I enjoyed this next adventure in this series. Lyra and Simon go from one adventure into another. I didn’t want to stop reading the book waiting to see what the two of them got into next. It brought in people from the last book but was basically the interesting adventures of Simon and Lyra. I would recommend this book to others.

Raina has found a [lace in Burning Cove but a phone call brings back her past and she leaves her apprentice Lyra in charge of her private detective business. Lyra doesn't quite know what to do, especially when she needs to find her boss. What is going on at the spa Raina disappeared from? A story of friendship and finding your own path. Plus the characters from the previous Burning Cove novels play a part in helping to find Raina.

Another winner for the Burning Cove series for me! I wish I could get more than one book a year from this series. I love the whole old black and white 1930's movie vibes all of the books in this series gives. They're all so retro and fun.

This book kept me on my toes. It was fun, yet suspenseful. It had the traditional love interest thrown in like all the others that kept it even more interesting. I watched the whole book play out in my head as I read it.

I will say that it's weird that I am in love with this series versus the author's other works under Jayne Ann Krenz. For some reason, I can't get into the JAK books, but the Amanda Quick books keep me wanting more. Even though they're written by the same person, they have totally different vibes and writing styles.

If you haven't picked up this series, I highly you suggest going and picking up all of the books and bingeing them from the start!

All books by this author are fun reads. I love the strong, smart women roles. The stories are always engaging and suspenseful. You will notice characters from previous books which help to make a cohesive community. Well worth your time.

As always Amanda Quick does not disappoint.
This was a good storyline a little less paranormal aspects as her previous booms in the series and a wonderful characters.
I love everything this author writes!

JAK is one of my guilty pleasure authors in all of her pseudonyms. I was hesitant when I first heard about her moving from regency romance to the 1930s, but I have been very happily surprised by how much I am enjoying the Burning Cove series. Each title, while yes, formulaic, gets stronger, in my opinion. I was also happy to see a glimpse of characters from her previous Burning Cove novels - not just Luther, Raina, Irene and Oliver. I look forward to more Burning Cove books.

Classic Amanda Quick story line with not as much central focus on paranormal psychic storyline as some past storylines have been.. Past characters from the Burning Cove series are secondary characters. Lyra and Simon are perfect complements to each other with witty banter back and forth at times. The mystery and suspense keep you turning the pages to see what will happen next. Great read!

I have always liked Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz/Jayne Castle and I liked this addition to the Burning Cove novels - an interesting change from Regency historical romance to 1930s California. A bit formulaic, but then, I like her formula.

When I start reading a new book by Amanda Quick, I know I'm in for a wonderful day of immersing myself in a new adventure full of mystery, romance and paranormal suspense. This latest book in the Burning Cove series features Lyra, a new apprentice with an investigation firm, and Simon, an antiquarian book dealer with paranormal talents. When Lyra's boss, Raina, is kidnapped, Luther, her man and a highly connected underworld type figure, hires Simon and Lyra to find her. What follows is a twisted tale of blackmail and murder with paranormal elements. Lyra and Simon learn to trust each other and find their talents work well together in work as well as romance. Highly recommended.

4.5 Hearts
SJ, Romance Junkies

A historical romantic suspense that truly delivers, A LADY WITH A PAST is an engaging thrill ride from NYT bestseller Amanda Quick.

Lyra Brazier has just moved to Burning Cove, CA, and is an apprentice investigator to the enigmatic Raina Kirk. Raina has taken a chance on her, and Lyra is both glad and determined to do her best. But when her boss goes missing, Lyra finds that the investigative business is a lot tougher than she thought.

Raina's lover, a mysterious man with supposed ties to the underground, insists she take Simon Cage with her to find out what happened to Raina. So Lyra and Simon follow Raina's steps and go undercover at a resort and spa that is much more than it seems.

The pacing is terrific and the suspense intriguing as Lyra and Simon work together to find out what happened to Raina. Why have so many people gone missing? What did Raina intend to solve when she went to the spa? And how is Simon, a calm, mild-mannered, antiquarian book dealer so very good at confronting danger? Just who is this man who makes her heart race and can sense what normal people can't?

There's a hint of paranormal activity in THE LADY HAS A PAST, which only serves to heighten the action. Amanda Quick returns to the world of the glittering 20s and old glam Hollywood with this thrilling mystery that's at turns romantic, adventurous, and mysterious. Don't miss out! This is a killer of a great book!

THE LADY HAS A PAST is the newest entry in Amanda Quick's popular "Burning Cove" series. As always, the characters are well written and developed, even though the storyline wanders a bit, with too large a cast to keep up with. The tragic backstories serve a purpose instead of just being fuel for “tortured soul” as a sub for personality. The mystery is just that, a solid mystery with enough moving parts to keep it interesting. There is a dash of action, some intrigue and sizzling romance. The plot directly references some classic action-romance movies, but in a way that is fun and not derivative.

One reads Amanda Quick because you know just what you are going to get, in the best possible way. This continuation of the Burning Cove series delivers a Quick classic and a delightful read.

The characters are well written and developed, even if Lyra herself is a bit naive. The tragic backstories serve a purpose instead of just being fuel for “tortured soul” as a sub for personality. The mystery is just that, a solid mystery with enough moving parts to keep it interesting. There is a dash of action, some intrigue and sizzling romance. The plot directly references some classic action-romance movies, but in a way that is fun and not derivative.

Fans of Quick’s work will be well pleased with this new release.

Continuing her series set in Burning Cove, we meet Lyra, an apprentice detective and Simon, a book dealer. They are soon thrust into a kidnapping, drug dealing and murder. Another fun read.

This art deco vibe series keeps getting better and better. I am not one to notice book covers much; this series's book covers captures my attention. The cover completely matches the main character featured in the latest Burning Cove suspense... Lyra Brazier. Her sister, Vivian, relocated and happily living in this eclectic town. Lyra figured she would give it a try after a disaster of an engagement and finally realizing her father would never hand the reins of his company over to her.

The story starts out with a catchy action scene. I'm immediately pulled into the story. For those who have not read the previous books in the series, Ms. Quick provides the right amount of background to allow this book to be read as a standalone. My recommendation is to still read the first 4 books because they are so delightful. I digress.

Lyra completely changes up her career plans from running a shipping business to... private investigation. This switch is interesting and Lyra really makes it work. Ms. Quick's writing experience really shows through here in her character building. Ms. Quick adds these little details and ties in the character's personal experiences to further develop them into a robust character. I am thrilled with Lyra's experience working for her father and learning about his administrative assistance's short hand. This bit of information helps her figure out a clue. These little details is what makes a story fleshed out and layered. It brings me such joy to learn little things about different professions too. Ms. Quick does a through job in her research and then expertly fits them into her stories.

This suspense flowed so smoothly. The interactions between Lyra and the supporting characters are witty and sharp. What I really like about Lyra is how empathetic she is to everyone. She knows her own mind and she is living life. This is a pleasure to read because this character uplifts and inspires. It could have easily been written a different way with Lyra's betroth's betrayal.

The sleuthing in this story is nicely done and added a few plot twist to make it interesting and not easily solved by the reader at the get go. Ms. Quick does a nice job of building the motive and creating believable conspiracy tying up multiple subplots neatly.

What surprise me and pleases me is having two romances in one book. Learning more about Raina and Luther is unexpected. I hope to see more of them. I look forward to the next book in this series. It will be another must read. This romantic suspense is recommended to readers who enjoy stories set in 1930s with a paranormal element.

Another Burning Cove hit from Ms Quick! This book was zippy in all the right places and Lyra is an amazing addition to the Burning Cive populace!

Lyra, newly arrived in Burning Cove and looking to "fill in her resume" as an "apprentice investigator" at Raina Kirk's agency. When Raina unexpectedly goes out of town, Lyra, Simon (in town on vacation) and Luther Pell track her to a spa/hotel. Lyra and Simon, posing on newlyweds, follow and quickly get a target on their back for asking too many question.

Another fun installment in the series with lots of characters from previous books showing up.

While this title has the same feel as Quick's other titles in the series, there were some unforeseen twists that kept the story intriguing, making it one of the author's better titles. While the title could be read as a stand alone, it wouldn't be nearly as interesting without knowledge of the supporting characters' stories.

Written with Quick's usual panache, but lately this series has just lost its way. The denouement happened 75% of the way through the book, there were a lot of superfluous characters and the plot meandered all over the place. I enjoyed reading it but just got more frustrated as the book goes on.

I feel like the author really wanted to have a book with Raina and Luther Pell- in fact, she's been trying to get to Raina and Luther for two books now-but instead she decided she had to get Lyra and Simon out of the way. Frankly, this would have been a better book if she's just given up on Lyra and Simon and written the book she wanted to write.

That said, Quick's legions of fans (including myself) would line up to read anything she writes, so, yes, buy it for your library.

Finally we get some backstory and a dash of mystery on the elusive Raina Kirk and her paramour, Luther Pell.. These gritty, stylish mysteries just keep getting better! As an aside, I had to go back and reread "Til Death Do Us Part" because the character of Jonathan Pell (Luther's grandfather, perhaps?) makes an appearance in that book! This newest installment of the Burning Cove series does not disappoint; plenty of thrills and witty banter make the pages turn quickly as the main characters, Simon and Lyra, race against time to find a kidnapped friend. Excellent read!

Another successful entry in the wonderful Burning Cove series. Although we saw some of Lyra in the last book, here she is the main female character. Immediately, there is a spark when she meets Simon, and together they solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Raina. Luther, Oliver, Irene and all the regulars are here. Highly recommend this title.