Garden of Lies
3 Stars

While an Amanda Quick book is almost guaranteed to provide a few hours of angst-free reading enjoyment, this one misses the mark.

The plot is a convoluted mess, the character development is uninspired, and the romance is lackluster.

There are simply too many confusing storylines that never form a cohesive whole and actually leave numerous questions unanswered. For example, Why was Brice afraid of Slater? or Why would Damon Cobb correspond with Anne and threaten his lucrative relationship with Valerie? or what happened to Judith revolting stepfather?These questions are just a taste of the unresolved issues in the book.

In terms of the characterization, both Slater and Ursula's backstories have been done to death in Quick's works. Similar to many of her heroes and heroines, Slater is dark and broody as a result of his experiences on the mysterious Fever island with its esoteric rituals, and Ursula is an independent and forthright woman who has reinvented herself. While they are definitely admirable in their own right, there is nothing about them to really engage the reader.

Finally, the romance is mundane. Slater and Ursula have little to no chemistry, and their interactions are missing the sensuality and banter that make many of Quick's couples so appealing. It is never really clear how or why they fall for each other.

Overall, readers looking for Amanda Quick's trademark writing style and characters will enjoy this despite the lack of originality. ( )

I haven't read an Amanda Quick book for a few years this one was very enjoyable ( )

Ursula Kern is mourning a colleague and a friend who recently died. She is also quite certain that Anne Clifton, the friend in question, didn't kill herself; she was murdered and Ursula set out to prove her point. What she didn't expect was that she would have help to do it, but archaeologist and adventurer Slater Roxton isn't letting Ursula put herself in danger without him by her side. The mysterious and attractive Slater will prove to be a great asset to Ursula as they try to find out the truth about Anne's death.

I felt that I need to read something a little less emotional draining after reading The Missing and the dead by Stuart McBride. I needed to read something that didn't leave me with an emptiness that you get when you read a book over several days that pull you in and when you're done you feel lost! So when I was asked a months or so back if I wanted to read an Amanda Quick book was I quick to answer yes. (Pun intended)

Anyway The Garden of Lies is the kind of book that I like to read when I need something a lighter, but not too light when I want a crime novel that will not leave me emotionally scarred or depressed.
Amanda Quick is one author that works for me when it comes to lighter fiction. Her books have, romance, mystery and crime set in a historical milieu and I love to read her books when I'm in need to be cheered up a bit.

The mystery isn't that spectacle in this book, nor is it that surprising, but it's enjoyable. It's true that I really didn't connect full heartily with the story and characters, but I liked Slater and Ursula. I like that Amanda Quick writes about independent women that are headstrong and stubborn that doesn't hesitate to confront people that tries to blackmail them (like in this book, Ursula isn't the right women to try to squeeze a few pounds from).

Thank you Piatkus for providing me with a free copy for an honest review! ( )

Terrific! Full of unexpected twists.

Great protagonist, wonderful romantic interest.

Suspense, Excitement, Page-Turning Bliss

A mystery/suspense/romance mashup. ( )

A typical Amanda Quick Novel.
Ursula is a strong female character who has definite opinions on most things. A spinster who sees the advantage of independence.
Slater Roxton is a bold adventurer who has had a life-altering experience.
Together they solve the murder mystery and in the process fall in love.
Most Amanda Quick follow along something similar. However her style of bringing the characters and story together is excellent ( )