What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secret Sister
The Search For Her Sister Could Cost A Woman Her LifeChristy McKenna, the smartest fashion writer in New York, thought she'd escaped her childhood in the impoverished rural West. Then came a call for help from the one person she could not refuse—her sister, the internationally celebrated model known only as Jo.
Jo's plea draws Christy back to the magnificent mountains and mysterious red-rock canyons of the Four Corners country. But she's too late—Jo has disappeared. However, Christy does find an unlikely ally in outlaw archaeologist Aaron Cain, and together they pursue Jo and a fabulous cache of ancient Indian artifacts worth millions.
Christy and Cain clash at every turn, but their antagonism soon turns into partnership—and blazing passion.
408 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
117 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Ann Maxwell
37 books69 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
(1)romance author
aka Lowell Charters, Elizabeth Lowell, A.E. Maxwell individually and with co-author/husband Evan Maxwell and Annalise Sun.
Ann Maxwell has written over 60 novels and one non-fiction book. There are 30 million copies of these books in print, as well as reprints in 30 foreign languages. The novels range from science fiction to historical fiction, from romance to mystery to suspense.
Writing as Ann Maxwell, she began her career in 1975 with a science fiction novel, Change. Since then, seven of her nine science fiction novels have been recommended for the Science Fiction Writers of America Nebula Award; A Dead God Dancing was nominated for what was then called TABA (The American Book Award).
In 1976 Ann and Evan (as A. E. Maxwell) collaborated with a Norwegian hunter and photographer, Ivar Ruud, on The Year-Long Day, a nonfiction work that was condensed in Reader's Digest and published in four foreign editions and three book club editions. In 1985, the first A. E. Maxwell crime novel featuring a couple called Fiddler and Fiora was published by Doubleday. The Frog and the Scorpion, received a creative writing award from the University of California. The fourth book in the series, Just Enough Light to Kill, was named by Time magazine as one of the best crime novels of 1988.
Ann and Evan (writing as Ann Maxwell) have published four suspense novels, the most recent of which is Shadows and Silk. These novels appeared on nation-wide bestseller lists.
In 1982, Ann began publishing romances as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994). Since July of 1992, she has had 30 novels on the New York Times list. Her most recent book is BLUE SMOKE AND MURDER.
(1)romance author
aka Lowell Charters, Elizabeth Lowell, A.E. Maxwell individually and with co-author/husband Evan Maxwell and Annalise Sun.
Ann Maxwell has written over 60 novels and one non-fiction book. There are 30 million copies of these books in print, as well as reprints in 30 foreign languages. The novels range from science fiction to historical fiction, from romance to mystery to suspense.
Writing as Ann Maxwell, she began her career in 1975 with a science fiction novel, Change. Since then, seven of her nine science fiction novels have been recommended for the Science Fiction Writers of America Nebula Award; A Dead God Dancing was nominated for what was then called TABA (The American Book Award).
In 1976 Ann and Evan (as A. E. Maxwell) collaborated with a Norwegian hunter and photographer, Ivar Ruud, on The Year-Long Day, a nonfiction work that was condensed in Reader's Digest and published in four foreign editions and three book club editions. In 1985, the first A. E. Maxwell crime novel featuring a couple called Fiddler and Fiora was published by Doubleday. The Frog and the Scorpion, received a creative writing award from the University of California. The fourth book in the series, Just Enough Light to Kill, was named by Time magazine as one of the best crime novels of 1988.
Ann and Evan (writing as Ann Maxwell) have published four suspense novels, the most recent of which is Shadows and Silk. These novels appeared on nation-wide bestseller lists.
In 1982, Ann began publishing romances as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994). Since July of 1992, she has had 30 novels on the New York Times list. Her most recent book is BLUE SMOKE AND MURDER.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 27, 2012
Christy's sister Jo-Jo is a supermodel, and Christy hasn't spoken with her in twelve years. When a frightened call from Jo-Jo asking for help coincides with an assignment from her editor to interview Peter Hutton for whom Jo-Jo acts as muse, Christy is drawn back into a family dynamic she's been purposely avoiding. Christy has always rescued Jo-Jo from trouble, and it seems like this time is no different, except that maybe this time Jo-Jo is in too deep for even Christy to pull her out. Despite Jo-Jo's warning not to trust him, Christy teams up with Aaron Cain, an archaeologist, to find out what happened to some artifacts which could be the key to Jo-Jo's disappearance.
I'm aware of how complicated that summary sounds, but the book does a decent job of laying all this out, even though it's a little too coincidental that Christy just happens to work for a magazine about style, not just trendy fashion, but also an almost psychological view of how style sometimes transcends into art. I can't even think of a magazine to compare the fictional Horizon to. Also, it kept bugging me that ostensibly Christy was supposed to be writing a piece on Hutton's new designs, but instead she's wandering around the desert looking for artifacts with Cain. Most of the middle part of the book took place in said desert doing said wandering. It almost got boring, but with the threat of cave-ins and possible artifact-finding, it never completely lost my interest.
In terms of chemistry, I thought Christy and Cain had a fair bit, but it always bugs me, particularly in romantic suspense, when people who've known each other less than two days are suddenly totally in love. I get that a lot has happened in those two days and that it totally feels like two years, and I would buy the adrenaline-induced lust, but the "and then they got married and lived happily ever after" just bugs me. A more realistic ending would be that the two decided to date for a while and see if they still liked each other when people weren't out to kill them. Even an epilogue that implies they continued to see each other for a while after the book's climax, and decided they'd make a compatible couple, so entered into a mutually agreeable living arrangement with an eye towards marriage... But, I digress.
I was interested in the Anasazi history and lore, as that's not something I'm well versed in, and I believe I learned some worthwhile things. I've liked Lowell's work lately that focuses on gemstones and their history, properties and sales arenas. I always feel like I'm getting more out of the book than just a satisfying love story. And, this was pretty satisfying. Despite my above nitpicks, I did enjoy reading it. If you are a fan of this genre, I'm sure you'll like it, too.
I'm aware of how complicated that summary sounds, but the book does a decent job of laying all this out, even though it's a little too coincidental that Christy just happens to work for a magazine about style, not just trendy fashion, but also an almost psychological view of how style sometimes transcends into art. I can't even think of a magazine to compare the fictional Horizon to. Also, it kept bugging me that ostensibly Christy was supposed to be writing a piece on Hutton's new designs, but instead she's wandering around the desert looking for artifacts with Cain. Most of the middle part of the book took place in said desert doing said wandering. It almost got boring, but with the threat of cave-ins and possible artifact-finding, it never completely lost my interest.
In terms of chemistry, I thought Christy and Cain had a fair bit, but it always bugs me, particularly in romantic suspense, when people who've known each other less than two days are suddenly totally in love. I get that a lot has happened in those two days and that it totally feels like two years, and I would buy the adrenaline-induced lust, but the "and then they got married and lived happily ever after" just bugs me. A more realistic ending would be that the two decided to date for a while and see if they still liked each other when people weren't out to kill them. Even an epilogue that implies they continued to see each other for a while after the book's climax, and decided they'd make a compatible couple, so entered into a mutually agreeable living arrangement with an eye towards marriage... But, I digress.
I was interested in the Anasazi history and lore, as that's not something I'm well versed in, and I believe I learned some worthwhile things. I've liked Lowell's work lately that focuses on gemstones and their history, properties and sales arenas. I always feel like I'm getting more out of the book than just a satisfying love story. And, this was pretty satisfying. Despite my above nitpicks, I did enjoy reading it. If you are a fan of this genre, I'm sure you'll like it, too.
February 22, 2014
The Secret Sister...by..Elizabeth Lowell.. I liked this book. Mystery, adventure and a little romance. It was an easy read. Christa hadn't seen or heard from her sister in twelve years. Now Jo Jo needs her help. When Christa flys from New York to the desert South West, her sister is no where to be found. Tribel artifacts were stolen and sold . Jo Jo was in the middle of ist and lost her life..for greed.
July 25, 2020
Overall, a good suspense novel when you can overlook a few things. Just didn't find it believable that a woman who hasn't heard from her sister in twelve years, would traipse all over when her sister leaves a message telling her she needs her. The now missing sister wanted nothing to do with her, yet Christy goes running and is now in danger.
December 15, 2016
I like all of Elizabeth Lowell's books because they are well-researched, have strong heroes and heroines, and you always learn something you didn't know before. This one moved well, even with near-academic discussions of Native American art. It bogged down a bit in the chase scenes, but is still well worth reading, especially if you are a fan of Southwest Native American culture.
Note: Some of the reviews for this book are for OTHER books with Secret Sister in the title. This book's hero and heroine are Cain and Christy.
Note: Some of the reviews for this book are for OTHER books with Secret Sister in the title. This book's hero and heroine are Cain and Christy.
July 23, 2020
Pretty decent book that I received as part of The Ripped Bodice’s Blind Date promotion. Originally published in 1993 under the pen name of Elizabeth Lowell. Great use of the natural environment of the American Southwest.
May 7, 2019
This review is for The Secret Sisters, by Ann Maxwell. The copy I have matches the ISBN for the purple cover, but mine says it was published in 1993 and has a green, two-part cover. I gather from the reviews that it was slightly reworked and republished under the Elizabeth Lowell name later. Hope I can save someone else the confusion of trying to figure out what book they just read! :-D
Anyway. For a '90's romance novel, this was a pretty good read. Cain and Christy have good chemistry and good conversations. There's only 3 sex scenes, all in the second half of the book, and they're pretty standard. I do appreciate that this author always mentions safe sex, too! Not sure what people are grousing about there. It did wrap up pretty abruptly, but there's no loose ends, so that's good.
Anyway. For a '90's romance novel, this was a pretty good read. Cain and Christy have good chemistry and good conversations. There's only 3 sex scenes, all in the second half of the book, and they're pretty standard. I do appreciate that this author always mentions safe sex, too! Not sure what people are grousing about there. It did wrap up pretty abruptly, but there's no loose ends, so that's good.
February 11, 2016
Easy read!
December 21, 2021
This book was equal parts frustrating and meh, with a dash of interesting stuff thrown in there occasionally. It was a weird read.
We’ll start with the good: I really like the historical background that’s set up. There are good explanations around archaeology, and especially how salvage archology works, why it’s important, and the feeling of it/goes into it. That was quite compelling. The story dragged at first, but eventually picked up and went at a good pace. It was super intriguing by the end, if a bit dated. It got legitimately tense and I was on edge of seat by end (I take the potential desecration of historical sites seriously, okay? Dread is real, fictional or not).
The bad: Jesus Christ the slut shaming in this book. The male lead is one of those douchebag characters that I have to grit my teeth to read because I know the author wants me to like him but he’s so obnoxious I want him to be hit by a truck. Honesty, he’s condescending at the best of times and downright awful at others. She is a master at describing the atmosphere and majesty of a setting.
The off: My biggest problem is the pieces didn’t seem to fit. The different sections of the plot didn’t feel like they made sense in relation to each other, even if I did enjoy them both. It just felt…off. I never felt like I was sure why she’s on this archology quest. She sure doesn’t seem to care about sister or answers for large chunks of this book, until it’s thematically important. The side quest doesn’t feel like it belongs in the main quest she setup- the treasure hunt could have been its own thing without needing everything else.
We’ll start with the good: I really like the historical background that’s set up. There are good explanations around archaeology, and especially how salvage archology works, why it’s important, and the feeling of it/goes into it. That was quite compelling. The story dragged at first, but eventually picked up and went at a good pace. It was super intriguing by the end, if a bit dated. It got legitimately tense and I was on edge of seat by end (I take the potential desecration of historical sites seriously, okay? Dread is real, fictional or not).
The bad: Jesus Christ the slut shaming in this book. The male lead is one of those douchebag characters that I have to grit my teeth to read because I know the author wants me to like him but he’s so obnoxious I want him to be hit by a truck. Honesty, he’s condescending at the best of times and downright awful at others. She is a master at describing the atmosphere and majesty of a setting.
The off: My biggest problem is the pieces didn’t seem to fit. The different sections of the plot didn’t feel like they made sense in relation to each other, even if I did enjoy them both. It just felt…off. I never felt like I was sure why she’s on this archology quest. She sure doesn’t seem to care about sister or answers for large chunks of this book, until it’s thematically important. The side quest doesn’t feel like it belongs in the main quest she setup- the treasure hunt could have been its own thing without needing everything else.
December 4, 2017
The story in brief is, Christy McKenna gets a surprise phone call from her younger sister Jo, who she hasn't seen in 12 years. Now an international supermodel, Jo asks Christy to fly out to Colorado as she is in trouble...but when Christy arrives there is no sign of Jo.
Desperate to locate her sister, Christy breaks into the ranch Jo was staying at & while there witnesses another intruder being apprehended & beaten by the police. Her escape is aided by Aaron Cain, an outlaw archaeologist, and as always in these tales, a very handsome, sexy man....& the very man Jo had warned her to avoid. Christy & Aaron are soon running for their lives, while at the same time looking for Jo...& a stash of Native American artifacts.
A good romantic suspense thriller, & very intersting re the Anasazi & their "kivas"...must google this to see if they are an actual ancient people...it all sounded quite convincing to me.
Desperate to locate her sister, Christy breaks into the ranch Jo was staying at & while there witnesses another intruder being apprehended & beaten by the police. Her escape is aided by Aaron Cain, an outlaw archaeologist, and as always in these tales, a very handsome, sexy man....& the very man Jo had warned her to avoid. Christy & Aaron are soon running for their lives, while at the same time looking for Jo...& a stash of Native American artifacts.
A good romantic suspense thriller, & very intersting re the Anasazi & their "kivas"...must google this to see if they are an actual ancient people...it all sounded quite convincing to me.
July 1, 2020
I picked this up not realizing it was a reprint originally printed in 1993, it was under Elizabeth Lowell's name on my copy rather than Ann Maxwell. Still, I enjoyed it. Not a 4 star but maybe a little more than 3. I like the archeology and Anasazi aspect. I liked the characters. As with most romance novels, it was unrealistic. I think the amount of time the couple had in each others company from meeting until the end of the novel - other than the 4 pages of epilogue that was 2 weeks later - covered 3 days. Not unexpected.
June 29, 2020
This story centres around relationship challenges that ensue during the covert creation of a "fraternity" for women attending a co-ed college in an era (1880's) when sororities were a rarity. I am always interested in reading about women's historical achievements, and, because I have little personal experience of sororities, I found the story intriguing, despite the Georgian-era melodrama.
October 29, 2021
This book is by one of my favorite authors. Christy gets a phone message from from her sister she has not talked to in over 10 years. She goes to Colorado in hopes that she can find and get her out of trouble.
Lots of intrigue with some romance and historical references put in.
Definitely recommend it
Lots of intrigue with some romance and historical references put in.
Definitely recommend it
November 18, 2019
This story pretty much fell short being just too unrealistic. The only concession in the book was the knowledge I learned about the Anasazi civilization and archaeological digs which were actually quite interesting.
September 27, 2021
Okay, I liked the bits about archeological finds and hunts, seemed decently researched, and I know I am biased against romance (schmoopy) writing, but gracious, can’t there be romantic moments without gag inducing dialogue?
May 18, 2018
Fairly standard for Elizabeth Lowell/Ann Maxwell.
December 20, 2018
Did not finish.
January 14, 2019
Very good book. Loved the history involved with the romance. Cant wait to read more by this author
November 9, 2019
Shore print book. good story. Reminds me why I used to enjoy reading this author. Haven't read any by her in a few years.
January 2, 2021
This has it all, ancestral Pueblo ruins, archeological digs, art history, murder, blackmail, suspense, thrills and lusty sex!
September 19, 2022
I was up all night finishing this
April 8, 2024
I kept reading this book hoping it would get better. It did not.
May 24, 2024
The book was very well written, and interesting. Just not what I was expecting. It seemed more of a love story than mystery/suspense.
June 29, 2012
Synopsis: The Secret Sister by Elizabeth Lowell
The Search For Her Sister Could Cost A Woman Her Life
Christy McKenna, the smartest fashion writer in New York, thought she'd escaped her childhood in the impoverished rural West. Then came a call for help from the one person she could not refuse—her sister, the internationally celebrated model known only as Jo.
Jo's plea draws Christy back to the magnificent mountains and mysterious red-rock canyons of the Four Corners country. But she's too late—Jo has disappeared. However, Christy does find an unlikely ally in outlaw archaeologist Aaron Cain, and together they pursue Jo and a fabulous cache of ancient Indian artifacts worth millions.
Christy and Cain clash at every turn, but their antagonism soon turns into partnership—and blazing passion.
My Review
Romance Suspense is one of my favorite genre and I have read a few books written by Elizabeth Lowell. This is a reread of The Secret Sister, which was first published in the early nineties (but holds up quite well I must say) and though it’s not one of those unforgettable stories, there are a few things I liked about it.
The storyline is interesting – fashion/artifacts/archeology/history – Christy works for a fashion magazine (I can identify with that as for a few years I worked as a fashion editor for a travel/fashion magazine) and during her search for her missing sister becomes involved with Aaron Cain, an archeologist, when they discover a secret cave that Ananzi Indians had lived in and all the artifacts have been looted.
The caves setting are absolutely stunning. The author has done a lot of research on the subject…I learnt a lot about this area and the Ananzi…the descriptions of the cliff dwellings, the kivas, pots..Kokopelli.. I sometimes felt I was going through all the experiences with Christy and Cain. The sunset description, awesome.
Intrigue, danger, lots of action, mysterious people and things.
The tension between Christy and Cain when they first meet is there and they go from hating and not trusting each other to giving in to the chemistry they have and of course have their HEA together!!!!
It’s not a bad read. It has some interesting parts and if you do pick up a copy, don’t ignore it….give it a try. Who knows, you might find something in the story to enjoy like I did.
August 16, 2015
My Thoughts:
The novel has it all: adventure, crime, romance, action, mystery, archeological history and interesting informations about Native Indians, Anasazi civilisation, tradition, archeological digs, artefacts and their symbolisms.
As a curious reader and the expertise of the author to vividly describe each moving action and target, I felt like I traveled with Cain and Christy to the rock canyons and mesa while letting you feel, smell and see how it is to climb in the magnificent mountain with lurking risks and discoveries.
By chapter four, I already guessed the death of some characters but I continued to read until the end on how the initial rivalry on both hero and heroine, their character arches and hot, passionate interlude while impending risk of life and discoveries may still knock them off guard.
The compelling plot makes you realise that even as sisters, where blood is thicker than water, you will never get to know well the inner character and hidden secrets of a kin nor change the destiny which a relative has chosen but you can understand a past and other follies by acceptance and forgiveness but guarding your life as well not to be at risk of any abuse.
Trust is one of the breathing themes, touching your emotions when you read the twists and turns.
It reminds the reader that excessive greed recognise no blood relations and can often fatally lead to death.
When it comes to safety, mutual love and deep respect, rule to protect the ones you hold dearest in your life.
Quote from the book:
"What is dollar value but something to amuse people who have no imagination? People who have money and no imagination follow fashion. People who have imagination and no money fashion styles."
I’m an avid fan of Elizabeth Lowell since I read her novel, A Beautiful Dreamer in 2003. She is an excellent weaver of unforgettable characters, unexpected twists and happy endings and impart the reader new knowledge from her excellent research of particular expertise, art or theme she chose to focus on the novel.
The novel has it all: adventure, crime, romance, action, mystery, archeological history and interesting informations about Native Indians, Anasazi civilisation, tradition, archeological digs, artefacts and their symbolisms.
As a curious reader and the expertise of the author to vividly describe each moving action and target, I felt like I traveled with Cain and Christy to the rock canyons and mesa while letting you feel, smell and see how it is to climb in the magnificent mountain with lurking risks and discoveries.
By chapter four, I already guessed the death of some characters but I continued to read until the end on how the initial rivalry on both hero and heroine, their character arches and hot, passionate interlude while impending risk of life and discoveries may still knock them off guard.
The compelling plot makes you realise that even as sisters, where blood is thicker than water, you will never get to know well the inner character and hidden secrets of a kin nor change the destiny which a relative has chosen but you can understand a past and other follies by acceptance and forgiveness but guarding your life as well not to be at risk of any abuse.
Trust is one of the breathing themes, touching your emotions when you read the twists and turns.
It reminds the reader that excessive greed recognise no blood relations and can often fatally lead to death.
When it comes to safety, mutual love and deep respect, rule to protect the ones you hold dearest in your life.
Quote from the book:
"What is dollar value but something to amuse people who have no imagination? People who have money and no imagination follow fashion. People who have imagination and no money fashion styles."
I’m an avid fan of Elizabeth Lowell since I read her novel, A Beautiful Dreamer in 2003. She is an excellent weaver of unforgettable characters, unexpected twists and happy endings and impart the reader new knowledge from her excellent research of particular expertise, art or theme she chose to focus on the novel.
April 8, 2009
Christy McKenna, a NYC fashion writer returns home from a two week vacation to an urgent message from her estranged sister Jo-Jo. Supermodel Jo-Jo is portrayed historically as being very self-centered so when she asks Christy to help her out of a mess she is in Christy is not excited in the least. It certainly doesn't help that Jo-Jo will give her sister no details about her latest troubles except a warning to beware of the dangerous Aaron Cain.
At the same time, Christy is ordered by her boss to go to Colorado to review Peter Hutton's new fashion collection. Low and behold, Jo-Jo just so happens to be Peter Hutton's main model--what are the odds? Christy does not want to get ensnared with her sister's troubles but then she finds out that Jo-Jo has vanished. There are some issues of guilt and abandonment between Christy -and Jo-Jo that stem from their childhood but this all seems rather trite or perhaps just under developed as part of the story line.
Once in Colorado, Christy meets up with ex-con and archaeologist, Aaron Cain (the man her sister warned her about) who does not know that Christy and Jo-Jo are sisters. Of course Christy and Cain clash at every step from their first encounter when Cain technically kidnaps her only to become allies.
This whole story pretty much fell short being just too unrealistic and having too many ridiculous coincidences and irrational behaviors from who you think are educated adults. About the only concession in the book was the knowledge I learned about the Anasazi civilization and archaeological digs which were actually quite interesting
At the same time, Christy is ordered by her boss to go to Colorado to review Peter Hutton's new fashion collection. Low and behold, Jo-Jo just so happens to be Peter Hutton's main model--what are the odds? Christy does not want to get ensnared with her sister's troubles but then she finds out that Jo-Jo has vanished. There are some issues of guilt and abandonment between Christy -and Jo-Jo that stem from their childhood but this all seems rather trite or perhaps just under developed as part of the story line.
Once in Colorado, Christy meets up with ex-con and archaeologist, Aaron Cain (the man her sister warned her about) who does not know that Christy and Jo-Jo are sisters. Of course Christy and Cain clash at every step from their first encounter when Cain technically kidnaps her only to become allies.
This whole story pretty much fell short being just too unrealistic and having too many ridiculous coincidences and irrational behaviors from who you think are educated adults. About the only concession in the book was the knowledge I learned about the Anasazi civilization and archaeological digs which were actually quite interesting
June 13, 2015
One ofmy all-time favorite romantic suspense novels.
I love the plot, love the characters, and - as always - I stand in awe of Eizabeth Lowell/Ann Maxwell's brilliant writing.
Perhaps the romance genre isn't as focused these days on some of the rough and ready elements you find here, and perhaps readers are more interested in sizzle and glitz these days ...
But Lowell's ability to take your breath away as she transports you into unusual landscapes, paints vivid, moving and unforgettable pictures of characters or pieces of art, plunges you into gritty and dangerous situations populated with really bad bad guys - those talents are timeless.
Also, besides the brilliant prose and Lowell's undeniable mastery of esoteric subjects like Anasazi art and ultra high fashion, I find the heroine's character and personal dilemmas completely believable, and the hero devastatingly attractive. Loved his dog, too.
But that's just my take. To each their own, right?
*2013 Amendment* So. I hadn't read this for a year or two, and, okay, there are spots that are overwritten, head-hopping (which was okay when this was written if handled well) is abundant, and in places I thought she kinda went over the top to manufacture intensity. But I still think characterizations and motivations are spot on, the tangled plot and suspense are terrific, and the evocation of place and the ancient Southwest culture of the Anasazi are breathtaking!
I love the plot, love the characters, and - as always - I stand in awe of Eizabeth Lowell/Ann Maxwell's brilliant writing.
Perhaps the romance genre isn't as focused these days on some of the rough and ready elements you find here, and perhaps readers are more interested in sizzle and glitz these days ...
But Lowell's ability to take your breath away as she transports you into unusual landscapes, paints vivid, moving and unforgettable pictures of characters or pieces of art, plunges you into gritty and dangerous situations populated with really bad bad guys - those talents are timeless.
Also, besides the brilliant prose and Lowell's undeniable mastery of esoteric subjects like Anasazi art and ultra high fashion, I find the heroine's character and personal dilemmas completely believable, and the hero devastatingly attractive. Loved his dog, too.
But that's just my take. To each their own, right?
*2013 Amendment* So. I hadn't read this for a year or two, and, okay, there are spots that are overwritten, head-hopping (which was okay when this was written if handled well) is abundant, and in places I thought she kinda went over the top to manufacture intensity. But I still think characterizations and motivations are spot on, the tangled plot and suspense are terrific, and the evocation of place and the ancient Southwest culture of the Anasazi are breathtaking!
January 8, 2012
The Secret Sister, published under the name of Elizabeth Lowell, is a reworked version of a novel called The Secret Sisters, published under the name of Ann Maxwell. I haven't read the original version, but I can safely say that the Lowell version is an acceptable little romantic suspense novel.
Our heroine du jour is Christy McKenna, a fashion writer, going about her fashion writer business in New York until she gets a call from her long-estranged sister Jo. Jo needs her help, and Christy wants absolutely none of this--until an assignment from her editor forces Christy to head west anyway. Her sister's disappearance shoves her onto the trail of not only Jo, but a hidden cache of ancient Native American artifacts as well. And our obligatory brooding hero is Aaron Cain, an outlaw archaeologist, who's a bit unusual for a Lowell hero in that he's actually a convicted felon. (Yet, as he is in fact the Obligatory Brooding Hero, he was convicted for assault of an Obligatory Unsavory Person Who Actually Deserved It.)
As Lowell novels go this was perfectly readable, if not outstanding or unusual. The main things that appealed to me about it were the atmospheric descriptions of the Colorado terrain and Lowell's general competence at chemistry between her lead characters, the latter of which is why I keep reading her. Three stars.
Our heroine du jour is Christy McKenna, a fashion writer, going about her fashion writer business in New York until she gets a call from her long-estranged sister Jo. Jo needs her help, and Christy wants absolutely none of this--until an assignment from her editor forces Christy to head west anyway. Her sister's disappearance shoves her onto the trail of not only Jo, but a hidden cache of ancient Native American artifacts as well. And our obligatory brooding hero is Aaron Cain, an outlaw archaeologist, who's a bit unusual for a Lowell hero in that he's actually a convicted felon. (Yet, as he is in fact the Obligatory Brooding Hero, he was convicted for assault of an Obligatory Unsavory Person Who Actually Deserved It.)
As Lowell novels go this was perfectly readable, if not outstanding or unusual. The main things that appealed to me about it were the atmospheric descriptions of the Colorado terrain and Lowell's general competence at chemistry between her lead characters, the latter of which is why I keep reading her. Three stars.
Read
May 9, 2008I am currenlty reading The Secret Sister by Elizabeth Lowell.
The Secret Sister
Elizabeth Lowell
Thriller/Suspence
408 Pages
The message greeting fashion writer Christy McKenna fills her with apprehension. Twelve years have passed since she last heard from her estranged sister, the celebrated supermodel known to an admiring world as "Jo." It had been bad news then; it would be bad news now.
A desperate plea from the one person she cannot refuse is drawing Christy from Manhattan to the mysterious red-rock canyons of the Four Corners country -- but too late for Jo, who has vanished without a trace. Suddenly trapped in a world of perilous secrets, in a West she thought she'd escaped forever, Christy's only ally is the outlaw archaeologist Aaron Cain -- who could ultimately be a friend, a lover, or a threat -- as they chase a fortune in ancient Native American artifacts ... and the answers to a strange disappearance that could be the death of them all.
The Secret Sister
Elizabeth Lowell
Thriller/Suspence
408 Pages
The message greeting fashion writer Christy McKenna fills her with apprehension. Twelve years have passed since she last heard from her estranged sister, the celebrated supermodel known to an admiring world as "Jo." It had been bad news then; it would be bad news now.
A desperate plea from the one person she cannot refuse is drawing Christy from Manhattan to the mysterious red-rock canyons of the Four Corners country -- but too late for Jo, who has vanished without a trace. Suddenly trapped in a world of perilous secrets, in a West she thought she'd escaped forever, Christy's only ally is the outlaw archaeologist Aaron Cain -- who could ultimately be a friend, a lover, or a threat -- as they chase a fortune in ancient Native American artifacts ... and the answers to a strange disappearance that could be the death of them all.
July 15, 2008
This came with a note on it telling me outright it was trashy. At first I couldn't see how a book about a magazine writer who discovers a malfeasance having to do with Anasazi artifacts in the American SW could get raunchy, but, rather sadly, the note was right. This was good for summer travel, but even with the best of authors, I like the sex in books to last less than 4 pages, and to actually happen. The self-conscious inclusion of condoms in every romantic interlude was as PC as the attitudes toward Native American religion, but apparently the author thinks you need neither birth control nor protection against communicable disease if both partners agree to get married while responsibly enjoying hot-springs nudity.
September 10, 2010
Waste of time. I wish I didn't read it.
I didn't like the way Christy kept sticking up for her sister, making excuses for her and not believing what people would say about her sister. Too much boring conversation about Indian archaeology. Much of the book wasn't that interesting. Certain scenes didn't make sense for me. For example, Cain asked Christy if she would like to have sex. She said yes, they began, then Cain stopped because he thought she might be using him. The next day, he said he was wrong, and asked if he could he have a second chance.
Note, this book was originally published in 1993 as The Secret Sisters under the author name of Ann Maxwell.
I didn't like the way Christy kept sticking up for her sister, making excuses for her and not believing what people would say about her sister. Too much boring conversation about Indian archaeology. Much of the book wasn't that interesting. Certain scenes didn't make sense for me. For example, Cain asked Christy if she would like to have sex. She said yes, they began, then Cain stopped because he thought she might be using him. The next day, he said he was wrong, and asked if he could he have a second chance.
Note, this book was originally published in 1993 as The Secret Sisters under the author name of Ann Maxwell.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews