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Looking Glass Trilogy #2
Quicksilver
In the New York Times -bestselling author's latest Arcane Society novel, a paranormal killer pushes an unlikely duo's powers and passions to the limit.
Virginia Dean wakes at midnight beside a dead body, with a bloody knife in her hand and no memory of the evening's events. Dark energy, emanating from the mirrors lining the room, overpowers her senses. With no apparent way in or out, she is rescued by a man she has met only once before, but won't soon forget.
Owen Sweetwater inherited his family's talent for hunting the psychical monsters who prey on London's women and children, and his investigation into the deaths of two glass-readers has led him here. The high-society types of the exclusive Arcane Society would consider Virginia an illusionist, a charlatan, even a criminal, but Owen knows better. Virginia's powers are real-and they just might be the key to solving this challenging case.
Virginia Dean wakes at midnight beside a dead body, with a bloody knife in her hand and no memory of the evening's events. Dark energy, emanating from the mirrors lining the room, overpowers her senses. With no apparent way in or out, she is rescued by a man she has met only once before, but won't soon forget.
Owen Sweetwater inherited his family's talent for hunting the psychical monsters who prey on London's women and children, and his investigation into the deaths of two glass-readers has led him here. The high-society types of the exclusive Arcane Society would consider Virginia an illusionist, a charlatan, even a criminal, but Owen knows better. Virginia's powers are real-and they just might be the key to solving this challenging case.
327 pages, Hardcover
First published April 19, 2011
1079 people are currently reading
2939 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Quick
94 books5,504 followersPseudonym of Jayne Ann Krentz
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 477 reviews
September 20, 2016
MILD SPOILER ALERT
Virginia wakes up in bed next to a dead body. She has no memory of what happened or how she got there. The dead man in the mirrored room is Lord Hollister. Virginia is rescued by Owen Sweetwater, a researcher who exposes psychic charlatans.
Owen was a psychic hunter, an assassin for hire. J & J Agency has employed him as a last resort in the case of the missing glassreaders. He hunts psychic criminals and is in danger of being turned into a Nightwalker.
Virginia and Owen form an uneasy alliance. Virgina was strong, determined, calm and collected in a crisis. Owen sensed what compelled the killers. He was fierce, intimidating to others. With Virginia, he was tender, protective and romantic.
Owen believes that Lady Hollister killed her husband. Virgina was the intended victim or someone wanted to frame her for the murder. Either way, Virginia was in danger and Owen was determined to protect her.
During their investigation, the duo encounters strange clockwork automatons which can produce hallucinations, unconsciousness and kill when necessary. These worked using psychic energy and were extremely tough to damage. They were fashioned deceptively like toys and built using strong, expensive metal.
These were the Creepiest things in the book, worse than the mad scientist running around.
This was when I got worried. The stakes, the mystery, the villain, everything sounded amazing but would that push the character development and romance to the background? Fortunately, that didn't happen.
It was raining suspects, rivals, assassins, strange accidents and the danger increased with every turning page. They are assisted by Charlotte and Nick, who were crazy sweet together. Nick was smart, oblivious in social situations and too cute. I wish he had his own book. Matt and Tony added humour and some sweet family moments to this story.
Mrs Crofton deserves a special mention as a supporting character who I loved. She was a housekeeper, who worked with the rich, famous and conservative. Desperation leads her to Virginia and Virginia worried obsessively about losing Mrs Crofton.
The shocking thing for me was Dr Spinner and his practice. During a conversation, Virginia mentions that he has cured many women who suffer from Hysteria. Owen and I, both, were clueless and baffled by this...I learned about hysteria and the strange history of electronic devices. This was an unexpected learning moment for me and no doubt, Owen.
Jokes aside, this proves that no one can beat Amanda Quick when it comes to integrating clever plot, an engaging story and research. Amanda Quick pulled a perfect juggling act with this one. Murder, mystery, romance, psychic talents, mad scientists, clockwork killers, you get it all.
“A man can learn a great deal about women from novels,” Matt said. “You should try it sometime.”
He reached into his pocket, took out the lock pick and presented it to her. “My uncle designed it. Very simple to use. Works on most standard locks.”
Matt got a pained expression. “Uncle Owen, that is not the sort of gift one gives to a lady.”
Virginia wakes up in bed next to a dead body. She has no memory of what happened or how she got there. The dead man in the mirrored room is Lord Hollister. Virginia is rescued by Owen Sweetwater, a researcher who exposes psychic charlatans.
Owen was a psychic hunter, an assassin for hire. J & J Agency has employed him as a last resort in the case of the missing glassreaders. He hunts psychic criminals and is in danger of being turned into a Nightwalker.
Virginia and Owen form an uneasy alliance. Virgina was strong, determined, calm and collected in a crisis. Owen sensed what compelled the killers. He was fierce, intimidating to others. With Virginia, he was tender, protective and romantic.
Owen believes that Lady Hollister killed her husband. Virgina was the intended victim or someone wanted to frame her for the murder. Either way, Virginia was in danger and Owen was determined to protect her.
During their investigation, the duo encounters strange clockwork automatons which can produce hallucinations, unconsciousness and kill when necessary. These worked using psychic energy and were extremely tough to damage. They were fashioned deceptively like toys and built using strong, expensive metal.
These were the Creepiest things in the book, worse than the mad scientist running around.
This was when I got worried. The stakes, the mystery, the villain, everything sounded amazing but would that push the character development and romance to the background? Fortunately, that didn't happen.
It was raining suspects, rivals, assassins, strange accidents and the danger increased with every turning page. They are assisted by Charlotte and Nick, who were crazy sweet together. Nick was smart, oblivious in social situations and too cute. I wish he had his own book. Matt and Tony added humour and some sweet family moments to this story.
Mrs Crofton deserves a special mention as a supporting character who I loved. She was a housekeeper, who worked with the rich, famous and conservative. Desperation leads her to Virginia and Virginia worried obsessively about losing Mrs Crofton.
The shocking thing for me was Dr Spinner and his practice. During a conversation, Virginia mentions that he has cured many women who suffer from Hysteria. Owen and I, both, were clueless and baffled by this...I learned about hysteria and the strange history of electronic devices. This was an unexpected learning moment for me and no doubt, Owen.
Jokes aside, this proves that no one can beat Amanda Quick when it comes to integrating clever plot, an engaging story and research. Amanda Quick pulled a perfect juggling act with this one. Murder, mystery, romance, psychic talents, mad scientists, clockwork killers, you get it all.
“A man can learn a great deal about women from novels,” Matt said. “You should try it sometime.”
He reached into his pocket, took out the lock pick and presented it to her. “My uncle designed it. Very simple to use. Works on most standard locks.”
Matt got a pained expression. “Uncle Owen, that is not the sort of gift one gives to a lady.”
September 23, 2013
Quicksilver (Arcane Society, #11) (Looking Glass Trilogy #2) And JAK's alter-ego does it again. As I said in my review for In Too Deep there was something missing in the contemporary part of the Looking Glass Trilogy. This historical part had it all. Romance, intrigue, murder, mayhem, secrets, suspense, sex, paranormal. Even the "soul-mate thingy" on steroids, since the hero came from a family where men needed "the One" to stay sane. Cliché, I'll readily admit, but once again it worked. Everything clicked.
And, lucky me, the reader is once more spared the annoying trait of old AQ heroines - the know-it-all factor. Virginia is aware of her shortcomings, she's more than willing to learn, and, what's most important, doesn't try to lecture on how Owen should conduct the investigation. She goes with the flow, and I loved her for it.
I won't mince words when it comes to the hero—Owen Sweetwater. Rawr. In my imagination, he's one of those guys you meet on the street and the first thing that comes to mind is hubba-hubba. He's dark, he's mysterious, he's strong, he's protective, he's sexy...He's a hunka-hunka burnin' love, if you ask me, and I wonder just why they don't make men like him anymore (if they ever made them).Oh, and one more thrilling tidbit I'll reveal about this book. It had humor. Not that previous AQ books didn't have funny parts, but this one, with Owen's huge family, especially his three cousins, Virginia's housekeeper and Virginia's best friend, the conversations about Dr. Whateverhisname and his "vibrating cure for female hysteria"...I couldn't help but chuckle. There weren't any LOL moments, the humor was subtly inserted in the story, but there were a lot of chuckle-inducing moments. And I loved it. The balance of it all.
A keeper.
And, lucky me, the reader is once more spared the annoying trait of old AQ heroines - the know-it-all factor. Virginia is aware of her shortcomings, she's more than willing to learn, and, what's most important, doesn't try to lecture on how Owen should conduct the investigation. She goes with the flow, and I loved her for it.
I won't mince words when it comes to the hero—Owen Sweetwater. Rawr. In my imagination, he's one of those guys you meet on the street and the first thing that comes to mind is hubba-hubba. He's dark, he's mysterious, he's strong, he's protective, he's sexy...He's a hunka-hunka burnin' love, if you ask me, and I wonder just why they don't make men like him anymore (if they ever made them).Oh, and one more thrilling tidbit I'll reveal about this book. It had humor. Not that previous AQ books didn't have funny parts, but this one, with Owen's huge family, especially his three cousins, Virginia's housekeeper and Virginia's best friend, the conversations about Dr. Whateverhisname and his "vibrating cure for female hysteria"...I couldn't help but chuckle. There weren't any LOL moments, the humor was subtly inserted in the story, but there were a lot of chuckle-inducing moments. And I loved it. The balance of it all.
A keeper.
March 10, 2021
****Re-read # 3****
I love this book, I really, really do. I know in my original review I said the reason I loved this book was most likely because I hadn't read all of the other Arcane books buuuuut after reading all of them, some of them twice, I have to disagree with myself. I just love this book. It's probably my favorite in the series. Owen Sweetwater, you have my heart.
**************************
Read for URR Halloween challenge- A romance where one the characters are murdered.
I absolutely loved this book, but looking at the other reviews, I'm wondering if a small part of why I loved it so much is because I've only read two books in the Arcane series, this book, and the previous book in The Looking Glass Trilogy, In Too Deep. While the plot and characters might be repetitive to others, everything is new to me and I must say, I love everything about it and I can't wait to go and start the Arcane series from the beginning. I wouldn't recommend this book for the first plunge into this series though. Amanda Quick doesn't really take any time to explain anything and just assumes you know what a talent is and who the Arcane society is and what they do etc.
Virginia Dean wakes up next to a very dead Lord Hollister with a bloody knife and no memory of what happened and how she ended up next to Lord Hollister. Before she can be discovered, she's rescued by Owen Sweetwater. The Owen she knows has been spending his time trying to prove that Virginia and her colleagues are talent-less frauds. Obviously, she isn't that pleased to see him but understands that she needs his help to escape the situation. It turns out that he's isn't exactly who she thinks he is, he's actually a very specific kind of hunter talent, someone who can sense the motivation of killers and predict their next move. He's been hired to find the killer who is targeting glass readers and he's discovered that Virginia is the killer's next target. Together, they hunt the killer and end up falling for each other. That's a very condensed synopsis that doesn't really do the book justice but I don't want to give too much away.
This book is filled with mystery, drama, humor, and a healthy dose of amazing book boyfriend material in the form of Owen Sweetwater. I'm absolutely in love with him. The men in the Sweetwater family have a unique talent that comes at a price. Each Sweetwater man is a bit of a ticking clock. They need to find “the one” or eventually, their talent robs them of the desire for anything other than the hunt. Owen is beginning to show signs of this when he meets Virginia. He immediately recognizes her as “his” and so begins the most awkward, adorably realistic, and mature wooing I've ever read. Everything about their romance was refreshing. They have such great chemistry and I can completely understand why they feel for each other. I can't believe I've actually found a romance with a hero who doesn't have a single asshole moment. Honestly, I don't think he has a douchey bone in his body. He sticks his foot in his mouth once or twice, but that's it. He feels possessive of Virginia but never smothers her with any of that mine business. He actually works with Virginia rather than insisting that she stay home and leave the dangerous work to the men. They rescue each other. He's a dangerous man who would murder anyone who threatened Virginia and do anything to keep her safe. A fact he makes quite clear when he tells her, "I would walk into to hell to keep you safe."
SWOON.
I loved Virginia. She was smart, independent, self-aware, and knew exactly what she wanted and what she didn't. What's not to love?
I don't feel like this is a spoiler because certain things are expected in any historical romance but I'll hide it anyway.
On top of all that we have an intriguing whodunit and a fun cast of secondary characters. From the other comments, I can see that this book follows a formula that Amanda Quick uses often and that's a strike against this book for a lot of people. As I said at the beginning of my review, this is only my second book in the Arcane series so I didn't really have a problem with that. So when it comes to whether I'd recommend this book or not, I suppose that makes a difference. Personally, I loved it. I'm adding this to my re-read shelf. It's completely possible that if you've read all of the other books in this series you might find this book repetitive and boring. I thought it was awesome.
I love this book, I really, really do. I know in my original review I said the reason I loved this book was most likely because I hadn't read all of the other Arcane books buuuuut after reading all of them, some of them twice, I have to disagree with myself. I just love this book. It's probably my favorite in the series. Owen Sweetwater, you have my heart.
**************************
Read for URR Halloween challenge- A romance where one the characters are murdered.
I absolutely loved this book, but looking at the other reviews, I'm wondering if a small part of why I loved it so much is because I've only read two books in the Arcane series, this book, and the previous book in The Looking Glass Trilogy, In Too Deep. While the plot and characters might be repetitive to others, everything is new to me and I must say, I love everything about it and I can't wait to go and start the Arcane series from the beginning. I wouldn't recommend this book for the first plunge into this series though. Amanda Quick doesn't really take any time to explain anything and just assumes you know what a talent is and who the Arcane society is and what they do etc.
Virginia Dean wakes up next to a very dead Lord Hollister with a bloody knife and no memory of what happened and how she ended up next to Lord Hollister. Before she can be discovered, she's rescued by Owen Sweetwater. The Owen she knows has been spending his time trying to prove that Virginia and her colleagues are talent-less frauds. Obviously, she isn't that pleased to see him but understands that she needs his help to escape the situation. It turns out that he's isn't exactly who she thinks he is, he's actually a very specific kind of hunter talent, someone who can sense the motivation of killers and predict their next move. He's been hired to find the killer who is targeting glass readers and he's discovered that Virginia is the killer's next target. Together, they hunt the killer and end up falling for each other. That's a very condensed synopsis that doesn't really do the book justice but I don't want to give too much away.
This book is filled with mystery, drama, humor, and a healthy dose of amazing book boyfriend material in the form of Owen Sweetwater. I'm absolutely in love with him. The men in the Sweetwater family have a unique talent that comes at a price. Each Sweetwater man is a bit of a ticking clock. They need to find “the one” or eventually, their talent robs them of the desire for anything other than the hunt. Owen is beginning to show signs of this when he meets Virginia. He immediately recognizes her as “his” and so begins the most awkward, adorably realistic, and mature wooing I've ever read. Everything about their romance was refreshing. They have such great chemistry and I can completely understand why they feel for each other. I can't believe I've actually found a romance with a hero who doesn't have a single asshole moment. Honestly, I don't think he has a douchey bone in his body. He sticks his foot in his mouth once or twice, but that's it. He feels possessive of Virginia but never smothers her with any of that mine business. He actually works with Virginia rather than insisting that she stay home and leave the dangerous work to the men. They rescue each other. He's a dangerous man who would murder anyone who threatened Virginia and do anything to keep her safe. A fact he makes quite clear when he tells her, "I would walk into to hell to keep you safe."
SWOON.
I loved Virginia. She was smart, independent, self-aware, and knew exactly what she wanted and what she didn't. What's not to love?
I don't feel like this is a spoiler because certain things are expected in any historical romance but I'll hide it anyway.
On top of all that we have an intriguing whodunit and a fun cast of secondary characters. From the other comments, I can see that this book follows a formula that Amanda Quick uses often and that's a strike against this book for a lot of people. As I said at the beginning of my review, this is only my second book in the Arcane series so I didn't really have a problem with that. So when it comes to whether I'd recommend this book or not, I suppose that makes a difference. Personally, I loved it. I'm adding this to my re-read shelf. It's completely possible that if you've read all of the other books in this series you might find this book repetitive and boring. I thought it was awesome.
June 17, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
Sometimes I need a book that has light action, dark secrets and mystery, and a romance that soothes the senses and I always seem to find it when reading a story by Amanda Quick.
Some might say that the format is formulaic and they could be right. However, I’ve read enough stories by Ms. Quick to count on it and find it 100% positive. I needed that teasing sensual build-up between Virginia Dean and Owen Sweetwater, I needed the light drama and suspense and I required a book that would entertain me enough to forget looking at the clock. I wanted to simply enjoy myself with a tale that swept me away to a time and place where the odd and spooky were normal and indeed, presented as almost logical. I demanded a guaranteed good time and Ms. Quick delivered.
Virginia Dean is a character that is a delightful change from the typical historical heroine. She’s in ‘trade’, educated and mostly self-sufficient. She’s not easily thrown by deed or word and even when she’s threatened with diabolical paranormal weapons, this woman never resorts to swooning. She has a brain and is not afraid to use it. The heroine also has an almost child-like fascination with learning new skills and her excitement is contagious. Her willingness and enthusiasm for such mundane and obscure things ends up being the key to saving her life. She also has a very odd notion of bling. Only a reader of the story will understand my reference. I liked her generosity of spirit, her voice that comes through in the dialogue and her choice of friends. Virginia was fun to get to know.
Owen Sweetwater is fascinating. In fact, his whole family has enough secrets and know-how to fuel many stories to come. They’re an odd bunch with more twisted paranormal burdens than usual. I appreciated how Ms. Quick enlightened the heroine and reader alike about the family’s peccadilloes through dialogue and action. It almost seems like they are supermen who can do amazing things. However, they’re regular people which means that the use of their talents come at a price. What I found adorable is that one of the ‘cures’, seems to be love. As with all stories based on that emotion, it’s a rocky and tricky road to travel before it can blossom into a happily ever after. Of course Owen has some serious obstacles to overcome before he can breathe easy and that contributed to the book’s drama.
The conflict, besides Owen and Virginia overcoming their differences and getting to know one another, is a mystery of who killed who and why. The why of it, once explained, is bizarre and totally off the wall, but again, a reader will understand the depths of its ludicrousness when they get to that part in the story. If a reader is paying attention, Ms. Quick actually provided a solid clue as to the villain’s identity. I picked up on it but like the masterful storyteller she is, the author threw in a big surprise that made it even better and heightened the suspense.
I enjoyed Virginia’s friend, Charlotte. Dr. Spinner, though completely off-screen, has got my curiosity piqued and those that I’ve met of Owen’s family, were entertaining and interesting. Then there is the family connection for Virginia that was a nice touch. It wasn’t crucial to the solving of the mystery itself but it did help showcase the heroine’s personality, integrity and ability to think on her feet. It helps a reader understand her character more.
Quicksilver once again shows why stories by Ms. Quick are an auto-buy. They have re-readability, characters with interesting dialogue, unusual and flamboyant take-over-the-world plots and a well-crafted romance to steam the pages. With its chapters populated by such eccentric characters who contrive convoluted means to further their devious goals, it brings to mind the old television series, The Avengers, with Steed and Mrs. Peel. In a way, Owen and Virginia could be their historical counterparts and I think that’s really cool. Quicksilver is pure fun and entertainment, just the way I like it.
Sometimes I need a book that has light action, dark secrets and mystery, and a romance that soothes the senses and I always seem to find it when reading a story by Amanda Quick.
Some might say that the format is formulaic and they could be right. However, I’ve read enough stories by Ms. Quick to count on it and find it 100% positive. I needed that teasing sensual build-up between Virginia Dean and Owen Sweetwater, I needed the light drama and suspense and I required a book that would entertain me enough to forget looking at the clock. I wanted to simply enjoy myself with a tale that swept me away to a time and place where the odd and spooky were normal and indeed, presented as almost logical. I demanded a guaranteed good time and Ms. Quick delivered.
Virginia Dean is a character that is a delightful change from the typical historical heroine. She’s in ‘trade’, educated and mostly self-sufficient. She’s not easily thrown by deed or word and even when she’s threatened with diabolical paranormal weapons, this woman never resorts to swooning. She has a brain and is not afraid to use it. The heroine also has an almost child-like fascination with learning new skills and her excitement is contagious. Her willingness and enthusiasm for such mundane and obscure things ends up being the key to saving her life. She also has a very odd notion of bling. Only a reader of the story will understand my reference. I liked her generosity of spirit, her voice that comes through in the dialogue and her choice of friends. Virginia was fun to get to know.
Owen Sweetwater is fascinating. In fact, his whole family has enough secrets and know-how to fuel many stories to come. They’re an odd bunch with more twisted paranormal burdens than usual. I appreciated how Ms. Quick enlightened the heroine and reader alike about the family’s peccadilloes through dialogue and action. It almost seems like they are supermen who can do amazing things. However, they’re regular people which means that the use of their talents come at a price. What I found adorable is that one of the ‘cures’, seems to be love. As with all stories based on that emotion, it’s a rocky and tricky road to travel before it can blossom into a happily ever after. Of course Owen has some serious obstacles to overcome before he can breathe easy and that contributed to the book’s drama.
The conflict, besides Owen and Virginia overcoming their differences and getting to know one another, is a mystery of who killed who and why. The why of it, once explained, is bizarre and totally off the wall, but again, a reader will understand the depths of its ludicrousness when they get to that part in the story. If a reader is paying attention, Ms. Quick actually provided a solid clue as to the villain’s identity. I picked up on it but like the masterful storyteller she is, the author threw in a big surprise that made it even better and heightened the suspense.
I enjoyed Virginia’s friend, Charlotte. Dr. Spinner, though completely off-screen, has got my curiosity piqued and those that I’ve met of Owen’s family, were entertaining and interesting. Then there is the family connection for Virginia that was a nice touch. It wasn’t crucial to the solving of the mystery itself but it did help showcase the heroine’s personality, integrity and ability to think on her feet. It helps a reader understand her character more.
Quicksilver once again shows why stories by Ms. Quick are an auto-buy. They have re-readability, characters with interesting dialogue, unusual and flamboyant take-over-the-world plots and a well-crafted romance to steam the pages. With its chapters populated by such eccentric characters who contrive convoluted means to further their devious goals, it brings to mind the old television series, The Avengers, with Steed and Mrs. Peel. In a way, Owen and Virginia could be their historical counterparts and I think that’s really cool. Quicksilver is pure fun and entertainment, just the way I like it.
July 6, 2020
The Sweetwater family is known as the assassins of the psychical world and they have a unique set of talents and secrets for just that. Owen Sweetwater is working for J&J to track down a monster killing glasslight readers, which brought him in contact with Virginia Dean, a practitioner (a psychic who uses their talents for money) who intrigues him. It's while he's keeping tabs on her that he saves her from danger and a sticky situation. She doesn't care for Owen's having exposed charlatans in the Leybrook Institute where she works, but he acknowledges that her talent is real and potentially useful in his investigation. He suggests a temporary partnership. This partnership very quickly turns sexual after they rev up their hormones after a showdown with some psychic clockwork devices. But Owen and Virginia work together to track down the killers and figure out what their dastardly plans are.
I keep thinking that I don't love how this author does historical romance - contemporary and sci-fi-future I have no problems with - but the historicals just don't feel like real historicals. I mean...Virginia starts an affair with Owen, isn't really subtle about it and literally announces that they're sleeping together at a ball and there are no consequences. For that matter, Owen, irritated me with his refusal to address the fact that their having a sexual relationship is basically destroying Virginia's respectability. And even though he overhears quite a few conversations where it is suggested that Virginia will get her heartbroken and that her career will be toast when the affair ends, he says and does nothing to reassure her that he's not casually using her (when he knows full well he's in it for the long haul.) A little communication might have been nice instead of making him look like either a clueless ass or an insensitive rake. That aside, I didn't mind Owen as a hero because he's not nearly as bossy as so many of the other heroes. Virginia actually gets to accompany him quite a lot and participate as well. And I really liked Virginia's odd relationship with her housekeeper for some reason.
Same goes as the other stories in this series so far. Fluffy suspense with historical dress. This isn't quite as dark as previous books...no heroes going insane or gruesome deaths really. We definitely do have an insane villain (and an evil villain who gets his comeuppance quite early in the story). I was kind of a little confused exactly what the villain was trying to do, but he was insane, so I guess we weren't supposed to fully understand his motivations and reasons. I was a bit disappointed that most of the investigatory work that led Owen to the villain happened off page while Virginia was being held captive. So of course Owen suddenly shows up and then explains how he arrived at the conclusion. It's always better for me when the investigation happens during the story. Still good story overall. Looking forward to finally reading some of the contemporary stories here which maybe won't feel quite so anachronistic.
I keep thinking that I don't love how this author does historical romance - contemporary and sci-fi-future I have no problems with - but the historicals just don't feel like real historicals. I mean...Virginia starts an affair with Owen, isn't really subtle about it and literally announces that they're sleeping together at a ball and there are no consequences. For that matter, Owen, irritated me with his refusal to address the fact that their having a sexual relationship is basically destroying Virginia's respectability. And even though he overhears quite a few conversations where it is suggested that Virginia will get her heartbroken and that her career will be toast when the affair ends, he says and does nothing to reassure her that he's not casually using her (when he knows full well he's in it for the long haul.) A little communication might have been nice instead of making him look like either a clueless ass or an insensitive rake. That aside, I didn't mind Owen as a hero because he's not nearly as bossy as so many of the other heroes. Virginia actually gets to accompany him quite a lot and participate as well. And I really liked Virginia's odd relationship with her housekeeper for some reason.
Same goes as the other stories in this series so far. Fluffy suspense with historical dress. This isn't quite as dark as previous books...no heroes going insane or gruesome deaths really. We definitely do have an insane villain (and an evil villain who gets his comeuppance quite early in the story). I was kind of a little confused exactly what the villain was trying to do, but he was insane, so I guess we weren't supposed to fully understand his motivations and reasons. I was a bit disappointed that most of the investigatory work that led Owen to the villain happened off page while Virginia was being held captive. So of course Owen suddenly shows up and then explains how he arrived at the conclusion. It's always better for me when the investigation happens during the story. Still good story overall. Looking forward to finally reading some of the contemporary stories here which maybe won't feel quite so anachronistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2025
In Victorian London, Virginia awakens next to the very dead Lord Hollister, but has no memory of killing him. Owen Sweetwater, a psychic investigator, rescues her, and together they investigate murders involving woman with paranormal glass light talent like Virginia's and find love along the way.
November 1, 2019
I love this story and the characters - Owen Sweetwater/H, Virgina/h, and the 2ndary characters Nick Sweetwater, a cousin of Owen’s, and Charlotte, Virginia’s friend. They are strong, spunky, and good people though slightly unusual in talent and profession. The Sweetwater family is mentioned on occasion in other JAK/AQ/JAC Arcane Society/Future World/Harmony Series novels; I would love to see more of their family in future novels. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but readers that enjoy Quicksilver will probably find all the books in JAKs Arcane series fascinating. JAK writes in 3 genres within this series - Historical, under Amanda Quick (Quicksilver), Contemporary under Jayne Ann Krentz, and Future World/Harmony Colony under Jayne Castle. Check her website for details: JayneAnnKrentz. Com.
I find reading Quick/Krentz/Castle’s trilogies based in all 3 time periods - historical, contemporary, future - easier when I began with the historical fiction 1st, read the contemporary novel 2nd, ending with the future period novel last. Chronologically, it makes more sense to me. Therefore, I always read Quicksilver first, in this trilogy, followed by In Too Deep next, ending with Canyons In the Night. (I have read this series previously and Quicksilver 4 times now. I enjoyed this reading every bit as much).
Quicksilver includes a paranormal aspect to the suspense that I feel is handled in a fun, light-hearted, rather than a dark fashion. I find it - and the series - absolutely delightful.
Please note there is sexual intimacy between the H & h. The sexual relationship is not the main focus of the story, and to me it stems naturally from their growing relationship and commitment. Profanity is used rarely.
I find reading Quick/Krentz/Castle’s trilogies based in all 3 time periods - historical, contemporary, future - easier when I began with the historical fiction 1st, read the contemporary novel 2nd, ending with the future period novel last. Chronologically, it makes more sense to me. Therefore, I always read Quicksilver first, in this trilogy, followed by In Too Deep next, ending with Canyons In the Night. (I have read this series previously and Quicksilver 4 times now. I enjoyed this reading every bit as much).
Quicksilver includes a paranormal aspect to the suspense that I feel is handled in a fun, light-hearted, rather than a dark fashion. I find it - and the series - absolutely delightful.
Please note there is sexual intimacy between the H & h. The sexual relationship is not the main focus of the story, and to me it stems naturally from their growing relationship and commitment. Profanity is used rarely.
May 11, 2011
Everytime I read an Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz book, everything feels familiar; the storyline, the characters and the writing style. This is a good thing because Krentz is a great writer who writes equally great stories, but it also takes away from the anticipation. Her Arcane books are great but so are her standalone novels. I hope she has one in the works soon.
As expected, I enjoyed Quicksilver. The characters had great chemistry, the plot was interesting. Yet, I found it lacking intensity and urgency. Although a killer is on the loose, never did I feel endangered. It felt safe.
Virginia Dean is a glass-reader with a mystery on her hands, a deadly one it seems. She awakens half-dressed next to a man who is very dead. Also in the picture is the mysterious, ominous Owen Sweetwater. He is an investigator, and it is his investigation of two recently murdered glass-readers that has brought him to Virginia. Or so he says. Despite the mysteries, one thing is certain a killer is targeting Virginia and the clock is ticking for them to discover who it is.
The chemistry between Owen and Virginia is instant and grows stronger the more they work together. In the dark days to come, the light on their secrets is also shed. Their love story is a sweet one but one which needed more developing. I liked the familiarity of the Arcane world and as I have found in her other novels, the paranormal happenings comes off believable and easy to accept.
As expected, I enjoyed Quicksilver. The characters had great chemistry, the plot was interesting. Yet, I found it lacking intensity and urgency. Although a killer is on the loose, never did I feel endangered. It felt safe.
Virginia Dean is a glass-reader with a mystery on her hands, a deadly one it seems. She awakens half-dressed next to a man who is very dead. Also in the picture is the mysterious, ominous Owen Sweetwater. He is an investigator, and it is his investigation of two recently murdered glass-readers that has brought him to Virginia. Or so he says. Despite the mysteries, one thing is certain a killer is targeting Virginia and the clock is ticking for them to discover who it is.
The chemistry between Owen and Virginia is instant and grows stronger the more they work together. In the dark days to come, the light on their secrets is also shed. Their love story is a sweet one but one which needed more developing. I liked the familiarity of the Arcane world and as I have found in her other novels, the paranormal happenings comes off believable and easy to accept.
January 3, 2014
I think i really need to give up on the Arcane Society novels.... They are just becoming too repetitive - it's like reading the same book over and over again! Constant talk of auras and psychic powers and psychic connections , etc... Other than the constant psychic mumbo-jubmo, this one started of a little jumbled - i felt like i was thrown into the middle of the book with little explanations of the characters and plot... Starts with a murder, with the hero and heroine already knowing each other, yet we know nothing about them.... weird...
If the Arcane Society Novels were at least a series with a tangible connection between one book and the next - maybe it would be easier to get to know and love the characters... This way - once the book is over, the next one has NOTHING to do with the previous, but sounds EXACTLY the same. It really doesn't help that the narrator is always the same British woman who talks with a hot potato in her mouth, trying to immitate old/young/men/women/children's voices... She partially ruins the books too.... But to actually sit down and read these the "old-fashioned way" - no way, sooo not worth it... At least the audio makes my walk to work go by faster...
Although I did think that "Dr. Spinner's method for eliminating women's hysteria = vibrator" was pretty hysterical :) hahahaha!
If the Arcane Society Novels were at least a series with a tangible connection between one book and the next - maybe it would be easier to get to know and love the characters... This way - once the book is over, the next one has NOTHING to do with the previous, but sounds EXACTLY the same. It really doesn't help that the narrator is always the same British woman who talks with a hot potato in her mouth, trying to immitate old/young/men/women/children's voices... She partially ruins the books too.... But to actually sit down and read these the "old-fashioned way" - no way, sooo not worth it... At least the audio makes my walk to work go by faster...
Although I did think that "Dr. Spinner's method for eliminating women's hysteria = vibrator" was pretty hysterical :) hahahaha!
December 9, 2012
Re-read 9/12/12 and increased from 4 to 5 stars.
Another great JAK book. This one an Amanda Quick, Victorian era, Arcane Society story.
We finally get some background on the mysterious assassins known as the Sweetwater family. Just as famous/infamous as the Jones family in these stories.
Owen Sweetwater, a hunter talent who searches out psychial monsters and disposes of them permanently is contracted by J & J, an offshoot of Arcane to look into the recent deaths of 2 glass light readers. His gift allows him to predict what the killer will do next and thus he comes across Virginia Dean.
Virginia is a strong glass light talent and is next on the killer's menu. She is already convinced that the other 2 deaths are murders and allows Owen into her life and heart in the guise of protection.
Jayne Ann Krentz, whether writing under her name or Amanda Quick or Jayne Castle is always entertaining and you know what you are going to get before you read them. They always leave you feeling good.
Another great JAK book. This one an Amanda Quick, Victorian era, Arcane Society story.
We finally get some background on the mysterious assassins known as the Sweetwater family. Just as famous/infamous as the Jones family in these stories.
Owen Sweetwater, a hunter talent who searches out psychial monsters and disposes of them permanently is contracted by J & J, an offshoot of Arcane to look into the recent deaths of 2 glass light readers. His gift allows him to predict what the killer will do next and thus he comes across Virginia Dean.
Virginia is a strong glass light talent and is next on the killer's menu. She is already convinced that the other 2 deaths are murders and allows Owen into her life and heart in the guise of protection.
Jayne Ann Krentz, whether writing under her name or Amanda Quick or Jayne Castle is always entertaining and you know what you are going to get before you read them. They always leave you feeling good.
July 22, 2016
A very dark plot, fast paced and some subtle humor thrown in. Ok, not so subtle with the female hysteria cure haha but... Virgina was a great protagonist, and Owen balanced her nicely. I enjoyed her house keeper as well, and the underlying theme of family.
July 17, 2021
4.5 stars
May 24, 2019
Steam-punk psychic romance historical (Victorian) mystery long on world-building (not boring repetitive descriptions either) but rather shorter on character development than it ought to be (perhaps because it’s the middle of an in-series trilogy.)
Virginia, rescued from a horrible in-bed-with-a-murdered-man incident by a perhaps-dangerous Owen Sweetwater (which, I gotta say, seems to betoken a diabetic ancestor) is feeling older and although her career as a “glasslight talent” mirror reader is going well, she is pretty sure no romance is in the offing and she and her good friend Charlotte have half joking plans to visit a vibrator-therapy Doctor. But! Crackling psychic tension! And she may be Stalked By a Serial Killer! And Quick’s usual quick wit and not-too-embarrassing steamy sections are still pleasant here in this mindless escape. There’s a bit too much going on here, though, perhaps the other volumes flesh things out a bit more. Too many plot points solved in the characters’ heads and thus we end up told-not-shown too much, but too be fair, the book is chock full of action sequences, where would you put more?
Honestly these read just as well without the silly mindmelding sex. Krentz needs to try a plain historical romance sometime to make the most of her gifts with humor and relationships.
Virginia, rescued from a horrible in-bed-with-a-murdered-man incident by a perhaps-dangerous Owen Sweetwater (which, I gotta say, seems to betoken a diabetic ancestor) is feeling older and although her career as a “glasslight talent” mirror reader is going well, she is pretty sure no romance is in the offing and she and her good friend Charlotte have half joking plans to visit a vibrator-therapy Doctor. But! Crackling psychic tension! And she may be Stalked By a Serial Killer! And Quick’s usual quick wit and not-too-embarrassing steamy sections are still pleasant here in this mindless escape. There’s a bit too much going on here, though, perhaps the other volumes flesh things out a bit more. Too many plot points solved in the characters’ heads and thus we end up told-not-shown too much, but too be fair, the book is chock full of action sequences, where would you put more?
Honestly these read just as well without the silly mindmelding sex. Krentz needs to try a plain historical romance sometime to make the most of her gifts with humor and relationships.
April 12, 2020
No nie porwała. Mocno wtórna względem poprzednich tomów Arcane Society, identyczne rozwiązania fabularne, tak samo poprowadzony wątek romantyczny, konstrukcja bohaterów... Nawet w wątku paranormalnym nic nowego.
Read
July 15, 2021i got this from the library bookstore and didn't realize until the very end that it was the second book in a series🧍
i stopped reading halfway years ago because i was confused and now i know why
i stopped reading halfway years ago because i was confused and now i know why
March 16, 2022
Zanimljiva! Simpatična i opuštena knjiga! Ovo je ljubavni roman sa elementima paranormalnog, krimića, pustolovine... ama svega, ali zato i jeste zanimljiva i napeta.
May 1, 2025
A pretty typical Amanda Quick paranormal historical romance, but still enjoyable.
June 27, 2025
Highly entertaining Victorian romantic suspense
Virginia Dean, a glass reader with the psychic ability to see violent past events reflected in mirrors and other shiny surfaces, wakes up beside a dead man with a bloody knife in her hand, and no memory of what happened. She is in a claustrophobic room in which every surface is covered with mirrors. Dressed only in her shift, which is smeared with blood, she quickly deduces that she is recovering from the effects of a powerful drug. Even so, she immediately begins dressing and searching for an escape route when a concealed door swings open, and Owen Sweetwater appears. She had met him once before and knew him only as a paranormal researcher who exposes frauds. But during their harrowing adventures that night, she realizes he is paranormally gifted himself.
Owen is a hunter talent, blessed with preternatural strength and senses, which allow him to fulfill the Sweetwater family’s intergenerational mission: eliminating psychic monsters who operate beyond the reach of conventional law enforcement. Owen is investigating a string of murders committed by paranormal means. The most recent victims were glass readers like Virginia and, on this particular night, she had been intended to be the next in line.
Because her life and livelihood are both at risk, Virginia insists on joining Owen’s investigation. As they work together to catch the killer, their psychic and emotional connections expand exponentially, setting the stage for a partnership that is both romantic and mutually protective. Meanwhile, Virginia’s best friend Charlotte meets Owen’s cousin Nick Sweetwater, sparking a lively second romance between two dynamic subcharacters who are paranormally gifted in similar ways. However, because the novel is told exclusively through Virginia and Owen’s dual POV, this romance plays out mostly offstage.
I’ve read this book multiple times over the years, and it remains my favorite Amanda Quick title in the Arcane Society series. Virginia is a compelling heroine: competent, courageous, and fiercely independent. Overcoming the social adversity of her outsider status, due to both her illegitimacy and her psychic ability, has made her strong. Her family backstory is also intriguing. It includes a powerful aura-reading father, who loved her but didn’t raise her, and a much younger half-sister, Elizabeth, who longs to forge a relationship with Virginia.
The close friendship between Virginia and Charlotte is another highlight. By their shared 26th birthday, both women have resigned themselves to the idea that they may never find romantic partners willing to accept their brilliance, eccentricities, and paranormal gifts. This is a crucial setup that avoids a romance trope I personally dislike, and which JAK virtually never employs: single women who are desperate to marry in order to feel complete.
Owen Sweetwater is one of my favorite JAK heroes. Like all the men in his family, he is a ticking time bomb: if he doesn’t find his true mate, madness awaits. His instant recognition of Virginia as The One creates a sense of emotional safety that is both romantic and sensually exciting. I don’t always enjoy “fated mate” plots, but it is well handled in this novel.
There are several other entertaining supporting characters in this story as well. Alongside Charlotte and Nick, we meet two of Owen’s nephews, who are in their early twenties, and Charlotte’s indomitable, 40-something housekeeper.
If you're a fan of the extended Arcane universe, you’ll recognize Owen as an early branch of the Sweetwater family tree. His descendants appear in JAK’s futuristic Ghost Hunters series, set on the planet Harmony and published under her pseudonym Jayne Castle. They include Cruz Sweetwater in "Obsidian Prey" and Ethan Sweetwater in "Sweetwater and the Witch."
I own a Kindle copy of "Quicksilver," and I also accessed the audiobook for free through my Audible membership. It is narrated by Anne Flosnik, a multi-award-winning British audiobook narrator and actress with over 600 audiobooks to her name. She does an excellent job with this novel.
Virginia Dean, a glass reader with the psychic ability to see violent past events reflected in mirrors and other shiny surfaces, wakes up beside a dead man with a bloody knife in her hand, and no memory of what happened. She is in a claustrophobic room in which every surface is covered with mirrors. Dressed only in her shift, which is smeared with blood, she quickly deduces that she is recovering from the effects of a powerful drug. Even so, she immediately begins dressing and searching for an escape route when a concealed door swings open, and Owen Sweetwater appears. She had met him once before and knew him only as a paranormal researcher who exposes frauds. But during their harrowing adventures that night, she realizes he is paranormally gifted himself.
Owen is a hunter talent, blessed with preternatural strength and senses, which allow him to fulfill the Sweetwater family’s intergenerational mission: eliminating psychic monsters who operate beyond the reach of conventional law enforcement. Owen is investigating a string of murders committed by paranormal means. The most recent victims were glass readers like Virginia and, on this particular night, she had been intended to be the next in line.
Because her life and livelihood are both at risk, Virginia insists on joining Owen’s investigation. As they work together to catch the killer, their psychic and emotional connections expand exponentially, setting the stage for a partnership that is both romantic and mutually protective. Meanwhile, Virginia’s best friend Charlotte meets Owen’s cousin Nick Sweetwater, sparking a lively second romance between two dynamic subcharacters who are paranormally gifted in similar ways. However, because the novel is told exclusively through Virginia and Owen’s dual POV, this romance plays out mostly offstage.
I’ve read this book multiple times over the years, and it remains my favorite Amanda Quick title in the Arcane Society series. Virginia is a compelling heroine: competent, courageous, and fiercely independent. Overcoming the social adversity of her outsider status, due to both her illegitimacy and her psychic ability, has made her strong. Her family backstory is also intriguing. It includes a powerful aura-reading father, who loved her but didn’t raise her, and a much younger half-sister, Elizabeth, who longs to forge a relationship with Virginia.
The close friendship between Virginia and Charlotte is another highlight. By their shared 26th birthday, both women have resigned themselves to the idea that they may never find romantic partners willing to accept their brilliance, eccentricities, and paranormal gifts. This is a crucial setup that avoids a romance trope I personally dislike, and which JAK virtually never employs: single women who are desperate to marry in order to feel complete.
Owen Sweetwater is one of my favorite JAK heroes. Like all the men in his family, he is a ticking time bomb: if he doesn’t find his true mate, madness awaits. His instant recognition of Virginia as The One creates a sense of emotional safety that is both romantic and sensually exciting. I don’t always enjoy “fated mate” plots, but it is well handled in this novel.
There are several other entertaining supporting characters in this story as well. Alongside Charlotte and Nick, we meet two of Owen’s nephews, who are in their early twenties, and Charlotte’s indomitable, 40-something housekeeper.
If you're a fan of the extended Arcane universe, you’ll recognize Owen as an early branch of the Sweetwater family tree. His descendants appear in JAK’s futuristic Ghost Hunters series, set on the planet Harmony and published under her pseudonym Jayne Castle. They include Cruz Sweetwater in "Obsidian Prey" and Ethan Sweetwater in "Sweetwater and the Witch."
I own a Kindle copy of "Quicksilver," and I also accessed the audiobook for free through my Audible membership. It is narrated by Anne Flosnik, a multi-award-winning British audiobook narrator and actress with over 600 audiobooks to her name. She does an excellent job with this novel.
April 13, 2015
This is another winner for me because I just love the series, the world of the Arcane Society that has been created and the setting of this book (the Victorian period).
When I was reading this book, what struck me most about my enjoyment of it was the fact that as I "listened" to the dialogue going on in my head as I read, it was exactly how I envisioned Victorian English would sound and speak to each other. I don't know any of the reality of how they actually sounded but it just seemed authentic to me.
I love that the characters in the book were mature, self assured and self possessed. They did not have much of the angst and any of the contrived misunderstandings or conflicts that seem to drive a lot of other romance stories. I just love the fact that they were adults and they behaved like adults. That just really works for me.
Looking forward to the next book of the series.
When I was reading this book, what struck me most about my enjoyment of it was the fact that as I "listened" to the dialogue going on in my head as I read, it was exactly how I envisioned Victorian English would sound and speak to each other. I don't know any of the reality of how they actually sounded but it just seemed authentic to me.
I love that the characters in the book were mature, self assured and self possessed. They did not have much of the angst and any of the contrived misunderstandings or conflicts that seem to drive a lot of other romance stories. I just love the fact that they were adults and they behaved like adults. That just really works for me.
Looking forward to the next book of the series.
May 22, 2011
Amanda Quick (Jayne Ann Krentz) writes wonderful paranormal historical romantic suspense. Quicksilver is no exception. The novel begins in medias res with Virginia Dean waking from a drugged sleep to find a knife in her hand and a dead body beside her. She is rescued by Owen Sweetwater, a psychic monster hunter. Virginia with her psychic mirror-reading ability is able to see images of people who have been murdered, women in particular. She and Owen engage in searching for a killer who has targeted her.
There is excellent use of mirror imagery and chiaroscuro, light and dark throughout.
As always, the romance is sensual and engaging, the main characters are people the reader will care about, and the novel so entertaining you won’t want to put it down until you finish reading it.
Jacqueline Seewald
TEA LEAVES AND TAROT CARDS
THE TRUTH SLEUTH
There is excellent use of mirror imagery and chiaroscuro, light and dark throughout.
As always, the romance is sensual and engaging, the main characters are people the reader will care about, and the novel so entertaining you won’t want to put it down until you finish reading it.
Jacqueline Seewald
TEA LEAVES AND TAROT CARDS
THE TRUTH SLEUTH
June 17, 2014
1.5 stars
Same old, same old.
Meh.
Without a doubt, the weakest book in the author's Arcane series.
I couldn't care less about the mystery,the characters were dull, and the romance felt forced.
Once upon a time I used to devour Amanda Quick books.
Not this one, I'm afraid.
It appears that the "cow has run dry".
Same old, same old.
Meh.
Without a doubt, the weakest book in the author's Arcane series.
I couldn't care less about the mystery,the characters were dull, and the romance felt forced.
Once upon a time I used to devour Amanda Quick books.
Not this one, I'm afraid.
It appears that the "cow has run dry".
September 2, 2015
Another great addition to the Arcane universe! I absolutely DEVOURED this book! Can't wait to read book 3!
Great characters, a Regency setting, entertaining servants, and completely irredeemable villains! What's not to like?
Great characters, a Regency setting, entertaining servants, and completely irredeemable villains! What's not to like?
August 26, 2011
I really only picked this up for an alphabet reading challenge and needed the Q. However, I really did enjoy the story and I may go back to read the first book in the trilogy.
February 6, 2024
Loved it.
August 14, 2015
A fun easy to read book. Some mystery, some murder, some paranormal, some romance. Sweetwaters sound like a fun family. Enjoyed it.
December 31, 2022
The Sweetwaters are brooding their way onto the scene and I am SO here for it. I mean, they're not part of Arcane and they have specialized talents (and skills) that give them a leg up on hunting the monsters that stalk the night and pretty much everyone is a little leery of them. They're a family of deep secrets and I like when they get all tongue tied and flustered when they find the lady who completes them.
Not that Owen did the flustered thing. He was, however, definitely captivated. Virginia's abilities and strength called to him and he might have used the excuse of his investigation to get close, but we all know a Sweetwater KNOWS when he meets his special someone. And Virginia was that for him.
That said, Virginia might have liked a lot of things about Owen (having him get her out of a terrible situation was only the start of it), but she wasn't thrilled by his apparent view on glass-readers. In other words, it takes a bit for her to get on the same page as him as far as pursuing a relationship.
A little case of murder (or three), a few clockwork monstrosities, family, dangerous encounters, and more than a few steamy kisses. I do enjoy delving into the murky world Arcane lurks in and the Sweetwater family just makes it more exciting.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Not that Owen did the flustered thing. He was, however, definitely captivated. Virginia's abilities and strength called to him and he might have used the excuse of his investigation to get close, but we all know a Sweetwater KNOWS when he meets his special someone. And Virginia was that for him.
That said, Virginia might have liked a lot of things about Owen (having him get her out of a terrible situation was only the start of it), but she wasn't thrilled by his apparent view on glass-readers. In other words, it takes a bit for her to get on the same page as him as far as pursuing a relationship.
A little case of murder (or three), a few clockwork monstrosities, family, dangerous encounters, and more than a few steamy kisses. I do enjoy delving into the murky world Arcane lurks in and the Sweetwater family just makes it more exciting.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 6, 2017
I remember members of the Sweetwater family popping up every now and then in the other Arcane Society novels and am very glad that we finally got a peek into that family. The author gave them a great story! I really liked the whole "nightwalker" aspect of their talent. And the addition of the glasslight talent into the series lore was interesting. Plus the main character, Virginia Dean, was well done. She had a good personality and what I thought was a surprising backstory. Just did not see that particular backstory coming, but it makes perfect sense for her. Once I started reading I just couldn't stop; great book!!
July 6, 2021
We’ve met some of the Sweetwater clan earlier in the series, but here we get to know the Victorian-era clan. Virginia Dean is a glass-light reader who is a member of the Leybrook Institute; she is not a fan of the Arcane Society or the Joneses. She meets Owen Sweetwater who is investigating the deaths of two other glass-light readers on a commission by Jones & Jones. We also see the clockwork machines that showed up in Scargill Cove in the last book. As much as I’ve enjoyed the contemporary books in the series, my first and always true love is historical romance.
October 7, 2018
I am presuming that this is a fantasy, and there is no such thing as glasslight paranormal energy. Still, this was an easy novel to read with interesting characters.
October 30, 2018
Another excellent Arcane Society book!
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