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The Shop on Hidden Lane
New York Times
bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz dives into an enthralling new romantic suspense novel filled with deeply entrenched grudges, psychic dangers, and a conspiracy that threatens not only two families but also the entire paranormal community.
The Harper and the Wells families have regarded each other with deep suspicion for four generations. The Harpers have been known to offer their psychic talents for less-than-legal purposes, and the powerful Wells clan has a reputation for playing both sides of the street. But for all the years of history and distrust between them, there is a mysterious pact binding the two. They share the responsibility for protecting a long-buried and very dangerous secret.
Sophy Harper and Luke Wells are shocked to learn that her aunt and his uncle have been sleeping together—and now they are both missing. Not only that, but the last traces of them are at the scene of a murder soaked in negative paranormal energy. Clearly, someone is willing to kill to obtain the secret their families have been charged with protecting. Despite their mutual distrust, which, as far as Sophy is concerned extends to Luke’s hellhound of a dog, they both know that the terms of the pact must be honored.
Their investigation uncovers a psychic trail leading to a bizarre desert art colony where nothing is as it seems. But Luke and Sophy are concealing a few secrets, too. By a strange twist of fate, a Harper and a Wells have no choice but to trust each other and the fierce attraction that is binding them as surely as the pact between the families.
The Harper and the Wells families have regarded each other with deep suspicion for four generations. The Harpers have been known to offer their psychic talents for less-than-legal purposes, and the powerful Wells clan has a reputation for playing both sides of the street. But for all the years of history and distrust between them, there is a mysterious pact binding the two. They share the responsibility for protecting a long-buried and very dangerous secret.
Sophy Harper and Luke Wells are shocked to learn that her aunt and his uncle have been sleeping together—and now they are both missing. Not only that, but the last traces of them are at the scene of a murder soaked in negative paranormal energy. Clearly, someone is willing to kill to obtain the secret their families have been charged with protecting. Despite their mutual distrust, which, as far as Sophy is concerned extends to Luke’s hellhound of a dog, they both know that the terms of the pact must be honored.
Their investigation uncovers a psychic trail leading to a bizarre desert art colony where nothing is as it seems. But Luke and Sophy are concealing a few secrets, too. By a strange twist of fate, a Harper and a Wells have no choice but to trust each other and the fierce attraction that is binding them as surely as the pact between the families.
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First published January 6, 2026
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About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
402 books7,206 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 257 reviews
January 18, 2026
Check out all my reviews at https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE SHOP ON HIDDEN LANE by Jayne Ann Krentz is hopefully the start of a new romantic suspense/paranormal series in the Jayneverse featuring two generational psychic families, the Harpers and the Wells, suspicious of each other but tied by a pact protecting a long-buried secret. If you love the other psychic/paranormal series in the Jayneverse, you will be excited for this new set of characters in present day Fogg Lake.
Sophie Harper is not happy about Luke Wells showing up to hire her to psychically read and clean a crime scene for him. When Sophie discovers her missing aunt and Luke’s missing uncle are together, they reluctantly pair up to find them. Sophie’s ability to read past crime scenes and Luke’s ability to connect seemingly random dots in a problem are perfect for the hunt as well as the nose of Luke’s dog, Bruce.
This story brings together supernatural elements from several past books and series from the Jayneverse; the Arcane Society, the Bluestone Project, and the disaster at Fogg Lake. Sophie and Luke, like many couples in Jayne’s books, seem to be completely incompatible, but are actually perfect for each other. The dialogue is always entertaining with Sophie’s sass and Luke’s low-key wit. While I wait for the next dustbunny in Harmony, I was excited to meet Bruce and look forward to discovering more about his past and current abilities. The suspense plot is full of twists, surprises, and comes to a satisfying conclusion.
I am always happy to curl up with and disappear into a Jayne Ann Krentz book. I know the crime will be solved and two disparate souls will find their perfect match. I highly recommend this new book in the Jayneverse and cannot wait for more.
THE SHOP ON HIDDEN LANE by Jayne Ann Krentz is hopefully the start of a new romantic suspense/paranormal series in the Jayneverse featuring two generational psychic families, the Harpers and the Wells, suspicious of each other but tied by a pact protecting a long-buried secret. If you love the other psychic/paranormal series in the Jayneverse, you will be excited for this new set of characters in present day Fogg Lake.
Sophie Harper is not happy about Luke Wells showing up to hire her to psychically read and clean a crime scene for him. When Sophie discovers her missing aunt and Luke’s missing uncle are together, they reluctantly pair up to find them. Sophie’s ability to read past crime scenes and Luke’s ability to connect seemingly random dots in a problem are perfect for the hunt as well as the nose of Luke’s dog, Bruce.
This story brings together supernatural elements from several past books and series from the Jayneverse; the Arcane Society, the Bluestone Project, and the disaster at Fogg Lake. Sophie and Luke, like many couples in Jayne’s books, seem to be completely incompatible, but are actually perfect for each other. The dialogue is always entertaining with Sophie’s sass and Luke’s low-key wit. While I wait for the next dustbunny in Harmony, I was excited to meet Bruce and look forward to discovering more about his past and current abilities. The suspense plot is full of twists, surprises, and comes to a satisfying conclusion.
I am always happy to curl up with and disappear into a Jayne Ann Krentz book. I know the crime will be solved and two disparate souls will find their perfect match. I highly recommend this new book in the Jayneverse and cannot wait for more.
December 8, 2025
3.5 stars.
~~~~~~~~
I guess I missed a lot when I read the overview for this book because I didn’t realize that the entire thing was based on psychic abilities and paranormal romance.
Not that it is a problem. I don’t usually read that genre, and for me, it made it difficult to follow what was happening in the plot. It seemed like there was so much going on the path through the story.
To start, there is a murder mystery set up. There is a feud between two families. Then there are missing persons. We have missing items that are a critical piece of the story.
We also have a love/hate relationship between the two main characters that is quite antagonistic at times. I had a tough time following them as they grew and developed into a romantic relationship
I never really felt the connection between any of the characters. Several key characters came into the chapters sporadically or towards the end of the book, so you really don’t get that history built up and any warm fuzzy feeling.
For me, the suspense portion of the story was missing. While there is a lot of detail as they search for the missing items, I sometimes had a tough time following the story. I think that because a lot is happening in this book, I feel disconnected.
The Shop on Hidden Lane is unique and Krentz weaves an interesting tale. For those who love paranormal romance and murder mysteries, this is going to be a win for you. For me, I just didn’t feel it as much as I wanted to.
~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-shop-on-...
~~~~~~~~
I guess I missed a lot when I read the overview for this book because I didn’t realize that the entire thing was based on psychic abilities and paranormal romance.
Not that it is a problem. I don’t usually read that genre, and for me, it made it difficult to follow what was happening in the plot. It seemed like there was so much going on the path through the story.
To start, there is a murder mystery set up. There is a feud between two families. Then there are missing persons. We have missing items that are a critical piece of the story.
We also have a love/hate relationship between the two main characters that is quite antagonistic at times. I had a tough time following them as they grew and developed into a romantic relationship
I never really felt the connection between any of the characters. Several key characters came into the chapters sporadically or towards the end of the book, so you really don’t get that history built up and any warm fuzzy feeling.
For me, the suspense portion of the story was missing. While there is a lot of detail as they search for the missing items, I sometimes had a tough time following the story. I think that because a lot is happening in this book, I feel disconnected.
The Shop on Hidden Lane is unique and Krentz weaves an interesting tale. For those who love paranormal romance and murder mysteries, this is going to be a win for you. For me, I just didn’t feel it as much as I wanted to.
~~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-shop-on-...
December 7, 2025
I LIKE!!!
Every time I pick up a Jayne Ann Krentz book, I’m instantly taken back to when I first came to the US and discovered the best place on earth: the public library. Shelves full of Jayne Ann Krentz, Jayne Castle, and Amanda Quick—months and months where I read nothing but her books. I love that she’s still writing, and even more that she’s kept her unmistakable voice and style.
And as always, she does couples incredibly well. Sophy and Luke are true equals, and I adored that. Sophy’s snark and Luke’s dry humor were exactly what I needed. Their banter is sharp and fun, and their relationship evolves so naturally—from strictly professional (with a healthy dose of attraction) to something inevitable for both them and the reader. And bless this book: no third-act breakup. Utterly satisfying. Also, Bruce, the four-legged companion, was the perfect touch.
Overall, this is paranormal romance at its best.
I’ve already Googled whether this is the start of a series—because I’m hooked!
Every time I pick up a Jayne Ann Krentz book, I’m instantly taken back to when I first came to the US and discovered the best place on earth: the public library. Shelves full of Jayne Ann Krentz, Jayne Castle, and Amanda Quick—months and months where I read nothing but her books. I love that she’s still writing, and even more that she’s kept her unmistakable voice and style.
And as always, she does couples incredibly well. Sophy and Luke are true equals, and I adored that. Sophy’s snark and Luke’s dry humor were exactly what I needed. Their banter is sharp and fun, and their relationship evolves so naturally—from strictly professional (with a healthy dose of attraction) to something inevitable for both them and the reader. And bless this book: no third-act breakup. Utterly satisfying. Also, Bruce, the four-legged companion, was the perfect touch.
Overall, this is paranormal romance at its best.
I’ve already Googled whether this is the start of a series—because I’m hooked!
January 25, 2026
This is an entertaining, well-written, romantic suspense novel with paranormal elements. It has likable and engaging characters, a sizzling romance, murder, mystery, wit, appealing banter, an unusual dog, and a satisfying conclusion. I am looking forward to reading future novels in this new series with great anticipation. Eva Kaminsky does an excellent job narrating the audio book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sophy Harper is a librarian by day and a private crime scene investigator who can see the ghosts of a scene when she opens her gift. Unfortunately, her love life is seriously lacking as most men who look into her dream state face run screaming.
The Harper and the Wells families have a feud that spans four generations, but when Luke Wells’s uncle and Sophy Harper’s aunt go missing, the Wells hire Sophy to read the scene, a gift she is quite good at. From the moment Luke and Sophy meet, there are decades-old animosity but also a tingling chemistry.
I loved the chemistry between them and was quickly intrigued by the mystery of their missing family and the odd weapon Sophy sees on her ghost walk. Luke claims and actually believes he is No Talent Wells and the perfect candidate to run Wells Corp. But, Sophy is shocked when he can do things no one else can when she is in her trance. I was all in and excited to travel with them to the desert art colony, which is a natural bed for psychic activity.
I have to mention one of my favorite characters. Bruce, an oversized dog whom Sophy describes as a hellhound. We learn his backstory and how he came to be with Luke. He was instrumental in times of danger and offered Sophy an anchor.
Krentz weaved in plenty of danger, suspense and tender moments as we learn more about Sophy, Luke, his uncle and her aunt. Twists from the past and devious plans place all of them in peril. The romance felt genuine but was severed on the side with a slow-build of almost and then wild moments of passion.
The Shop on Hidden Lane offered all the things I loved about Krentz’s paranormal romantic suspense books. I loved the last details about Bruce and the author’s promise to bring us more. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The Harper and the Wells families have a feud that spans four generations, but when Luke Wells’s uncle and Sophy Harper’s aunt go missing, the Wells hire Sophy to read the scene, a gift she is quite good at. From the moment Luke and Sophy meet, there are decades-old animosity but also a tingling chemistry.
I loved the chemistry between them and was quickly intrigued by the mystery of their missing family and the odd weapon Sophy sees on her ghost walk. Luke claims and actually believes he is No Talent Wells and the perfect candidate to run Wells Corp. But, Sophy is shocked when he can do things no one else can when she is in her trance. I was all in and excited to travel with them to the desert art colony, which is a natural bed for psychic activity.
I have to mention one of my favorite characters. Bruce, an oversized dog whom Sophy describes as a hellhound. We learn his backstory and how he came to be with Luke. He was instrumental in times of danger and offered Sophy an anchor.
Krentz weaved in plenty of danger, suspense and tender moments as we learn more about Sophy, Luke, his uncle and her aunt. Twists from the past and devious plans place all of them in peril. The romance felt genuine but was severed on the side with a slow-build of almost and then wild moments of passion.
The Shop on Hidden Lane offered all the things I loved about Krentz’s paranormal romantic suspense books. I loved the last details about Bruce and the author’s promise to bring us more. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
January 9, 2026
The Harper and Wells families have been locked in a generations long feud but are bound together by one dangerous secret: the existence of a powerful psychic weapon.
When Sophy Harper’s aunt and Luke Wells’ uncle vanish, along with sensitive documents and a prototype of that weapon, Sophy and Luke are reluctantly paired up to track them down. Each brings a unique psychic talent to the hunt: Sophy can read echoes of past crimes, while Luke excels at piecing together scattered clues. And they have Luke’s dog, Bruce, along for backup. Loved Bruce!
The clues lead them to what’s supposed to be a peaceful artist retreat, but the moment they arrive, it’s clear something is wrong and the place hums with psychic energy. As danger closes in, Sophy and Luke must rely on their abilities, and each other before catastrophe strikes. Despite coming from rival families, Sophy and Luke quickly became a compelling team. Their wary partnership evolves with growing trust, and a wonderfully slow burn romance that adds warmth to the high stakes mystery.
Fans of Jayne Ann Krentz will find familiar supernatural elements: Fogg Lake, the Bluestone Project, the Arcane Society, but with a new cast of characters. It was an engaging blend of action, danger and romantic tension. The central mystery wraps up satisfyingly, but the last chapter hinted at more stories to come.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
When Sophy Harper’s aunt and Luke Wells’ uncle vanish, along with sensitive documents and a prototype of that weapon, Sophy and Luke are reluctantly paired up to track them down. Each brings a unique psychic talent to the hunt: Sophy can read echoes of past crimes, while Luke excels at piecing together scattered clues. And they have Luke’s dog, Bruce, along for backup. Loved Bruce!
The clues lead them to what’s supposed to be a peaceful artist retreat, but the moment they arrive, it’s clear something is wrong and the place hums with psychic energy. As danger closes in, Sophy and Luke must rely on their abilities, and each other before catastrophe strikes. Despite coming from rival families, Sophy and Luke quickly became a compelling team. Their wary partnership evolves with growing trust, and a wonderfully slow burn romance that adds warmth to the high stakes mystery.
Fans of Jayne Ann Krentz will find familiar supernatural elements: Fogg Lake, the Bluestone Project, the Arcane Society, but with a new cast of characters. It was an engaging blend of action, danger and romantic tension. The central mystery wraps up satisfyingly, but the last chapter hinted at more stories to come.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
January 19, 2026
Book Title: The Shop on Hidden Lane
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Publishers: Berkley & Recorded Books, Inc.
Pub Date: January 6, 2026
Dates Read/Listened: January 14, 2026 – January 18, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: I’ve read a few of Krentz’s novels now and they haven’t disappointed me once! I loved The Shop on Hidden Lane so freaking much, and it was the perfect blend of mysteriousness, paranormal goodness, and dash of (mostly non-steamy) romance. Luke and Sophy were a fantastic pair with each having their own psychic abilities along with other skills, and the pacing was more than fast enough to keep things interesting. Luke’s dog stole the show for me, and now I need to read the other books about Fogg Lake because that ending made me thirsty for more. Buried secrets, humor, top-tier characters, and an intriguing plot made this a book to remember!
🎧 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘕𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: I mostly focused on listening to the audiobook, and I am a huge fan of Eva Kaminsky’s narration. I do wish there had been a duet or at least dual narration though as we have both Luke and Sophy’s POVs, and the transitions got a little confusing with one narrator. That being said, Kaminsky is a dream to listen to, and I thought she did an excellent job, so it didn’t bring down my rating for the audio at all.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 👻🔮🐕⛲
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: .5🌶️
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Publishers: Berkley & Recorded Books, Inc.
Pub Date: January 6, 2026
Dates Read/Listened: January 14, 2026 – January 18, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: I’ve read a few of Krentz’s novels now and they haven’t disappointed me once! I loved The Shop on Hidden Lane so freaking much, and it was the perfect blend of mysteriousness, paranormal goodness, and dash of (mostly non-steamy) romance. Luke and Sophy were a fantastic pair with each having their own psychic abilities along with other skills, and the pacing was more than fast enough to keep things interesting. Luke’s dog stole the show for me, and now I need to read the other books about Fogg Lake because that ending made me thirsty for more. Buried secrets, humor, top-tier characters, and an intriguing plot made this a book to remember!
🎧 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘕𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: I mostly focused on listening to the audiobook, and I am a huge fan of Eva Kaminsky’s narration. I do wish there had been a duet or at least dual narration though as we have both Luke and Sophy’s POVs, and the transitions got a little confusing with one narrator. That being said, Kaminsky is a dream to listen to, and I thought she did an excellent job, so it didn’t bring down my rating for the audio at all.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 👻🔮🐕⛲
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: .5🌶️
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love these paranormals. I presume this is going to be a series, as there are hints to the next book, and the heroine has a sister we did not meet.
When Samantha Harper is hired by Luke Wells to help find his missing uncle, she is reluctant as their families have been in a feud for 3 generations. However, he is paying her 3 times her usual fee as they go off to Uncle Deke's cabin. There they discover a murder, and must go from Washington state to Arizona to follow the clues.
Though this is not part of previous series, there are characters from The Foundation we have met, so it is in the same universe.
I do wonder if we have met any of these characters before, as it feels as if we have.
Anyway, Samantha discovers her Aunt Bea, who has raised her and her sister, seems to be having an affair with a Wells, the enemy!
I do not think this should be read as a standalone as there are things a reader should know, as what the experiments that have been hidden are about.
The beginning of this book is excellent and gives a very good reason for how Samantha acts. As in most of her books, we see the thoughts of the characters, and Luke is particularly adorable. He also as a very smart dog named Bruce, who we will possibility meet again in the next book, which I will be eagerly awaiting.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest review, and my honest opinion is YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.
When Samantha Harper is hired by Luke Wells to help find his missing uncle, she is reluctant as their families have been in a feud for 3 generations. However, he is paying her 3 times her usual fee as they go off to Uncle Deke's cabin. There they discover a murder, and must go from Washington state to Arizona to follow the clues.
Though this is not part of previous series, there are characters from The Foundation we have met, so it is in the same universe.
I do wonder if we have met any of these characters before, as it feels as if we have.
Anyway, Samantha discovers her Aunt Bea, who has raised her and her sister, seems to be having an affair with a Wells, the enemy!
I do not think this should be read as a standalone as there are things a reader should know, as what the experiments that have been hidden are about.
The beginning of this book is excellent and gives a very good reason for how Samantha acts. As in most of her books, we see the thoughts of the characters, and Luke is particularly adorable. He also as a very smart dog named Bruce, who we will possibility meet again in the next book, which I will be eagerly awaiting.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest review, and my honest opinion is YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.
October 5, 2025
I loved it! This book felt just like being back in the Arcane Society series from 15 years ago. I enjoyed it so much! The Arizona setting is gorgeous and Sophy and Luke were a great team. The ending has a teaser for more to come. I can't wait! ARC netgalley.com
December 1, 2025
Their family are rivals and feuding, but when her aunt and his uncle disappear together, Sophy Harper and Luke wells team up to find them.
Sophy is a librarian who also has the psychic gift of seeing crime scenes and cleaning up the psychic traces left behind. Luke is known as No-Talent Wells because he doesn't have the psychic gift for engineering and invention that otherwise runs through his family. He is, however, slated to take over as CEO for his family's security company since that's where his gift lies.
Luke also has a dog named Bruce that he found shot on the road some months earlier. Bruce looks like a hellhound and might have some psychic gifts of his own.
The trio find their way to an art colony on a vortex in Arizona where strange things are happening. One of Sophy's failed dating experiments is there obsessing over reclaiming Sophy. So is a tech bro billionaire with a fascination for light. And the woman who broke Luke's heart and shook his confidence is also part of the scheme at the art colony.
This was another of Krentz's psychic romances set in her fantasy world with psychics and organizations like the Foundation and the Arcane Society who attempt to organize them. I liked the way the mystery came together. I also like the way the romance worked for Sophy and Luke.
Sophy is a librarian who also has the psychic gift of seeing crime scenes and cleaning up the psychic traces left behind. Luke is known as No-Talent Wells because he doesn't have the psychic gift for engineering and invention that otherwise runs through his family. He is, however, slated to take over as CEO for his family's security company since that's where his gift lies.
Luke also has a dog named Bruce that he found shot on the road some months earlier. Bruce looks like a hellhound and might have some psychic gifts of his own.
The trio find their way to an art colony on a vortex in Arizona where strange things are happening. One of Sophy's failed dating experiments is there obsessing over reclaiming Sophy. So is a tech bro billionaire with a fascination for light. And the woman who broke Luke's heart and shook his confidence is also part of the scheme at the art colony.
This was another of Krentz's psychic romances set in her fantasy world with psychics and organizations like the Foundation and the Arcane Society who attempt to organize them. I liked the way the mystery came together. I also like the way the romance worked for Sophy and Luke.
January 10, 2026
The little shop on Hidden Lane in tiny Mirror Lake looks like a bit of a tourist trap for those who believe in the weird reputation of the town and the surrounding area. And it kind of is, but that’s not the business that keeps the lights on. Bea Harper makes her reputation performing paranormal investigations for the people who KNOW that it’s all real because they’re part of it.
Not believe, but KNOW. Because they, or their parents or grandparents, lived within the sphere of influence and/or fallout of one or more secret government labs that were playing with technology they REALLY didn’t understand. And everyone near ground zero for the secret Bluestone labs developed a ‘little something extra’ that changed them – and their descendants.
Just like the experiments that members of the centuries old Arcane Society played around with when they discovered that they and their descendants had psychic powers – for REAL.
It’s a fascinating idea, and makes a great set-up for a long-running series that reads like it steps right alongside the X-Files or any other TV series that claims “the truth is out there”. Because in this case it absolutely is.
But Bea Harper is missing, and so is Deke Wells, her romantic partner/frenemy – it’s complicated. Bea’s niece Sophy and Deke’s nephew Luke were surprised by the discovery of that relationship because the Harpers and the Wells have been feuding since the previous century.
The society of the paranormally gifted is a small world, and the Harpers and the Wells are on opposite sides of that world in every possible way. Which clearly didn’t stop Bea and Deke from falling for each other.
And doesn’t look like it’s going to stop Sophy and Luke either. They just have to survive the mess that their feuding families have gotten them all into. All they need is a little bit of help from Luke’s ‘hellhound’ Bruce to help them win the day and close down the clandestine project that set their families at loggerheads – for good, this time. Or at least for a while.
Because Bruce has secrets of his own, and they’re going to need all the help they can get to figure THAT mess out. Hopefully soon because Bruce steals the show in The Shop on Hidden Lane and he deserves a happy and safe happy ever after of his very own – and so do all of his brothers and sisters!
Escape Rating A-: I picked this FIRST over the holidays because, as much as I’ve been looking forward to several books this first full week of the new year, the Jayneverse was the place I most wanted to dive into to start. Even when the story is set in the here and now – admittedly a here and now in which the X-Files would be both right at home and absolutely true – it has just that hint of a future beyond our wildest dreams.
The author has already dreamed that future, as this is part of long-running, multi-faceted, sometimes multifarious series that began – historically – with the Victorian Era set Arcane Society in Second Sight (written under her Amanda Quick penname), continues through the 20th and 21st centuries (written like this book as Jayne Ann Krentz) into our present in stories like White Lies, The Vanishing, and Sleep No More, then continues into the far-off, far flung future on the lost Earth colony Harmony (written as Jayne Castle) with After Dark.
The fun of this fantastic, fascinating, interconnected series is that every single book is a starting point. You don’t have to begin at the beginning – although they are ALL terrific and you will want to – and you don’t have to remember the details of everything that went before because each book gives enough background to get you stuck right in wherever and whenever you are. That being said, this book is currently a bit of a standalone, although it’s clear there are more coming, making The Shop on Hidden Lane a great place to being a new exploration of this interconnected series.
As well as brand-new situations and characters to fall utterly in love with. Of which the scene-stealing Bruce is a prime example.
At its heart – and does it ever have one – the story in The Shop on Hidden Lane combines paranormal romance with romantic suspense. The suspense part is where the multiple facets and nefarious villains come in – along with the threads of the rest of the marvelously tangled Jayneverse.
The idea that the government conducted secret experiments and then tried to cover everything up isn’t all that fictional. These particular experiments into the paranormal (most likely) are, but history tells us this sort of thing did happen, particularly in regard to the Manhattan Project in WW2 and the production of nuclear power afterwards. (If you want a REAL chill, read Then Came the Summer Snow by Trisha Pritikin about the towns that lived in the shadow of nuclear production and were continually exposed to toxic radiation out of fear that telling the locals to take some simple precautions would let the enemy know how much nuclear material was being produced – more than a decade after the war was over.)
The idea that the government didn’t keep track of everyone and especially everything after they shut the projects down after multiple disasters also doesn’t seem all that far-fetched either, which is what grounds this series in the real. (That the techbro who got caught up in this particular branch of villainy and chicanery reads a LOT like the fictional version of a real-life techbro just made the whole thing that much more plausible. Also more fun.)
So the concept feels real, which makes the action and danger feel equally plausible even though the villains are a bit on the cartoon supervillain side. Then again, cartoon supervillains play with exactly the same kind of tech so it STILL works.
I loved that Bea and Deke found THEIR HEA even though we don’t see their romance. The amount of time they’ve been (secretly) involved also helps to balance out the instalove between their respective niblings, Sophy and Luke, which happens so fast and furiously hot that even the participants acknowledge it’s awfully fast although they are both deeply committed by the end of this FOUR DAY adrenaline race.
But it works anyway. Perhaps because Bruce is both their protector AND their guardian angel. Or guardian hellhound, which honestly they need quite a bit more, considering the dangerous mess they’ve gotten themselves into.
While it’s going to be a while before I get Bruce’s story, I’ll be back in the Jayneverse, on Harmony this time, with Enter the Nightmare, coming in June (cover TBD). But I’m REALLY looking forward to Bruce’s story, because the teaser we got for THAT was fantastic, in multiple senses of the word!
Originally published at Reading Reality
Not believe, but KNOW. Because they, or their parents or grandparents, lived within the sphere of influence and/or fallout of one or more secret government labs that were playing with technology they REALLY didn’t understand. And everyone near ground zero for the secret Bluestone labs developed a ‘little something extra’ that changed them – and their descendants.
Just like the experiments that members of the centuries old Arcane Society played around with when they discovered that they and their descendants had psychic powers – for REAL.
It’s a fascinating idea, and makes a great set-up for a long-running series that reads like it steps right alongside the X-Files or any other TV series that claims “the truth is out there”. Because in this case it absolutely is.
But Bea Harper is missing, and so is Deke Wells, her romantic partner/frenemy – it’s complicated. Bea’s niece Sophy and Deke’s nephew Luke were surprised by the discovery of that relationship because the Harpers and the Wells have been feuding since the previous century.
The society of the paranormally gifted is a small world, and the Harpers and the Wells are on opposite sides of that world in every possible way. Which clearly didn’t stop Bea and Deke from falling for each other.
And doesn’t look like it’s going to stop Sophy and Luke either. They just have to survive the mess that their feuding families have gotten them all into. All they need is a little bit of help from Luke’s ‘hellhound’ Bruce to help them win the day and close down the clandestine project that set their families at loggerheads – for good, this time. Or at least for a while.
Because Bruce has secrets of his own, and they’re going to need all the help they can get to figure THAT mess out. Hopefully soon because Bruce steals the show in The Shop on Hidden Lane and he deserves a happy and safe happy ever after of his very own – and so do all of his brothers and sisters!
Escape Rating A-: I picked this FIRST over the holidays because, as much as I’ve been looking forward to several books this first full week of the new year, the Jayneverse was the place I most wanted to dive into to start. Even when the story is set in the here and now – admittedly a here and now in which the X-Files would be both right at home and absolutely true – it has just that hint of a future beyond our wildest dreams.
The author has already dreamed that future, as this is part of long-running, multi-faceted, sometimes multifarious series that began – historically – with the Victorian Era set Arcane Society in Second Sight (written under her Amanda Quick penname), continues through the 20th and 21st centuries (written like this book as Jayne Ann Krentz) into our present in stories like White Lies, The Vanishing, and Sleep No More, then continues into the far-off, far flung future on the lost Earth colony Harmony (written as Jayne Castle) with After Dark.
The fun of this fantastic, fascinating, interconnected series is that every single book is a starting point. You don’t have to begin at the beginning – although they are ALL terrific and you will want to – and you don’t have to remember the details of everything that went before because each book gives enough background to get you stuck right in wherever and whenever you are. That being said, this book is currently a bit of a standalone, although it’s clear there are more coming, making The Shop on Hidden Lane a great place to being a new exploration of this interconnected series.
As well as brand-new situations and characters to fall utterly in love with. Of which the scene-stealing Bruce is a prime example.
At its heart – and does it ever have one – the story in The Shop on Hidden Lane combines paranormal romance with romantic suspense. The suspense part is where the multiple facets and nefarious villains come in – along with the threads of the rest of the marvelously tangled Jayneverse.
The idea that the government conducted secret experiments and then tried to cover everything up isn’t all that fictional. These particular experiments into the paranormal (most likely) are, but history tells us this sort of thing did happen, particularly in regard to the Manhattan Project in WW2 and the production of nuclear power afterwards. (If you want a REAL chill, read Then Came the Summer Snow by Trisha Pritikin about the towns that lived in the shadow of nuclear production and were continually exposed to toxic radiation out of fear that telling the locals to take some simple precautions would let the enemy know how much nuclear material was being produced – more than a decade after the war was over.)
The idea that the government didn’t keep track of everyone and especially everything after they shut the projects down after multiple disasters also doesn’t seem all that far-fetched either, which is what grounds this series in the real. (That the techbro who got caught up in this particular branch of villainy and chicanery reads a LOT like the fictional version of a real-life techbro just made the whole thing that much more plausible. Also more fun.)
So the concept feels real, which makes the action and danger feel equally plausible even though the villains are a bit on the cartoon supervillain side. Then again, cartoon supervillains play with exactly the same kind of tech so it STILL works.
I loved that Bea and Deke found THEIR HEA even though we don’t see their romance. The amount of time they’ve been (secretly) involved also helps to balance out the instalove between their respective niblings, Sophy and Luke, which happens so fast and furiously hot that even the participants acknowledge it’s awfully fast although they are both deeply committed by the end of this FOUR DAY adrenaline race.
But it works anyway. Perhaps because Bruce is both their protector AND their guardian angel. Or guardian hellhound, which honestly they need quite a bit more, considering the dangerous mess they’ve gotten themselves into.
While it’s going to be a while before I get Bruce’s story, I’ll be back in the Jayneverse, on Harmony this time, with Enter the Nightmare, coming in June (cover TBD). But I’m REALLY looking forward to Bruce’s story, because the teaser we got for THAT was fantastic, in multiple senses of the word!
Originally published at Reading Reality
January 11, 2026
3.5 Stars ⭐️
This book takes us on a journey as two people from feuding families have to work together to find their loved ones. In this world, there is a psychic and paranormal community that the Harper and Wells families are a big part of. The Harpers are known for their ability to undo any lock, and the Wells family have used their talents to create a very successful security empire.
Apparently long ago, the two families formed a mysterious pact a long time ago. The current family members are clueless about the past and do not have any knowledge of the origins of the pact, but they are duty bound to help each other when needed.
We meet FMC Sophy Harper and MMC Luke Wells. The two of them are thrown together when they realize that they both have family members missing. Sophy is able to "read" crime scenes and she tells Luke that there was a murder in his Uncle's cabin and Uncle Deke and Aunt Bea are nowhere to be found. They are missing.
During their investigation, the two realize that Luke's Uncle and Sophy's Aunt have been in a secret relationship for quite a while. Consider their minds blown.
The mystery that unfolds has the duo investigating the past -all the way back to when their Great Grandfather's first went into business together. There are bad guys and a mystery and the two of them find themselves directly in the middle of everything.
For a supernatural story, there really wasn't that much supernatural or psychic stuff going on. I think I was expecting, or actually hoping for more. The MC's were likeable enough but the story never really garnered my interest. I never really felt too invested and didn't feel like I really had the opportunity to get to know the characters more than at a superficial level.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on January 6, 2026.
This book takes us on a journey as two people from feuding families have to work together to find their loved ones. In this world, there is a psychic and paranormal community that the Harper and Wells families are a big part of. The Harpers are known for their ability to undo any lock, and the Wells family have used their talents to create a very successful security empire.
Apparently long ago, the two families formed a mysterious pact a long time ago. The current family members are clueless about the past and do not have any knowledge of the origins of the pact, but they are duty bound to help each other when needed.
We meet FMC Sophy Harper and MMC Luke Wells. The two of them are thrown together when they realize that they both have family members missing. Sophy is able to "read" crime scenes and she tells Luke that there was a murder in his Uncle's cabin and Uncle Deke and Aunt Bea are nowhere to be found. They are missing.
During their investigation, the two realize that Luke's Uncle and Sophy's Aunt have been in a secret relationship for quite a while. Consider their minds blown.
The mystery that unfolds has the duo investigating the past -all the way back to when their Great Grandfather's first went into business together. There are bad guys and a mystery and the two of them find themselves directly in the middle of everything.
For a supernatural story, there really wasn't that much supernatural or psychic stuff going on. I think I was expecting, or actually hoping for more. The MC's were likeable enough but the story never really garnered my interest. I never really felt too invested and didn't feel like I really had the opportunity to get to know the characters more than at a superficial level.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on January 6, 2026.
Read
January 14, 2026When two people from rival psychic families must work together to find their missing relations, more than the sizzle of attraction sparks between them and they must pool their psychic strengths and intellectual cunning if they are to stop an insidious threat. Jayne Ann Krentz has built a dynamic world of psychics and suspense and I am always eager to settle in and enjoy a paranormal romantic suspense I am reluctant to set aside.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy TBA.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy TBA.
August 31, 2025
A new set of families have been introduced into the psychic shenanigans and coverups swirling around the Bluestone Project and the Harpers and Wells have HISTORY. Fortunately for everyone, that history is exactly what's needed to take care of business.
But first! Sophy and Luke. She can read paranormal energy (amongst other things) and he's sporting some serious self-doubt thanks to a relationship gone sour. To be fair, there were extenuating circumstances as to why that relationship turned. Also to be fair, Sophy's approach to relationships doesn't leave her with a lot of second dates. These two aren't thrilled to be working together, but the nature of what they're dealing with doesn't leave them with any other choices.
So they start looking into the murder and disappearance of their respective family members and soon they're knee-deep in secrets that were supposed to remain buried. They also have to pretend to be a couple as they follow the clues and pretending to be a couple isn't nearly as difficult as either thought it would be. Sure, they both have a few hang-ups and some issues they need to deal with on a personal level, but WHO DOESN'T??
A little betrayal, a very reluctant collaboration (that turns not-so-reluctant), a magnificent doggo, secrets, muses, a dangerous location, and a couple (eventually) who have to let go of their fears if they hope to save themselves and their family members. *thumbs up* all around.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
But first! Sophy and Luke. She can read paranormal energy (amongst other things) and he's sporting some serious self-doubt thanks to a relationship gone sour. To be fair, there were extenuating circumstances as to why that relationship turned. Also to be fair, Sophy's approach to relationships doesn't leave her with a lot of second dates. These two aren't thrilled to be working together, but the nature of what they're dealing with doesn't leave them with any other choices.
So they start looking into the murder and disappearance of their respective family members and soon they're knee-deep in secrets that were supposed to remain buried. They also have to pretend to be a couple as they follow the clues and pretending to be a couple isn't nearly as difficult as either thought it would be. Sure, they both have a few hang-ups and some issues they need to deal with on a personal level, but WHO DOESN'T??
A little betrayal, a very reluctant collaboration (that turns not-so-reluctant), a magnificent doggo, secrets, muses, a dangerous location, and a couple (eventually) who have to let go of their fears if they hope to save themselves and their family members. *thumbs up* all around.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
October 22, 2025
Another great book by Jayne Ann Krentz. I received this book as an ARC read. In The Shop on Hidden Lane we meet Luke Wells and Sophy Harper whose families have had a feud going for a few generations. As they search for Sophy’s Aunt Bea and Luke’s Uncle Deke we dive into the paranormal that Jayne Ann Krentz is known for. If you are a fan of her Fogg Lake series this book ties into the series. There is also a nod to The Arcane Society. An enjoyable read and highly recommend.
January 30, 2026
This was good. I enjoy this author's books for what they are - light, fun and easy reading paranormal romance stories.
I liked the plot of this and I liked most of the characters - but especially Bruce the dog, he was delightful!
I had this as an audio book for my daily walk to and from work and it was enjoyable and entertaining.
I liked the plot of this and I liked most of the characters - but especially Bruce the dog, he was delightful!
I had this as an audio book for my daily walk to and from work and it was enjoyable and entertaining.
January 9, 2026
These books are very formulaic but I enjoy them nonetheless.
November 26, 2025
"The Shop on Hidden Lane" is Jayne Ann Krentz's latest addition to the JayneVerse. The Harper and Wells families have regarded each other with deep suspicion for four generations. The Harpers have been known to offer their psychic talents for less-than-legal purposes, and the powerful Wells clan has a reputation for playing both sides of the street. But for all the years of history and distrust between them, there is a mysterious pact binding the two. They share the responsibility for protecting a long-buried and very dangerous secret.
Sophy Harper has the ability to view the ghosts of crime scenes and clear the area of negative psychic residues, while Luke Wells is the presumed heir and future CEO of Wells, Inc., a powerful security firm. His uncle Deke and her Aunt Bea have gone missing and it's up to Sophy and Luke to find them as well as uncover parties responsible for trying to resurrect their families' secrets. First, I love Jayne Ann Krentz's stories and I always look forward to the newest books in the JayneVerse. While not required, I would highly recommend reading her Fogg Lake series starting with "the Vanishing", for more information on the Foundation and the Bluestone Project. It's one of the things I love the most, how all of her stories and worlds tie together. I've been a fan since I fell into the Arcane Society books.
I will admit, it took me a little longer to get on board with Sophy and Luke than I usually do with the couples in Krentz's novels, but once they were in the art colony, working together and developing and strengthening each of their psychic gifts, I was absolutely invested. I was sucked in with the references to the Bluestone lore and I really hope to learn more about the history of the Harper family, as I am guessing their might be an upcoming book about Sophy's sister. Also, I would be remiss if I forgot to shoutout Bruce, the Hellhound, who was undoubtedly the best character in the book. I also loved how Krentz tied Bruce's backstory into Fogg Lake as well and I cannot wait to meet more wonderful animal sidekicks in future stories.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Jayne Ann Krentz for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sophy Harper has the ability to view the ghosts of crime scenes and clear the area of negative psychic residues, while Luke Wells is the presumed heir and future CEO of Wells, Inc., a powerful security firm. His uncle Deke and her Aunt Bea have gone missing and it's up to Sophy and Luke to find them as well as uncover parties responsible for trying to resurrect their families' secrets. First, I love Jayne Ann Krentz's stories and I always look forward to the newest books in the JayneVerse. While not required, I would highly recommend reading her Fogg Lake series starting with "the Vanishing", for more information on the Foundation and the Bluestone Project. It's one of the things I love the most, how all of her stories and worlds tie together. I've been a fan since I fell into the Arcane Society books.
I will admit, it took me a little longer to get on board with Sophy and Luke than I usually do with the couples in Krentz's novels, but once they were in the art colony, working together and developing and strengthening each of their psychic gifts, I was absolutely invested. I was sucked in with the references to the Bluestone lore and I really hope to learn more about the history of the Harper family, as I am guessing their might be an upcoming book about Sophy's sister. Also, I would be remiss if I forgot to shoutout Bruce, the Hellhound, who was undoubtedly the best character in the book. I also loved how Krentz tied Bruce's backstory into Fogg Lake as well and I cannot wait to meet more wonderful animal sidekicks in future stories.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Jayne Ann Krentz for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2026
Thoroughly enjoying this. The tension is the same as the characters' - not getting the desired answers quickly enough, wanting to experience ALL the 'trance' investigations but only the first is detailed... Those are great frustrations.
The reader knows the 2 MCs are going to end up together, and wants it to happen early, so the outcome of that gets more page time. Again, a great tension to set up. Lots of fun 'naughty' bits too.
A few painfully clumsy bits. Like showing ALL the intimate secret locks to a TRAINED security professional - for no reason. Then claiming 'only certain people' can activate them. If the author DOESN'T have the nemesis break the locks, its even worse writing than it seems at first.
Another niggling irritation - "The Shop on Hidden Lane" quickly shows how UNprotected that shop is, despite "the Harper's being VERY good with locks". But the focus and interest are not on the shop at all. It's just a prop in this story - frankly, Bruce the 'dog' (probably a werewolf if shot with a silver bullet?) is tons more interesting, throughout. Cripes, forget the missing Bea and Deke that the reader knows not at all, tell us more about the dog!
Fun and all's well and all that, but the 'climax' scene is complete bs. After all the bits in the story, it would have been easy to write a reasonable conclusion, but the reader doesn't get one.
The reader knows the 2 MCs are going to end up together, and wants it to happen early, so the outcome of that gets more page time. Again, a great tension to set up. Lots of fun 'naughty' bits too.
A few painfully clumsy bits. Like showing ALL the intimate secret locks to a TRAINED security professional - for no reason. Then claiming 'only certain people' can activate them. If the author DOESN'T have the nemesis break the locks, its even worse writing than it seems at first.
Another niggling irritation - "The Shop on Hidden Lane" quickly shows how UNprotected that shop is, despite "the Harper's being VERY good with locks". But the focus and interest are not on the shop at all. It's just a prop in this story - frankly, Bruce the 'dog' (probably a werewolf if shot with a silver bullet?) is tons more interesting, throughout. Cripes, forget the missing Bea and Deke that the reader knows not at all, tell us more about the dog!
Fun and all's well and all that, but the 'climax' scene is complete bs. After all the bits in the story, it would have been easy to write a reasonable conclusion, but the reader doesn't get one.
January 12, 2026
Jayne knocks it out of the park again! Hot! Hot! Hot! Romance!
I woke up a couple of days ago to find a new Jayne Ann Krentz novel had landed in my Kindle. I knew right then it would be a great day. I have read every book Jayne has written under all her pseudonyms and she never fails to captivate me. Jayne Ann Krentz is a magnificent paranormal romance storyteller. Her characters and world-building skills are second to none.
The Shop on Hidden Lane was everything I had come to expect from Jayne. To begin with, the story is full of suspense and mystery. Jayne demonstrates her magnificent skills as she captures my attention in the very first chapter. Murder, dark alleys, foggy night, and a shadowy ghost-like villain, Jayne sets up for what can only be a mystery requiring specific and special paranormal talent. The chills I got as I read were similar to the ones I get from listening to ghost stories told around on campfire! There was no way I was going to put The Shop on Hidden Lane now! In fact, I finished the book in one sitting, reading almost to dawn, muttering " just one more chapter" under my breath the entire time.
The characters, specifically the exacting character development, are the other of Jayne Krentz's writing traits that naturally draw me to her novels. Her main characters in The Shop on Hidden Lane do not seem to be a good match at first, but as the story progresses, you can see that the hero and heroine are made for each other. The slow-burning tension between Luke and Sophy, kept me hanging on to every interaction. Would the two of them ever drop their distrust and learn to play together? As the reader, you quickly figure out, Jayne has set them up to only be able to succeed if they can work together. I got so invested in Luke and Sophy being together, I would shout at them when they pulled away from each other! (Scared my dogs!) Jayne Ann Krentz, once again sucked me out of my recliner and into the story like I was a participant not a spectator! Masterfully done once again Jayne! Positive proof that Jayne Krentz develops characters that are so believable and relatable you can't help but act like they are your neighbors!
Which brings me to Jayne's villain in The Shop on Hidden Lane. The villain begins as only a shadow and is slowly revealed as the story rolls on. Jayne makes sure there are several twists in the plot along the way. I love the way Jayne kept me enthralled as I concentrated on identifying who did it! It wasn't until the end that I was able to figure out the real killer! What a surprise!
Finally, Jayne Ann Krentz knows how to make the romance sizzle. As the talents of Luke and Sophy begin to resonate with each other, the smoldering romance begins to heat up. The slow-burning sexual tension ignites as Luke and Sophy's attraction turns into a wildfire. I had to turn on the fans as I read it was so hot! There was no way I could put the book down now that the two main characters had finally discovered their love for each other. It is another way Jayne Ann Krentz keeps her readers totally riveted to her story, ensuring she earns the title of " Queen of Paranormal Romance"!
The Shop on Hidden Lane is well- worth the time and money to read! Having read it, there is no doubt I will remain a devoted Jayne Ann Krentz fan. So keep on writing Jayne because I for sure will keep on reading!
I woke up a couple of days ago to find a new Jayne Ann Krentz novel had landed in my Kindle. I knew right then it would be a great day. I have read every book Jayne has written under all her pseudonyms and she never fails to captivate me. Jayne Ann Krentz is a magnificent paranormal romance storyteller. Her characters and world-building skills are second to none.
The Shop on Hidden Lane was everything I had come to expect from Jayne. To begin with, the story is full of suspense and mystery. Jayne demonstrates her magnificent skills as she captures my attention in the very first chapter. Murder, dark alleys, foggy night, and a shadowy ghost-like villain, Jayne sets up for what can only be a mystery requiring specific and special paranormal talent. The chills I got as I read were similar to the ones I get from listening to ghost stories told around on campfire! There was no way I was going to put The Shop on Hidden Lane now! In fact, I finished the book in one sitting, reading almost to dawn, muttering " just one more chapter" under my breath the entire time.
The characters, specifically the exacting character development, are the other of Jayne Krentz's writing traits that naturally draw me to her novels. Her main characters in The Shop on Hidden Lane do not seem to be a good match at first, but as the story progresses, you can see that the hero and heroine are made for each other. The slow-burning tension between Luke and Sophy, kept me hanging on to every interaction. Would the two of them ever drop their distrust and learn to play together? As the reader, you quickly figure out, Jayne has set them up to only be able to succeed if they can work together. I got so invested in Luke and Sophy being together, I would shout at them when they pulled away from each other! (Scared my dogs!) Jayne Ann Krentz, once again sucked me out of my recliner and into the story like I was a participant not a spectator! Masterfully done once again Jayne! Positive proof that Jayne Krentz develops characters that are so believable and relatable you can't help but act like they are your neighbors!
Which brings me to Jayne's villain in The Shop on Hidden Lane. The villain begins as only a shadow and is slowly revealed as the story rolls on. Jayne makes sure there are several twists in the plot along the way. I love the way Jayne kept me enthralled as I concentrated on identifying who did it! It wasn't until the end that I was able to figure out the real killer! What a surprise!
Finally, Jayne Ann Krentz knows how to make the romance sizzle. As the talents of Luke and Sophy begin to resonate with each other, the smoldering romance begins to heat up. The slow-burning sexual tension ignites as Luke and Sophy's attraction turns into a wildfire. I had to turn on the fans as I read it was so hot! There was no way I could put the book down now that the two main characters had finally discovered their love for each other. It is another way Jayne Ann Krentz keeps her readers totally riveted to her story, ensuring she earns the title of " Queen of Paranormal Romance"!
The Shop on Hidden Lane is well- worth the time and money to read! Having read it, there is no doubt I will remain a devoted Jayne Ann Krentz fan. So keep on writing Jayne because I for sure will keep on reading!
February 1, 2026
Entertaining paranormal, romantic suspense
This is a classic "enemies to lovers" plot. It is also true to the pattern that JAK has used in all her romantic suspense for the past 35 years. The FMC and MMC start out as rivals or enemies and quickly decide, both for convenience and the fact that they are instantly attracted to each other, to work together as equal partners to solve a mystery, typically a murder. In the case of this story, Sophy Harper and Luke Wells, who did not personally know each other before the beginning of the story, but whose families have been enemies for a long time, set out to find her missing aunt and his missing uncle. It seems clear that the two are involved with each other somehow, and if they can be found, it will be at the same place.
This book is the first in a new series which is closely tied to the Fogg Lake series. You don't absolutely have to read that series before reading this book, but as a huge JAK fan, I highly recommend it.
I enjoyed this book very much. I liked both Sophy and Luke, and I especially liked his dog Bruce. I'm a big fan of everything paranormal that JAK has written, and I'm very happy that she's decided these last few years to write quite a few new paranormal romances.
I will definitely be reading any other books in this series. I'm guessing it's going to be a duology. We did not meet Sophy's sister in this book, but it seems highly likely that she's going to be the FMC of the sequel. We also did not encounter Luke's brother in this story, but there's a strong probability that he will be the MMC in the next book.
This is a classic "enemies to lovers" plot. It is also true to the pattern that JAK has used in all her romantic suspense for the past 35 years. The FMC and MMC start out as rivals or enemies and quickly decide, both for convenience and the fact that they are instantly attracted to each other, to work together as equal partners to solve a mystery, typically a murder. In the case of this story, Sophy Harper and Luke Wells, who did not personally know each other before the beginning of the story, but whose families have been enemies for a long time, set out to find her missing aunt and his missing uncle. It seems clear that the two are involved with each other somehow, and if they can be found, it will be at the same place.
This book is the first in a new series which is closely tied to the Fogg Lake series. You don't absolutely have to read that series before reading this book, but as a huge JAK fan, I highly recommend it.
I enjoyed this book very much. I liked both Sophy and Luke, and I especially liked his dog Bruce. I'm a big fan of everything paranormal that JAK has written, and I'm very happy that she's decided these last few years to write quite a few new paranormal romances.
I will definitely be reading any other books in this series. I'm guessing it's going to be a duology. We did not meet Sophy's sister in this book, but it seems highly likely that she's going to be the FMC of the sequel. We also did not encounter Luke's brother in this story, but there's a strong probability that he will be the MMC in the next book.
January 22, 2026
Sophy is a librarian whose family has been feuding with the Wells family for a long time. Then she finds that she and Luke Wells are teaming up to find their missing relatives at an alleged art colony where nothing is as it seems. Despite the old family feud, Sophy and Luke find they work together well, both professionally and personally.
January 7, 2026
The Shop on Hidden Lane was unexpected and a strong start to my 2026 reading life. Thank you so much @randomhouse @berkleypub for the gifted copy. Read it if you love:
🧡 enemies to lovers
🛏️ forced proximity
👻 paranormal elements
�� mystery
📖 short chapters
🐶 dogs
I don’t usually read paranormal type books, but this makes two in the past week and I’m not mad about it. I loved getting to know Sophy and Luke as individuals as well as exploring their family history/feud. And Bruce! I’m happy to hear there will be more in upcoming books. I’d like to see this series out.
🧡 enemies to lovers
🛏️ forced proximity
👻 paranormal elements
�� mystery
📖 short chapters
🐶 dogs
I don’t usually read paranormal type books, but this makes two in the past week and I’m not mad about it. I loved getting to know Sophy and Luke as individuals as well as exploring their family history/feud. And Bruce! I’m happy to hear there will be more in upcoming books. I’d like to see this series out.
January 13, 2026
The Harper and the Wells families have been wary of each other for generations. Not a feud, just suspicions. As a result, Sophy Harper and Luke Wells are surprised to learn that her aunt and his uncle are secretly involved. But they have disappeared, where are they?
February 4, 2026
Great new book by Jayne Krentz, looks like it will be a series! Excited to see if this is the case!
January 15, 2026
3.25⭐
Initially I had high hopes for this one. The first third piqued my interest with two interesting and likeable protagonists. After that point, it started getting confusing and going over the top. By the time we reached the climax, I lost all interest. And why oh why add a spicy scene at the very end of the book? Didn't add to the tension between the characters. Seemed more like publisher said to stick it in anywhere. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Initially I had high hopes for this one. The first third piqued my interest with two interesting and likeable protagonists. After that point, it started getting confusing and going over the top. By the time we reached the climax, I lost all interest. And why oh why add a spicy scene at the very end of the book? Didn't add to the tension between the characters. Seemed more like publisher said to stick it in anywhere. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
August 21, 2025
I don’t tend to like paranormal things generally, but the book blurb seemed interesting (albeit ridiculous) so I gave this a read. Overall it was light hearted, laughable, but a bit predictable. 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed the mystery aspect the most. You could see how various pieces were going to come together over time but the journey itself was enjoyable. Bruce, the dog / hellhound, was clearly the best character and sets up a great promise for the next book. The human characters were also good - clear motives, behaviors that made sense, etc.
I found the writing style itself a bit frustrating. It was heavy handed in the foreshadowing, which stylistically I don’t like when reading a mystery or suspense related book. I would rather have some twists and turns be more subtle so there’s a chance or surprise. Additionally, the writing could be blunt in forcing pieces into the story (e.g., the reader learns about the Wells/Harpers family pact by the characters saying it would be good to compare versions of what we were told… only to not actually compare or challenge anything). Personally I found it a bit distracting, but not enough to pull me entirely from the story.
Thank you to Jayne Ann Krentz, Berkley, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the mystery aspect the most. You could see how various pieces were going to come together over time but the journey itself was enjoyable. Bruce, the dog / hellhound, was clearly the best character and sets up a great promise for the next book. The human characters were also good - clear motives, behaviors that made sense, etc.
I found the writing style itself a bit frustrating. It was heavy handed in the foreshadowing, which stylistically I don’t like when reading a mystery or suspense related book. I would rather have some twists and turns be more subtle so there’s a chance or surprise. Additionally, the writing could be blunt in forcing pieces into the story (e.g., the reader learns about the Wells/Harpers family pact by the characters saying it would be good to compare versions of what we were told… only to not actually compare or challenge anything). Personally I found it a bit distracting, but not enough to pull me entirely from the story.
Thank you to Jayne Ann Krentz, Berkley, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Where to Read: available January 6, 2026, pre-order your copy here: https://amzn.to/4qy8ON8
RAVING REVIEW: THE SHOP ON HIDDEN LANE feels like a novel written by an author who knows exactly what her audience expects and still finds room to refine the formula. Jayne Ann Krentz has spent decades balancing romantic tension with mystery and paranormal intrigue, and this entry reflects a writer who understands how to let the genre enhance the story rather than overwhelm it. The result is a confident, engaging read that rewards patience and attention without demanding prior knowledge of her wider universe. Which is good, I haven’t read any of the previous books, but I felt like the story was self-contained enough that I wasn’t missing out. I am curious, though, I would love to know what type of connections there are!
At its core, the novel is driven by legacy, not just family rivalries, but the inherited consequences of secrets protected for generations. The Harper and Wells families are bound together by distrust, obligation, and a pact that feels less like protection and more like a slow-burning curse. This shared history gives the story a surprising sense of weight. Even before the mystery gets into the real story, there’s a sense that every choice made by the characters is shaped by decisions they didn’t make but are still forced to live with.
Sophy Harper is an effective core for the story. Her psychic abilities are treated as tools rather than a joke or her only worth, grounded in procedure and discipline instead of mystical excess. Krentz does something smart here; Sophy’s powers don’t make her invincible or omniscient. They isolate her, complicate her relationships, and create expectations she never escapes. That restraint keeps the paranormal elements from drifting into abstraction. Luke Wells, meanwhile, serves as a strong counterbalance. His role within his family and his own self-doubt add texture to what could have been a standard romantic foil. Their dynamic works because it’s rooted in mutual skepticism. Trust isn’t assumed; it’s arbitrated.
The central mystery expands at a deliberate pace. Rather than stacking twists for shock value, the story builds through accumulation: missing persons, a murder steeped in negative psychic residue, and an escalating sense that someone is willing to destroy lives to uncover buried truths. The art colony setting is particularly effective, functioning as both a physical location and a pressure cooker that holds the story hostage. It’s a place where creativity, obsession, and secrecy intersect, reinforcing the novel’s interest in how environments absorb and amplify intent.
Romance is woven into the narrative with self-assurance. There’s tension, attraction, and banter, but it never derails the investigation. Krentz avoids cheap thrills or forced misunderstandings, allowing the relationship to evolve organically under shared stress. That choice gives the arc credibility. The characters don’t fall for each other because the plot demands it; they fall because cooperation slowly erodes prejudice and guarded instincts. That had to be one of the most interesting aspects of the story for me. I don’t know if all of these novels mix genres the way this one did, but the use of romance as a key was interesting!
Where THE SHOP ON HIDDEN LANE occasionally slips is in its density. There are moments where the layering of lore, terminology, and family history threatens to overwhelm the immediate stakes. Readers unfamiliar with Krentz’s broader mythos may find themselves momentarily disoriented as concepts are introduced rapidly. While the novel does stand on its own, it assumes a willingness to absorb information without excessive hand-holding. This won’t be an issue for readers of other stories in the series, but it does raise the barrier slightly for newcomers. It’s easy enough to overcome, but still worth mentioning.
Another intriguing aspect, I don’t know if I’d say it’s a limitation, lies in the handling of antagonists. While their motivations ultimately make sense, their presence remains largely peripheral until later stages of the story. This delays the investment in the threat, even as the danger itself feels real. The mystery is almost on standby, but a deeper glimpse into the opposing forces might have further sharpened the tension. I could be entirely wrong, though; there may be a deeper purpose to that delay that I didn’t fully grasp.
Krentz’s control over tone and pacing keeps the narrative constant throughout from start to finish, and her confidence in character interaction does much of the heavy lifting. The novel understands that suspense isn’t just about danger; it’s about anticipation and consequence. Every revelation carries implications not just for the plot but also for the alliances holding the story together.
THE SHOP ON HIDDEN LANE succeeds by doing exactly what it sets out to do, while managing to show signs of refinement rather than complacency. It’s a romantic suspense novel that respects its roots while delivering a story that feels purposeful and engaging. For longtime fans, I would assume it’s a satisfying continuation of familiar themes. For new readers willing to lean into its paranormal framework, it offers a compelling entry point into a world where history never stays buried for long.
Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.
You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching for 'Overly Honest Reviews'.
I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please don't hesitate to say hello or send me any questions about movies.
RAVING REVIEW: THE SHOP ON HIDDEN LANE feels like a novel written by an author who knows exactly what her audience expects and still finds room to refine the formula. Jayne Ann Krentz has spent decades balancing romantic tension with mystery and paranormal intrigue, and this entry reflects a writer who understands how to let the genre enhance the story rather than overwhelm it. The result is a confident, engaging read that rewards patience and attention without demanding prior knowledge of her wider universe. Which is good, I haven’t read any of the previous books, but I felt like the story was self-contained enough that I wasn’t missing out. I am curious, though, I would love to know what type of connections there are!
At its core, the novel is driven by legacy, not just family rivalries, but the inherited consequences of secrets protected for generations. The Harper and Wells families are bound together by distrust, obligation, and a pact that feels less like protection and more like a slow-burning curse. This shared history gives the story a surprising sense of weight. Even before the mystery gets into the real story, there’s a sense that every choice made by the characters is shaped by decisions they didn’t make but are still forced to live with.
Sophy Harper is an effective core for the story. Her psychic abilities are treated as tools rather than a joke or her only worth, grounded in procedure and discipline instead of mystical excess. Krentz does something smart here; Sophy’s powers don’t make her invincible or omniscient. They isolate her, complicate her relationships, and create expectations she never escapes. That restraint keeps the paranormal elements from drifting into abstraction. Luke Wells, meanwhile, serves as a strong counterbalance. His role within his family and his own self-doubt add texture to what could have been a standard romantic foil. Their dynamic works because it’s rooted in mutual skepticism. Trust isn’t assumed; it’s arbitrated.
The central mystery expands at a deliberate pace. Rather than stacking twists for shock value, the story builds through accumulation: missing persons, a murder steeped in negative psychic residue, and an escalating sense that someone is willing to destroy lives to uncover buried truths. The art colony setting is particularly effective, functioning as both a physical location and a pressure cooker that holds the story hostage. It’s a place where creativity, obsession, and secrecy intersect, reinforcing the novel’s interest in how environments absorb and amplify intent.
Romance is woven into the narrative with self-assurance. There’s tension, attraction, and banter, but it never derails the investigation. Krentz avoids cheap thrills or forced misunderstandings, allowing the relationship to evolve organically under shared stress. That choice gives the arc credibility. The characters don’t fall for each other because the plot demands it; they fall because cooperation slowly erodes prejudice and guarded instincts. That had to be one of the most interesting aspects of the story for me. I don’t know if all of these novels mix genres the way this one did, but the use of romance as a key was interesting!
Where THE SHOP ON HIDDEN LANE occasionally slips is in its density. There are moments where the layering of lore, terminology, and family history threatens to overwhelm the immediate stakes. Readers unfamiliar with Krentz’s broader mythos may find themselves momentarily disoriented as concepts are introduced rapidly. While the novel does stand on its own, it assumes a willingness to absorb information without excessive hand-holding. This won’t be an issue for readers of other stories in the series, but it does raise the barrier slightly for newcomers. It’s easy enough to overcome, but still worth mentioning.
Another intriguing aspect, I don’t know if I’d say it’s a limitation, lies in the handling of antagonists. While their motivations ultimately make sense, their presence remains largely peripheral until later stages of the story. This delays the investment in the threat, even as the danger itself feels real. The mystery is almost on standby, but a deeper glimpse into the opposing forces might have further sharpened the tension. I could be entirely wrong, though; there may be a deeper purpose to that delay that I didn’t fully grasp.
Krentz’s control over tone and pacing keeps the narrative constant throughout from start to finish, and her confidence in character interaction does much of the heavy lifting. The novel understands that suspense isn’t just about danger; it’s about anticipation and consequence. Every revelation carries implications not just for the plot but also for the alliances holding the story together.
THE SHOP ON HIDDEN LANE succeeds by doing exactly what it sets out to do, while managing to show signs of refinement rather than complacency. It’s a romantic suspense novel that respects its roots while delivering a story that feels purposeful and engaging. For longtime fans, I would assume it’s a satisfying continuation of familiar themes. For new readers willing to lean into its paranormal framework, it offers a compelling entry point into a world where history never stays buried for long.
Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.
You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching for 'Overly Honest Reviews'.
I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please don't hesitate to say hello or send me any questions about movies.
January 31, 2026
I received this book for free, this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
Harpers and the Wellses hadn’t been known to socialize for four generations.
I couldn't find anywhere this was labeled as part of a series (Arcane and Fogg Lake are mentioned) but it definitely reads as an off-shoot of one, I'm saying prepare to feel lost if you don't have any familiarity with the aforementioned. This was a paranormal mystery loaded up with a ton of psychic additives. Sophy and Luke, and Luke's dog Bruce, are from rival families but end up working together as they at first are searching for Sophy's aunt and Luke's uncle but then get swept into a decades old plan to, I guess rule the world?, wasn't quite sure. This was written well, because Krentz, but it also read like a second or third draft, the story, plot, and characters were there but things like transitions and padding out were missing, making it read stark and bumpy instead of flowing.
He was communicating with her even though she was deep in the trance. For once she wasn’t alone in the ghost zone. But why did Luke Wells have to be the one person who could reach her?
I had a little bit of a problem getting into the overreaching arc of the plot, The Foundation, Blue Stone, Kaleidoscope weapons, all the psychic abilities, and the family history/drama with Sophy and Luke's family was a lot to get thrown into and try to wade through as a murder mystery was underlining everything. Sophy has the ability to “read” a crime scene, she goes into a trance where she can see ghost like apparitions recreate their murder but it takes a huge toll on her and her dating life. Luke's still trying to get over being burned bad by a woman, so he's doing the stoic thing but his aura and Sophy's get to mixing and wham bam they have the hots for each other. As they search for their aunt and uncle they had good byplay I enjoyed but there was a ton to wade through here.
“That’s the thing about history, isn’t it?” she said. “No two people tell it quite the same way.”
As we get more of their family history, a business deal gone wrong between their grandparents that left them mistrustful of each other but locked in a pact to always protect the psychic weapons they had created, it starts to become clear that that history plays a part in the current murders that Sophy and Luke are investigating. There was a little bit of broaching with this commentary: Perhaps it hasn’t occurred to you that most of us in the community lack the muscle and the cash it takes to make sure the Foundation treats us with the same respect that it shows your family. It seems to think it has a right to police those of us who are just trying to make a living with our talents and be productive members of society, some added danger for Sophy, a call-back for Luke, and we get a climatic scene that reveals players and motivations but also leaves some threads dangling. Bruce the dog had a personality all his own and with a cliffhanger that deals with him, it's clear why he got some of the spotlight. If you've read the Fogg Lake series maybe you wouldn't be as confused as I was through this and would enjoy it more, others not initiated like me, there's some fun back and forth between Sophy and Luke and interesting paranormal elements but be prepared to have to work for every ounce of understanding.
Harpers and the Wellses hadn’t been known to socialize for four generations.
I couldn't find anywhere this was labeled as part of a series (Arcane and Fogg Lake are mentioned) but it definitely reads as an off-shoot of one, I'm saying prepare to feel lost if you don't have any familiarity with the aforementioned. This was a paranormal mystery loaded up with a ton of psychic additives. Sophy and Luke, and Luke's dog Bruce, are from rival families but end up working together as they at first are searching for Sophy's aunt and Luke's uncle but then get swept into a decades old plan to, I guess rule the world?, wasn't quite sure. This was written well, because Krentz, but it also read like a second or third draft, the story, plot, and characters were there but things like transitions and padding out were missing, making it read stark and bumpy instead of flowing.
He was communicating with her even though she was deep in the trance. For once she wasn’t alone in the ghost zone. But why did Luke Wells have to be the one person who could reach her?
I had a little bit of a problem getting into the overreaching arc of the plot, The Foundation, Blue Stone, Kaleidoscope weapons, all the psychic abilities, and the family history/drama with Sophy and Luke's family was a lot to get thrown into and try to wade through as a murder mystery was underlining everything. Sophy has the ability to “read” a crime scene, she goes into a trance where she can see ghost like apparitions recreate their murder but it takes a huge toll on her and her dating life. Luke's still trying to get over being burned bad by a woman, so he's doing the stoic thing but his aura and Sophy's get to mixing and wham bam they have the hots for each other. As they search for their aunt and uncle they had good byplay I enjoyed but there was a ton to wade through here.
“That’s the thing about history, isn’t it?” she said. “No two people tell it quite the same way.”
As we get more of their family history, a business deal gone wrong between their grandparents that left them mistrustful of each other but locked in a pact to always protect the psychic weapons they had created, it starts to become clear that that history plays a part in the current murders that Sophy and Luke are investigating. There was a little bit of broaching with this commentary: Perhaps it hasn’t occurred to you that most of us in the community lack the muscle and the cash it takes to make sure the Foundation treats us with the same respect that it shows your family. It seems to think it has a right to police those of us who are just trying to make a living with our talents and be productive members of society, some added danger for Sophy, a call-back for Luke, and we get a climatic scene that reveals players and motivations but also leaves some threads dangling. Bruce the dog had a personality all his own and with a cliffhanger that deals with him, it's clear why he got some of the spotlight. If you've read the Fogg Lake series maybe you wouldn't be as confused as I was through this and would enjoy it more, others not initiated like me, there's some fun back and forth between Sophy and Luke and interesting paranormal elements but be prepared to have to work for every ounce of understanding.
November 11, 2025
Adult contemporary author Jayne Ann Krentz is a talented storyteller. Very often demonstrating a magnetic quality in her writing style that draws in readers and sustains them from start to finish. Leaving her audience satisfied with the outcome of the tale and appreciative of her insights into human nature and her intuitive sensibilities to spin an invigorating and intelligent yarn. However, her latest modern day paranormal suspense thriller, The Shop on Hidden Lane, falls dramatically short of her previous endeavors.
This is partly because she invests so much of the story in taking the reader in polarizing directions. Readers are under the impression that they are in for a murder mystery. Then the plot's direction changes to a missing person's case. Then again, the story takes a twist and becomes an investigation into locating a stolen murder weapon, called a Kaleidoscope. The complicated weapon is described, somewhat, of being comprised of crystals that an individual with paranormal energy can control and use to murder opponents. At one point, the main characters travel to an art colony, which they suspect is some type of dark operation. Krentz crafted so many entanglements that readers feel lost in the maze, as they are shuffled around from one path to another.
At the crux of the story are Sophy Harper and Luke Wells, two individuals with unique paranormal talents. Harper can read crime scenes, seeing the residue that auras leave behind at a location. Wells, on the other hand, is described as a "lucid dreamer," possessing the ability to "connect the dots," piecing straggling facts together into a logical and coherent manner that leads to the truth. Krentz weaves a family feud between the Harpers and the Wellses, a type of Hatfields vs. the McCoys, the Capulets vs. the Montagues, the Ewings vs. the Barneses, which does not come off as very believable.
In The Shop on Hidden Lane, Krentz does not take the readers into the lives of the villains in the tale until the last few chapters. She offers some foreshadowing earlier but readers interpret the message as part of a backstory, not relevant to the present plot. In her previous novels, Krentz always gave the reader a glimpse into the plans and activity of the party working against the main characters. So, it comes as a surprise when the antagonists, which there are a handful of them, come to the forefront.
Unfortunately, Krentz has so much going on in the plot that readers get lost in the shuffle.
This is partly because she invests so much of the story in taking the reader in polarizing directions. Readers are under the impression that they are in for a murder mystery. Then the plot's direction changes to a missing person's case. Then again, the story takes a twist and becomes an investigation into locating a stolen murder weapon, called a Kaleidoscope. The complicated weapon is described, somewhat, of being comprised of crystals that an individual with paranormal energy can control and use to murder opponents. At one point, the main characters travel to an art colony, which they suspect is some type of dark operation. Krentz crafted so many entanglements that readers feel lost in the maze, as they are shuffled around from one path to another.
At the crux of the story are Sophy Harper and Luke Wells, two individuals with unique paranormal talents. Harper can read crime scenes, seeing the residue that auras leave behind at a location. Wells, on the other hand, is described as a "lucid dreamer," possessing the ability to "connect the dots," piecing straggling facts together into a logical and coherent manner that leads to the truth. Krentz weaves a family feud between the Harpers and the Wellses, a type of Hatfields vs. the McCoys, the Capulets vs. the Montagues, the Ewings vs. the Barneses, which does not come off as very believable.
In The Shop on Hidden Lane, Krentz does not take the readers into the lives of the villains in the tale until the last few chapters. She offers some foreshadowing earlier but readers interpret the message as part of a backstory, not relevant to the present plot. In her previous novels, Krentz always gave the reader a glimpse into the plans and activity of the party working against the main characters. So, it comes as a surprise when the antagonists, which there are a handful of them, come to the forefront.
Unfortunately, Krentz has so much going on in the plot that readers get lost in the shuffle.
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