The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz [Review]

The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz
Format: ebook
Source: provided through NetGalley
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: August 17, 2025

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Jayne Ann Krentz
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Synopsis (Goodreads):

The Harper and the Wells families have regarded each other with deep suspicion for four generations. The Harpers have been known to offer their psychic talents for less-than-legal purposes, and the powerful Wells clan has a reputation for playing both sides of the street. But for all the years of history and distrust between them, there is a mysterious pact binding the two. They share the responsibility for protecting a long-buried and very dangerous secret.

Sophy Harper and Luke Wells are shocked to learn that her aunt and his uncle have been sleeping together—and now they are both missing. Not only that, but the last traces of them are at the scene of a murder soaked in negative paranormal energy. Clearly, someone is willing to kill to obtain the secret their families have been charged with protecting. Despite their mutual distrust, which, as far as Sophy is concerned extends to Luke’s hellhound of a dog, they both know that the terms of the pact must be honored.

Their investigation uncovers a psychic trail leading to a bizarre desert art colony where nothing is as it seems. But Luke and Sophy are concealing a few secrets, too. By a strange twist of fate, a Harper and a Wells have no choice but to trust each other and the fierce attraction that is binding them as surely as the pact between the families.

Thoughts on The Shop on Hidden Lane: A new set of families have been introduced into the psychic shenanigans and coverups swirling around the Bluestone Project and the Harpers and Wells have HISTORY. Fortunately for everyone, that history is exactly what's needed to take care of business.

But first! Sophy and Luke. She can read paranormal energy (amongst other things) and he's sporting some serious self-doubt thanks to a relationship gone sour. To be fair, there were extenuating circumstances as to why that relationship turned. Also to be fair, Sophy's approach to relationships doesn't leave her with a lot of second dates. These two aren't thrilled to be working together, but the nature of what they're dealing with doesn't leave them with any other choices.

So they start looking into the murder and disappearance of their respective family members and soon they're knee-deep in secrets that were supposed to remain buried. They also have to pretend to be a couple as they follow the clues and pretending to be a couple isn't nearly as difficult as either thought it would be. Sure, they both have a few hang-ups and some issues they need to deal with on a personal level, but WHO DOESN'T??

A little betrayal, a very reluctant collaboration (that turns not-so-reluctant), a magnificent doggo, secrets, muses, a dangerous location, and a couple (eventually) who have to let go of their fears if they hope to save themselves and their family members. *thumbs up* all around.