Historical Mystery/Romantic Suspense Review: The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick
The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick
Egalley thanks to Berkley Books
Synopsis from Goodreads
Amanda Quick, the bestselling author of ’Til Death Do Us Part, transports readers to 1930s California, where glamour and seduction spawn a multitude of sins…
When Hollywood moguls and stars want privacy, they head to an idyllic small town on the coast, where the exclusive Burning Cove Hotel caters to their every need. It’s where reporter Irene Glasson finds herself staring down at a beautiful actress at the bottom of a pool…
The dead woman had a red-hot secret about up-and-coming leading man Nick Tremayne, a scoop that Irene couldn’t resist—especially since she’s just a rookie at a third-rate gossip rag. But now Irene’s investigation into the drowning threatens to tear down the wall of illusion that is so deftly built around the famous actor, and there are powerful men willing to do anything to protect their investment.
Seeking the truth, Irene finds herself drawn to a master of deception. Oliver Ward was once a world-famous magician—until he was mysteriously injured during his last performance. Now the owner of the Burning Cove Hotel, he can’t let scandal threaten his livelihood, even if it means trusting Irene, a woman who seems to have appeared in Los Angeles out of nowhere four months ago…
With Oliver’s help, Irene soon learns that the glamorous paradise of Burning Cove hides dark and dangerous secrets. And that the past—always just out of sight—could drag them both under…
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8/10
* * *
I have to say as a long-term fan of this author, this was Amanda Quick at her finest.
Irene Glasson is a resourceful, proactive, decisive lady who escaped a disturbing past and reinvented herself as a celebrity journalist in Hollywood. When her source for a breakthrough article winds up dead she is determined to dig deeper to find the killer.
Oliver Ward is a retired magician and the owner of the boutique hotel where the murder took place. Concerned by what happened and intrigued by Irene whose eyes are full of secrets, he can not resist the challenge of getting closer to her and insists on helping in her investigation.
Both characters have a lot of chemistry, the setting is atmospheric and the plot is engaging and fast-paced. While I wanted a bit more depth to the hero and heroine and a less convenient ending, this is a classic formula which works really well for the author, and I am definitely invested into this series by now.
Recommended. Light and entertaining read.
* * *
Хочу сказать, что как давняя поклонница творчества Аманды Квик, считаю, что это - одна из самых удачных её книг.
Айрин Глиссон - энергичная, решительная и смекалистая героиня, сбежавшая от тёмного прошлого и создавшая новую личность в Голливуде. Теперь она - журналист жёлтой прессы, и когда её осведомитель для первой большой истории оказывается мёртвым, она полна решимости докопаться до правды и найти убийцу.
Оливер Уорд - бывший иллюзионист и владелец бутик-отеля, в котором произошло убийство. Обеспокоенный произошедшим и заинтригованный Айрин, глаза которой полны тайн, он настаивает на том, чтобы помочь ей в её расследовании и конечно узнать её получше.
У главных героев хорошее притяжение друг к другу; сама обстановка зрелищна и атмосферна; да и сюжет сам по себе интересен и динамичен.
Мне хоть и хотелось большей глубины характеров и менее удобной концовки, в душе я понимала, что это - классическая формула Аманды Квик и менять она её не будет, так как она и так на неё прекрасно работает.
В общем, скучать не приходится, атмосферно, читается легко, и я очень даже заинтересована в продолжении. Рекомендую.
