'Til Death Do Us Part by Amanda Quick

'Til Death Do Us Part

by Amanda Quick

"The author of the New York Times bestseller Garden of Lies returns to Victorian London in an all-new novel of deadly obsession. Calista Langley operates an exclusive "introduction" agency in Victorian London, catering to respectable ladies and gentlemen who find themselves alone in the world. But now, a dangerously obsessed individual has begun sending her trinkets and gifts suitable only for those in deepest mourning--a black mirror, a funeral wreath, a ring set with black jet stone. Each is engraved with her initials. Desperate for help and fearing that the police will be of no assistance, Calista turns to Trent Hastings, a reclusive author of popular crime novels. Believing that Calista may be taking advantage of his lonely sister, who has become one of her clients, Trent doesn't trust her. Scarred by his past, he's learned to keep his emotions at bay, even as an instant attraction threatens his resolve. But as Trent and Calista comb through files of rejected clients in hopes of identifying her tormentor, it becomes clear that the danger may be coming from Calista's own secret past--and that only her death will satisfy the stalker."--

Reviewed by e_rodz_leb on

4 of 5 stars

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Quite the Novel Idea http://quitethenovelidea.com http://quitethenovelidea.com/liza-reviews-til-death-us-part-amanda-quick/Once upon a time - before I began reading YA in earnest - I read a LOT of historical romance. One of my beloved authors of that genre is Amanda Quick (she also writes contemporary romances under Jane Ann Krentz). I was so excited when I saw 'Til Death Do Us Part in Netgalley and I thank Berkley for the approval :) I read this one as soon as I got it and loved it!

Many of Amanda Quick's historical romances take place in the regency era, but 'Til Death Do Us Part is Victorian and a little darker than some of her books. It is essentially a Gothic novel with some morbid elements such as memeto mori. These are items like pictures, bells, and rings with the purpose of commemorate someone's death. Different is good in this case!

Calista and her brother brother inherited a mammoth of a house from their grandmother, but not the means to maintain it and thus she comes up with the idea of an "introduction" agency. In other words, she interviews single people that are looking for companionship and then makes monthly events in her house in which like-minded individuals are introduced to each other. One of her clients is Trent's sister and that's the reason he wants to meet Calista. However, Calista is dealing with a very disturbing series of events that seems to indicate that she's being stalked by a madman that is leaving creepy items with her initials that are meant for death people.

Trent Hastings is a famous author of crime novels (sort of like Sherlock Holmes) and he happens to be visiting Calista just when she receives one of the offending objects. Trent is intrigued by her and the strength that he finds in her and he offers his help on finding the culprit. What follows is a great game of cat and mouse. I have to confess that I did not suspect who the culprit was or the reason until almost the end. The whole plot was so well thought out and frankly amazing.

Our main characters, Calista and Trent were so good, both separately and together. They are strong characters, survivors of trauma, loyal, oldest siblings taking care of their family and breadwinners. Together, they become even stronger, even if they are not perfect. Their attraction to each other is undeniable, and given that Calista has given up on love, they take it a step further. There is certainly romance, but not the flowery kind.

Can you tell that I love 'Til Death Do Us Part? I hope you can and that if you are a historical romance fan, you give this book a chance. Amanda Quick is still - after all this years - a magnificent writer.




This review was originally posted on Quite the Novel Idea

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  • Started reading
  • 1 February, 2016: Finished reading
  • 1 February, 2016: Reviewed