raeganbillinger's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
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.
plettr's review against another edition
1.0
Yep, this was not the book for me. I didn't get the characters and I couldn't stand that Joshua didn't acknowledge the supernatural....that's the point of these books-the fantasy element. Sorry, I didn't like that at all. I will try the next book though. I usually love Amanda Quick's books.
squishies's review against another edition
2.0
Probably more interesting than the first, especially character wise; dialogue still seem a bit stiff though.
Why are all these ladies in danger of being murdered?
Why are all these ladies in danger of being murdered?
l1brarygirl's review against another edition
2.0
definitely not her best book. didn't really connect with the characters and was disappointed with the amount of paranormal tie-ins.
srivalli's review against another edition
3.0
I like these paranormal abilities stuff written by Jayne/Amanda Q. This book was okay. I could easily keep guessing the next parts of the story, which meant it wasn't that gripping. One good thing was that the hero had a scar on his face and an injured leg, so at least he wasn't perfect. I'm coming hate perfect heroes and heroines. Urgh!
The female lead, definitely sensible, and strong. Her decision-making skills were decent. I liked her, but I'm not sure if I want to reread this book. It's a tad boring compared to the other works of hers.
The female lead, definitely sensible, and strong. Her decision-making skills were decent. I liked her, but I'm not sure if I want to reread this book. It's a tad boring compared to the other works of hers.
musicalmuppet's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
bookwyrm_lark's review against another edition
3.0
Review originally published at The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
Amanda Quick delivers another gripping paranormal romantic suspense novel set in 19th century England. The Mystery Woman features Beatrice Lockwood, a secondary character in Crystal Gardens and an agent employed by Flint & Marsh of Lantern Street. Like the firm's other agents, Beatrice possesses a paranormal sense, in her case the ability to perceive the energies in others' psychic footprints.
Joshua North, a former agent for the Crown, doesn't believe in psychic phenomena -- or in love. He has come out of retirement in pursuit of Beatrice, whom he believes is a fraud now intent on blackmailing his sister. Once he accepts that Beatrice is not guilty of the latter crime, at least, Joshua turns his attention to the question of who is, and why -- all the while fighting his attraction to Beatrice.
The plot of The Mystery Woman is satisfyingly complex, with plenty of twists and turns. Quick effectively weaves the paranormal elements with the historical setting, taking full advantage both of the era's fascination with psychic abilities and its mania for all things Egyptian. Beatrice is a typical Quick heroine: resourceful, determined, and willing to step outside the conventions which traditionally hemmed in "the fairer sex." Joshua is less straightforward; he hides much of his past from Beatrice, and his own psychic ability from himself. I really enjoyed the interactions between them, particularly as things began to heat up a bit -- not just between them but in terms of danger and intrigue.
I can almost always count on Amanda Quick (a.k.a. Jayne Ann Krentz) for several hours of sheer suspenseful fun punctuated by a bit a of romance. The Mystery Woman delivers. I enjoyed this book nearly as much as her Arcane Society novels.
Amanda Quick delivers another gripping paranormal romantic suspense novel set in 19th century England. The Mystery Woman features Beatrice Lockwood, a secondary character in Crystal Gardens and an agent employed by Flint & Marsh of Lantern Street. Like the firm's other agents, Beatrice possesses a paranormal sense, in her case the ability to perceive the energies in others' psychic footprints.
Joshua North, a former agent for the Crown, doesn't believe in psychic phenomena -- or in love. He has come out of retirement in pursuit of Beatrice, whom he believes is a fraud now intent on blackmailing his sister. Once he accepts that Beatrice is not guilty of the latter crime, at least, Joshua turns his attention to the question of who is, and why -- all the while fighting his attraction to Beatrice.
The plot of The Mystery Woman is satisfyingly complex, with plenty of twists and turns. Quick effectively weaves the paranormal elements with the historical setting, taking full advantage both of the era's fascination with psychic abilities and its mania for all things Egyptian. Beatrice is a typical Quick heroine: resourceful, determined, and willing to step outside the conventions which traditionally hemmed in "the fairer sex." Joshua is less straightforward; he hides much of his past from Beatrice, and his own psychic ability from himself. I really enjoyed the interactions between them, particularly as things began to heat up a bit -- not just between them but in terms of danger and intrigue.
I can almost always count on Amanda Quick (a.k.a. Jayne Ann Krentz) for several hours of sheer suspenseful fun punctuated by a bit a of romance. The Mystery Woman delivers. I enjoyed this book nearly as much as her Arcane Society novels.
gawronma's review against another edition
3.0
A very enjoyable read. Just the right blend of romance suspense and mystery.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
The Mystery Woman
4 Stars
A significant improvement on the first book in the series.
Unlike the previous installment, the plot is more focused, and the paranormal aspects are woven more successfully into the storyline. Moreover, the underlying premise involving the villain's desire to is reminiscent of one of my favorite movies, The Mummy with Rachel Weisz and Brendan Frasier.
Beatrice and Joshua's romance has the chemistry and intimacy missing from Lucius and Evangeline's relationship. As is expected from Quick, the hero and heroine share numerous traits with characters from her earlier works. In this case, Joshua, a covert operative with physical impairments, is a more traumatized version of Tobias March while Beatrice with her psychic powers and investigative skills is akin to some of the Arcane heroines.
The references to innovations from the Victorian Age as well as elements of Egyptology are an added bonus.
Overall, a satisfying read, but it is unfortunate that Quick did not complete the series with the third last of Lantern Street. Perhaps she will in the future.
4 Stars
A significant improvement on the first book in the series.
Unlike the previous installment, the plot is more focused, and the paranormal aspects are woven more successfully into the storyline. Moreover, the underlying premise involving the villain's desire to
Spoiler
resurrect his lover using an ancient Egyptian artifactBeatrice and Joshua's romance has the chemistry and intimacy missing from Lucius and Evangeline's relationship. As is expected from Quick, the hero and heroine share numerous traits with characters from her earlier works. In this case, Joshua, a covert operative with physical impairments, is a more traumatized version of Tobias March while Beatrice with her psychic powers and investigative skills is akin to some of the Arcane heroines.
The references to innovations from the Victorian Age as well as elements of Egyptology are an added bonus.
Overall, a satisfying read, but it is unfortunate that Quick did not complete the series with the third last of Lantern Street. Perhaps she will in the future.