"Humorous Regency mystery"
Pushed by his lovely wife Celeste who sees her husband's
skills as a means to enter society, Dr. Howard Hudson moves
to London to open up a medical practice. Howard uses
mesmerism to minister to patients suffering from nervous
disorders. However, the elation felt by the move turns
ugly when someone murders Celeste and apparently also
steals a valuable bracelet. Howard asks his long-term friend and fellow mesmerist
Lavinia Lake to investigate who killed his wife. Fearing
for her safety, Lavinia's lover and partner Tobias March
tries to persuade her not to get involved. Tobias firmly
believes Hudson killed his spouse and wants Lavinia to
locate the missing jewelry before he disposes of his so-
called friend. However, Lavinia remains as obstinate as
ever and begins making inquiries with the help of Tobias'
brother-in-law Anthony and Lavinia's niece Emeline. Tobias
soon feels obligated to help if he wants to keep the three
people he loves safe. DON'T LOOK BACK is a humorous Regency mystery with a touch
of romance as a secondary subplot. The quick story line is
quite funny especially when an exasperated Tobias tries to
keep Lavinia from diving off the deep end as is her
penchant. As Amanda Quick did with the Lake-March first
novel SLIGHTLY SHADY, the author provides a delightful who-
done-it. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted May 11, 2002
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In this most entrancing tale of mystery and romance by the
New York Times bestselling author AMANDA QUICK, lovers and
partners-in-crime investigators Lavinia Lake and Tobias
March continue their exciting newfound relationship, with
its delicious mix of risky business, rising passion, and
now--murder.
As if a head for business and a nose for trouble aren't
enough to distinguish fiercely independent Lavinia Lake
from the other women of London's fashionable Claremont
Lane, there is one more feature to set her apart. Lavinia
is also well versed in the practice of mesmerism, an
extraordinary gift that far surpasses mere charm and
physical appeal. Nobody knows this better than the usually
coolheaded Tobias March, who seems to have fallen
hopelessly under her spell. Fortunately for all, however,
Lavinia uses her powers for good. And ever since a tragedy
involving one of her subjects, she has even retired them in
favor of her work with Lake and March, a joint venture
providing "discreet private inquiries for individuals of
quality." Celeste Hudson, the stunningly beautiful young
wife of a family friend and fellow mesmerist, would surely
count herself among such individuals--were she still alive,
that is. While mythology's Medusa could turn men to stone,
lovely Celeste was more accustomed to turning them to
jelly. In fact, unbeknownst to her husband, Howard, the
ambitious Celeste was planning to use her talents to forge
a new future in Society--one that would not include him.
Sadly, her plans were cut short when she was murdered. Only
a gentleman's cravat wound around her lovely neck remained
for evidence--small compensation for the strange and
priceless bracelet that may have been snatched from her
wrist as she drew her last breath.
As a result, Lake and March are soon in Howard Hudson's
employ on the trail of the killer. But Tobias is convinced
the dashing widower is more interested in tracking down the
missing relic. If so, Howard is not alone. Any number of
ruthless types are after the very same antiquity, whose
centerpiece is an unusual blue cameo of inestimable value
and supposed legendary powers--powers of immeasurable worth
to anyone in Howard's line of work.
Together, Lake and March undertake a tantalizing
investigation that leads them from the glittering ballrooms
of the ton to London's seediest taverns to a mesmerist
whose therapies include treating ladies suffering
from "hysteria" is a a most unconventional method--and, not
least of all, to the darkest reaches of men's psyches.
Along the way, Don't Look Back becomes a completely
mesmerizing read as the irrepressible Lavinia and Tobias
mix business with pleasure....
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