Crystal Gardens

Ladies of Lantern Street, Book 1

By: Amanda Quick

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Novelist and professional companion Evangeline Ames has rented a cottage in the outskirts of Little Dixby, far from the London streets where she was recently attacked. Fascinated by the paranormal energy of nearby Crystal Gardens, she finds some pleasurable diversion in sneaking past the wall to explore the grounds. And when her life is threatened again, she instinctively goes to the gardens for safety.

Lucas Sebastian has never been one to ignore a lady in danger, even if she is trespassing on his property. Quickly disposing of her would-be assassin, he insists they keep the matter private. There is plenty of whispering about him already, with rumors of treasure buried under his garden, and occult botanical experiments performed by his uncle - who died of mysterious causes.

Immediately sensing each other’s psychic talents, as well as their mutual desire, Lucas and Evangeline find themselves with an even more pressing concern. Whoever tried to have her killed will try again. But who would want her dead?

With Evangeline’s skill for detection, and Lucas’s sense of the criminal mind, they soon discover that they share a common enemy. And as the dangerous energy emanating from Crystal Gardens grows stronger, they realize that to survive they must unearth what has been buried for too long.

©2012 Jayne Ann Krentz (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

loved this one

I enjoyed the story and especially the performance. it was very entertaining. I'm happy with it!

Entertaining Story, Grating Narrator

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I didn't like the beginning of the book. The author didn't do enough character development to make their behavior plausible. But the book got more interesting as the mystery plot line developed. I probably won't buy another book in the series, though, because the narrator was pretty bad.

How could the performance have been better?

The narrator's voice was distracting. Her British accent was so, so bad, and she uses too much vocal fry.

Great story so-so narration

If you could sum up Crystal Gardens in three words, what would they be?

Great new series

What did you like best about this story?

story line

Would you be willing to try another one of Justine Eyre’s performances?

no

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Any additional comments?

Love Amanda Quick books but this narrator did not do the book justice. British accent too obviously fake, very melodramatic.

Paranormal romantic suspense in Victorian England

A very nice reading by a voice actress. I like and love all of Jayne Ann Krentz, Jayne Castle, and Amanda Quick novels. I did not discover her until she had been writing awhile. Now she is a "must buy" for me since I love rereading (or relistening to) all her books. I like that her heroes and heroines are imperfect people (not Prince Charmings and great beauties) because we humans are all imperfect. I like the fact that they are not young adults. I like the fact that her heroines are generally strong women, not weeping pots or clinging vines. I like the witty dialog between characters. I also enjoy the minor characters she adds to her novels. I like her emphasis on loyalty between characters and growing honesty between them as their relationships develop. Her novels always have happy endings. When I am reading or listening for escapism enjoyment, I always require a happy ending. I have a STEM background so I enjoy the sometimes scientific bent of her novels. Even her paranormal novels have a scientific bent. The creepy crystal gardens in this story are an interesting element, a sort of botanical character in the novel. They remind me of the creepy garden in her futuristic paranormal novel titled Zinnia, another favorite ( in print and kindle only--No audio version, alas).

Excellent

Justine Eyre does an exceptional job! Too many times the performance of the narrator can ruin a book, but she (Justine Eyre) brings this story to life!

great

narrator was good and I love all of the author's books under all three names.

Good book

I don't usually listen romances but I love Amanda Quick's books. they add a bit of spice and mystery to their stories.

Phenomenal story

So exciting. The plot is amazing and the characters so well developed. The story makes you want to stay up until you finish the entire book. Well done

My favorite Amanda Quick book yet

I could listen to it again and again. Miss Eyre does a good job with all the voices.

Another good one

I like the Quick paranormal romances and was happy to find this one after finishing up the arcane series regency entries — don’t like the modern ones. Typical story but fund as usual.