The Lady Has a Past - by Amanda Quick (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Beauty and glamour meet deception and revenge in this electrifying novel by New York Times bestselling author Amanda Quick.

Investigative apprentice Lyra Brazier, the newest resident of Burning Cove, is unsettled when her boss suddenly disappears. Lyra knows something has happened to Raina Kirk, and tracks down her last known appearance at an exclusive hotel and health spa. The health spa is known for its luxurious offerings and prestigious clientele, and the wealthy, socialite background Lyra desperately wanted to leave behind is perfect for this undercover job. What Lyra lacks in investigative experience she makes up for in gut instinct, and her gut isn't happy that she's saddled with a partner by Luther Pell, Raina's dangerous lover, who wants to bring in someone with more experience to help.

Instead of the suave, pistol-packing private eye she expected, though, Simon Cage is a mild-mannered antiquarian book dealer with a quiet, academic air, and a cool, remote gaze. Lyra suspects that Simon is much more than what he seems, and her instincts are confirmed when they arrive at the spa and pose as a couple: Simon has a unique gift that allows him to detect secrets, a skill that is crucial in finding Raina.

The unlikely duo falls down a rabbit hole of twisted rumors and missing socialites, discovering that the health spa is a façade for something far darker than they imagined. With a murderer in their midst, Raina isn't the only one in grave danger--Lyra is next.

Review Quotes

"[D]evoted readers will delight in revisiting the glamorous 1930s setting and picturesque California town.... The solid romantic suspense plot flies by fast as Quick leaves the final pages to check in on all the other characters readers have come to know in Burning Cove. This is a gift for series fans."--Publishers Weekly

"Quick continues her winning string of circa 1930s Burning Cove, California books, following Close Up (2020). This ingeniously plotted, paranormal-spiced novel brilliantly showcases Quick's mastery of concentrated suspense, clever characterization, and combustible sexual chemistry."--Booklist, starred review

"Stylish and sophisticated, The Lady Has a Past is pure fun spiced with spine-tingling suspense. Vile villains, clever characters and a glamorous desert resort setting all come together to provide a great escape. This romantic mystery is a first-rate example of Quick's expertise at spinning an enthralling tale."--BookPage

"As always Ms. Quick spins an amazing tale of the glamorous lifestyle of the rich and wicked, good vs. bad, romance and love, and The Lady Has a Past will leave you impatiently waiting for more."--Fresh Fiction

About the Author

Amanda Quick is a pseudonym for Jayne Ann Krentz, the author of more than fifty New York Times bestsellers. She writes historical romance novels under the Quick name, contemporary romantic suspense novels under the Krentz name, and futuristic romance novels under the pseudonym Jayne Castle. There are more than 35 million copies of her books in print.