Amanda Quick

A Victorian glass-reader and a psychic investigator play a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with a killer in the second installment of the New York Times bestselling Looking Glass Trilogy. 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's rescued by a man she's 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 so is the power she exerts over him simply with her presence. And if her abilities can be relied upon in the midst of great danger, they just might be the key to his investigation.

From the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author, comes the new Victorian novel in Jayne Ann Krentz's sizzling, seductive and gripping ARCANE SOCIETY world

In this second novel of the Dreamlight trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Amanda Quick, psychic power and passion collide when a legendary curse ignites a dangerous desire. The Arcane Society was born in turmoil when the friendship of its two founders evolved into a fierce rivalry. Nicholas Winters's efforts led to the creation of a device of unknown powers called the Burning Lamp. Each generation of male descendants who inherits it is destined to develop multiple talents--and the curse of madness. Plagued by hallucinations and nightmares, notorious crime lord Griffin Winters is convinced he has been struck with the Winters Curse. But even as he arranges a meeting with the mysterious woman Adelaide Pyne, he has no idea how closely their fates are bound, for she holds the missing lamp in her possession. But their dangerous psychic experiment makes them the target of forces both inside and outside of the Arcane Society. And though desire strengthens their power, their different lives will keep them apart--if death doesn't take them together.

Victorian London holds many secrets. But none are so closely guarded as those of the shadowy Arcane Society...

In this suspenseful Arcane Society novel, New York Times bestselling author Amanda Quick delves into the underworld of passion, greed and powers that lie beyond this realm. Victorian botanist Lucinda Bromley has a rare talent: the ability to detect almost any type of poison. She also tends many rare plants, including a species of fern that was stolen from her conservatory just last month--and which turns up in a poison that was used in a nobleman's murder. To keep her name out of the investigation and to find the killer, Lucinda hires a fellow Arcane Society member. The founder of a psychical investigation agency, Caleb Jones is very good at protecting the Society's secrets--and frighteningly good at getting the truth. As a nearly overwhelming desire blooms between Caleb and Lucinda, they are drawn into the dark heart of a deadly conspiracy--and into a legacy of madness that could plunge Caleb into the depths of his own tortured soul...

The brand new Victorian romance from NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author, Amanda Quick

From the moment the stranger burst into her antiquities shop in Rome, Lavinia Lake knew he was nothing but trouble. He said he was in pursuit of a killer and swore he was only trying to save her. Yet Lavinia was convinced that Mr. Tobias March was bent instead on destroying her. When the self-professed spy hustled her all the way back to England, Lavinia vowed she would find a way to repay him in full. She never dreamed that Mr. March had in fact been telling the truth, that he had been hired to track down a powerful villain. And just as his investigation was heating up, he found it complicated by the most ungovernable, exasperating - and ever so slightly shady - woman he had ever met. Lavinia most certainly never dreamed they would meet again, forced into partnership under shocking circumstances - or that their fiery disputes would spark a sizzling desire as overwhelming as the danger they faced....

It isn't easy making a living as a lady's companion when one possesses a sharp tongue and an original mind. That's why Emma Greyson has gone through three such positions in six months. Then an extraordinary encounter with the legendary Edison Stokes leads to a secret position as his assistant. Stokes is on a peculiar mission, searching for an anonymous thief who has stolen an ancient book of arcane potions. He suspects his quarry is among the party's guests - and that the villain is looking for an intuitive woman on whom to test a certain elixir. A woman just like Emma...For Emma, the new post brings unexpected passion and chilling danger. But when murder strikes, she realises the awful truth. Unless she and Edison devise a scheme to outwit a merciless killer, she could forever lose the man of her dreams - and maybe her very life....

A sparkling Regency mystery by #1 New York Times bestselling author Amanda Quick, this is the perfect escape for the summer . . . Imogen Waterstone has always prided herself on being a thoroughly independent young woman, but now she is faced with an enemy she can't take on alone. She needs a man; one skilled at seduction, yet who possesses an implacable will and nerves of iron to equal her own. That's why she invites Matthias Marshall, infamous Earl of Colchester, to her home. Who better than the legendary explorer to help her lay the perfect trap? Yet in all of her plotting, Imogene never anticipates Colchester's sizzling reaction to their pretence or her own electrifying reaction to him. Neither does she expect that a malevolent threat would emerge from the labyrinth of London - sinister enough to endanger her and Colchester's lives . . .'What fun!' Lisa Gardner'Krentz's fans are always ensured of plenty of wit and romance and heapings of suspense when they dive into her novels!' Romantic Times

'A top-drawer historical romance that delivers the perfect fusion of witty dialogue, intriguing characters, and seductive passion' BooklistLeo Drake, the 'Mad Monk of Monkcrest', is notoriously eccentric and unquestionably reclusive. But he is also a noted antiquities expert, which is why Beatrice Poole has demanded his reluctant assistance. The free-thinking authoress of 'horrid novels', Beatrice is searching for the Forbidden Rings of Aphrodite, a mythic treasure she suspects played a role in her uncle's death. Beatrice finds Leo every bit as fascinating as one of the heroes in her novels - and she's convinced he's the only one who can help her. But after only five minutes in her company, Leo is sure he's never met a woman more infuriating . . . and more likely to rescue him from boredom. Yet the alliance may well prove to be the biggest mistake of their lives. For a villain lurks in London, waiting for the pair to unearth the Forbidden Rings - knowing that when they do, that day will be their last.A sparkling, witty Historical romance by the worldwide bestselling Jayne Ann Krentz (Amanda Quick), perfect for fans of Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Georgette Heyer. What readers are saying about Amanda Quick:'One of the most creative, inventive storytellers in the field, Quick infuses her own addictive brand of breathless, sexy adventure with dashes of vengeance, greed and violence and a hefty splash of delectable, offbeat humour' Library Journal'Stellar plotting, exquisite dialogue, and impeccable characterisation' Kirkus Reviews

Charlotte Arkendale knew all there was to know about men. After all, she'd made a career out of steering marriage-minded women away from untrustworthy members of the opposite sex.Yet nothing could have prepared her for Baxter St. Ives - an arresting stranger too daring, too determined, too dangerous to be her new man-of-affairs. Still, perhaps he was the perfect person to help Charlotte investigate the recent murder of one of her clients. So she gave him a chance, never realising that Baxter, a gifted scientist, would soon conduct a risky exploration into the alchemy of desire, with Charlotte as his subject. But even as he sets out to seduce Charlotte, a twisted killer lies in wait, ready to part the lovers ...or see them joined together forever - in death.

The first kiss occurred in a dimly-lit hallway on the upper floor of Elwin Hastings's grand house. Louisa never saw it coming ...Of course, Anthony Stalbridge couldn't possibly have had romantic intentions. The kiss was an act of desperation, meant to distract the armed guard about to catch the pair in a place they did not belong. After all, Louisa Bryce is no man's idea of an alluring female in her dull maroon gown and gold-rimmed spectacles. The only thing the two interlopers have in common is a passionate interest in the private affairs of Mr. Hastings - a prominent member of Victorian Society whom they both suspect of hiding terrible secrets. Each has a reason for the quest. Anthony's fiancee was said to have thrown herself into the Thames - but Anthony has his own suspicions. Louisa - whose own identity is shrouded in layers of mystery - is convinced Hastings has a connection to a notorious brothel. But bringing Hastings to justice will be more perilous than either anticipates - and their hasty partnership will be more heated than either expects.

Teaming up with wealthy and handsome Anthony Stalbridge, who suspects prominent society figure Elwin Hastings of hiding dangerous secrets, Louisa Bryce of late-Victorian London investigates her beliefs about Hastings's criminal activities. Reprint.

It isn't as though attractive widow Venetia Jones doesn't have enough problems. She has worked hard to become a fashionable photographer catering to Victorian society's elite. Her career has enabled her to provide a comfortable living for her brother, sister and elderly aunt. Disaster looms, however. Venetia has some closely held secrets, not the least of which is her uncanny psychic ability. Now her life is in danger because she has viewed the unique aura of a killer fleeing the scene of his crime. But the really unsettling news is that her conveniently dead husband has just returned from the grave.

Venetia Milton earns big bucks photographing the artifacts owned by the brooding Gabriel Jones, whom she also manages to seduce, but after hearing that he is dead, she is stunned when he winds up on her doorstep very much alive and afraid for his life. Reprint.

During an investigation into a woman's death, gentleman thief turned private inquiry agent Ambrose Wells finds himself at Aldwick Castle - and in the middle of chaos. The building is in flames. Men are dead. And a woman and four young girls are fleeing on horseback. A confirmed loner, Ambrose nevertheless finds himself taking Miss Concordia Glade and her young charges under his wing. With their lives at risk, he insists they must remain in hiding until he is able to unravel the truth behind their recent imprisonment at the castle. Concordia has never met anyone like Ambrose Wells before. He is bold, clever, and inscrutable - even to the perceptive gaze of a professional teacher such as herself. He is also her only hope to protect her pupils from the unscrupulous men who are after them - powerful, shadowy figures who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

"Once again, the incomparable Quick has whipped up a delectable Regency romance" (Booklist)--about an ice-cold business agreement that turns into something far more heated... The Earl of St. Merryn needs a woman. His intentions are purely practical--he simply wants someone sensible and suitably lovely to pose as his betrothed for a few weeks among polite society. He has his own agenda to pursue, and a false fianc e will keep the husband-hunters at bay while he goes about his business. The simplest solution is to hire a paid companion. After all, the sorry women who must accept such employment are sure to be grateful for any favor... When he encounters Miss Elenora Lodge, he believes his problem is solved. Her dowdy attire and pinned-up hair cannot hide her fine figure and the fire in her golden eyes. And her unfortunate circumstances--and secret dreams of a life onstage--make the Earl's offer undeniably appealing. But St. Merryn is clearly hiding something, and things seem oddly amiss in his gloomy Rain Street home. Elenora is soon to discover that his secrets are even darker than his d cor--and this lark will be a more dangerous adventure than she'd been led to believe. And Arthur, Earl of St. Merryn, will find that the meek and mild companion he'd envisioned has become both a partner in his quest to catch a killer--and an outspoken belle of the ball who stirs a bothersome passion in his practical heart...

The Earl of St. Merryn needs a woman. His intentions are purely practical - he simply wants someone sensible and suitably lovely to pose as his betrothed for a few weeks among polite society. He has his own agenda to pursue, and a false fiance will keep the husband-hunters at bay while he goes about his business. The simplest solution is to hire a paid companion. Finding the right candidate proves more of a challenge than he expected. But when he encounters Miss Elenora Lodge, her feisty manner and golden eyes sway him to make a generous offer. Elenora's sorry financial circumstances - and dreams of a life of independence - leave her little choice but to accept. But St. Merryn appears to be hiding a secret or two, and things seem oddly amiss in his gloomy London home. Elenora soon discovers that this lark will be a far more dangerous adventure than she'd been led to believe. And the Earl of St. Merryn will find that the meek and mild companion he'd initially envisioned has become a partner in his quest to catch a killer - and an outspoken belle of the ball who stirs a bothersome passion in his practical heart.

"A wonderful story of mystery and romance.... Amanda Quick is the queen of romance. All of her books are keepers, and Wait Until Midnight is no exception."--A Romance Review The sins of Adam Hardesty's past have been discovered. And if he does not hunt down his blackmailer quickly, his secrets will be revealed to all. But there is an obstacle in his way: sensation novelist Caroline Fordyce. She knows that Adam's quest for justice could shatter her own reputation--and mire her family in lethal scandal. And she fears what he may find.... Together, they will navigate the shadow side of London, venturing into an underworld of cutthroats, connivers, and illusionists. And as the mystery grows ever deeper and the danger circles ever closer, they must guard not only their secrets but their lives and hearts as well.

Regency sleuths--and lovers--Lavinia Lake and Tobias March--stumble into the middle of a deadly mystery during a weekend getaway at a luxurious country estate as they become caught up in the search for a killer who targets wealthy older men on the brink of marrying beautiful, much younger women. By the author of Don't Look Back. Reprint.