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.

Narration undermined the story

Justine Eyre's narration provides an overtone and undertone to every character that makes them sound dark and somewhat vicious. Inevitably, her style undercuts my enjoyment of whatever she has recorded.

I found the novel to be as well constructed as other Amanda Quick / Jane Ann Krentz books. The
characters would have been more interesting with a different narrator.

Great Mystery

I really enjoyed this particular book by Amanda Quick. I have either listened or read most of her books. Am finding myself re-reading her books because I enjoy them so much. Please keep writing.

One of my favorites

This story is one of my favorites. I’ve read it in paperback and decided to get it in audiobooks. I enjoyed the performance of all the characters in the the story. I enjoyed listening to books while I drive, so I will probably listen to this one again.

Paranormal romantic mystery

This is a pretty typical Amanda Quick novel, which I appreciate very much. I like the strength of her female characters and the clash/chemistry with her male protagonists. But AQ was the author who tempted me back into this genre a couple of years ago, after I refused to read historical romance for 35 years because of the rape plot device so many used back when I first started reading adult novels (which was in my early teens so, really, I'm not that old.) In Crystal Gardens: A Ladies of Lantern Street Novel, Evangeline is a woman with a paranormal power had which lead to an attack after a case,so the agency which employs her sends her to rusticate and recuperate. Of course, there are a couple of different mysteries to solve and personal issues with Lucas, the owner of the Crystal Gardens, a vortex of paranormal power. I have avoided most books described as "paranormal" recently because they usually involve characters I just can't accept, such as vampires, werewolves, demons, and the like, being featured as romantic heroes. I guess I am too old for some things. I read a lot of fantasy in my teens from authors such as Marion Zimmer Bradley, Anne McCaffry, and Mercedes Lackey, so magic and psychic powers are more in my comfort zone as paranormal, and this novel is more in that realm. As for the narrator, it takes me a while to be comfortable with Justine Eyre, but I wouldn't avoid listening to a book because she narrated. She isn't my one of my favorites, but they can't do everything I want to hear. The editing and production values are good as well.

Mystery Gardens~ 4 STAR fun

PLOT: the crystal gardens hold death and mystery

Companion Evangeline has a secret she is also a writer. After a killer shows up at her home she goes to the Crystal Gardens and the home of land lord HUNK Lucas Sebastion who saves her life. This couple have a psychic connection and the Gardens holds a clue to the power they both have. Lucas's "crazy uncle" experimented on plants and they hold the key to the secrets of the crystal gardens. This has a FEISTY HEROINE, sexy hero and lots of mental powers they both share. The Gardens hold mysterious killer plants which add to the SECRETS. this romance moves along very well. Good READER and VG story wth the mental energy of Evangeline and Lucas we have ONE the BEST Amanda Quick couples yet. I give this 4 STARS over all.

Great story and narrator

I like Amanda Quick novels and this is another winner! I saw some reviews that were not favorable to the narrator but I thought the narration was excellent. Definitely recommended!

I typically enjoy novels by Amanda Quick

When listening to an Amanda Quick novel I usually chuckle from time to time and enjoy the banter between the main characters. This story lacked the humor I have grown so fond of and was somewhat boring. I have a hard time pausing audiobooks, sometimes I drive around the block or walk an extra mile just to continue listening, not so much with this one. The story itself had potential, I just wasn't a fan of how it actually played out. If you haven't read one of her novels I certainly would suggest one, just not this one.

about my 8th reading/listen

i read/listen ever few months. i start with arcane & go thru every historical quick

A gem of a romance

A gentleman who hides himself in his library and his clandestine work meets a lady with an unconquerable spirit.

Crystal garden fantasy

Loved it, l enjoyed it very much. I have listened to it several times. A little different from my usual read. But quit an adventure. Mind trip.