaranteed to provide a few hours of angst-free reading enjoyment, this one misses the mark.
The plot is a convoluted mess, the character development is uninspired, and the romance is lackluster.
There are simply too many confusing storylines that never form a cohesive whole and actually leave numerous questions unanswered. For example, or or These questions are just a taste of the unresolved issues in the book.
In terms of the characterization, both Slater and Ursula's backstories have been done to death in Quick's works. Similar to many of her heroes and heroines, Slater is dark and broody as a result of his experiences on the mysterious Fever island with its esoteric rituals, and Ursula is an independent and forthright woman who has reinvented herself. While they are definitely admirable in their own right, there is nothing about them to really engage the reader.
Finally, the romance is mundane. Slater and Ursula have little to no chemistry, and their interactions are missing the sensuality and banter that make many of Quick's couples so appealing. It is never really clear how or why they fall for each other.
Overall, readers looking for Amanda Quick's trademark writing style and characters will enjoy this despite the lack of originality.
3 Stars
While an Amanda Quick book is almost guaranteed to provide a few hours of angst-free reading enjoyment, this one misses the mark.
The plot is a convoluted mess, the character development is uninspired, and the romance is lackluster.
There are simply too many confusing storylines that never form a cohesive whole and actually leave numerous questions unanswered. For example,
Spoiler
Why was Brice afraid of Slater?Spoiler
Why would Damon Cobb correspond with Anne and threaten his lucrative relationship with Valerie?Spoiler
what happened to Judith revolting stepfather?In terms of the characterization, both Slater and Ursula's backstories have been done to death in Quick's works. Similar to many of her heroes and heroines, Slater is dark and broody as a result of his experiences on the mysterious Fever island with its esoteric rituals, and Ursula is an independent and forthright woman who has reinvented herself. While they are definitely admirable in their own right, there is nothing about them to really engage the reader.
Finally, the romance is mundane. Slater and Ursula have little to no chemistry, and their interactions are missing the sensuality and banter that make many of Quick's couples so appealing. It is never really clear how or why they fall for each other.
Overall, readers looking for Amanda Quick's trademark writing style and characters will enjoy this despite the lack of originality.
fresholivebread's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
A secretary investigates her friend's murder, and her archeologist client decides to meddle. Classic Quick leads: a broody, protective hero basically bamboozled by his capable, assertive heroine. I did think their romance could've had a firmer foundation to start, but was pretty happy with how it developed over the course of their sleuthing.
Their chemistry is fun and I liked how they open up about their secrets, and pursue what they want. He's protective without being overbearing, and he truly respects her intelligence. The mystery is solid, with some twists and turns. And the theme of strong, independent women is great! Her books are always comfort reads and this one is no different.
Their chemistry is fun and I liked how they open up about their secrets, and pursue what they want. He's protective without being overbearing, and he truly respects her intelligence. The mystery is solid, with some twists and turns. And the theme of strong, independent women is great! Her books are always comfort reads and this one is no different.
chemist_stuck_in_fantasy's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
thunguyen's review
3.0
Amanda Quick's books are like chicken soup for my soul. It's her special blend of romance, mystery, adventures, protective heroes, and strong-minded heroines that excited me every time. There are a lot of books out there with similar formula, but so far, only Amanda Quick gives me that comfortable food I crave for.
This book has lots of murders, more action and adventure, and not so much dwelling on the romance side. The hero is somewhat similar to those in Vanza series, and the partnership is like one in Lake & March series. I do hope that there will be more books to make up a Kern & Roxton series.
This book has lots of murders, more action and adventure, and not so much dwelling on the romance side. The hero is somewhat similar to those in Vanza series, and the partnership is like one in Lake & March series. I do hope that there will be more books to make up a Kern & Roxton series.
tbsims's review
3.0
Liked a self-confident woman, looking out for other women. And characters that were unusual for the time.
kr_gr's review
2.75
quite promising, and there were parts that were enjoyable but the number of times it's made me roll my eyes? "walk the third path" and "walk the labyrinth" honestly i was expectly a rhas al ghuul to pop out of the bushes and moment
also
"She was wet and she tasted of tropical seas and sunshine and moonlight." see what I mean? trite.
and it dragged.
also
"She was wet and she tasted of tropical seas and sunshine and moonlight." see what I mean? trite.
and it dragged.
emac021's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
emmarj's review
4.0
Independent, strong-willed Ursula Kern owns the prestigious Kern Secretarial Agency at which a miss Anne Clifton is employed. When Anne dies under suspicious circumstances, Ursula is determined to get to the bottom of it without the help of the police. Mrs Kern's current employer, eccentric adventurer Slater Roxton, is not about to let her go it alone.
This was a great, fun read. A perfect beach book, I think, if, of course, you enjoy a good murder mystery on the beach. I love historical fiction but frequently historical romance is sooo cringy. Garden of Lies isn't at all. There is no instalove, which has been the bane of my romance reading existence lately. A steady building of both plot and romance that will keep the pages turning until the end.
Not the best but far and away not the worst.
This was a great, fun read. A perfect beach book, I think, if, of course, you enjoy a good murder mystery on the beach. I love historical fiction but frequently historical romance is sooo cringy. Garden of Lies isn't at all. There is no instalove, which has been the bane of my romance reading existence lately. A steady building of both plot and romance that will keep the pages turning until the end.
Not the best but far and away not the worst.
dmwhipp's review
3.0
Ursula Kerns is a modern woman in Victorian England, running her own secretarial age. Slater Roxton is an Indiana Jones type, but born to wealth and privilege, despite his bastard son status. This book has hints of a Regency romance, but the seedy story that makes up the mystery, sex scenes, and characters that seem out of place for the period stop it short of achieving that. Enjoyable, but I'm not sure I'd read more of the series.
katiecatbooks's review
2.0
Crime. London. Not very romantic.
Story: In historic London a funeral is taking place. Widowed businesswoman Ursula Kern stands at the grave of Anna, one of her secretaries in her employ and can't stop thinking how strange Anna's death was and how she was so unlikely to have committed suicide. When Ursula visits Anne's home to sort through the deceased's belongings, she finds a note written in code which leads her to some hidden items. Based on her find, Ursula decides to look for Anne's killer.
Characters: Ursula Kern is very uptight and appears incapable of emotions. Even when faced with romance, she logics everything through cold-heartedly, appearing to take no enjoyment from any form of friendship or romance. In some parts of the book she comes across very intelligent, while in others she for no reason speaks ignorantly and naively.
Language: As a crime novel, there is zero mystery. The detectives all seem to put pieces together and get the correct answer on the first guess, which makes life convenient for them and boring for the reader. The romance scenes are very minimal in quantity and unromantic in quality, making the genre label of romance questionable. The book is long at over 350 pages, and would have been improved with a less drawn out beginning and some further editing. The story is told in third person, mostly from Ursula and Slater, the male lead's perspective. The latter is the saving grace of the novel, as Ursula is very boring and uptight and a very unlikable character.
Read this if you like: a step up from a cozy mystery, where the on-stage violence is not too descriptive, crime books set in grey, foggy London, strong female characters.
I read this as part of a genre study to read a new-to-me author of historical romance fiction. I was pleasantly surprised by the crime aspect and the slow burn of the romance, but the beginning was very slow and I disliked the main character. While the crimes were well written, the solving was way too convenient for me. The romance aspects of the book were incredibly minimal and it's unbelievable that anyone would ever want a relationship or be interested in Ursula. By the time the book was over, I was left disappointed and confused why the book was so long. The best part of the book is the atmospheric cover. I have not read any Jayne Ann Krentz or Jayne Castle novels, I can only hope her writing is stronger there.
Story: In historic London a funeral is taking place. Widowed businesswoman Ursula Kern stands at the grave of Anna, one of her secretaries in her employ and can't stop thinking how strange Anna's death was and how she was so unlikely to have committed suicide. When Ursula visits Anne's home to sort through the deceased's belongings, she finds a note written in code which leads her to some hidden items. Based on her find, Ursula decides to look for Anne's killer.
Characters: Ursula Kern is very uptight and appears incapable of emotions. Even when faced with romance, she logics everything through cold-heartedly, appearing to take no enjoyment from any form of friendship or romance. In some parts of the book she comes across very intelligent, while in others she for no reason speaks ignorantly and naively.
Language: As a crime novel, there is zero mystery. The detectives all seem to put pieces together and get the correct answer on the first guess, which makes life convenient for them and boring for the reader. The romance scenes are very minimal in quantity and unromantic in quality, making the genre label of romance questionable. The book is long at over 350 pages, and would have been improved with a less drawn out beginning and some further editing. The story is told in third person, mostly from Ursula and Slater, the male lead's perspective. The latter is the saving grace of the novel, as Ursula is very boring and uptight and a very unlikable character.
Read this if you like: a step up from a cozy mystery, where the on-stage violence is not too descriptive, crime books set in grey, foggy London, strong female characters.
I read this as part of a genre study to read a new-to-me author of historical romance fiction. I was pleasantly surprised by the crime aspect and the slow burn of the romance, but the beginning was very slow and I disliked the main character. While the crimes were well written, the solving was way too convenient for me. The romance aspects of the book were incredibly minimal and it's unbelievable that anyone would ever want a relationship or be interested in Ursula. By the time the book was over, I was left disappointed and confused why the book was so long. The best part of the book is the atmospheric cover. I have not read any Jayne Ann Krentz or Jayne Castle novels, I can only hope her writing is stronger there.