"Intriguing plot and strong empathic characters."

Lacy Quinn wants to show her grandfather's paintings, left to her in his will, to the world-famous artist Susa Donavan. Her parents warn that instead of fostering her grandfather's legacy, she may uncover unsavoury truths that should remain buried. Lacy agrees to show the paintings under an assumed name. Despite her parents' objections, she picks three paintings to bring to an Antique Road Show-like charity event. They are the most exciting discovery of the evening for Susa, despite their disturbing images. The mysterious woman and her reluctance to show the paintings in public intrigue Ian Lapstrake, an employee of Rarities Unlimited and Susa's temporary bodyguard. What is Lacy hiding and why is Ian protecting her from disclosure?

As with all Ms. Lowell's book, the research is plentiful. I learned about preparing canvases and paints, brush stroke techniques, and how forgeries are uncovered. She also paints a view of the world of art galleries and the economics of becoming famous. The strong heroine and hero and a great cast of potential villains drew me into the suspense. It left me guessing up until the end. The explosive sexual attraction between Ian and Lacy is palpable, but their relationship seemed too quickly resolved. I miss Ms. Lowell's traditional romances where she masterfully made her characters really work for their "happily ever after". They always used to make me cry.

I have followed Ms. Lowell into the world of suspense, away from romance, because her books continue to have intriguing plots with strong empathetic characters. I eagerly wait for her next instalment from this Rarities Unlimited series.

Sexual Content: Straight but imaginative h/h sensual situations.

Reviewed by Karen Williston for Sensual Romance.

Reviewed by Sensual Romance
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted July 27, 2003

Summary

When Lacey Quinn inherits the striking landscapes painted by her late grandfather, she sets out to prove they are as good as anything hanging in museums with California Impressionists today. But the paintings in her possession are more than the works of a talented master, they are anguished voices from the grave...crying murder!

Lacey researches her grandfather's past and is rocked by a strange series of violent events. Someone wants to steal her inheritance and reduce the paintings to unrecognizable ashes in a suspicious blaze.

Ian Lapstrake, a security specialist working for the appraisal house Rareties Unlimited, has taken an interest in Lacey's inheritance...and in her. Their search for answers leads them down a road paved with lies, blood, and a shocking family history. Clues to a series of unexplained murders may be hidden in the brush strokes—clues that have now marked Lacey and Ian for death.