The Lady Has a Past - Amanda Quick

Written by Amanda Quick
Read by Morgan Hallett
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 64 Kbps
Unabridged

Burning Cove, California Series, Book 5
Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
Release date: May 4, 2021
Duration: 10:01:02

Beauty and glamour meet deception and revenge.

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 she tracks down Raina’s 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 facade for something much darker than they imagined. With a murderer in their midst, Raina isn’t the only one in grave danger—Lyra is next.

Kirkus..March 15, 2021
“The world of luxury hides nefarious secrets in this latest installment in the Burning Cove series.….. Mystery and action drive this novel, but it’s also a solid romance–and a double one at that. Simon and Lyra embark on a fling and develop deeper feelings while Luther and Raina’s relationship is explored as well. Some of the heavy topics lack emotional heft, but this allows the narrative to maintain its quick, light tone. The touch of paranormal blends in seamlessly. Reminiscent of an old-school whodunit, fitting with the 1930s setting, this story is chock full of deceit, secret pasts, red herrings, lively banter, exciting sleuthing, and power-hungry baddies. Utterly fun.”