Second in a series after When all the Girls Have Gone, Promise Not to Tell is a good followup or standalone story. Suspenseful and interesting, the well written story keeps you interested until almost the end. The end is a set up for the next book, I think, and I look forward to that one, as well. Fans of Jayne Ann Krentz and new readers alike will enjoy this new series.

Virginia knows that her friend Hannah didn't kill herself. She finds PI Cabot is a person from her past and the right person to help her. Sequel to When All the Girls Are Gone. ARC from NetGalley.

Jayne Ann Krentz is a favorite author of mine and Promise Not To Tell is a stunner. It's gripping, suspenseful and intense with a darkly intriguing hero and a strong but damaged heroine.
When I read When All The Girls Have Gone I discovered that Max, the hero of the story had two other brothers. I wondered if those brothers would get a book and if this would be a series. Although part of the series, Promise Not To Tell can certainly be read as a standalone. This is Cabot's story. Cabot is one of Max's brothers. I loved the continuity of the characters. A brief visit with Max and Charlotte, and more of Anson Salinas who is their father.
Ms Krentz writes extremely likable but complex characters and there isn't a single character in the book I did not like. That even includes the bad guys with their evil agendas. As such, I loved Cabot. He's deep, dark, intense and fierce. He's also got a laser focus when it comes to dealing with the investigation and the crime they are trying to solve. I loved that the thought things through with an impressive thoroughness and he included Virginia in the investigation as an equal and a partner. While he has his demons from his traumatic childhood, he's pragmatic about his issues and he's learned to deal with them well. And he was very understanding of Virginia's issues too. He exhibited a kindness and patience with her borne of a shared trauma from the past and the mature acceptance of an adult.
As for Virginia, she's a woman with many issues. These issues stem from a trauma from her childhood and they have haunted her, caused anxiety and affected her relationships. And yet, in spite of all that, she has carved a life for herself with a successful career. Virginia has a strength in her which is admirable and a determination to find the truth which fires Cabot up. With Cabot, she is candid with the problems and she has a sense of freedom with someone who understands her. I loved that she was brave enough to face her weaknesses but also not let them get in her way.
This book has slightly darker overtones than the previous book but not so dark that it bothered me (I'm a wuss). Aside from that, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the suspense that had me by the throat right from the get-go. I think Jack's (Max's other brother) is next and I can't wait for that.

***I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review***

3.5 stars

This was a sturdy, stolid, no-frills romantic suspense that I enjoyed. I read it over a couple of days while I was juggling a trial and my kid's bday. But this book was easy to pick up when I had random moments. These kind of reviews of a book that's just good without the fireworks tend to sound disparaging, but that's not the vibe I want you to take from this. This is the kind of enjoyable, undemanding read that is perfect for when you want to read without being wrecked or dragged through the emotional muck. (With the holidays coming up I'll have enough family drama - I'm grateful to a steady read!)

<b>"Most men wouldn't know how to handle a woman like Virginia Troy. Sure, some would be damned interested at first, maybe even see her as a challenge. But he figured that, in the end, the average guy would run for the hills."</b>

<b>"Cabot was not the subtle type. What you saw was pretty much what you got".</b>

Virginia becomes suspicious of an acquaintance's suicide. She hires PI Cabot Sutter to help her look into it. Virginia and Cabot survived the same terrifying incident as children - so they have this intense childhood connection. Plus they both have boatloads of scars and hang-ups. Two odd people try to find their way through their own mess to one another while a murderer looms. It has twists, action and smooth writing. A guaranteed good time for me.

<b>"'Here's the bottom line. I know some of your secrets, Cabot Sutter. And you know some of mine. A long time ago you and I spent some time in hell together. We were both wounded while we were there but we both survived. I'd say that's reason enough for a kiss.'"</b>

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When the death of a friend reveals clues that an enemy from the past might have resurfaced, gallery owner Virginia Troy seeks the help of private investigator and childhood friend Cabot Sutter.
<u>Promise Not to Tell</u> has an intriguing back story, plenty of twists and turns, a nicely developed romantic relationship with plenty of heat and banter, and the perfect pacing that fans come to expect from a Krentz novel. In other words- it's a blast!

Synopsis: Virginia survived a fire her mother died in that was set by the leader of the cult that they belonged to. She now owns an art gallery, and has paintings by an artist who was also part of the cult. The artist dies, but manages to send Virginia a picture of her final painting. Virginia is convinced that the artist didn't die naturally, and hires a private investigator to check into it.
The firm that she hires is one that is co-owned by the man that rescued Virginia and 7 other children from that fire. Virginia was lucky enough to have grandparents that claimed her after her mother died, but other children weren't so lucky, and Anson, the man who rescued them, fostered three of the children. Cabot, one of those children, also works as a private investigator.
Because Cabot and his brothers and father don't believe that the cult leader is dead, they have kept up investigating the man for 22 years. When Virginia comes to them and believes that the artist was killed by Quinton Zane, they believe that it could be true. As Virginia and Cabot investigate the case, new clues and suspects pop up, putting everyone in danger.

What I liked: Virginia and Cabot weren't a "typical" couple, all golden and good looking and rich and perfect. I liked that they each had their own quirks, and that they understood each other and what the other person was going through. Cabot's relationship with his father was loving and solid, and I liked that they also respected each other. Cabot was very caring and thought things through, and supportive of his family and Virginia. Once he figured out that Virginia might be in danger, he tried not to leave her on her own. It was nice to have a couple who talked to each other, and who didn't just fall in to bed at the first opportunity.

What I didn't like: There were a lot of voices in this story, with everyone from the criminal to the foster father to the dog (there wasn't a dog) having a say.

Overall impression: I was not aware that this was the second book in a trilogy, but I did not feel as though I was missing anything by having not read the first book. This is a little different from the author's usual works, in that Virginia is much more contained than the heroine's usually are, but it was really well done. This was well written with an interesting mystery, and although the love happened really quickly, it didn't bother me, because it felt as though Virginia and Cabot actually got to know one another. The fact that they had a shared history might have had something to do with it.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy.

Did she commit suicide or was she murdered? A mystery to start out, and a mystery to end. I did not realize this was part 2 of a trilogy, and was shocked when the book ended. I will read the third because I want to have closure.

Virginia, an art dealer, questioning the suicide of one of her artists, seeks the help of a detective to look into it. She meets Cabot who, like her was a victim of a fire set by a leader of a cult to which their parents belonged. As they set about uncovering secrets of the cult members they also fall in love. The story moves quickly with many twists and turns, coincidences and surprises.

In usual Krentz style, this is a compelling and engaging read that will keep you wondering what's lurking around the next corner (or page). Once you discover this author, you will want to go back and read everything she's written. She has amazing continuity in her quality of writing and storytelling that is unparallelled.

Mystery, murder and suspense at its best! This is one book that is hard to put down. Lots of twists and turns with a surprise at the end. Can't wait to read the next in this series. Highly recommended!

Having read this author like forever with all three pen names I had not been able to read her for a while. When I came across this one I just had to so it could be said I was speedy in beginning this one. Like a person out in the desert that finally gets water is the way I settle in to this with the characters I right away latch onto. The opening sets the stage with many clues then you get to the nitty gritty. Virginia needs some help proving what she thinks happened so she turns to a agency that soon you find they have a common ground. Their background is so interesting I forget I am in a story and am lost to the world around me needing to know bit by bit. The weaving of the romance is done to fit them in the right moments of the mystery and mayhem. As events and bodies one by one you slowly become a deer in the headlights. If lover of intrigue then this is meat you chew and savor. Anyways I quickly devour and find it done way to soon for me. Better than expected and fully satisfied.

Gallery owner Virginia Troy hunts down Anton Salinas because of their shared history in the hopes that his private investigation firm will look into the death of one of her artists. But it’s his foster son Cabot who shares an even stronger tie and vows to look into the case that hinges on the shared horrors of their childhood. Loosely tied to last year’s When all the Girls Have Gone, this novel has all of the hallmarks of Krentz’s style—quirky characters, dry humor, a well-plotted mystery and a sexy romance. I’m very curious about the next book!

A great example of why Krentz is still popular. Her books have a lot of urgency and a nice connection between the characters, although the romance in this case seemed a little forced. A good story, though.

Suspenseful as always with Krentz. You can always count on her to give you a great ride in all her books

I have read almost every contemporary and historical fiction book by Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick and have absolutely loved them. Promise not to tell starts right away with a mystery on why exactly a artist would burn down her cabin and commit suicide. It is quickly found out she was one part of a cult 20 years ago and thinks she saw the cult leader again. Virginia cannot understand why her friend would have done this. Virginia was a child who lived in this cult and is dealing with her own issues of this and turns to Cabot another child who lived in the cult to help. Together they hope to unravel this mystery of death and fire. Krentz's books are ones I always look forward to and enjoy reading. This one though seemed to be one more book with the same flow of previous works. Granted I read it as an eBook but the story just seemed to go on much longer than needed between the wrap-up the mystery and surprise at the end of the story. I also usually enjoy the wittyness of the female main character but this time it seemed to be missing. This will not keep me from enjoying her novels though.

I did not know that this was book two of a trilogy, but it was good as a stand alone mystery. I also have never read Ms. Krentz so I was pleasantly surprised.

The book opens with an artist setting fire to her cabin after painting one last painting on the wall, knowing that the fire will consume it. She had a very traumatic childhood, being one of only a handful of children who were saved when a cult leader set fire to a barn housing all of the children. Hannah believed that “the monster”, Quentin Zane was alive and was coming for her. The police are not sure if she jumped off a nearby cliff or was pushed???

We are then quickly introduced to Virginia Troy, a Seattle art gallery owner who knew Hannah well, she is another survivor of the fire. Virginia is suspicious about the burning of her friend’s cabin and enlists the firm of Cutter, Sutten & Salinas, private investigators, to look into the case. Virginia has tracked down Anson Salinas as he saved her and the other children from the blazing inferno set by the cult leader Zane by crashing his truck through the barn and pulling the children into the truck and safety. Now she is here to discuss her friend’s death and what it can mean; is it a link to the past? Could Hannah just have gotten too depressed and took her own life? The other investigators, Sutten and Cutter were also survivors of the fire and Anson Salinas fostered them after the rescue, they are all very close. The firm agrees to take the case and Cabot is assigned to the case.

For me this book flowed at a steady pace from beginning to end. There were mysteries within mysteries and some romance which I felt believable in this story. I felt that Ms. Krentz was a masterful storyteller and described her characters very well. There are wonderful descriptions of Seattle and the surrounding areas, great writing. We are left at the end with the feeling that there will probably be another book, there is still a mystery to be solved and we don’t know whether Quentin Zane will insinuate himself into these women’s lives again.

All in all a very good read. I would suggest it to anyone who likes a good mystery solidly built on the stories of child survivors of a cult massacre. It was good and twisty, just the way I like my thrillers!

I was given an ARC of this book through the publisher and NetGalley.

Will also post to Amazon upon publication.

Liked this novel better than some of this authors most recent contemporary romances. The characters were unique, the plot was well-paced. Kept me interested until the end. Looking forward to more novels featuring some of these characters.

Once I would read anything by this author. I'm afraid her success has made her stories a bit too perfunctory and I found this one, while somewhat engaging, to be very predictable. She still does know how to compel a reader's attention, but then when the end arrives it feels a bit ho hum.

This was the first book by Jayne Ann Krentz that I have read, but it definitely won't be the last! This book got me hooked from the beginning and kept me guessing all the way through. I like the fact that this story gave me closure, but at the same time left the door open for more. Great read, highly recommend!!

When Virginia was a child, she was part of a cult. The leader took the life of her mother and tried to kill Virginia and the other children before he disappears. She has tried to put the past behind her and as an adult is the owner of an art gallery. A friend from her cult sends her a picture of her painting and apparently commits suicide. Virginia thinks that the cult leader has something to do with the death, so she hires a PI who was one of the children who was part of the cult. Together they try to find out if the cult leader is alive and trying to find an old stash of money. This is a second book in a series, but it feels like a stand alone. I enjoyed the suspense story and the romance. It was a fun read.