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Fogg Lake #3
Светкавица в огледалото
Те трябва да разкрият мистерията преди още невинни хора да са платили с живота си.
Експериментът на Оливия ЛеКлер с бързите срещи върви отчайващо зле. Първият кандидат за сърцето ѝ се оказва сериен убиец, който се опитва да отнеме и нейния живот. Тя обаче го неутрализира с помощта на паранормално оръжие. След това се появява отдавна смятаният за покойник Харлан Ранкурт. Загадъчният млад мъж обаче не е там, за да намери любовта, а защото се нуждае от помощта й.
Харлан е убеден, че Оливия, която получава видения, е оракул като баба си и че именно тя е ключът към разгадаването на мистериозното изчезване на тайна правителствена лаборатория. Но никой не знае каква е всъщност крайната цел на Харлан. Някога баща му е управлявал Фондацията като престъпна групировка, чийто наследник е трябвало да бъде синът му. Дали не се е завърнал, за да предяви претенции към наследството си?
Макар да си нямат доверие, Оливия и Харлан скоро разбират, че могат да разчитат единствено един на друг, за да оцелеят.
Експериментът на Оливия ЛеКлер с бързите срещи върви отчайващо зле. Първият кандидат за сърцето ѝ се оказва сериен убиец, който се опитва да отнеме и нейния живот. Тя обаче го неутрализира с помощта на паранормално оръжие. След това се появява отдавна смятаният за покойник Харлан Ранкурт. Загадъчният млад мъж обаче не е там, за да намери любовта, а защото се нуждае от помощта й.
Харлан е убеден, че Оливия, която получава видения, е оракул като баба си и че именно тя е ключът към разгадаването на мистериозното изчезване на тайна правителствена лаборатория. Но никой не знае каква е всъщност крайната цел на Харлан. Някога баща му е управлявал Фондацията като престъпна групировка, чийто наследник е трябвало да бъде синът му. Дали не се е завърнал, за да предяви претенции към наследството си?
Макар да си нямат доверие, Оливия и Харлан скоро разбират, че могат да разчитат единствено един на друг, за да оцелеят.
296 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2022
559 people are currently reading
1602 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
398 books7,192 followersThe author of over 50 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 482 reviews
March 4, 2022
Another excellent mystery thriller from Jayne Ann Krentz!!! I adored this couple so much! Harlan Rancourt is everything I love about men. He's mysterious, handsome and a very powerful talent. Many in the paranormal community called him a monster because of his illusion talent and the fact you don't see him coming till its too late. But with our bold and very outspoken heroine Olivia Leclair he hits all the right notes and is the only man who answers her one question correctly. And I quote: If I disappeared tomorrow would you walk into hell to find me? I think that will be my top question to any man I date from now on!!! Harlan and Olivia had amazing chemistry and they blended together perfectly. Together with a paranormal camera that hides the answers to who not only killed Olivia's mother but also knows were the vortex lab is hidden. Anything having to do with Fogg Lake and the hunt for the hidden vortex lab always leads to action and adventure and some really dangerous people like the smart and deadly Gwendolyn swan and her killing nurse doll.But theirs always time for a little romance as well. I love this series and the storytelling is awesome. Jayne Ann krentz books have that eerie Hitchcock atmospheric vibe that I love and can't get enough of. I've read almost every book this writer has written and including her other pen names Amanda quick and Jayne Castle. Her's were some of the first paranormal romances that got me hooked on this genre. This is the last book in the Fogg Lake series but I'm sure we haven't seen the last of some of these unique and intriguing secondary characters. Until next time Luv's💗💋
June 5, 2022
Little of interest in this story. 1 of 10 stars
December 20, 2021
As seen on www.mysteryandsuspense.com
Lightning in a Mirror” is the final instalment in Jayne Ann Krentz’s paranormal suspense series, “Fogg Lake”.
When Olivia LeClair meets Harlan Rancourt at a speed dating event, it does not go as planned. Harlan asks for Olivia’s help in finding the legendary Vortex labs, which houses secret paranormal information that could be dangerous in the wrong hands. Even though Olivia’s employers, a psychic investigation firm, believe that Harlan is after his legacy- the Foundation, and have hired her to find Harlan and kill him. Harlan promises Olivia that he knows who was behind the murder of her mother, so Olivia reluctantly agrees to help Harlan and seek revenge. As the two work together to find the mysterious Vortex labs and the dark forces behind it, Olivia’s supernatural powers become stronger and start to develop in ways she never expected.
“Lightning in a Mirror” has a paranormal “Jason Bourne” feel to it, full of secret agencies with dark secrets, desperate for power and willing to kill for it. As a psychic and presumed Oracle, Olivia uses her powers to read the auras of those around her, allowing her to understand their true intentions, whether they want her to or not. Harlan can disguise his true intentions (and his aura altogether) from others, making it difficult for Olivia to trust his plan. Then of course there’s Bluestone (the government foundation responsible for the development of the Vortex labs), and all of the evil that lies behind it.
Krentz ends this series with a powerful bang. Each page is full of tension and drama, and the paranormal element gave this novel an extra bit of intrigue. The story flows well, and the plot is chock full of twists and turns. Olivia and Harlan make a great pair, in more ways than one, and I rooted for them both from the start. Krentz’s other characters, both good and evil, are well-crafted, engaging the reader right from the very first page.
The ending of this novel, and the series itself, is full of Hollywood-movie action and suspense. I was left satisfied with the conclusion, and felt that Krentz had brought all of her characters full circle. She ended the novel, and the series itself, in exactly the right way. There were no unanswered questions, and each relationship had been formed and solidified.
It isn’t necessary to read the other Fogg Lake novels before reading this one, as the story is easy to follow and jump into, but it definitely is recommended for further background on the characters and the Bluestone Agency. For those unfamiliar with Krentz, she writes under various pseudonyms depending on the genre, but regardless of the name she uses- she can do no wrong. I loved the dark vibe of this novel, and I really hope Jayne Ann Krentz returns with another paranormal series very soon!
Lightning in a Mirror” is the final instalment in Jayne Ann Krentz’s paranormal suspense series, “Fogg Lake”.
When Olivia LeClair meets Harlan Rancourt at a speed dating event, it does not go as planned. Harlan asks for Olivia’s help in finding the legendary Vortex labs, which houses secret paranormal information that could be dangerous in the wrong hands. Even though Olivia’s employers, a psychic investigation firm, believe that Harlan is after his legacy- the Foundation, and have hired her to find Harlan and kill him. Harlan promises Olivia that he knows who was behind the murder of her mother, so Olivia reluctantly agrees to help Harlan and seek revenge. As the two work together to find the mysterious Vortex labs and the dark forces behind it, Olivia’s supernatural powers become stronger and start to develop in ways she never expected.
“Lightning in a Mirror” has a paranormal “Jason Bourne” feel to it, full of secret agencies with dark secrets, desperate for power and willing to kill for it. As a psychic and presumed Oracle, Olivia uses her powers to read the auras of those around her, allowing her to understand their true intentions, whether they want her to or not. Harlan can disguise his true intentions (and his aura altogether) from others, making it difficult for Olivia to trust his plan. Then of course there’s Bluestone (the government foundation responsible for the development of the Vortex labs), and all of the evil that lies behind it.
Krentz ends this series with a powerful bang. Each page is full of tension and drama, and the paranormal element gave this novel an extra bit of intrigue. The story flows well, and the plot is chock full of twists and turns. Olivia and Harlan make a great pair, in more ways than one, and I rooted for them both from the start. Krentz’s other characters, both good and evil, are well-crafted, engaging the reader right from the very first page.
The ending of this novel, and the series itself, is full of Hollywood-movie action and suspense. I was left satisfied with the conclusion, and felt that Krentz had brought all of her characters full circle. She ended the novel, and the series itself, in exactly the right way. There were no unanswered questions, and each relationship had been formed and solidified.
It isn’t necessary to read the other Fogg Lake novels before reading this one, as the story is easy to follow and jump into, but it definitely is recommended for further background on the characters and the Bluestone Agency. For those unfamiliar with Krentz, she writes under various pseudonyms depending on the genre, but regardless of the name she uses- she can do no wrong. I loved the dark vibe of this novel, and I really hope Jayne Ann Krentz returns with another paranormal series very soon!
November 19, 2021
This final installment in the Fogg Lake trilogy finds Olivia at a dissatisfying speed dating event in Seattle. A man sits down across from her and answers the odd question she's been asking prospective dates, then introduces himself as the man who can help her find her mother's murderer. She doesn't know whether or not to trust Harlan, but they seem to have similar goals--finding the secret of the fabled lab where paranormal experiments were conducted, and many went awry. They decide to work together, since it is literally a matter of life and death. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy.
March 25, 2022
4.6 stars
January 18, 2022
I was delighted we would finally learn about Harlan Rancourt, the mysterious son of the murdered foundation leader. The story also belongs to Olivia LeClair. She is an aura reader and Cat’s partner. They own a private investigator agency that has helped Victor Arganbright, the director of the Foundation.
Harlan comes out of hiding and asks Victor for help to find the Vortex Lab. Victor asks Olivia to assist him. The two meet in the middle of a speed dating session. It was an interesting meet cute.
As it typical of this genre, the romance is of the insta-love variety, but the two work well together and Krentz did a good job of building trust and making both their attraction and feelings feel genuine.
I loved the chase to find the Vortex lab and the villains we encounter. We spend some time in Fogg Lake and get to see both Olivia and Harlan’s unique gifts. Krentz ties threads from the first two books and answers questions regarding the artifact dealer, the secret labs and the attack on the former director.
The suspense and danger slowly built as learn more about the lab, the man running it and why he needs Olivia. The story pulled me in and held me captive, allowing the outside world to slip away.
I loved the mentions of the Jones family and others who collect these dangerous artifacts to keep the world safe. This series, while standalone, has ties to the Arcane Society books and Harmony series, that take place in the past, present, and future. They are written under her other names as well, Amanda Quick (historical) and Jayne Castle (futuristic).
While I was sad to see this trilogy end, Krentz wrapped things up but left just enough open to revisit the Foundation and Fogg Lake again. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Harlan comes out of hiding and asks Victor for help to find the Vortex Lab. Victor asks Olivia to assist him. The two meet in the middle of a speed dating session. It was an interesting meet cute.
As it typical of this genre, the romance is of the insta-love variety, but the two work well together and Krentz did a good job of building trust and making both their attraction and feelings feel genuine.
I loved the chase to find the Vortex lab and the villains we encounter. We spend some time in Fogg Lake and get to see both Olivia and Harlan’s unique gifts. Krentz ties threads from the first two books and answers questions regarding the artifact dealer, the secret labs and the attack on the former director.
The suspense and danger slowly built as learn more about the lab, the man running it and why he needs Olivia. The story pulled me in and held me captive, allowing the outside world to slip away.
I loved the mentions of the Jones family and others who collect these dangerous artifacts to keep the world safe. This series, while standalone, has ties to the Arcane Society books and Harmony series, that take place in the past, present, and future. They are written under her other names as well, Amanda Quick (historical) and Jayne Castle (futuristic).
While I was sad to see this trilogy end, Krentz wrapped things up but left just enough open to revisit the Foundation and Fogg Lake again. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 1, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because I'm a JAK die-hard fan and I'm glad she's still writing (even if she's lost a step or two).
This was a satisfactory conclusion to her paranormal-heavy Fogg Lake trilogy. Even though I had forgotten the particulars of the first two books (The Vanishing, All the Colors of Night) I quickly got up to speed with the general story arc as our two main characters became involved.
JAK usually gives the reader a competent heroine and Olivia LeClair certainly fits that description. Our hero, Harlan Rancourt is one of JAK's taciturn, semi-scary types. The author's standard theme of bringing together reluctant allies brought together to solve a mystery is at play here, to good effect.
I liked their interactions and the slow-burn romance.
I had no problem with all the paranormal goings-on. Over the years I've developed a fondness for the author's world of crystals, mirrors, and gadgetry with psychic powers, and the various good (and evil) people who wield them.
There wasn't really much of a mystery--This was a 'find the location of Evil Item X' sort of story, with a side portion of 'clearing up old mysteries'. There were a few interesting revelations out of the 'old business' category, along with hints of stories to come.
This is not a good place to start for a reader who is curious about this author's work. For that you'd need to go back to her earlier books, such as Trust Me.
This was a satisfactory conclusion to her paranormal-heavy Fogg Lake trilogy. Even though I had forgotten the particulars of the first two books (The Vanishing, All the Colors of Night) I quickly got up to speed with the general story arc as our two main characters became involved.
JAK usually gives the reader a competent heroine and Olivia LeClair certainly fits that description. Our hero, Harlan Rancourt is one of JAK's taciturn, semi-scary types. The author's standard theme of bringing together reluctant allies brought together to solve a mystery is at play here, to good effect.
I liked their interactions and the slow-burn romance.
I had no problem with all the paranormal goings-on. Over the years I've developed a fondness for the author's world of crystals, mirrors, and gadgetry with psychic powers, and the various good (and evil) people who wield them.
There wasn't really much of a mystery--This was a 'find the location of Evil Item X' sort of story, with a side portion of 'clearing up old mysteries'. There were a few interesting revelations out of the 'old business' category, along with hints of stories to come.
This is not a good place to start for a reader who is curious about this author's work. For that you'd need to go back to her earlier books, such as Trust Me.
April 2, 2022
This is third in a series and some plot and story arc carries over from the others. I recommend reading them in order.
Having read the others, you know what to expect with this one. And I have almost nothing else to add. Olivia is stronger than we've seen her, which is good. Harlan is about what I expected personality-wise, though I kind of like how his twist on the psychic turned out.
The love was even more insta in this one than the others, though still just as believable (i.e. barely and only because I wanted it to be). The story also establishes a direct tie to JAK's earlier stories with an explicit Jones & Jones tie-in, including . This is not a surprise.
I'm going with 3½ stars that I'll round up because it delivered on expectations in a pleasant way. Scant endorsement, I know, but if you're mostly a fan of Krentz, this is a decent story in that vein.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene putting this on the low end of my steam tolerance. As expected, it had more than a little woowoo tied in making it extra-extra.
Having read the others, you know what to expect with this one. And I have almost nothing else to add. Olivia is stronger than we've seen her, which is good. Harlan is about what I expected personality-wise, though I kind of like how his twist on the psychic turned out.
The love was even more insta in this one than the others, though still just as believable (i.e. barely and only because I wanted it to be). The story also establishes a direct tie to JAK's earlier stories with an explicit Jones & Jones tie-in, including . This is not a surprise.
I'm going with 3½ stars that I'll round up because it delivered on expectations in a pleasant way. Scant endorsement, I know, but if you're mostly a fan of Krentz, this is a decent story in that vein.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene putting this on the low end of my steam tolerance. As expected, it had more than a little woowoo tied in making it extra-extra.
February 4, 2022
Olivia LeClair finds herself in the middle of the search for the mysterious Vortex lab when Harlan Rancourt shows up and insists, she’s the key to finding the location. She can’t imagine how she’d be helpful, but when Harlan claims to have a lead on the murder of her mother and that it’s all tied up in the search for Vortex, she agrees to help. Upon their first meeting it was obvious these two were a romance just waiting to happen.
Lightning in a Mirror is the third and final book in the Fogg Lake series, but I don’t think it’s completely necessary to read the previous books to enjoy it. To be honest, I forgot a lot of the details, but it still was a fun and entertaining read. Jayne Ann Krentz created an original, imaginative world. As a result of past covert government experiments/research the inhabitants of Fogg Lake ended up with paranormal powers and these powers have passed down through subsequent generations.
Olivia is a private investigator, mainly employed by The Foundation, an agency that sort of polices the paranormal world, using her psychic abilities to assist her. She grew up in Fogg Lake, a descendant of one of the Vortex lab workers, and so not only was she on Harlan’s radar, but also The Piper, a deranged murderer. Why does The Piper need her and why does Harlan want to find the Vortex lab so urgently? These are two of the mysteries at the heart of the story. It was a fun mixture of action, romance, and danger. I thought things wrapped up nicely, but also there’s a lot of threads that could be continued.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Lightning in a Mirror is the third and final book in the Fogg Lake series, but I don’t think it’s completely necessary to read the previous books to enjoy it. To be honest, I forgot a lot of the details, but it still was a fun and entertaining read. Jayne Ann Krentz created an original, imaginative world. As a result of past covert government experiments/research the inhabitants of Fogg Lake ended up with paranormal powers and these powers have passed down through subsequent generations.
Olivia is a private investigator, mainly employed by The Foundation, an agency that sort of polices the paranormal world, using her psychic abilities to assist her. She grew up in Fogg Lake, a descendant of one of the Vortex lab workers, and so not only was she on Harlan’s radar, but also The Piper, a deranged murderer. Why does The Piper need her and why does Harlan want to find the Vortex lab so urgently? These are two of the mysteries at the heart of the story. It was a fun mixture of action, romance, and danger. I thought things wrapped up nicely, but also there’s a lot of threads that could be continued.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2025
Overall these Fogg Lake paranormal romances have been entertaining. I've been listening to them and the narrator does a good job.
December 10, 2022
I mean…I finished it. Unremarkable
February 9, 2022
Olivia LeClair uses a speed dating service to trap a serial killer but now has three more visits, and she can't get a refund. That is where she meets Harlan Rancourt who wants her to help him find the Vortex, which is a lost lab that everyone has been looking for in all the books in this series. Harlan was supposedly killed with his father in an explosion, but he got away and has been in hiding for the last five years. Now, though, he recognizes that time is running out and they must find the Vortex before the other forces that are at work find it first. Olivia is the key so she and Harlan continue to look for the Vortex, while Harlan must attempt to keep her safe.
Lightning in a Mirror is the conclusion to the Fogg Lake series. There is very little chemistry or romance between the two main characters, leaving the story with almost no emotion. The mystery is enjoyable, but there are times in the story when there are just too many complications, making it difficult to follow. The book is told from third person POV which allows for development of the characters, but doesn't show much of how the characters are feeling. Overall, Lightning in the Mirror is an interesting ending to the Fogg Lake series, but the mystery is obviously the priority over the romance.
Lightning in a Mirror is the conclusion to the Fogg Lake series. There is very little chemistry or romance between the two main characters, leaving the story with almost no emotion. The mystery is enjoyable, but there are times in the story when there are just too many complications, making it difficult to follow. The book is told from third person POV which allows for development of the characters, but doesn't show much of how the characters are feeling. Overall, Lightning in the Mirror is an interesting ending to the Fogg Lake series, but the mystery is obviously the priority over the romance.
January 19, 2022
Everyone in the paranormal community believes that Harlan Rancourt is dead. His father was the head of an organization called The Foundation. They were a group that was dealing with the paranormal senses and how they can be used. Olivia LeClair has been trying to find love, or at least a little romance, and failing miserably. When Harlan walks in and asks for her help in finding lost labs that everyone in the paranormal community is looking for. They team up and soon realize that there is more than just finding the labs, they must stop a madman that has been killing for years. As the search heats up, so does their attraction for each other. This story was really fast paced and full of action. I enjoyed Harlan and Olivia’s banter and how great they were together. I really enjoyed this trilogy, it was unique and intriguing.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
March 5, 2023
It's been a while since I fell into a Jayne Ann Krentz book and now that I've read the Fogg Lake trilogy, I'm wondering why I waited so long.
December 5, 2021
Olivia LeClair is a private investigator who uses her psychic gift - aura reading - to help with her cases. While her professional life is going well, her personal life is not. She is attempting to find a soul mate by taking part in speed dating which isn't going well. Her screening question: "If I disappeared tomorrow would you walk into hell to find me? - is scaring away all her potential dates. That is, until Harlan Rancourt sits across from her and answers: "If you disappeared I would walk into hell to find you. I know the way. I've been there."
Unfortunately, Harlan has an ulterior motive. He needs Olivia to help track down the Vortex Lab and he's convinced that Olivia is the oracle who can help him. Only Olivia vehemently denies being an oracle despite her heritage.
Luckily, Harlan is with her with a couple of other guys try to kidnap her because they, too, think she's an oracle. The two of them decide to team up because Harlan says that he can help her find out who murdered her mother along the way to the Vortex Lab.
Both Harlan and Olivia have powerful psychic talents and his are more than usually unusual. He is able to disguise his aura so that he blends in and, when he drops the disguise, his aura is very frightening. Olivia sees through his attempts to disguise his aura and isn't afraid of the real Harlan.
This is the third book in a trilogy and neatly ties up quite a few of the threads left dangling in the earlier books while still leaving some things unfinished. It was an exciting story filled with Krentz's usual banter and crisp dialog. I liked both Olivia and Harlan and thought they were just right for each other.
I liked the way the story pulled in threads from some of the Arcane Society books and connected those two fictional universes into one. Fans of Krentz (or Quick or Castle) will enjoy this exciting conclusion to a trilogy.
Unfortunately, Harlan has an ulterior motive. He needs Olivia to help track down the Vortex Lab and he's convinced that Olivia is the oracle who can help him. Only Olivia vehemently denies being an oracle despite her heritage.
Luckily, Harlan is with her with a couple of other guys try to kidnap her because they, too, think she's an oracle. The two of them decide to team up because Harlan says that he can help her find out who murdered her mother along the way to the Vortex Lab.
Both Harlan and Olivia have powerful psychic talents and his are more than usually unusual. He is able to disguise his aura so that he blends in and, when he drops the disguise, his aura is very frightening. Olivia sees through his attempts to disguise his aura and isn't afraid of the real Harlan.
This is the third book in a trilogy and neatly ties up quite a few of the threads left dangling in the earlier books while still leaving some things unfinished. It was an exciting story filled with Krentz's usual banter and crisp dialog. I liked both Olivia and Harlan and thought they were just right for each other.
I liked the way the story pulled in threads from some of the Arcane Society books and connected those two fictional universes into one. Fans of Krentz (or Quick or Castle) will enjoy this exciting conclusion to a trilogy.
January 26, 2022
Government secret labs, a hidden powerful artifact, and some shady types who want it. It is down to the last and things are about to get explosive. I love when a series has me in a flurry of excitement for the last book.
Lightning in the Mirror is the third book in the Fogg Lake trilogy. In a pinch, it is most definitely a series that works best to start from the beginning so all the players and the situations makes better sense.
People have latent psychic talents in the world of this series, but the government started experimenting back in the sixties with stuff they didn’t understand. The labs were shut down and research and workers were destroyed or scattered, but the rumors are rife about the most powerful psychic artifact of them all hidden in the Vortex lab and people for good and not so good reasons are out to find it first so they can make psychic super soldiers. The Foundation doesn’t want it falling into the wrong hands and have already had deadly skirmishes in the attempt to discover its location.
I can’t say why because I loved the other books, the characters, and all that went on in them, but Lightning in a Mirror really grabbed me. While, the earlier books felt more ethereal. This one got right to the point and hammered down on the tension and rush to the goal.
Then, there are the lead characters. Olivia’s a smart, capable if a bit reluctant, heroine. She has guts, but she isn’t reckless. She was a good counterpart for the damaged and darker Harlan. She knew his psychic talents made him deadly scary and he has secrets that have everyone wary of him.
But, it was Harlan who made this book hit a deeply satisfying level that the earlier books didn’t quite reach. He should have been a solid villain, but he refused to follow the script set by his grandfather and father and he went to the powerful Victor and Lucas at the Foundation to put himself firmly in the open on the playing field. He struggles in normal social situations. They had a meet cute for the ages at a speed dating event when she asked: "If I disappeared tomorrow would you walk into hell to find me? – and Harlan responded: "If you disappeared I would walk into hell to find you. I know the way. I've been there."
The romance was as quick and on the run as the others, but there was so much going on with the danger to Olivia and race to get to Vortex that it all worked together in harmony and I had no trouble believing in it. It had some breath-stealing moments that made the hype in tension payoff. This book finished solid and tied up the plot threads, but, hallelujah, left a trailing thread so that more could be added in future. Fans of her earlier Arcane Society (different author pseudo) will spot some fun crossovers.
All in all, it met my high anticipation and expectations- exceeded them. I read this so quickly that I couldn’t believe it had the page count it did. Definitely recommend it to those who enjoy paranormal, conspiracies, spicy romance, and well developed suspense.
I rec'd an eARC through NetGalley and Print copy through Berkley to read in exchange for an honest review.
Lightning in the Mirror is the third book in the Fogg Lake trilogy. In a pinch, it is most definitely a series that works best to start from the beginning so all the players and the situations makes better sense.
People have latent psychic talents in the world of this series, but the government started experimenting back in the sixties with stuff they didn’t understand. The labs were shut down and research and workers were destroyed or scattered, but the rumors are rife about the most powerful psychic artifact of them all hidden in the Vortex lab and people for good and not so good reasons are out to find it first so they can make psychic super soldiers. The Foundation doesn’t want it falling into the wrong hands and have already had deadly skirmishes in the attempt to discover its location.
I can’t say why because I loved the other books, the characters, and all that went on in them, but Lightning in a Mirror really grabbed me. While, the earlier books felt more ethereal. This one got right to the point and hammered down on the tension and rush to the goal.
Then, there are the lead characters. Olivia’s a smart, capable if a bit reluctant, heroine. She has guts, but she isn’t reckless. She was a good counterpart for the damaged and darker Harlan. She knew his psychic talents made him deadly scary and he has secrets that have everyone wary of him.
But, it was Harlan who made this book hit a deeply satisfying level that the earlier books didn’t quite reach. He should have been a solid villain, but he refused to follow the script set by his grandfather and father and he went to the powerful Victor and Lucas at the Foundation to put himself firmly in the open on the playing field. He struggles in normal social situations. They had a meet cute for the ages at a speed dating event when she asked: "If I disappeared tomorrow would you walk into hell to find me? – and Harlan responded: "If you disappeared I would walk into hell to find you. I know the way. I've been there."
The romance was as quick and on the run as the others, but there was so much going on with the danger to Olivia and race to get to Vortex that it all worked together in harmony and I had no trouble believing in it. It had some breath-stealing moments that made the hype in tension payoff. This book finished solid and tied up the plot threads, but, hallelujah, left a trailing thread so that more could be added in future. Fans of her earlier Arcane Society (different author pseudo) will spot some fun crossovers.
All in all, it met my high anticipation and expectations- exceeded them. I read this so quickly that I couldn’t believe it had the page count it did. Definitely recommend it to those who enjoy paranormal, conspiracies, spicy romance, and well developed suspense.
I rec'd an eARC through NetGalley and Print copy through Berkley to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2022
I have enjoyed Krentz's Arcane and Fogg Lake novels. But this one was disjointed, rather dull, and contrived. Even the main characters were lackluster. Luckily, I read a large print version, so skimming went pretty quickly. I wouldn't have wanted to waste any more time on this lame book.
January 30, 2022
This story is all kinds of psychic, suspense enjoyment! As the final installment in the Fogg Lake trilogy, the book focuses on Olivia LeClair, a character readers were introduced to in the first book. In a super fun and intriguing twist, she is paired with Harlan Rancourt, the son of the infamous former head of the highly secret organization, The Foundation, which polices all psychic activities and infractions. These two are a delightful combination. The paranormal-type spin on what would otherwise be just another romantic suspense allows this trilogy to shine, as the author masterfully develops an incredibly unique and creative world that exists within normal society. It is a contemporary suspense but with very strong psychic overtones. And that makes all the difference because it examines everyday people who just have heightened gifts - which can be a curse or a blessing depending on the day and on the person. And the best part is the author treats the subject matter with a depth and realism that easily draws a reader in without requiring any suspension of belief... It’s just a reality that intellectually “could be”.
Admittedly the romantic angle is a bit weak and could use more depth and there are areas that don’t make a lot of sense such as when Olivia recognizes Gwendolyn from a chance encounter but not from actually working with her to purchase an antique in Gwen’s store... But overall, the story, and the trilogy is truly engaging and makes for a delightful nail-biting evening of escape!
*There are numerous other characters and situations that play into this story-line from previous books, so it is highly recommended that one reads those stories first in order to experience a full, rich experience. I do think it might be pretty confusing otherwise.*
Admittedly the romantic angle is a bit weak and could use more depth and there are areas that don’t make a lot of sense such as when Olivia recognizes Gwendolyn from a chance encounter but not from actually working with her to purchase an antique in Gwen’s store... But overall, the story, and the trilogy is truly engaging and makes for a delightful nail-biting evening of escape!
*There are numerous other characters and situations that play into this story-line from previous books, so it is highly recommended that one reads those stories first in order to experience a full, rich experience. I do think it might be pretty confusing otherwise.*
March 26, 2022
3.5⭐️
January 19, 2022
Great ending to the Fogg Lake paranormal romantic suspense mystery. Olivia was a pistol! I loved how the author mentioned the Arcane Society several times, which is from another favorite series ("Arcane Society Series") penned by Amanda Quick aka Jayne Ann Krentz. I really enjoyed this trilogy. ;)
September 18, 2021
Like with all Jayne Ann Krentz novels you know you're going to get a whirlwind of a romantic suspense. How she comes up with her complex, interwoven plots I'll never know but I'm always impressed...no matter how many times I read her books.
Lightning in a Mirror is the final installment in Krentz's Fogg Lake series. It's an intense journey of psychic discovery, romance, and danger. One of my favorite things about Krentz heroes and heroines is that the heroines are powerful, successful, and independent and the heroes don't try to stifle that in any way. They're protective, sure, but they're not going to tell the heroine to stay home while they go off and solve the crime. They're going to utilize her powers and her talents and her skills without shame.
Harlan is a unique hero. I'd probably peg him somewhere on the autistic spectrum though it isn't specifically mentioned anywhere. He struggles with social cues and skills, attacks problems with a single-minded focus, and needs his conversations to be direct. His dual psychic talents make him amazing at his job...and at blending into the background. And once he sees Olivia he knows that she's the woman for him.
Olivia knows two things. One, she wants to adopt that junkyard cat and two, if Harlan calls her an oracle one more time she's going to slug him. As a cat-lover myself there's nothing I love more than a heroine who can appreciate a rough and tumble, unadoptable cat, so she won me over right away. As always, Krentz heroines are the best. They're smart and capable and don't take shit from anyone. They never sit back and wait to be rescued by a big, strong man. They're always aiding in their own defense.
Lightning in a Mirror reads a little quicker than some of the other books in this series (it felt shorter, but I'm not sure if it actually was) and the romance is a little lighter. The chemistry is there, of course, but the romantic scenes are fewer and farther between than I'm used to from Krentz. I still loved the connection the characters shared and I'm always impressed that these books are essentially insta-love romances, yet they never feel rushed somehow.
I'm really excited that this book wrapped up the Fogg Lake series, but still left it open in a way that tells me there's going to be many more books in the future. Nothing like the security that your favorite author isn't even close to done.
Lightning in a Mirror is the final installment in Krentz's Fogg Lake series. It's an intense journey of psychic discovery, romance, and danger. One of my favorite things about Krentz heroes and heroines is that the heroines are powerful, successful, and independent and the heroes don't try to stifle that in any way. They're protective, sure, but they're not going to tell the heroine to stay home while they go off and solve the crime. They're going to utilize her powers and her talents and her skills without shame.
Harlan is a unique hero. I'd probably peg him somewhere on the autistic spectrum though it isn't specifically mentioned anywhere. He struggles with social cues and skills, attacks problems with a single-minded focus, and needs his conversations to be direct. His dual psychic talents make him amazing at his job...and at blending into the background. And once he sees Olivia he knows that she's the woman for him.
Olivia knows two things. One, she wants to adopt that junkyard cat and two, if Harlan calls her an oracle one more time she's going to slug him. As a cat-lover myself there's nothing I love more than a heroine who can appreciate a rough and tumble, unadoptable cat, so she won me over right away. As always, Krentz heroines are the best. They're smart and capable and don't take shit from anyone. They never sit back and wait to be rescued by a big, strong man. They're always aiding in their own defense.
Lightning in a Mirror reads a little quicker than some of the other books in this series (it felt shorter, but I'm not sure if it actually was) and the romance is a little lighter. The chemistry is there, of course, but the romantic scenes are fewer and farther between than I'm used to from Krentz. I still loved the connection the characters shared and I'm always impressed that these books are essentially insta-love romances, yet they never feel rushed somehow.
I'm really excited that this book wrapped up the Fogg Lake series, but still left it open in a way that tells me there's going to be many more books in the future. Nothing like the security that your favorite author isn't even close to done.
January 23, 2022
Originally published at Reading Reality
At least in some variations, “We’re from the government and we’re here to help you,” is one of the three biggest lies. In Fogg Lake, and the paranormally powered world of this series, “We’re from the Foundation and we’re here to help you,” seems to be the psi-powered equivalent.
But so far in contemporary Fogg Lake it actually seems to be true. Well, it’s true NOW. It wasn’t true back in the day. Come to think of it, the government version wasn’t true then or now.
The entire Fogg Lake series, starting with The Vanishing and All the Colors of Night, has been all about dealing with the mysteries and the dangers that remain from the Bluestone Project and it’s offshoot Vortex, that came into being back in that day when both the government – in the form of that top-secret Bluestone Project, and the Foundation were doing their level best to figure out how to enhance and weaponize psychic powers.
Something that never ever ends well. At this point, the Foundation, at least in the person of Harlan Rancourt, is just trying to make sure it ends – before anyone else gets dead in the process. The Vortex process.
Fogg Lake turns out to be part of the ‘Jayneverse’ of connected stories that encompasses the Arcane Society and Harmony. In the Fogg Lake series, that connection is tangential. You don’t have to have read any of the Arcane Society books to get hooked into Fogg Lake in The Vanishing. (But the Easter Eggs sure are fun to find!)
It’s not like we aren’t aware of plenty of shady government projects that have disappeared without a trace – at least in fiction. It’s also possible to see the now-moribund government office that ran Bluestone as the cramped, dusty office that would later house Mulder and Scully.
But Lightning in a Mirror is the last book in the Fogg Lake series, so if contemporary paranormal romantic suspense sounds like your cup of tea, start with The Vanishing.
This story, while the romance is totally encompassed in this one book, the suspense factor is not. The Foundation, both its current directors, Victor Arganbright and Lucas Pine, as well as the investigators of the Lark & LeClair Detective Agency, Catalina Lark (protagonist of The Vanishing) and Olivia LeClair (this book’s heroine), have been hunting for the remnants of Bluestone and Vortex throughout the series.
As this story opens it looks like Vortex is hunting them as well. At least, they’re hunting Olivia LeClair for the Oracle talent that entirely too many people seem to think she inherited from her grandmother. Vortex would have caught her, just as they caught her mother, if not for the intervention of Harlan Rancourt.
Which is where the story kicks into gear. High gear. Rancourt has been hiding from the Foundation for five years, investigating the death of his own father in a mysterious accident. With Vortex on the rise he returns to the fold to prevent the catastrophe that his own talents tell him is coming.
Rancourt is a wild-card to everyone. A chameleon talent who fools everyone, all the time, about the true nature of the threat he presents. But he never fools Olivia. She sees him for the predator he is – and doesn’t run.
At least she doesn’t run FROM him. Running WITH him to keep one step ahead of Vortex – and to stay together – turns out to be just what both of them have been waiting for.
Escape Rating A-: First and most important, the ENTIRE ‘Jayneverse’ is a whole lot of fun – especially if you like a bit of the paranormal mixed with romantic suspense. She writes the historical parts of the series as Amanda Quick, the contemporaries as Jayne Ann Krentz, and the futuristic Harmony as Jayne Castle. And they are all just oodles of fun.
The links between the series are loose, but like a tangled thread, once you pull at one and get invested in THAT part of her world, you’ll be led to the others. (And I prefer ‘Arcaneverse’ as the collective title but that’s a “me” thing)
There are, as usual for this series, two stories blended into the book. One is the overall series arc, which is the suspense part, and the other is the, well, romantic part. Which, as is also usual, isn’t all that “romantic” in a hearts and flowers sense.
Neither Harlan nor Olivia are hearts and flowers kind of people – and that’s been true of the protagonists for most of the series. They meet because they’re on the trail of a serial killer, or a series of serial killers, they’re both in danger and they’re both capable of taking care of that danger themselves (I love that there are no damsels in her series). But they are better – and safer – together than they are apart.
For select definitions of both “better” and “safer”.
So their romance begins with the forced intimacy of being on the run together, combined with the adrenaline thrills and crashes of facing deadly danger together> That rush to romance is ably assisted and enhanced by psychic compatibility that validates the attraction into becoming something more. It doesn’t feel “romantic” in any of the traditional senses, but insta-lust is a real thing and the insta-love that surprises them both does manage to feel earned.
Nevertheless, what captivated me about this book – and about the Fogg Lake series and everything else this author writes – is the overarching suspense plot. I always enjoy a black-ops project/government agency/conspiracy gone wrong kind of story, and this one is a doozy.
It’s not hard to believe that there are government agencies so secret that no one knows about them, because they’re doing things the government can’t afford to acknowledge. In fact, it’s downright easy to believe this and it’s a stock in trade of lots of genres. Bits of it have even happened in real life – just look up the history of the Manhattan Project, secret towns and all.
That such a project would be rife with criminal shenanigans isn’t a stretch either. And neither is the idea that some people wouldn’t be able to let it go. That’s where Fogg Lake and the Bluestone Project sit, at that intersection of conspiracy theories and government black operations.
So the romance didn’t seem all that romantic, but I was all in on the conspiracy parts, and that’s what kept me flipping pages as I poured through this story and this series.
While we may be finished at Fogg Lake, I’m looking forward to visiting another corner of this universe in May, when we return to 1930s Burning Cove, California in When She Dreams.
At least in some variations, “We’re from the government and we’re here to help you,” is one of the three biggest lies. In Fogg Lake, and the paranormally powered world of this series, “We’re from the Foundation and we’re here to help you,” seems to be the psi-powered equivalent.
But so far in contemporary Fogg Lake it actually seems to be true. Well, it’s true NOW. It wasn’t true back in the day. Come to think of it, the government version wasn’t true then or now.
The entire Fogg Lake series, starting with The Vanishing and All the Colors of Night, has been all about dealing with the mysteries and the dangers that remain from the Bluestone Project and it’s offshoot Vortex, that came into being back in that day when both the government – in the form of that top-secret Bluestone Project, and the Foundation were doing their level best to figure out how to enhance and weaponize psychic powers.
Something that never ever ends well. At this point, the Foundation, at least in the person of Harlan Rancourt, is just trying to make sure it ends – before anyone else gets dead in the process. The Vortex process.
Fogg Lake turns out to be part of the ‘Jayneverse’ of connected stories that encompasses the Arcane Society and Harmony. In the Fogg Lake series, that connection is tangential. You don’t have to have read any of the Arcane Society books to get hooked into Fogg Lake in The Vanishing. (But the Easter Eggs sure are fun to find!)
It’s not like we aren’t aware of plenty of shady government projects that have disappeared without a trace – at least in fiction. It’s also possible to see the now-moribund government office that ran Bluestone as the cramped, dusty office that would later house Mulder and Scully.
But Lightning in a Mirror is the last book in the Fogg Lake series, so if contemporary paranormal romantic suspense sounds like your cup of tea, start with The Vanishing.
This story, while the romance is totally encompassed in this one book, the suspense factor is not. The Foundation, both its current directors, Victor Arganbright and Lucas Pine, as well as the investigators of the Lark & LeClair Detective Agency, Catalina Lark (protagonist of The Vanishing) and Olivia LeClair (this book’s heroine), have been hunting for the remnants of Bluestone and Vortex throughout the series.
As this story opens it looks like Vortex is hunting them as well. At least, they’re hunting Olivia LeClair for the Oracle talent that entirely too many people seem to think she inherited from her grandmother. Vortex would have caught her, just as they caught her mother, if not for the intervention of Harlan Rancourt.
Which is where the story kicks into gear. High gear. Rancourt has been hiding from the Foundation for five years, investigating the death of his own father in a mysterious accident. With Vortex on the rise he returns to the fold to prevent the catastrophe that his own talents tell him is coming.
Rancourt is a wild-card to everyone. A chameleon talent who fools everyone, all the time, about the true nature of the threat he presents. But he never fools Olivia. She sees him for the predator he is – and doesn’t run.
At least she doesn’t run FROM him. Running WITH him to keep one step ahead of Vortex – and to stay together – turns out to be just what both of them have been waiting for.
Escape Rating A-: First and most important, the ENTIRE ‘Jayneverse’ is a whole lot of fun – especially if you like a bit of the paranormal mixed with romantic suspense. She writes the historical parts of the series as Amanda Quick, the contemporaries as Jayne Ann Krentz, and the futuristic Harmony as Jayne Castle. And they are all just oodles of fun.
The links between the series are loose, but like a tangled thread, once you pull at one and get invested in THAT part of her world, you’ll be led to the others. (And I prefer ‘Arcaneverse’ as the collective title but that’s a “me” thing)
There are, as usual for this series, two stories blended into the book. One is the overall series arc, which is the suspense part, and the other is the, well, romantic part. Which, as is also usual, isn’t all that “romantic” in a hearts and flowers sense.
Neither Harlan nor Olivia are hearts and flowers kind of people – and that’s been true of the protagonists for most of the series. They meet because they’re on the trail of a serial killer, or a series of serial killers, they’re both in danger and they’re both capable of taking care of that danger themselves (I love that there are no damsels in her series). But they are better – and safer – together than they are apart.
For select definitions of both “better” and “safer”.
So their romance begins with the forced intimacy of being on the run together, combined with the adrenaline thrills and crashes of facing deadly danger together> That rush to romance is ably assisted and enhanced by psychic compatibility that validates the attraction into becoming something more. It doesn’t feel “romantic” in any of the traditional senses, but insta-lust is a real thing and the insta-love that surprises them both does manage to feel earned.
Nevertheless, what captivated me about this book – and about the Fogg Lake series and everything else this author writes – is the overarching suspense plot. I always enjoy a black-ops project/government agency/conspiracy gone wrong kind of story, and this one is a doozy.
It’s not hard to believe that there are government agencies so secret that no one knows about them, because they’re doing things the government can’t afford to acknowledge. In fact, it’s downright easy to believe this and it’s a stock in trade of lots of genres. Bits of it have even happened in real life – just look up the history of the Manhattan Project, secret towns and all.
That such a project would be rife with criminal shenanigans isn’t a stretch either. And neither is the idea that some people wouldn’t be able to let it go. That’s where Fogg Lake and the Bluestone Project sit, at that intersection of conspiracy theories and government black operations.
So the romance didn’t seem all that romantic, but I was all in on the conspiracy parts, and that’s what kept me flipping pages as I poured through this story and this series.
While we may be finished at Fogg Lake, I’m looking forward to visiting another corner of this universe in May, when we return to 1930s Burning Cove, California in When She Dreams.
February 12, 2022
2.5 stars
An average thriller, rather weak for this author. She can do (and has done) much better. It is #3 in a series, and my problem with this novel is the same I've had with the first two. A fast moving plot, a gripping mystery, and a number of scary villains, but the lead characters are 2-dimentional and boring. Their romance is just a hint. And their personalities are flat; they are human-shaped plastic figures instead of real people. I didn't care for either of them, but nevertheless, I read the book to the end because I wanted to know how the story ended.
Also, there are some logical gaps in the beginning of the story. The first two chapters raised countless questions in my mind in the vein of How does he know? or Why would he say/do that? Some of those questions had answers in the very end of the book. Others didn't. And I didn't see any reason why those answers should be kept secret from the readers.
Overall: disappointing.
An average thriller, rather weak for this author. She can do (and has done) much better. It is #3 in a series, and my problem with this novel is the same I've had with the first two. A fast moving plot, a gripping mystery, and a number of scary villains, but the lead characters are 2-dimentional and boring. Their romance is just a hint. And their personalities are flat; they are human-shaped plastic figures instead of real people. I didn't care for either of them, but nevertheless, I read the book to the end because I wanted to know how the story ended.
Also, there are some logical gaps in the beginning of the story. The first two chapters raised countless questions in my mind in the vein of How does he know? or Why would he say/do that? Some of those questions had answers in the very end of the book. Others didn't. And I didn't see any reason why those answers should be kept secret from the readers.
Overall: disappointing.
January 18, 2022
Lightning in a Mirror by Jayne Ann Krentz is the 3rd and final book in her wonderful Fogg Lake series. Refresher: 40 years ago, in the small town of Fogg Lake, an explosion caused various paranormal effects on many of the residents; such as visions, auras and other unique abilities. The community kept to itself, not revealing anything about those strange effects; leaving the town bare of updated mechanics, such as Wi-Fi, computers, cell phones, as the dense fog blocked those signals.
Olivia LeClair, our heroine, is a private investigator with her best friend, Catalina; they both lived in Fogg Lake when they were younger; she has a psychic gift of reading aura’s. Olivia takes part of a speed dating, which originally failed when the person tried to kill her; but now she attends the event, and asks a weird question to each person she meets “If I disappeared tomorrow would you walk into to hell to find me? Only one person answered back correctly, saying he would walk into hell, because he has been there.
Harlan Rancourt, our hero, has been presumed dead, until he shows up years later, at The Foundation run by Victor Arganbright and Lucas Pine. After his father (the original founders of the Foundation) died in the explosion years ago, Harlan now returns to convince the Foundation to help him find an oracle, whom he feels will lead to discovering where the legendary Vortex Lab is. Arganbright agrees to work with him and suggests to use Olivia, who is one of the best. She is not sure that she can trust Harland, but agrees to work together, especially since he assures her that he will find her mother’s killer. They are both powerful talents in the psychic world, with her seeing his aura and knowing how dangerous it was, even with his ability to hide it, and she also being an excellent private investigator.
I loved Olivia, her smarts, savvy, confidence, fearlessness, as she made a fantastic heroine. I also like Harlan, and in a short time, we can see the chemistry between them heat up. I really got a kick out of the car scene, which was very funny.
What follows is an exciting, intense, action filled adventure, with some twists and turns. From start to finish, the story keeps us unable to put the book down, in this journey filled with romance, suspense and danger. Olivia and Harlan were a wonderful couple and made a great team; there were some excellent secondary characters, as well as evil villains. To tell too much more would be spoilers.
Lightning in a Mirror is an exciting, intense, suspenseful thriller, with supernatural elements. Jayne Ann Krentz gives us a wonderful conclusion to this series. If you enjoy suspense mysteries, great couple and a dose of supernatural, you should be reading this series.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Olivia LeClair, our heroine, is a private investigator with her best friend, Catalina; they both lived in Fogg Lake when they were younger; she has a psychic gift of reading aura’s. Olivia takes part of a speed dating, which originally failed when the person tried to kill her; but now she attends the event, and asks a weird question to each person she meets “If I disappeared tomorrow would you walk into to hell to find me? Only one person answered back correctly, saying he would walk into hell, because he has been there.
Harlan Rancourt, our hero, has been presumed dead, until he shows up years later, at The Foundation run by Victor Arganbright and Lucas Pine. After his father (the original founders of the Foundation) died in the explosion years ago, Harlan now returns to convince the Foundation to help him find an oracle, whom he feels will lead to discovering where the legendary Vortex Lab is. Arganbright agrees to work with him and suggests to use Olivia, who is one of the best. She is not sure that she can trust Harland, but agrees to work together, especially since he assures her that he will find her mother’s killer. They are both powerful talents in the psychic world, with her seeing his aura and knowing how dangerous it was, even with his ability to hide it, and she also being an excellent private investigator.
I loved Olivia, her smarts, savvy, confidence, fearlessness, as she made a fantastic heroine. I also like Harlan, and in a short time, we can see the chemistry between them heat up. I really got a kick out of the car scene, which was very funny.
What follows is an exciting, intense, action filled adventure, with some twists and turns. From start to finish, the story keeps us unable to put the book down, in this journey filled with romance, suspense and danger. Olivia and Harlan were a wonderful couple and made a great team; there were some excellent secondary characters, as well as evil villains. To tell too much more would be spoilers.
Lightning in a Mirror is an exciting, intense, suspenseful thriller, with supernatural elements. Jayne Ann Krentz gives us a wonderful conclusion to this series. If you enjoy suspense mysteries, great couple and a dose of supernatural, you should be reading this series.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
December 19, 2023
Book three of of the Fogg Lake trilogy. I still don't know what the town is called Fogg Lake, considering the fog appeared after the name, and I don't know why it's spelled with two Gs.
Again, the concept of this is good, but it's the execution that lets it down. I've liked the paranormal ideas of all three books in this trilogy. This book suffered from there being very little intensity, and the mystery was better than the first two books, but it lacked doubt and the feeling of a challenge. The first two-thirds of the book, or even more, felt almost flatline, and this is not a slow-burn book. Not deliberately anyway. It's a shame, because the book has good bones.
The two main characters are not very engaging. They follow the same pattern as the other two books. Male and female, don't know or trust each other at the start, but are forced to work together and then fall in love without knowing anything about each other and, at the end, get married. Switch them out with other characters from the first two books and you'd probably not know the difference.
It's some of the support characters that intrigue me more, mainly Gwendolyn, who owns an antique store. She's intriguing and mysterious. She also plays a bigger role in this book, but I think she needs her own books. I know this author has written other books, but I have no idea if any feature Gwendolyn.
After three books of this series, I wish the author used another term for describing a paranormal feeling other than "hot". Everything was described as "hot". What does that even mean? I don't know why one small word irritated me so much, but it did.
In summary, an average book and series. The author has other paranormal themed books out there. I would consider reading them, just to see if they differ in feel.
Again, the concept of this is good, but it's the execution that lets it down. I've liked the paranormal ideas of all three books in this trilogy. This book suffered from there being very little intensity, and the mystery was better than the first two books, but it lacked doubt and the feeling of a challenge. The first two-thirds of the book, or even more, felt almost flatline, and this is not a slow-burn book. Not deliberately anyway. It's a shame, because the book has good bones.
The two main characters are not very engaging. They follow the same pattern as the other two books. Male and female, don't know or trust each other at the start, but are forced to work together and then fall in love without knowing anything about each other and, at the end, get married. Switch them out with other characters from the first two books and you'd probably not know the difference.
It's some of the support characters that intrigue me more, mainly Gwendolyn, who owns an antique store. She's intriguing and mysterious. She also plays a bigger role in this book, but I think she needs her own books. I know this author has written other books, but I have no idea if any feature Gwendolyn.
After three books of this series, I wish the author used another term for describing a paranormal feeling other than "hot". Everything was described as "hot". What does that even mean? I don't know why one small word irritated me so much, but it did.
In summary, an average book and series. The author has other paranormal themed books out there. I would consider reading them, just to see if they differ in feel.
June 22, 2023
3rd time's the charm?
Well, maybe not. I felt like I had done this particular relationship-rodeo three times by now. The paranormally gifted man and woman thrown together into a crazy chase for a solution to the whole "Vortex" ... thing.
Forced proximity. ✔️
Instalust - well ... it took a tiny bit longer in this one. ✔️
Really spicy scene. ✔️
Insta-declarations of love. ✔️
I did very much approve when the two rescued a cat instead of getting married in Vegas though. It was so much more up my alley. 😆
In the different books I sort of preferred the female protag to the male, actually. But in this one, Olivia didn't quite work for me as much as Harlan did, so he turned out to be my favourite instead.
I now know there's another series connected to this one out there, but I'm not sure I will explore it further. The formulistic way of pairing up the characters were a bit jarring when binging the series.
Maybe in a more limited quantity it will work better for me. Time will tell!
Well, maybe not. I felt like I had done this particular relationship-rodeo three times by now. The paranormally gifted man and woman thrown together into a crazy chase for a solution to the whole "Vortex" ... thing.
Forced proximity. ✔️
Instalust - well ... it took a tiny bit longer in this one. ✔️
Really spicy scene. ✔️
Insta-declarations of love. ✔️
I did very much approve when the two rescued a cat instead of getting married in Vegas though. It was so much more up my alley. 😆
In the different books I sort of preferred the female protag to the male, actually. But in this one, Olivia didn't quite work for me as much as Harlan did, so he turned out to be my favourite instead.
I now know there's another series connected to this one out there, but I'm not sure I will explore it further. The formulistic way of pairing up the characters were a bit jarring when binging the series.
Maybe in a more limited quantity it will work better for me. Time will tell!
February 6, 2022
3.5 - 4.0 ***
Audible audio version.
I've read or listened to so many Castle / Krentz / Quick books they all seem to run together. This was a typical storyline. Inquisitive smart heroine and protective hero with a past. The mystery was on par with the other books in the series. I do like that the author doesn't write angsty scenes just for the emotional effect. There's no cheating, no great soul searching or emotional turmoil between the characters. These are nice, easy stories with relatable characters.
Audible audio version.
I've read or listened to so many Castle / Krentz / Quick books they all seem to run together. This was a typical storyline. Inquisitive smart heroine and protective hero with a past. The mystery was on par with the other books in the series. I do like that the author doesn't write angsty scenes just for the emotional effect. There's no cheating, no great soul searching or emotional turmoil between the characters. These are nice, easy stories with relatable characters.
May 28, 2022
I was very surprised by the choice of the hero by JAK and I wasn't disappointed at all. There's a reason why she's my favorite author.
February 1, 2022
Oh man another great book from my favorite author Jayne Ann Krentz. This is the third in the trilogy about Fogg Lake and the Vortex labs and it was just so good. This one was about Olivia who was kidnapped for a short time in the first book of the trilogy and is part of an investigative firm with her best friend Catalina Stark who was the main character in the first book. Olivia and Harlan are after the vortex labs and Olivia’s grandmother might have worked there and took an artifact that only her family can use that will lead them to where the lab is. This was just a really great and fast read and I love the little crossover with the Arcane Society her other series and I can’t wait to read what happens next since 2 bad guys got away at the end of this with notebooks that will help them wreak havoc once they figure out how to make the weapons. The main villain for this story was stopped but jayne always leaves us with a random bad guy who gets away to be a problem for another team in another series.
Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.
Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.
December 10, 2023
Exciting final book in this trilogy
We met the FMC, 30-year-old Olivia, in book 1 of this trilogy. We heard about the MMC, 30-something Harlan, indirectly in both book 1 and book 2. We were informed that his grandfather and father, who founded and ruled over the paranormal research institute called, The Foundation, were corrupt and dangerous. The assumption that readers are encouraged to make in those books is that Harlan must be a bad guy as well, but we are never provided with any descriptions of actual evil actions he has taken. Which means that the plot of this novel does not involve a former villain needing to be rehabilitated by JAK's making Harlan the MMC of this novel.
Interestingly, from the beginning of her career, going back to the late '70s, there has been a familiar JAK trope that all members of a clan are alike in personality and behavior. It shows up over and over again in her novels, whether paranormal or not paranormal. However, her approach to Harlan in this story takes JAK's "genetics as destiny" approach and turns it on its head because, ethically, Harlan is nothing like his grandfather and father. He is a morally upright, compassionate warrior, whose goal in life is to defend and protect the innocent from evildoers.
In a fascinating, purposeful echo of Harlan's significant relatives being two dead men, Olivia's significant relatives are two dead women, her mother and her maternal grandmother. Both women had powerful paranormal talents, but Olivia's talents are even stronger. Likewise for Harlan in relation to the paranormal abilities of his male relatives.
I greatly enjoyed both Olivia and Harlan as romantic partners and as a dynamic duo who chase down the secret Vortex lab on an island with no name. Though the main villains of this trilogy are dealt with completely, since fans of JAK already know that Vortex never goes away in her paranormal universe, it will not be a spoiler or a surprise for me to state that she sets up, at the end of the novel, a well motivated justification for why Vortex keeps turning up.
As is the case with the other two books in this trilogy, there are also some Arcane Society references in this novel. In his backstory, Harlan did some jobs for Fallon Jones of Jones and Jones in Scargill Cove, and Fallon himself appears on stage at the very end of the novel in the form of a phone call. These are the three books in the Arcane Society series in which Fallon Jones is either the MMC or a major player:
Fired Up
In Too Deep
Scargill Cove Case Files
I have experienced this novel twice now in audiobook format. I have enjoyed it both times. The narrator does an excellent job.
We met the FMC, 30-year-old Olivia, in book 1 of this trilogy. We heard about the MMC, 30-something Harlan, indirectly in both book 1 and book 2. We were informed that his grandfather and father, who founded and ruled over the paranormal research institute called, The Foundation, were corrupt and dangerous. The assumption that readers are encouraged to make in those books is that Harlan must be a bad guy as well, but we are never provided with any descriptions of actual evil actions he has taken. Which means that the plot of this novel does not involve a former villain needing to be rehabilitated by JAK's making Harlan the MMC of this novel.
Interestingly, from the beginning of her career, going back to the late '70s, there has been a familiar JAK trope that all members of a clan are alike in personality and behavior. It shows up over and over again in her novels, whether paranormal or not paranormal. However, her approach to Harlan in this story takes JAK's "genetics as destiny" approach and turns it on its head because, ethically, Harlan is nothing like his grandfather and father. He is a morally upright, compassionate warrior, whose goal in life is to defend and protect the innocent from evildoers.
In a fascinating, purposeful echo of Harlan's significant relatives being two dead men, Olivia's significant relatives are two dead women, her mother and her maternal grandmother. Both women had powerful paranormal talents, but Olivia's talents are even stronger. Likewise for Harlan in relation to the paranormal abilities of his male relatives.
I greatly enjoyed both Olivia and Harlan as romantic partners and as a dynamic duo who chase down the secret Vortex lab on an island with no name. Though the main villains of this trilogy are dealt with completely, since fans of JAK already know that Vortex never goes away in her paranormal universe, it will not be a spoiler or a surprise for me to state that she sets up, at the end of the novel, a well motivated justification for why Vortex keeps turning up.
As is the case with the other two books in this trilogy, there are also some Arcane Society references in this novel. In his backstory, Harlan did some jobs for Fallon Jones of Jones and Jones in Scargill Cove, and Fallon himself appears on stage at the very end of the novel in the form of a phone call. These are the three books in the Arcane Society series in which Fallon Jones is either the MMC or a major player:
Fired Up
In Too Deep
Scargill Cove Case Files
I have experienced this novel twice now in audiobook format. I have enjoyed it both times. The narrator does an excellent job.
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