The Lady Has a Past by Amanda Quick [Review]

The Lady Has a Past (Burning Cove #5) by Amanda Quick
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: August 11, 2022

Burning Cove
1. The Girl Who Knew Too Much
2. The Other Lady Vanishes
3. Tightrope
4. Close Up
5. The Lady Has a Past - Paperback | Kindle
6. When She Dreams
7. The Bride Wore White

Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz)
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Investigative apprentice Lyra Brazier, the newest resident of Burning Cove, is unsettled when her boss suddenly goes on a health retreat at an exclusive spa and disappears without another word. Lyra knows something has happened to Raina Kirk, and she is the only one who can track her down. 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. The agency brings in a partner and bodyguard for her, but she doesn't get the suave, pistol-packing private eye she expected.

Simon Cage is a mild-mannered antiquarian book dealer with a quiet, academic air, and Lyra can't figure out why he was chosen as her partner. But it soon becomes clear 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 façade for something far darker than they imagined. With a murderer in their midst, Raina isn't the only one in grave danger—Lyra is next.

Thoughts on The Lady Has a Past: We're back in Burning Cove and it's just as glizty, glamorous, and dangerous as ever. This time around, we have Lyra and Simon and a situation that hits a little too close to home when Lyra's boss (and Burning Cove local) Raina Kirk goes missing. Besides being Lyra's boss, Raina is also the lady friend of Burning Cove mover and shaker Luther Pell, a man NO ONE wants to cross.

Which begs the question: Who would be foolish enough to be involved in Raina's disappearance?

For all she's just learning the ropes of investigating, Lyra can't stand idly by when her boss (and friend) is missing. While her first case (which wasn't actually a case yet, but which ended VERY badly) took a turn, she has the smarts and the drive to see things through. Especially seeing as how if she doesn't, Raina might end up in a VERY BAD PLACE.

As for Simon, he's a book dealer with a little something extra. That something extra makes him the perfect person to help Lyra since he can see things others can't. He's also attracted to Lyra's forthrightness and charm. Which works nicely because she (eventually) starts liking his competent calm in the face of their situation.

A little danger, a quietly enraged Pell, a few steamy kisses, a nasty piece of business the duo uncover, and a whole lot of fun. *thumbs up*