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Rebels and Rogues #1
The Private Eye
The Private Eye
New York Times Bestselling Author
Jayne Ann Krentz
P.I. Josh January is no hero, but he'll fake it for Maggie Gladstone. His last case almost killed him, and she's offering a much-needed vacation in return for investigating strange goings-on at her inn. The job should be a cinch. Seducing Maggie -- a bonus. But when the accidents turn deadly serious, playing the hero could cost Josh a very high price . . .
Plus two tales of romantic suspense
Keegan's Bluff by Dani Sinclair
When Gillian's car broke down, she thought she was having a bad day. Then a half-naked man tackled her, and she knew she was having a bad day. Now there's a storm rolling in, hit men on her trail, and -- worst of all -- she may be falling in love . . .
Cop Next Door by Julie Miller
Loner Ethan Cross doesn't trust anyone -- it's all part of the job for an undercover cop. So is his suspicious mind just working overtime . . . or is his pretty new neighbor really hiding something?
204 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 1992
347 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Ann Krentz
398 books7,184 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 112 reviews
June 27, 2019
Enjoyed my second reading so much. It was a light hearted and fun read. Josh was such a low key hero, a burned out private investigator who dreamt of becoming a full time mystery writer. Loved his dry humor. The chemistry between him and Maggie was beautiful to witness. Her three quirky permanent house guests were super entertaining. Josh's case was elementary level. Loved the thought that even I could've solved it! I finished the story with a big grin. Here's one of my favorite scenes:
"I was thinking we could call the agency January Investigations. When I'm not busy running the manor, I'll give you a hand on your cases."
"Gosh, thanks."
"I'm really looking forward to learning the ropes of the private-investigation business, Josh."
Josh couldn't help it. He started to laugh. He was still grinning a few minutes later when Maggie cut into the wedding cake and found the little box hidden inside. 💖"
August 25, 2017
Definitely cute, fluffy and light. Purely romance, as the mystery was a joke or a backdrop.
So not my cup of tea.
If you like small town romances, old fashioned romance, or cozy mystery this might be for you. Don't go looking for any depth.
So not my cup of tea.
If you like small town romances, old fashioned romance, or cozy mystery this might be for you. Don't go looking for any depth.
August 31, 2017
Cute, sweet but not my favorite JAK story. The story is fairly predictable and I guessed the perpetrator early on. Still it isn’t a bad story and if you want an easy escape without expending too much brain power this may be the read for you.
October 11, 2017
Easy reading. Delightful romantic suspense. When Maggie requests a PI, she gets Josh who's (barely) recovering from an attack. She's trying to save an old mansion together, along with its 3 permanent residents. He needs a place to recuperate. This story is more light-hearted than most of Ms. Krentz's books, probably because it's an e-version of an older book. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Josh has more insecurities than Ms. Krentz's usual Alpha heroes. He and Maggie work well together to solve the mystery of whose sabotaging the mansion and why. Despite many red herrings, I easily figured out who and why. (Not my usual experience with Ms. Krentz's books.)
July 27, 2018
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars
This book is so dated it was hard to decide whether to feel second-hand embarrassment or amused. JAK not at her best, but the book itself was still kind of cute, especially with Maggie's excitement towards the private investigation field and how she perceives private investigators based on what she's read in books.
Dude was kind of an asshole though, as the typical broody, alpha male who needed to act like a jerk for whatever reasons he conjured up for himself.
This book is so dated it was hard to decide whether to feel second-hand embarrassment or amused. JAK not at her best, but the book itself was still kind of cute, especially with Maggie's excitement towards the private investigation field and how she perceives private investigators based on what she's read in books.
Dude was kind of an asshole though, as the typical broody, alpha male who needed to act like a jerk for whatever reasons he conjured up for himself.
August 18, 2018
Loved it!
A cosy kind of mystery with humor and romance and enough corny characters to make a thoroughly enjoyable read. Especially recommend to anyone son likes their mysteries without all the blood and gore.
A cosy kind of mystery with humor and romance and enough corny characters to make a thoroughly enjoyable read. Especially recommend to anyone son likes their mysteries without all the blood and gore.
July 10, 2017
Charming story
I enjoyed this mystery. I loved Josh the main character . He and Maggie made the perfect couple. I enjoyed the book
I enjoyed this mystery. I loved Josh the main character . He and Maggie made the perfect couple. I enjoyed the book
January 13, 2014
3,5 stars
May 8, 2015
Cute but not much substance....but I do like her earlier writing better than her light, crystal power crap.
February 6, 2020
Josh is a private detective, half owner of a large agency in Seattle. He has just been in a fight for his life and is in need of some time away from his job. His doctor and his partner both want him to step away from work for a time to recover.
The agency receives a request from Maggie. She says her inn on the Washington coast has been having different issues with equipment failing and other things not going as planned. Maggie believes she needs a detective.
The detective will receive free room and board for a month. Josh is talked into taking the job because it will be perfect R & R for him. All that down time will give him an opportunity to work on his novel.
There are 3 senior citizens who consider the inn their permanent home. They are wonderful characters.
The mystery in the story is rather secondary. The assault on the inn continues and Josh is a very good detective.
As he does some background checking, he begins to fall in love with the seniors and their quirky personalities. He also is drawn to Maggie. The two of them have wonderfully amusing conversations. Their sparring is quite entertaining.
Maggie is a good strong character who believes in doing good for others. She is intelligent and a big fan of detective fiction.
Josh is a HERO. He can be charming if he wants. He is observant and very much aware of what is happening around him. He is what is considered a man's man. He is tenderhearted, smart, funny and very sexy.
This is an early book by Ms Krentz. It is a fun read filled with terrific characters and a plot that moves along at a good pace. I am a fan of her writing and I really enjoyed this quick read.
The agency receives a request from Maggie. She says her inn on the Washington coast has been having different issues with equipment failing and other things not going as planned. Maggie believes she needs a detective.
The detective will receive free room and board for a month. Josh is talked into taking the job because it will be perfect R & R for him. All that down time will give him an opportunity to work on his novel.
There are 3 senior citizens who consider the inn their permanent home. They are wonderful characters.
The mystery in the story is rather secondary. The assault on the inn continues and Josh is a very good detective.
As he does some background checking, he begins to fall in love with the seniors and their quirky personalities. He also is drawn to Maggie. The two of them have wonderfully amusing conversations. Their sparring is quite entertaining.
Maggie is a good strong character who believes in doing good for others. She is intelligent and a big fan of detective fiction.
Josh is a HERO. He can be charming if he wants. He is observant and very much aware of what is happening around him. He is what is considered a man's man. He is tenderhearted, smart, funny and very sexy.
This is an early book by Ms Krentz. It is a fun read filled with terrific characters and a plot that moves along at a good pace. I am a fan of her writing and I really enjoyed this quick read.
September 12, 2017
Another JAK book that is pretty good---
A burnt out PI who needs a place to recuperate from injuries take on an odd job of finding out if someone is sabotaging a profitable B & B. The young innkeeper (who inherited the job on the death of her aunt) doesn't want to close it or sell because of trying to keep a roof over the heads of three elderly people who have nowhere else to go. So she sends out a query to the PI about the job in exchange for free lodging---room and board---for a month. Incredulous offer, but the PI decided to take it, trying to determine who would make such an offer.
The mystery was typical (and even I solved it early) but it was a pleasant reading. Lots of loose ends tied up. But JAK, under any name, is a favorite of mine.
A burnt out PI who needs a place to recuperate from injuries take on an odd job of finding out if someone is sabotaging a profitable B & B. The young innkeeper (who inherited the job on the death of her aunt) doesn't want to close it or sell because of trying to keep a roof over the heads of three elderly people who have nowhere else to go. So she sends out a query to the PI about the job in exchange for free lodging---room and board---for a month. Incredulous offer, but the PI decided to take it, trying to determine who would make such an offer.
The mystery was typical (and even I solved it early) but it was a pleasant reading. Lots of loose ends tied up. But JAK, under any name, is a favorite of mine.
February 7, 2021
At first I thought I was being dropped into a game of Clue with Colonel Mustard, Miss Peacock, and Miss Scarlet (those are not actually the names of the three permanent residents of Peregrine Manor, but one is indeed a colonel, and the two women fit the roles if not the names). There is an isolated house on the cliffs, and strange goings-on plaguing Maggie Gladstone after her aunt dies (was it murder?) and leaves her the big B&B and its three elderly residents. She calls in Josh January, PI, who's really after a little R&R after an on-the-job injury, to investigate. Piece of cake, he thinks. Of course it's not quite that easy, and I guessed the culprit and the motive very early, but the endearing characters and the romantic sparks made this book a very satisfying read.
August 24, 2021
Better communication needed at times
Maggie can be aggravating, that is why I gave it the 4 instead of a 5 star rating. She knows Josh is writing a novel, he has cleared the permanent tenant's theories and prevented a flooding yet she gets mad when she reads part of the novel while 'snooping' in his computer. She says she has no problem with tenants knowing she and Josh are lovers, then gets mad over a "fake" engagement, that Josh doesn't actually think of as "fake", to cover gossip and finally she goes bonkers when Josh buys condoms at the only Pharmacy in town. Maggie really needs a head adjustment.
Maggie can be aggravating, that is why I gave it the 4 instead of a 5 star rating. She knows Josh is writing a novel, he has cleared the permanent tenant's theories and prevented a flooding yet she gets mad when she reads part of the novel while 'snooping' in his computer. She says she has no problem with tenants knowing she and Josh are lovers, then gets mad over a "fake" engagement, that Josh doesn't actually think of as "fake", to cover gossip and finally she goes bonkers when Josh buys condoms at the only Pharmacy in town. Maggie really needs a head adjustment.
July 31, 2024
Strange things were happening at Peregrin Manor so Maggie Gladstone, the owner hired a Private Eye to catch whoever was causing so much damage.
She hired a man called Josh January and he arrived with a badly sprained ankle and on crutches...not what she was looking for in an able and useful Private Eye. Throughout the novel, Josh seems to fall or somehow hurt himself.
He is able to stay at the Manor for a month while being the Private Eye. He does figure out who the two men who were and they were arrested...in the quiet times, Josh was writing a mystery novel.
Josh and Maggie fell in love so the crooks were arrested and Josh and Maggie married. Not a bad story.
She hired a man called Josh January and he arrived with a badly sprained ankle and on crutches...not what she was looking for in an able and useful Private Eye. Throughout the novel, Josh seems to fall or somehow hurt himself.
He is able to stay at the Manor for a month while being the Private Eye. He does figure out who the two men who were and they were arrested...in the quiet times, Josh was writing a mystery novel.
Josh and Maggie fell in love so the crooks were arrested and Josh and Maggie married. Not a bad story.
July 31, 2017
Good story, but not my favorite by JAK
This was cute, but not one of JAK's best. I loved Josh January. He was cool and Maggie was nice, but this story didn't do that much for me, not like her stories usually do for me. I usually don't figure out who did it early in a JAK book, but I did in this one.
However, this is a JAK book, so the secondary characters and storylines were great. I especially loved the ending. All in all, this is a cute quick read with a super happy ending for all. Read it for the fun of it, not just for the mystery.
This was cute, but not one of JAK's best. I loved Josh January. He was cool and Maggie was nice, but this story didn't do that much for me, not like her stories usually do for me. I usually don't figure out who did it early in a JAK book, but I did in this one.
However, this is a JAK book, so the secondary characters and storylines were great. I especially loved the ending. All in all, this is a cute quick read with a super happy ending for all. Read it for the fun of it, not just for the mystery.
September 21, 2017
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
First published: 1991
Length: 2760 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary. Peregrine Point, Washington.
Sex: Euphemistic. Reasonably frequent.
Hero: PI, wannabe author.
Heroine: Innkeeper.
It's fine.
An easy read with an obvious mystery and a nice enough 90s romance. Nicely written, as one would expect from Krentz.
I enjoyed it.
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/
(ISBN …)
-CR-
First published: 1991
Length: 2760 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary. Peregrine Point, Washington.
Sex: Euphemistic. Reasonably frequent.
Hero: PI, wannabe author.
Heroine: Innkeeper.
It's fine.
An easy read with an obvious mystery and a nice enough 90s romance. Nicely written, as one would expect from Krentz.
I enjoyed it.
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/
(ISBN …)
-CR-
August 23, 2018
A pretty delightful JAK cosy mystery romance. Dated in a charming way, except for one record-scratch oh-hell-NO instance* that should've been changed with the rerelease.
*It claimed that smart women hired investigators to make sure "they're not dating men who are secretly bisexual or using drugs." There's nothing wrong with dating someone bisexual, whether they cheat or not has nothing to do with sexual orientation but more with character or impulse control! And using it in the same sentence as drug use… Grrrrr!!!
*It claimed that smart women hired investigators to make sure "they're not dating men who are secretly bisexual or using drugs." There's nothing wrong with dating someone bisexual, whether they cheat or not has nothing to do with sexual orientation but more with character or impulse control! And using it in the same sentence as drug use… Grrrrr!!!
July 8, 2017
Sweet old fashion read
It is obvious that the story as written a couple of decades ago . The sex scenes are.tame. by today's standards but otherwise it is a good story. The secondary characters are a delightful addition to the tale. Josh and Maggie made an interesting couples, but Maggie was a bit off for me, that and the very transparent mystery, is why I gave the book four stars. I would call it a light read for those times when you don't want to think top much.
It is obvious that the story as written a couple of decades ago . The sex scenes are.tame. by today's standards but otherwise it is a good story. The secondary characters are a delightful addition to the tale. Josh and Maggie made an interesting couples, but Maggie was a bit off for me, that and the very transparent mystery, is why I gave the book four stars. I would call it a light read for those times when you don't want to think top much.
August 2, 2017
Most definitely an old-school romance. The opinions and actions of all parties towards the heroine were jaw-droppingly condescending. Considering this woman was a single-woman, with a previous career, and who was a business owner, the assumptions of everyone towards her were insulting and incredibly frustrating.
The mystery also wasn't much to write home about.
There are definitely better JAK mysteries out there.
The mystery also wasn't much to write home about.
There are definitely better JAK mysteries out there.
August 3, 2017
Great Fun
This book had some great old fashioned characters, or I should say older people with wonderful manners. A young woman inherits a B&B. With it she gets 3 older residents that she promises to keep with the house. Only she has some concerns so she hires a private eye to investigate. How these 5 people interact is priceless. This is very much a character driven story with a healthy side of mystery.
This book had some great old fashioned characters, or I should say older people with wonderful manners. A young woman inherits a B&B. With it she gets 3 older residents that she promises to keep with the house. Only she has some concerns so she hires a private eye to investigate. How these 5 people interact is priceless. This is very much a character driven story with a healthy side of mystery.
August 29, 2017
More romance than mystery
I enjoy Jayne Ann Krentz's writing. She creates characters I enjoy and sets them in locations I wish I could visit, and adds humor to her characters that enhances her stories greatly. This story didn't meet my criteria for non-obvious mysteries, however. I decided who the villain was early in the story and missed the normal drama that her stories contain.
Not my preference, but I am looking for her next book anyway.
I enjoy Jayne Ann Krentz's writing. She creates characters I enjoy and sets them in locations I wish I could visit, and adds humor to her characters that enhances her stories greatly. This story didn't meet my criteria for non-obvious mysteries, however. I decided who the villain was early in the story and missed the normal drama that her stories contain.
Not my preference, but I am looking for her next book anyway.
April 21, 2020
Enjoyable and entertaining...
I have to admit I had one minor issue with this story...every time Josh called Maggie ‘sweetheart’...I could hear Humphrey Bogart’s voice...guess that shows my love of old movies. Otherwise, the characters were well developed, the story flowed, the ending was almost expected - but with an interesting twist. Well done indeed, and worth every minute spent reading it.
I have to admit I had one minor issue with this story...every time Josh called Maggie ‘sweetheart’...I could hear Humphrey Bogart’s voice...guess that shows my love of old movies. Otherwise, the characters were well developed, the story flowed, the ending was almost expected - but with an interesting twist. Well done indeed, and worth every minute spent reading it.
July 3, 2017
Good read
I chose this book because of the author. I love her books no matter what name she writes under. This one is mysterious, funny and a little sexy. Although the mystery is pretty easy to solve, the byplay between all the characters is great and keeps you on your toes. Highly recommend.
I chose this book because of the author. I love her books no matter what name she writes under. This one is mysterious, funny and a little sexy. Although the mystery is pretty easy to solve, the byplay between all the characters is great and keeps you on your toes. Highly recommend.
August 1, 2017
Loved it
I've read most of Krentz's books and love them all. This one does not disappoint. This is a nice sunny afternoon at the beach or cold winter night by the fire kind of book. The characters are colorful and the two main characters, Josh and Maggie, have wonderful chemistry. If you're looking for fun get away, this one's for you.
I've read most of Krentz's books and love them all. This one does not disappoint. This is a nice sunny afternoon at the beach or cold winter night by the fire kind of book. The characters are colorful and the two main characters, Josh and Maggie, have wonderful chemistry. If you're looking for fun get away, this one's for you.
October 21, 2017
The Private Eye was light and fluffy and very enjoyable. I liked the setting (Krentz does West Coast small town well), the lead and supporting characters, and the mystery was easily solved. The story was somewhat dated, and there was a comment by Josh regarding how women use private investigators that made me raise a brow, but overall the story was good.
September 2, 2019
Sweet
One of JAK's early romance novels that made me keep reading her books. Her characters were real. Not always rich and gorgeous. PI Josh January accepts what he assumed is an easy job with time to recover from a recent case. Maggie Gladstone owns a manor that has had a series of accidents. She needs a hero and he's available!!
One of JAK's early romance novels that made me keep reading her books. Her characters were real. Not always rich and gorgeous. PI Josh January accepts what he assumed is an easy job with time to recover from a recent case. Maggie Gladstone owns a manor that has had a series of accidents. She needs a hero and he's available!!
July 8, 2020
Captivating
Maggie and Josh are a delightful pair perfectly paired to spar and send sparks flying. The elderly residents of the manor are adorable and exactly like many of the elderly folks I have known throughout my life . It was a fun story of romance and intrigue.
Maggie and Josh are a delightful pair perfectly paired to spar and send sparks flying. The elderly residents of the manor are adorable and exactly like many of the elderly folks I have known throughout my life . It was a fun story of romance and intrigue.
June 8, 2025
Private eye
I like all her books. This one is one more of her wonderful stories and heroes. I am in love with all the characters. I just hope she keeps writing. I have all her books; well the ones that I could find; usually I read them more than once. thanks for being such a great writer.
I like all her books. This one is one more of her wonderful stories and heroes. I am in love with all the characters. I just hope she keeps writing. I have all her books; well the ones that I could find; usually I read them more than once. thanks for being such a great writer.
July 4, 2017
A great read
I just love reading Jayne Ann Kent's books but had never read this one. It is a quick read and has lots of laughs in it and suspenceful as well romance. A truly happy ending for all.
I just love reading Jayne Ann Kent's books but had never read this one. It is a quick read and has lots of laughs in it and suspenceful as well romance. A truly happy ending for all.
July 8, 2017
Another book from Krentz' back list, and a fun read. Really enjoyed the somewhat curmudgeonly hero. Krentz' writing has improved over time, of course, but she has always been good at creating vivid characters. If you like her books, you should pick this one up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews