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Arcane Society #10
In Too Deep
When Fallon Jones took over the family business, he moved Jones & Jones headquarters to Scargill Cove, a secluded coastal town in Northern California. The Cove suits him just fine, as a confirmed recluse . . . and as an investigator of the paranormal. The Cove is a hot spot, a convergence point for unusually strong currents of energy, which might explain why the town draws misfits and drifters like moths to a flame. Isabella Valdez is used to changing apartments, jobs, even names and Social Security numbers at the drop of a hat ― but this is too much. She’s been framed by some very dangerous men. They may be behind the disappearance of her grandmother. And now they’ve sent their thugs after Isabella. She would be dead if her gift of intuition hadn’t told her to run. So she’s fled to California ― and found employment with Fallon Jones. It’s been only a few days, but Fallon doesn’t remember life before his new assistant. Isabella’s already organized his pathologically chaotic office, and she doesn’t bat an eye at the psychic aspect of his job. She’s a kindred spirit, sanctuary from a world that considers his talents a form of madness. The surest sign that he’s falling for her? He doesn’t even mind her cheery personality. But after a routine case unearths an antique clock infused with dark energy, Fallon and Isabella are dragged into the secret history of Scargill Cove. Next thing they know, they’re fighting for their lives in an abandoned underground lab ― not exactly an ideal first date. Now their lives depend on the combined strength of their powers as they unravel a cutthroat conspiracy with roots in the Jones family business . . . and Isabella’s family tree.
Audio CD
First published December 1, 2010
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About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
400 books7,116 followersThe author of over 50 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 557 reviews
March 1, 2017
I absolutely loved this one!!! Fallon Jones is a intriguing character and I waited impatiently to see him get his happy ending. The wait was worth it.
The story was set in a small town of secretive people who loved debating conspiracy theories. Perfect for leads who are conspiracy experts in their own right.
Fallon heads J&J but he is close to burnout. He needs a miracle to organize his chaotic office but he has no hope. Isabella turns up at his door, will she be more than his assistant?
The book has several murders, infernal devices infused with dark energy and mysterious alien artifacts. The Burning Lamp Returns....Terrific
The best part was the back and forth between Fallon and Isabella. It was dry, witty and incredibly sweet at times. Fallon was an old school guy - romantic, protective and thoughtful. Isabella believed in living off the grid and was on a former employers hit list. A drug lord may or may not be involved.
I really enjoyed this but my tablet protested and devoured all my quotes. Hope I can recover those soon.
If you enjoy Jayne Ann Krentz, this is a must read for you and will definitely become a favorite.
The story was set in a small town of secretive people who loved debating conspiracy theories. Perfect for leads who are conspiracy experts in their own right.
Fallon heads J&J but he is close to burnout. He needs a miracle to organize his chaotic office but he has no hope. Isabella turns up at his door, will she be more than his assistant?
The book has several murders, infernal devices infused with dark energy and mysterious alien artifacts. The Burning Lamp Returns....Terrific
The best part was the back and forth between Fallon and Isabella. It was dry, witty and incredibly sweet at times. Fallon was an old school guy - romantic, protective and thoughtful. Isabella believed in living off the grid and was on a former employers hit list. A drug lord may or may not be involved.
I really enjoyed this but my tablet protested and devoured all my quotes. Hope I can recover those soon.
If you enjoy Jayne Ann Krentz, this is a must read for you and will definitely become a favorite.
February 22, 2015
I'm a huge fan of the Arcane Society Series and I enjoyed reading Fallon's story.
Sweet love story with a dash of the paranormal, which forms part of the series.
Nicely paced with lots of twists, turns and surprises, set in a really interesting little town....secrets abound!!!!!
I really like the way this series has evolved and I hope there are some more stories coming soon.
Sweet love story with a dash of the paranormal, which forms part of the series.
Nicely paced with lots of twists, turns and surprises, set in a really interesting little town....secrets abound!!!!!
I really like the way this series has evolved and I hope there are some more stories coming soon.
July 2, 2017
4.5 Stars
It was lovely to see Fallon Jones fall in love <3 Couldn't have imagined a more suitable heroine for him than Isabella and the story that bought them together? Perfecto !
I guess,One way to make a famous conspiracy theorist fall in love with you is by being a conspiracy theory yourself. ;)
Would recommend for all Arcane fans !
It was lovely to see Fallon Jones fall in love <3 Couldn't have imagined a more suitable heroine for him than Isabella and the story that bought them together? Perfecto !
I guess,One way to make a famous conspiracy theorist fall in love with you is by being a conspiracy theory yourself. ;)
Would recommend for all Arcane fans !
January 3, 2011
Multiple mysteries are investigated. Some felt incomplete. Not enough relationship interaction and development.
BACKGROUND & STORY BRIEF:
Fallon Jones’ continuing enemy is Nightshade. When one Nightshade leader is killed, another replaces him. Nightshade consists of several independent groups that make drugs to enhance psychic abilities. Fallon and his partners/buddies had some success against Nightshade groups in prior books with more to come in future books. This book is about other bad guys, with a minor role for Nightshade.
The characters in the Arcane Society books have a wide variety of psychic talents. Fallon sees patterns inside of chaos which helps uncover conspiracies. He can also send power that kills. Isabella finds lost things – people, bodies, objects. In this book, Isabella comes to Fallon and gets a job as his office manager. Together they solve at least four different mysteries/questions. Each mystery has something to do with a mechanical object like a lantern, doll, clock, etc. The objects have different powers, for example to kill or make someone unconscious.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The story starts off interesting with Isabella on the run and two thugs chasing her. But after that, there is not enough interesting action. Isabella and/or Fallon interact with a bad guy, the bad guy then confesses or tells them what he has been doing, and it is solved. This happened for each mystery. It had the feeling of telling, not showing – because there were long explanations about PAST EVENTS. I didn’t get to experience bad guys and good guys doing things and feeling things. Also there was too much dabbling in different places – like the author was grabbing unrelated stories out of the air. By the end, some of the mysteries didn’t feel complete. They weren’t explained enough.
There was some good action, just not enough. For example Isabella used her power a few times to get out of trouble. I also enjoyed a conversation Isabella had at a cocktail party where she defended Fallon and likened him to Sherlock Holmes.
When I was at 75% of the book, I felt like I was waiting for the story to take off - for things to start happening. It’s not that I wanted it to be over, but more like when is it going to get good? A couple of times I was bored when the author went into lengthy technical descriptions about psychic influences, for example: why different geographical areas have different psychic energies.
I hoped for interesting romantic relationship development, which I did not find. There was no back and forth, witty dialogue, or conflicting personalities. No one grew or changed. Isabella just came into Fallon’s life and was a good thing for him.
OTHER BOOKS:
I’ve read 5 Arcane Society books. I enjoyed two of the earlier books: “Running Hot” and “Sizzle and Burn.” But the most recent two books “Fired Up” and “In Too Deep” just fizzled for me. I gave 5 stars to two of her non-Arcane Society books: “Trust Me” and “All Night Long.” Those two are favorites.
DATA:
Story length: 324 pages. Swearing language: moderate. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 3. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 5. Setting: current day California and Arizona. Copyright: 2010. Genre: paranormal romantic mystery.
BACKGROUND & STORY BRIEF:
Fallon Jones’ continuing enemy is Nightshade. When one Nightshade leader is killed, another replaces him. Nightshade consists of several independent groups that make drugs to enhance psychic abilities. Fallon and his partners/buddies had some success against Nightshade groups in prior books with more to come in future books. This book is about other bad guys, with a minor role for Nightshade.
The characters in the Arcane Society books have a wide variety of psychic talents. Fallon sees patterns inside of chaos which helps uncover conspiracies. He can also send power that kills. Isabella finds lost things – people, bodies, objects. In this book, Isabella comes to Fallon and gets a job as his office manager. Together they solve at least four different mysteries/questions. Each mystery has something to do with a mechanical object like a lantern, doll, clock, etc. The objects have different powers, for example to kill or make someone unconscious.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The story starts off interesting with Isabella on the run and two thugs chasing her. But after that, there is not enough interesting action. Isabella and/or Fallon interact with a bad guy, the bad guy then confesses or tells them what he has been doing, and it is solved. This happened for each mystery. It had the feeling of telling, not showing – because there were long explanations about PAST EVENTS. I didn’t get to experience bad guys and good guys doing things and feeling things. Also there was too much dabbling in different places – like the author was grabbing unrelated stories out of the air. By the end, some of the mysteries didn’t feel complete. They weren’t explained enough.
There was some good action, just not enough. For example Isabella used her power a few times to get out of trouble. I also enjoyed a conversation Isabella had at a cocktail party where she defended Fallon and likened him to Sherlock Holmes.
When I was at 75% of the book, I felt like I was waiting for the story to take off - for things to start happening. It’s not that I wanted it to be over, but more like when is it going to get good? A couple of times I was bored when the author went into lengthy technical descriptions about psychic influences, for example: why different geographical areas have different psychic energies.
I hoped for interesting romantic relationship development, which I did not find. There was no back and forth, witty dialogue, or conflicting personalities. No one grew or changed. Isabella just came into Fallon’s life and was a good thing for him.
OTHER BOOKS:
I’ve read 5 Arcane Society books. I enjoyed two of the earlier books: “Running Hot” and “Sizzle and Burn.” But the most recent two books “Fired Up” and “In Too Deep” just fizzled for me. I gave 5 stars to two of her non-Arcane Society books: “Trust Me” and “All Night Long.” Those two are favorites.
DATA:
Story length: 324 pages. Swearing language: moderate. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 3. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 5. Setting: current day California and Arizona. Copyright: 2010. Genre: paranormal romantic mystery.
January 20, 2011
Comfort food. I like the Arcane series. When I was deciding which book to bring home from work yesterday, I chose this one exactly because I knew what I would be getting. No having to figure out a new mythos, no wondering what the heck was going on. No wondering if the book was going to be a total dud. JAK is a solid writer and her stories all have a similar feel. I like the mechanics of her writing. I like the way the stories evolve.
I do like the contemporary ones in the Arcane series best. I have been waiting for Fallon's story for quite a while. It was fun to see him trying to figure out how to have a relationship although I would have liked to see him from the first instant of meeting Isabella. I like the new evil mechanical toys that seem as if they are going to be the focus of this new set of books.
This one was solidly written. The romance was sweet although there are some love scenes. If you're a fan of the Arcane series, you should like this one.
I do like the contemporary ones in the Arcane series best. I have been waiting for Fallon's story for quite a while. It was fun to see him trying to figure out how to have a relationship although I would have liked to see him from the first instant of meeting Isabella. I like the new evil mechanical toys that seem as if they are going to be the focus of this new set of books.
This one was solidly written. The romance was sweet although there are some love scenes. If you're a fan of the Arcane series, you should like this one.
March 1, 2017
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved this one!!! Fallon Jones is a intriguing character and I waited impatiently to see him get his happy ending. The wait was worth it.
The story was set in a small town of secretive people who loved debating conspiracy theories. Perfect for leads who are conspiracy experts in their own right.
Fallon heads J&J but he is close to burnout. He needs a miracle to organize his chaotic office but he has no hope. Isabella turns up at his door, will she be more than his assistant?
The book has several murders, infernal devices infused with dark energy and mysterious alien artifacts. The Burning Lamp Returns....Terrific
The best part was the back and forth between Fallon and Isabella. It was dry, witty and incredibly sweet at times. Fallon was an old school guy - romantic, protective and thoughtful. Isabella believed in living off the grid and was on a former employers hit list. A drug lord may or may not be involved.
I really enjoyed this but my tablet protested and devoured all my quotes. Hope I can recover those soon.
If you enjoy Jayne Ann Krentz, this is a must read for you and will definitely become a favorite.
I absolutely loved this one!!! Fallon Jones is a intriguing character and I waited impatiently to see him get his happy ending. The wait was worth it.
The story was set in a small town of secretive people who loved debating conspiracy theories. Perfect for leads who are conspiracy experts in their own right.
Fallon heads J&J but he is close to burnout. He needs a miracle to organize his chaotic office but he has no hope. Isabella turns up at his door, will she be more than his assistant?
The book has several murders, infernal devices infused with dark energy and mysterious alien artifacts. The Burning Lamp Returns....Terrific
The best part was the back and forth between Fallon and Isabella. It was dry, witty and incredibly sweet at times. Fallon was an old school guy - romantic, protective and thoughtful. Isabella believed in living off the grid and was on a former employers hit list. A drug lord may or may not be involved.
I really enjoyed this but my tablet protested and devoured all my quotes. Hope I can recover those soon.
If you enjoy Jayne Ann Krentz, this is a must read for you and will definitely become a favorite.
November 4, 2018
I loved this Arcane Society book! Fallon Jones and Isabella Valdez were perfect for each other. The myriad of residents of the tiny, hidden town were a hoot! The murders/mysteries were interesting, but the characters drove the book. Just fantastic!
July 28, 2019
4.5 stars
November 15, 2024
This was quite a fun book. It's a bit different from most of the series in that no one is really chasing them - they're trying to figure out a complicated series of events from the past that is causing trouble today. I really enjoyed the heroine, Isabella, a quirky woman with spunk. The hero was interesting, too - definitely not your typical Romance hero but very likable. Years ago the actor Bob Newhart was known as the comedian with the "Button Down Mind"; that could describe Jones, too, (not the comedian part), though he's also pretty good in a fight.
I liked the fact that Isabella and Jones learned to appreciate each other the way they were and didn't expect perfection. They also worked together pretty well, which was good for the story. I thought the plot moved nicely and Walker's character added some heart - I wish we'd learned more about him. Plus you get to meet Arizona Snow! I wish there was a book about her, too. :) All in all it was a fun way to spend a couple of hours.
I liked the fact that Isabella and Jones learned to appreciate each other the way they were and didn't expect perfection. They also worked together pretty well, which was good for the story. I thought the plot moved nicely and Walker's character added some heart - I wish we'd learned more about him. Plus you get to meet Arizona Snow! I wish there was a book about her, too. :) All in all it was a fun way to spend a couple of hours.
August 4, 2011
I love my Jayne Ann Krentz and all the other names she writes under! In Too Deep was a fantastic ride as always! Murder, mystery, and a little psychic madness and of course a hot romance had me up all night. As always with her books I just can't put them down!
She has talked a lot about Fallon Jones in he other books, so I was very happy that it was finely his turn to fall in love and be saved by the love of a good woman!
She has talked a lot about Fallon Jones in he other books, so I was very happy that it was finely his turn to fall in love and be saved by the love of a good woman!
January 5, 2011
classic Krentz. Loved the continuation of the series, and individuality of the story line. Keep em coming!
November 18, 2024
I found this interesting and readable, although my emotions were never fully engaged.
Two prologues opened this book, and both made it very clear that the two main characters had paranormal “talents.” And this book contained a lot of explanation about characters with those paranormal talents, there’s a specialized vocabulary to label aspects of paranormal activity—I learned new words I’ll never use!—historical artifacts imbued with magical properties used for nefarious purposes are the MacGuffin, geographical locations called nexuses or vortexes with enhanced paranormal possibilities seem to have some relevance to the plot, and a host of other oddities occur. Intellectually engaging, yes. Emotionally engaging? Not very. The romance happened, but you’d need a microscope to see it.
Two prologues opened this book, and both made it very clear that the two main characters had paranormal “talents.” And this book contained a lot of explanation about characters with those paranormal talents, there’s a specialized vocabulary to label aspects of paranormal activity—I learned new words I’ll never use!—historical artifacts imbued with magical properties used for nefarious purposes are the MacGuffin, geographical locations called nexuses or vortexes with enhanced paranormal possibilities seem to have some relevance to the plot, and a host of other oddities occur. Intellectually engaging, yes. Emotionally engaging? Not very. The romance happened, but you’d need a microscope to see it.
January 20, 2011
3.5*
I didn't know whether to round up or down with this one. I know my ratings have gotten more lenient in the past year so I thought about it and decided, based on my earlier criteria for a 3 star read, this is closer to that than a four star. 3 star = average, enjoyable, worth the time, but nothing to make it unique. That fits this book fairly well.
I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the set-up for the next book(s). I thought the mystery and the characters in this book were interesting, although somewhat underdeveloped. While the relationship stays somewhat in the background, I appreciate that I don't have to read about over-reactive body parts every time the two protagonists are in the same room together. Having to stop the dialog or action for H/h to think about how their private parts are tingling/throbbing/etc., gets old. Some times I like my characters to be grown-ups and control their "parts." Krentz's characters do, more or less.
Overall, I was pleased with the book and plan to keep reading the series.
I didn't know whether to round up or down with this one. I know my ratings have gotten more lenient in the past year so I thought about it and decided, based on my earlier criteria for a 3 star read, this is closer to that than a four star. 3 star = average, enjoyable, worth the time, but nothing to make it unique. That fits this book fairly well.
I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the set-up for the next book(s). I thought the mystery and the characters in this book were interesting, although somewhat underdeveloped. While the relationship stays somewhat in the background, I appreciate that I don't have to read about over-reactive body parts every time the two protagonists are in the same room together. Having to stop the dialog or action for H/h to think about how their private parts are tingling/throbbing/etc., gets old. Some times I like my characters to be grown-ups and control their "parts." Krentz's characters do, more or less.
Overall, I was pleased with the book and plan to keep reading the series.
January 19, 2019
This was an enjoyable read. The book is a combination paranormal romantic suspense so it has action and mystery plot twists in a paranormal urban setting with romance thrown in by the two main characters.
October 23, 2019
I absolutely love Jayne Ann Krentz’s novels and “In Too Deep” is no exception. I found this book - upon rereading it - great fun to read! :D. “In Too Deep” is 1 of a 3 books in a series titled the “Looking Glass” trilogy. JAK has it listed as #1; followed by #2/Quicksilver - a Historical period book from the 1800’s; & ending with #3/Canyons of the Night - a fantasy period novel taking place at some time in the distant future. “The Scargill Files” is a novella that has the same characters as “In Too Deep” and was written to occur just before the opening of “In Too Deep.” Reading the novella isn’t necessary, but it is a fun, fast read that I feel adds to the MMC’s backstory in “ITD”. Each book in this trilogy can be read as a stand-alone but IMO it is much more fun to read the entire series. :D
The MMC In ITD is Fallon Jones. The Jones family members are all heavily gifted with “something extra” in their DNA (as are other families with Arcane society forefathers from the 1600’s). The “quirk” in their DNA provides them with various gifts and talents - extra intuitiveness, extra ability to make deductions & solve problems, a super ability to hypnotize others, detect lies in others, an extra talent for growing plants, etc. These talents can be and have been used for both good and evil. Fallon Jones is a psychic detective operating in a small town in northern CA. He solves problems involving such “gifted” persons that have decided to break laws and harm others. Isabella/FMC has a “finder” talent. She is organized by nature and is also unusually gifted to find items that have been lost, which makes her ideal for joining Fallon and assisting him in his growing private investigations.
A number of rogue talents have recently formed an organization called Nightshade, and are attempting to overpower the Jones family who would expose them. In addition, Isabella’s life has been threatened by an unknown individual. She believes she mistakenly saw evidence of a crime, and now the perpetrator wishes to eliminate her. “In Too Deep” is an adventure story that mixes lite paranormal/psychic abilities, romance & quirky humor into its theme.
Just an aside - When I read the Looking Glass trilogy, I swap the reading order of “Quicksilver” a Historical period novel with “In Too Deep”, which is a contemporary period novel, because it makes more sense to me - therefore reading “Quicksilver” first, the “Scargill Files” second, “In Too Deep” third, and “Canyons of the Night” last.
There are no witches, demons, shifters, vampires or any other paranormal creatures involved in Jayne Ann Krentz’s Arcane novels - of which this is one. There is sexual intimacy between the MCs that falls between Sweet and Steamy but I don’t recall any profanity.
The MMC In ITD is Fallon Jones. The Jones family members are all heavily gifted with “something extra” in their DNA (as are other families with Arcane society forefathers from the 1600’s). The “quirk” in their DNA provides them with various gifts and talents - extra intuitiveness, extra ability to make deductions & solve problems, a super ability to hypnotize others, detect lies in others, an extra talent for growing plants, etc. These talents can be and have been used for both good and evil. Fallon Jones is a psychic detective operating in a small town in northern CA. He solves problems involving such “gifted” persons that have decided to break laws and harm others. Isabella/FMC has a “finder” talent. She is organized by nature and is also unusually gifted to find items that have been lost, which makes her ideal for joining Fallon and assisting him in his growing private investigations.
A number of rogue talents have recently formed an organization called Nightshade, and are attempting to overpower the Jones family who would expose them. In addition, Isabella’s life has been threatened by an unknown individual. She believes she mistakenly saw evidence of a crime, and now the perpetrator wishes to eliminate her. “In Too Deep” is an adventure story that mixes lite paranormal/psychic abilities, romance & quirky humor into its theme.
Just an aside - When I read the Looking Glass trilogy, I swap the reading order of “Quicksilver” a Historical period novel with “In Too Deep”, which is a contemporary period novel, because it makes more sense to me - therefore reading “Quicksilver” first, the “Scargill Files” second, “In Too Deep” third, and “Canyons of the Night” last.
There are no witches, demons, shifters, vampires or any other paranormal creatures involved in Jayne Ann Krentz’s Arcane novels - of which this is one. There is sexual intimacy between the MCs that falls between Sweet and Steamy but I don’t recall any profanity.
November 3, 2023
We're digging into the unconventional lives of another of the Jones family and Fallon sort of hits all the eccentric buttons. In a good way, mind you. He's focused, a loner, and he's quick to find patterns and connections in chaos. Which is a definite plus considering both his line of work and what he and Isabella uncover in Scargill Cove.
As for Isabella, she's had her own sort of unconventional life. After an attempted kidnapping (among other things), she's found her way to Scargill Cove and Fallon Jones. Not unsurprisingly, she fits right in with the people in town and she's found a place in the office of J&J. Also not unsurprisingly, she stumbles onto something dangerous when she uses her own talents in the field.
Because secrets and lies and coverups and conspiracies can't stay hidden forever when a man who sees patterns and a lady who finds secrets team up.
A little danger, a lot of quirk, a steamy time between the sheets, and a whole lot of secrets being dragged into the light. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
As for Isabella, she's had her own sort of unconventional life. After an attempted kidnapping (among other things), she's found her way to Scargill Cove and Fallon Jones. Not unsurprisingly, she fits right in with the people in town and she's found a place in the office of J&J. Also not unsurprisingly, she stumbles onto something dangerous when she uses her own talents in the field.
Because secrets and lies and coverups and conspiracies can't stay hidden forever when a man who sees patterns and a lady who finds secrets team up.
A little danger, a lot of quirk, a steamy time between the sheets, and a whole lot of secrets being dragged into the light. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
February 18, 2015
Well, i think i liked it...back in the distant year of 2011 O_O
So distant, that i forgotten all about it!! Up until the day a friend showed me a copy, and i was like: Wait a minute, i know that cover!
Hum....
Runs back into the house and checks bookshelf:
Yes, i have it!!
Oh My God!! All that cheese is killing my brain cells!
Regarding the story...
yeah, i have to re-read it!
So distant, that i forgotten all about it!! Up until the day a friend showed me a copy, and i was like: Wait a minute, i know that cover!
Hum....
Runs back into the house and checks bookshelf:
Yes, i have it!!
Oh My God!! All that cheese is killing my brain cells!
Regarding the story...
yeah, i have to re-read it!
July 23, 2012
Once again Jayne has done an amazing job with her characters and plots. Always a GREAT read!
June 17, 2023
As usual a lovely lovely read.
Always a coming home feeling , returning to Fallon , Isabella and The Joneses.
A cozy read for all days.
Always a coming home feeling , returning to Fallon , Isabella and The Joneses.
A cozy read for all days.
December 29, 2016
Very good!
March 27, 2024
I listened to this in audio and liked the narrator and the story. I liked the hero (Fallon Jones) and heroine, and loved the tie at the end to a character seen in many JAK books.
December 17, 2011
I have a problem lately with the contemporaries in this series. I don't know why, there seems to be something missing. Don't ask me what, it's just a feeling. That doesn't mean I don't like books written by JAK, and that especially doesn't mean I didn't like this book. Because I did. A lot, I just wish it was written by her alter ego, I think it would've worked better as a historical.
Why? Because it had a rather Old World feel to me. First with Fallon's impeccable manners, his being a little of a throw-back into the Victorian era (the guy carried around a handkerchief, for crying out loud), second with Isabella - she too seemed a bit out of place in the particular time, and third with the setting, isolated, special...It all felt a bit Victorian, if you ask me. That's why everything else seemed a bit jarring when it intruded in this special, little world. The suspense, the intrigue, the change of setting...Somehow it didn't quite gel.
It wasn't the suspense that made this book work - though it wasn't bad, once I got past the "intrusion", but it were the two leads. In my opinion, this was the first Arcane contemporary, that concentrated more on the two leads than the suspense and the mystery. And it worked. I've been waiting for Fallon's story since the beginning. I was fascinated by this reclusive, mysterious character living like a hermit somewhere "in the wild". And I wasn't disappointed when his story has finally been told. From the beginning of the series I've been watching him through the eyes of others, now he finally got a voice of his own, and the recounting of others didn't do him justice. He was this utterly misunderstood soul, everybody thought he was going nuts, becoming a conspiracy theorist of the worst kind, and it took a real conspiracy theorist to enlighten Fallon and the rest of his family and coworkers, that the guy was as sane as they come, relying on logic and detective work to fuel his "conspiracy theories" instead of guess-work and blind luck.
Yep, it took a special woman to show the reader, Fallon and the world, just what a special kind of guy this hero was.
The rest was pretty much predictable - the romance part, I mean, since it was obvious in that one scene in Fired Up just where Fallon and Isabella were heading romance-wise. It's such a cliché, the whole boy-meets-girl-boy-falls-for-girl-and-vice-versa and its paranormal twist (their abilities are completely compatible, so thy must be soul-mates) even more so, but it works. Every single time it works.
The only unpredictable thing in this book was the suspense. The villain came out of the left field, the Nightshade is back in business (I've forgotten about them), and the Bridewell curiosities were a nice touch (I hope to read more about them in the second book in this trilogy). But the suspense was just a side-dish, a garnish for the story of Fallon and Isabella.
Why? Because it had a rather Old World feel to me. First with Fallon's impeccable manners, his being a little of a throw-back into the Victorian era (the guy carried around a handkerchief, for crying out loud), second with Isabella - she too seemed a bit out of place in the particular time, and third with the setting, isolated, special...It all felt a bit Victorian, if you ask me. That's why everything else seemed a bit jarring when it intruded in this special, little world. The suspense, the intrigue, the change of setting...Somehow it didn't quite gel.
It wasn't the suspense that made this book work - though it wasn't bad, once I got past the "intrusion", but it were the two leads. In my opinion, this was the first Arcane contemporary, that concentrated more on the two leads than the suspense and the mystery. And it worked. I've been waiting for Fallon's story since the beginning. I was fascinated by this reclusive, mysterious character living like a hermit somewhere "in the wild". And I wasn't disappointed when his story has finally been told. From the beginning of the series I've been watching him through the eyes of others, now he finally got a voice of his own, and the recounting of others didn't do him justice. He was this utterly misunderstood soul, everybody thought he was going nuts, becoming a conspiracy theorist of the worst kind, and it took a real conspiracy theorist to enlighten Fallon and the rest of his family and coworkers, that the guy was as sane as they come, relying on logic and detective work to fuel his "conspiracy theories" instead of guess-work and blind luck.
Yep, it took a special woman to show the reader, Fallon and the world, just what a special kind of guy this hero was.
The rest was pretty much predictable - the romance part, I mean, since it was obvious in that one scene in Fired Up just where Fallon and Isabella were heading romance-wise. It's such a cliché, the whole boy-meets-girl-boy-falls-for-girl-and-vice-versa and its paranormal twist (their abilities are completely compatible, so thy must be soul-mates) even more so, but it works. Every single time it works.
The only unpredictable thing in this book was the suspense. The villain came out of the left field, the Nightshade is back in business (I've forgotten about them), and the Bridewell curiosities were a nice touch (I hope to read more about them in the second book in this trilogy). But the suspense was just a side-dish, a garnish for the story of Fallon and Isabella.
June 27, 2012
Fallon Jones, a known recluse and investigator of the paranormal, operates his own agency known as J&J with his prime client the mysterious Arcane Society. Mr. Jones is not only directly related to the family who has historically controlled the Arcane Society, but is also well-known for his own paranormal gift of finding the patterns within the chaos of the universe around him. The only problem is that this "gift" which has passed down patriarchly through the Jones' has also led each of his predecessors eventually to madness. Fallon has kept himself as secluded as possible while continuing to pursue criminals in the paranormal society who pose a threat to all. This seclusion allows him to keep strict control of his paranormal gift and hold the madness @ bay. He has approached everything in his world with a stoic regard and logical reasoning. While this has worked well for protecting his mind and gift, it has also shrouded his heart in loneliness. Everything changes when Isabella Valdez arrives in Scargill Cove and walks through his office door looking for a job. Her quiet, warm energy engulfs everything and everyone around her allowing for a sense of peace and security in an atmosphere that heretofore has known only chaos and a cold cynacism. She becomes Fallon's kindred spirit balancing his negative energy with all of her positive. The duo become entangled in a life and death fight while unearthing a sinsiter plot to overthrow the Jones' family control of the Arcane Society. Within the dangers of the conspiracy they face, they also come face to face with their own deep physical and emotional passion for one another.
This is the first book in the "Looking Glass Trilogy" and it took me forever to find that this was the first book. I had bought the second book first which was written under a different author pen name, specifically, Amanda Quick. This first book is written under Jayne Ann Krentz, but both are the same author. I am not sure why the inconsistency, but it sure made it hard when looking for this first book. After all the time spent attempting and finally finding it, I must say, I was disappointed with the end result. This story has pulled, rather grudgingly, a 2.5 rating. I had difficulty getting into the story in the beginning. It was slow and a little boring, but then I have never been a big fan of mystery/adventures. The storyline did pick up the pace about 1/3 of the way through, but the romance portion was an utter flop! The relationship between the hero and heroine was just never able to sizzle, but seemed to sputter along at best. The sex scenes were superficial and quick, and more of what I would expect in a PG-13 movie (maybe). It had the typical happy ending, but I don't know that I ever really cared how it ended. I was just glad it ended! I still plan on reading book two, hoping the author will have been more inspired, since I have read a good story or two by both Jayne Ann Krentz and Amanda Quick.
This is the first book in the "Looking Glass Trilogy" and it took me forever to find that this was the first book. I had bought the second book first which was written under a different author pen name, specifically, Amanda Quick. This first book is written under Jayne Ann Krentz, but both are the same author. I am not sure why the inconsistency, but it sure made it hard when looking for this first book. After all the time spent attempting and finally finding it, I must say, I was disappointed with the end result. This story has pulled, rather grudgingly, a 2.5 rating. I had difficulty getting into the story in the beginning. It was slow and a little boring, but then I have never been a big fan of mystery/adventures. The storyline did pick up the pace about 1/3 of the way through, but the romance portion was an utter flop! The relationship between the hero and heroine was just never able to sizzle, but seemed to sputter along at best. The sex scenes were superficial and quick, and more of what I would expect in a PG-13 movie (maybe). It had the typical happy ending, but I don't know that I ever really cared how it ended. I was just glad it ended! I still plan on reading book two, hoping the author will have been more inspired, since I have read a good story or two by both Jayne Ann Krentz and Amanda Quick.
January 15, 2015
3.75 rounded up, because although it's formulaic, I quite enjoyed this PNR romantic suspense. In Scargill Cove, California, paranormal investigator Fallon Jones, a misfit and confirmed recluse, finds himself bowled over by his new administrative assistant, Isabella Valdez. She came to the Cove to hide and decided to stay. But danger still stalks her, and new mysteries crop up on the job, including antique clockwork machines and dolls infused with dark energy. Soon, the secret history of Scargill Cove comes to the surface, old Arcane conspiracies rear their hoary heads, and Isabella and Fallon must explore and expand their psychic talents to keep ahead of the killers.
This book opens the Looking Glass series, but it's #10 in the Arcane Society series.
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Backstory about the Arcane Society series, copied from the GR page:
"The Arcane Society was founded in the late 1600s by a brilliant, reclusive, paranoid alchemist named Sylvester Jones. Jones possessed some unusual paranormal talents and he devoted his life to secret research in the field. He conducted his experiments and recorded the results in a fortress-like laboratory that eventually became his tomb.
The laboratory-tomb of Sylvester the Alchemist was finally discovered and excavated in the Late Victorian era by two of his descendents, Gabriel and Caleb Jones. The alchemist’s most dangerous secret was a formula that Sylvester believed could enhance a person’s psychic abilities and make the user extremely powerful. The stuff worked but, as Gabriel Jones learns in SECOND SIGHT, it produces some terrifying side effects.
Over the years the Arcane Society has gone to great lengths to conceal the secret of Sylvester’s formula but it haunts the Society and the Jones family to this day.
The Society has other dark mysteries as well, among them an eerie collection of museums that house strange artifacts and relics linked to the arcane and the paranormal. There is also a research facility where studies and experiments involving psychic phenomena are carried out.
This book opens the Looking Glass series, but it's #10 in the Arcane Society series.
************
Backstory about the Arcane Society series, copied from the GR page:
"The Arcane Society was founded in the late 1600s by a brilliant, reclusive, paranoid alchemist named Sylvester Jones. Jones possessed some unusual paranormal talents and he devoted his life to secret research in the field. He conducted his experiments and recorded the results in a fortress-like laboratory that eventually became his tomb.
The laboratory-tomb of Sylvester the Alchemist was finally discovered and excavated in the Late Victorian era by two of his descendents, Gabriel and Caleb Jones. The alchemist’s most dangerous secret was a formula that Sylvester believed could enhance a person’s psychic abilities and make the user extremely powerful. The stuff worked but, as Gabriel Jones learns in SECOND SIGHT, it produces some terrifying side effects.
Over the years the Arcane Society has gone to great lengths to conceal the secret of Sylvester’s formula but it haunts the Society and the Jones family to this day.
The Society has other dark mysteries as well, among them an eerie collection of museums that house strange artifacts and relics linked to the arcane and the paranormal. There is also a research facility where studies and experiments involving psychic phenomena are carried out.
April 29, 2012
Isabella, conspiracy theorist on the run, meets Fallon of J&J, who helps her protect the world from paranormal weapons. Happening upon a Krentz/Quick book published after approximately 1998 is the most efficient method to make me hate myself for half a day. I know- I KNOW- that the hero and heroine will be identical to the last book. I KNOW that the paranormal world will become even more complicated and even less interesting than the previous book. I KNOW that the writing will be more tell and less show than the previous book. I KNOW that the plot will be two loners falling into bed, briefly battling some childhood-instilled stoicism, fighting a common paranormal enemy with their brilliant talents, with the hero's talents just slightly more brilliant, showy, and useful than the heroine's, learning that the common enemy is actually an obscure and seemingly innocuous character presented at the beginning, and talenting their way out of a late-in-the-game kidnapping or surprise attack. And yet, is there a second's worth of hesitation in my mind before I pick up the book and struggle through it? No. I can only dream that one day I will finally, finally learn my damn lesson.
April 4, 2011
The Arcane Society books are such comfort reads for me. This one was no different. They are like watching a favorite movie on a rainy day; you may know what's coming but that doesn't diminish your enjoyment of it. Like many, I've been waiting for Fallon's story. I was a bit disappointed that he and Isabella just fell into a relationship so quickly. I was expecting a little more fight from Fallon. But in the end I liked them as a couple and I loved that Isabella is the perfect counterpoint for Fallon's conspiracy theories but in a slightly different way than you'd expect. One weakness in this book is that I do think it spent too much time setting up future books, including the next Amanda Quick book. I think there was more talk about the villain from that story than the villain in this one. But overall, I found it an engaging read with likable characters.
September 12, 2018
Fallon is my favourite. He just is. Isabella is a bit too perfect, but in a way that's kind of fun. I mean, these books are all basically the same, SO.
I just enjoy Sacargill cove though. It's a fun dynamic.
One thing struck me while binge-reading these things though: Powerful psychic talents must have a disproportionate number of sons. Because the last names are all the same, and the similar talents seem to be inherited by the males (not always, but a lot of the time). Seriously, the number of families with similar talents that span generations... There Jones, Winters, Sweetwater, Stillwell, Hulsey, Harper, etc.
It's getting kind of hilarious is all I'm saying. I'm sad there don't seem to be any more in this world in this time period. My library doesn't seem to have the futuristic ones, and I'm no sure I care enough to track them down.
I just enjoy Sacargill cove though. It's a fun dynamic.
One thing struck me while binge-reading these things though: Powerful psychic talents must have a disproportionate number of sons. Because the last names are all the same, and the similar talents seem to be inherited by the males (not always, but a lot of the time). Seriously, the number of families with similar talents that span generations... There Jones, Winters, Sweetwater, Stillwell, Hulsey, Harper, etc.
It's getting kind of hilarious is all I'm saying. I'm sad there don't seem to be any more in this world in this time period. My library doesn't seem to have the futuristic ones, and I'm no sure I care enough to track them down.
January 10, 2011
While I have usually been entertained by Jayne Ann Krentz'a novels, I am starting to feel they are becoming tiresome. I miss the old Jayne Anne Krentz. I miss the plain romance without elements of the paranormal. The characters had more depth and you actually believed they were in love with each other. In the paranormal romances the characters never have a chance to fall in love or actually develop as characters because the plot is so focused on the paranormal world Krentz has created. Please Ms. Krentz go back to writing real romance novels.
January 6, 2011
I want to know how a desk jockey like Fallon Jones can exhibit the abs of the guy on the cover. Still, Fallon is one of my favorite characters in the contemp Arcane Society series so I was really looking forward to this one. Is Isabella worthy of him? I think so, even though she comes from a family even more prone to conspiracy theories than Fallon himself. I think I like Scargill Cove even more (could almost be Bolinas for the population of eccentrics). I also can't believe the author mentions Willow Creek without mentioning its claim to fame (Bigfoot capital).
March 31, 2013
So my original review of this book was too snarky. I must have been having a bad day. I'm still disappointed. I still think the paranormal stuff has gotten too complicated and that this book had too many plot lines that really only sort of resolved at the end. But I don't feel as hostile the second time through.
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