UPDATE:
I’m revisiting Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz’s 1930’s Burning Cove (Hollywood Glamour Nouveau) Historical Romance Suspense Thriller series, currently at 7 bks (so this is the last, for now). I previously read these but now I am listening by audiobook. TBWW delves into new mysteries ultimately resolved in the Burning Cove community. TBWW can be read as a Standalone title but I like this entire series. There is definitely a Nouveau riche/1930’s Hollywood undertone which I find fun & unique. Krentz novels are dialogue driven and move fairly fast with a light tone. I enjoy Krentz’s sense of humor so that’s a plus for me. Several (3?) of the books in this series have the same paranormal sense that other recent Krentz/Castle/Quick books have. Some readers will like this, others not so much. I find Krentz books light, easy de-stressing reads with very little angst (Yay!).
ORIGINAL POST:
THE BRIDE WORE WHITE is bk#7 in Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz’s 1930’s Historical Suspense ongoing series set in a small “Glamor” town an hour+ north (100miles) of Hollywood, CA. The Burning Cove series include a bit of a mystery, a touch of something Psychic and a romance with a HEA. I am enjoying this series.
MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Stars. I truly enjoyed this book. :D. I liked the 1930’s setting, the complex and imperfect characters, and the story/mystery kept my attention to the very end. I read a library copy but plan on purchasing an audiobook when they become available. I’m sure to enjoy this one again.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I Loved it, his was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
The coastal town of Burning Cove, 1930’s ~
When Prudence Ryland realizes her consecutive careers - first as a dream psychic and then as a para librarian - have both exposed her to mad killers, she knows someone or certain people have fixated on her for unknown reasons. She flees for a second time, landing in the coastal town of Burning Cove, CA, 100miles north of Hollywood.
Jack Wingate is an Investigative Consultant and a friend of Burning Cove’s rumored crime boss Luther Pell. Five months ago Jack was on a consulting job that ended badly (in a terrible accident) which scarred the left side of his face, his shoulder and chest. Jack has been experiencing nightmares and hearing unusual musical chords in the months afterward. As Jack contemplates these changes in his life a strange woman, Prudence, comes to Burning Cove requesting Pell’s assistance in a matter of murder. Prudence believes someone is trying to kill her. Luther Pell assigns Jack to help her.
Comments ~
1) THE BRIDE WORE WHITE is bk 7 in Krentz’s 1930’s Burning Cove Thriller series. TBWW has its own MCs (with slight secondary character overlaps from previous books), its own mystery, and it’s own HEA and No Cliffhangers. TBWW could be read as a Standalone title or out of order, if desired. I prefer to read all Krentz/Quick book series in order, beginning with bk 1.
2) Quick’s male characters are not “Pretty Boys.” Rather, they are determined, bold, driven, loyal men who often face difficult challenges and/or are imperfect, but through sheer focus and intellect accomplish much. These men live by a certain code of honor and they never break it. They are not intimidated by complex women, rather they appreciate them. The women MCs tend to be independent, spirited, complicated, intelligent, resilient, loyal and opinionated and they prefer men who are strong enough to accept them as they are. This pattern continues in THE BRIDE WORE WHITE and I found myself identifying with both the main characters and respecting them as individuals.
3) Amanda Quick/Jayne Anne Krentz/Jayne Castle is one of my favorite authors. Dialogue drives her stories - with quips, humor and spirited connections between the main characters, along with mystery elements and a much earned HEA. Quick novels are perfect when I’m looking for a Pick Me Up read - something light, positive, easy, perhaps ending with a bit of justice.
4) Angst-filled moments and misunderstandings are minimal (which I appreciate).
5) I love the book cover art of TBWW. It’s lovely!
I recommend THE BRIDE WORE WHITE to readers of/who appreciate:
1) Jayne Ann Krentz/AQ/Jayne Castle novels
2) Romance Suspense
3) Historical Romance Suspense
4) Adventure/Cozy Mysteries
5) Light Proximity/Danger trope fiction
6) Intelligent, trustworthy, capable male characters working alongside smart, independent, intrepid women
7) Slightly Paranormal/Psychic novels, with “intuitive”characters (Not shifters, changelings, dark, fae, urban, occult or witchy).
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used infrequently.
VIOLENCE - PG. Murders occur but are not described in a dark manner.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Intimacy occurs (twice?) but the scenes could easily be skipped, if desired.