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Rarities Unlimited #1
Moving Target
"When you read this, I'll be dead..."
These are the troubling words Serena Charters's grandmother has written on a note accompanying four pages of a centuries-old illuminated manuscript delivered after the old woman's passing. That the strange inheritance has considerable worth seems obvious — but what Serena doesn't realize is how many secrets it hides...and how many lives it has already cost.
Seeking answers, she turns for professional help to Rarities Unlimited, and specifically to Erik North, a reclusive manuscript appraiser with a passion for the past, its people, and its treasures. But Erik's careful examination of the vellum pages and the agonized jottings of a medieval scribe is raising perplexing questions — about the true importance of Serena's legacy, the possible location of the remainder of the lost manuscript...and the senseless murder of an eccentric old woman in the blistering heat of California's Mojave Desert.
A spellbinder that bristles with almost unbearable intensity, Elizabeth Lowell's Moving Target is a masterful tale of intrigue, secrets, danger, and murder — a breathtaking work that brings one of America's favorite storytellers to an electrifying new level.
576 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2001
294 people are currently reading
2139 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Lowell
208 books1,921 followersIndividually and with co-author/husband Evan, Ann Maxwell has written over 60 novels and one work of non-fiction. There are 30 million copies of these books in print, as well as reprints in 30 foreign languages. Her novels range from science fiction to historical fiction, from romance to mystery. After working in contemporary and historical romance, she became an innovator in the genre of romantic suspense.
In 1982, Ann began publishing 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 over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.
To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.
In 1982, Ann began publishing 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 over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.
To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
January 25, 2024
Picked this up at the library sale shelf. Imagine my delight at learning this book is tied to an older series of stories set in the medieval period. Erik the Learned is an important part of those three stories, but we don’t find out his fate until this book. Make sure you read “Untamed”. “Forbidden” and “Enchanted” first. It will give you added context for this story.
February 20, 2023
Well, this book started out really slow. Some of the other reviewer said it got much faster at the end but I didn’t see where that happened.
Sometimes you get a good woman and sometimes you don’t – – this was not a good one for me.
Sometimes you get a good woman and sometimes you don’t – – this was not a good one for me.
January 11, 2012
Moving Target, the first of her Rarities Unlimited series, is perhaps my favorite of all of Elizabeth Lowell's books. Not because she does anything hugely different in this book that she does from the rest of them, mind you--but more because she happens in this one to mix all of her plot and character ingredients into the exact right recipe to suit my personal tastes.
Serena Charters inherits an ancient manuscript when her grandmother is murdered. Like you do in these sorts of plots, soon discovers that she's the latest in a long descent of women, all of whom have the name Serena, charged to guard this manuscript and keep it safe and secret. And when there's an ongoing plot to keep something secret, there are naturally those who are out to get their hands on it. In this case, there's a wealthy patriarch desperate to lay his hands on the Book of the Learned, no matter what it takes.
Meanwhile Erik North, our hero, is a manuscript appraiser employed by Rarities Unlimited. Erik too has been seeking the Book of the Learned for his own reasons, and, again like you do in these sorts of plots, soon enough teams up with Serena to find and protect it.
And hands down, Serena and Erik are the two big draws for me in this book. I like the female-focused backstory for Serena's family. I like her grandmother. I like the history of the original Serena, and the scrap of mysterious cloth that's all that remains of a dress she wove, adding a very light hint of the paranormal to an otherwise prosaic romantic suspense setup. Just as importantly, I like Erik--he's confident, competent, has his personal form of art he likes to express, and comes across very well as an equal to Serena rather than someone in a greater position of power than her. As for the other characters, the antagonists are suitably threatening without being ridiculous or over the top, while the supporting characters at Rarities are reasonably entertaining.
All in all a fun read. I'd definitely recommend this one as the first one to hit for anyone interested in reading an Elizabeth Lowell book. Four stars.
Serena Charters inherits an ancient manuscript when her grandmother is murdered. Like you do in these sorts of plots, soon discovers that she's the latest in a long descent of women, all of whom have the name Serena, charged to guard this manuscript and keep it safe and secret. And when there's an ongoing plot to keep something secret, there are naturally those who are out to get their hands on it. In this case, there's a wealthy patriarch desperate to lay his hands on the Book of the Learned, no matter what it takes.
Meanwhile Erik North, our hero, is a manuscript appraiser employed by Rarities Unlimited. Erik too has been seeking the Book of the Learned for his own reasons, and, again like you do in these sorts of plots, soon enough teams up with Serena to find and protect it.
And hands down, Serena and Erik are the two big draws for me in this book. I like the female-focused backstory for Serena's family. I like her grandmother. I like the history of the original Serena, and the scrap of mysterious cloth that's all that remains of a dress she wove, adding a very light hint of the paranormal to an otherwise prosaic romantic suspense setup. Just as importantly, I like Erik--he's confident, competent, has his personal form of art he likes to express, and comes across very well as an equal to Serena rather than someone in a greater position of power than her. As for the other characters, the antagonists are suitably threatening without being ridiculous or over the top, while the supporting characters at Rarities are reasonably entertaining.
All in all a fun read. I'd definitely recommend this one as the first one to hit for anyone interested in reading an Elizabeth Lowell book. Four stars.
June 6, 2016
2.5 stars
I wasn't expecting a paranormal element to play a part in this book, but it was pretty much the first thing that hits you in the face with the prologue featuring Serena's mysterious grandmother (endearingly referred to as "G'mom" throughout by Serena of which I wasn't sure how to pronounce, so I went with a very crass sounding gee mom). The Book of the Learned as well as some mystic properties of Lisbeth Charters' family heritage is presented front and center. It's an interesting concept to incorporate the superstitions of old age that included magic and sorcery, then pass it down along generations of a line to be presented as a base premise in the modern day story line. Like I said, it wasn't what I was expecting, but then again, there was never a rule that said we couldn't mix genres.
In this case, the book read more like a paranormal/fantasy romance rather than a romantic suspense despite there being elements of suspense. It was just a bit more mellow than the typical romantic suspense novel I'm used to reading.
Serena Charters' grandmother is murdered because of The Book of the Learned, an ancient manuscript passed down through her family that many wish to possess. With only four leaves of this book and a cryptic message from her grandmother, Serena must find the rest of the book as well as dodge a killer. Erik North is an expert on medieval manuscripts, working for Rarities Unlimited as a consultant in appraising the worth of priceless works. He is sought out by Serena to determine the worth of her grandmother's pages.
As the book progresses, both she and Erik seem to be in possession of memories (or flashes, or visions) that may belong to the original creators of The Book of the Learned, Erik the Learned who wrote the book, and Serena of Silverfells whose line the book ends up passing down to each firstborn daughter.
While there was still that underlying murder mystery and a silently implied race against time to find this murderer, the feeling of urgency just wasn't very present. So as a crime thriller, the book wasn't exactly top rate. However, despite Elizabeth Lowell's admission that The Book of the Learned--used in the book as a major plot device--is not real, I still really enjoyed learning various details of medieval art forms (scattered as they were). While it is known that manuscripts and textiles can be priceless depending on their origin, it's just something you never really think about since we have mass produced literature and the like. Such common objects such as blankets, wall hangings, rugs... One never really stops and thinks that dependent on origin, certain items in this category could be appraised as being as precious as stones and gems.
I enjoy Ms. Lowell's insight into this type of information. While it doesn't take away from the story itself, it doesn't necessarily add much to it either, because I've noted that the book tended to meander in a lot of directions--whether or not those directions ended up being significant to the plot is questionable.
There was a lot of goings-on with the staff of Rarities Unlimited, and we even jump to explore an introductory of Risa Sheridan and Shane Tanehill, both of whom will be the stars of the next book with their own part of the story to be told. Of course, we only touch base briefly with each of the side and supporting characters; they were presented in a smooth enough manner that it didn't really bother me or make me wonder why it was important to mention certain scenarios.
Of course, that doesn't mean that there weren't insignificant tangents.
Specifically, there was the single, random chapter guest starring three of the Donovan siblings from her previous series Donovans. A pleasantly surprising appearance, but kind of out of the blue and inconsequential as to whether or not there was a reason for their presence aside from "just because the author can". I'm not so much complaining; it was just a strange, random segway. Because while I did enjoy reading about the Donovans, and I understand that some authors become attached to characters previously created, there comes a time when you really DO have to let go (unless some occasion in the current story line calls for their necessary appearance; this was not one of those occasions). Mention them in passing if you must, but giving them a full, insignificant chapter for no reason other than to give them a chance to make their presence... kind of unnecessary.
Nonetheless, I really did enjoy the book.
My only real quibble about it is the romance, which felt more or less forced. Not that the romance itself was forced between Serena and Erik; obviously the two of them are drawn to each other and do care about one another. But the fact that there is some sort of higher presence that seemed to be propelling their attraction makes it hard to determine whether they are acting as their own, present-day persons, or if it was that unexplainable "meant to be" phenomenon passed down from their historical namesakes.
I'm not big on the "fated" epic loves. This one was handled well, but it still seemed a little... well, hard to grasp.
I wasn't expecting a paranormal element to play a part in this book, but it was pretty much the first thing that hits you in the face with the prologue featuring Serena's mysterious grandmother (endearingly referred to as "G'mom" throughout by Serena of which I wasn't sure how to pronounce, so I went with a very crass sounding gee mom). The Book of the Learned as well as some mystic properties of Lisbeth Charters' family heritage is presented front and center. It's an interesting concept to incorporate the superstitions of old age that included magic and sorcery, then pass it down along generations of a line to be presented as a base premise in the modern day story line. Like I said, it wasn't what I was expecting, but then again, there was never a rule that said we couldn't mix genres.
In this case, the book read more like a paranormal/fantasy romance rather than a romantic suspense despite there being elements of suspense. It was just a bit more mellow than the typical romantic suspense novel I'm used to reading.
Serena Charters' grandmother is murdered because of The Book of the Learned, an ancient manuscript passed down through her family that many wish to possess. With only four leaves of this book and a cryptic message from her grandmother, Serena must find the rest of the book as well as dodge a killer. Erik North is an expert on medieval manuscripts, working for Rarities Unlimited as a consultant in appraising the worth of priceless works. He is sought out by Serena to determine the worth of her grandmother's pages.
As the book progresses, both she and Erik seem to be in possession of memories (or flashes, or visions) that may belong to the original creators of The Book of the Learned, Erik the Learned who wrote the book, and Serena of Silverfells whose line the book ends up passing down to each firstborn daughter.
While there was still that underlying murder mystery and a silently implied race against time to find this murderer, the feeling of urgency just wasn't very present. So as a crime thriller, the book wasn't exactly top rate. However, despite Elizabeth Lowell's admission that The Book of the Learned--used in the book as a major plot device--is not real, I still really enjoyed learning various details of medieval art forms (scattered as they were). While it is known that manuscripts and textiles can be priceless depending on their origin, it's just something you never really think about since we have mass produced literature and the like. Such common objects such as blankets, wall hangings, rugs... One never really stops and thinks that dependent on origin, certain items in this category could be appraised as being as precious as stones and gems.
I enjoy Ms. Lowell's insight into this type of information. While it doesn't take away from the story itself, it doesn't necessarily add much to it either, because I've noted that the book tended to meander in a lot of directions--whether or not those directions ended up being significant to the plot is questionable.
There was a lot of goings-on with the staff of Rarities Unlimited, and we even jump to explore an introductory of Risa Sheridan and Shane Tanehill, both of whom will be the stars of the next book with their own part of the story to be told. Of course, we only touch base briefly with each of the side and supporting characters; they were presented in a smooth enough manner that it didn't really bother me or make me wonder why it was important to mention certain scenarios.
Of course, that doesn't mean that there weren't insignificant tangents.
Specifically, there was the single, random chapter guest starring three of the Donovan siblings from her previous series Donovans. A pleasantly surprising appearance, but kind of out of the blue and inconsequential as to whether or not there was a reason for their presence aside from "just because the author can". I'm not so much complaining; it was just a strange, random segway. Because while I did enjoy reading about the Donovans, and I understand that some authors become attached to characters previously created, there comes a time when you really DO have to let go (unless some occasion in the current story line calls for their necessary appearance; this was not one of those occasions). Mention them in passing if you must, but giving them a full, insignificant chapter for no reason other than to give them a chance to make their presence... kind of unnecessary.
Nonetheless, I really did enjoy the book.
My only real quibble about it is the romance, which felt more or less forced. Not that the romance itself was forced between Serena and Erik; obviously the two of them are drawn to each other and do care about one another. But the fact that there is some sort of higher presence that seemed to be propelling their attraction makes it hard to determine whether they are acting as their own, present-day persons, or if it was that unexplainable "meant to be" phenomenon passed down from their historical namesakes.
I'm not big on the "fated" epic loves. This one was handled well, but it still seemed a little... well, hard to grasp.
June 16, 2016
Author: Elizabeth Lowell
First published: 2001
Length: 8129 kindle locations, 583 pages
Setting: Contemporary, Mostly around Palm Springs.
Sex: Reasonably frequent and explicit.
Hero: Manuscript specialist.
Heroine: Weaver.
Paranormal: Hero and Heroine both have a tie to the past (past lives that overlay current).
Links: to Lowell’s Donovan series (characters appear).
Includes: excerpt from Dangerous Refuge
Author’s Note: Personal story related to Book of the Learned.
Lessons on manuscripts, including the development and forgery.
The paranormal forces InstaLove on our MCs and feels forced (“Fated”), the book is very long and drawn out, the BadGuy is predictable and the Donovan cameos were incidental filler.
BUT, it was different and enjoyable. The manuscript history lessons were interesting and the storyline unusual.
So I liked it overall.
Rarities Unlimited:
Book 1 Moving Target - Serena Charters and Erik North
Book 2 Running Scared - Risa Sheridan and Shane Tannahill
Book 3 Die in Plain Sight - Lacey Quinn and Ian Lapstrake
Book 4 The Color of Death - Kate Chandler and Sam Groves
References:
Author’s website: http://www.elizabethlowell.com/moving...
(ISBN 9780061749841)
-CR-
First published: 2001
Length: 8129 kindle locations, 583 pages
Setting: Contemporary, Mostly around Palm Springs.
Sex: Reasonably frequent and explicit.
Hero: Manuscript specialist.
Heroine: Weaver.
Paranormal: Hero and Heroine both have a tie to the past (past lives that overlay current).
Links: to Lowell’s Donovan series (characters appear).
Includes: excerpt from Dangerous Refuge
Author’s Note: Personal story related to Book of the Learned.
Lessons on manuscripts, including the development and forgery.
The paranormal forces InstaLove on our MCs and feels forced (“Fated”), the book is very long and drawn out, the BadGuy is predictable and the Donovan cameos were incidental filler.
BUT, it was different and enjoyable. The manuscript history lessons were interesting and the storyline unusual.
So I liked it overall.
Rarities Unlimited:
Book 1 Moving Target - Serena Charters and Erik North
Book 2 Running Scared - Risa Sheridan and Shane Tannahill
Book 3 Die in Plain Sight - Lacey Quinn and Ian Lapstrake
Book 4 The Color of Death - Kate Chandler and Sam Groves
References:
Author’s website: http://www.elizabethlowell.com/moving...
(ISBN 9780061749841)
-CR-
June 8, 2017
Despite the title and an exciting beginning, this story moves along rather slowly as the characters are set up, and we are instructed about medieval manuscripts and hand weaving, which I personally found interesting, but some might not. This being the first of the Rarities Unlimited series, lots of people are introduced who will get their own books later, and Lowell inserts characters from her other stories as well which was probably unneeded. A paranormal element is added as well. Serena and Erik are either reincarnations of a couple whose tragic story has come down to the future in them, or they are psychically connected with the first Serena and Erik, one a weaver of magical cloth, the other the author of the Book of the Learned, eagerly sought by an arch villian who burns people alive in his pursuit of the book.
That said, the description of the desert is lyrical, the couple enchanting, and when action occurs, it is exciting and well described. Actual suspects with the skill set needed are few, though, and the hiding place for the book seems obvious, but the ending is tense with some nice twists. I did enjoy this book and realized later that I had read others in this series before, just not the first one, enjoying them also.
That said, the description of the desert is lyrical, the couple enchanting, and when action occurs, it is exciting and well described. Actual suspects with the skill set needed are few, though, and the hiding place for the book seems obvious, but the ending is tense with some nice twists. I did enjoy this book and realized later that I had read others in this series before, just not the first one, enjoying them also.
February 11, 2011
With this being the first book of the series, I absolutely loved it!
She did a remarkable job with creating the characters of "Serena" and "Eric" that I was flipping the pages faster and faster.
I love stories about ancient relics and I was introduced to Illuminated Manuscripts for the first time. That in itself was intriguing.
But the storyline is even better with a dynamic ending!
I only wished that I had read the author's note at the back of the book FIRST because I think I would've enjoyed the book more. It was a short description of an incredible experience that Elizabeth and her husband had when they traveled abroad (about having to be at the right place at the right time and stumbling upon your ancestors and so much more). Almost the exact same scenario happened to my husband and myself although it happened on American soil.
I kind of just "shuddered" when I read of her real life experience almost mimicking ours and one that changes your life forever.
I haven't had a chance to keep on with the series but I definitely plan to!
She did a remarkable job with creating the characters of "Serena" and "Eric" that I was flipping the pages faster and faster.
I love stories about ancient relics and I was introduced to Illuminated Manuscripts for the first time. That in itself was intriguing.
But the storyline is even better with a dynamic ending!
I only wished that I had read the author's note at the back of the book FIRST because I think I would've enjoyed the book more. It was a short description of an incredible experience that Elizabeth and her husband had when they traveled abroad (about having to be at the right place at the right time and stumbling upon your ancestors and so much more). Almost the exact same scenario happened to my husband and myself although it happened on American soil.
I kind of just "shuddered" when I read of her real life experience almost mimicking ours and one that changes your life forever.
I haven't had a chance to keep on with the series but I definitely plan to!
November 4, 2008
The idea was interesting, but the characters were not. It could easily have been wrapped up in half the time. The back of the book was much more interesting than the book itself. There wasn't enough to the mystery and it was a very subdued suspense novel. I forced myself to finish it hoping it would get better, but it didn't. I haven't read any of Lowell's other books so I may give her a try again. Glad it was a free book.
September 13, 2019
When I began this book, I wasn’t sure I would stay with it. I don’t usually like fantasy-type stories. But this has very little of that and the story drew me in. There is intrigue, excitement and sexual tension all of which made for a great read. Serena and Eric are interesting protagonists. Anyone who likes a strong female protagonist will enjoy Serena’s independence. I think I will give the next book in the series a try.
April 1, 2015
Illuminated manuscript was an enlightening subject,something i hadn't heard until now. The romance between Erik and Serena was kind of sudden, thot it could have developed in a more subdued way. However the book captures the mystery element well esp with the past and present interwoven in their minds.
Good work by Elizabeth Lowell!
Good work by Elizabeth Lowell!
March 5, 2019
After such a great medieval series, I feel cheated with this one. Erik's story had so much potential. I was caught up in this world Lowell created. Now I'm left feeling empty and disappointed.. It's such a shame.
February 4, 2017
The story was intriguing till the end but something was missing in the book to make it an amazing read. I'm still going to read the next book in the series but not as enthusiastic as I would be..
February 9, 2017
I was so disappointed that this was Erik's story, I had so hoped for a story set with the other Medieval books.
April 24, 2020
When her grandmother dies in a fire in her home near Palm Springs, Serena Charters eventually inherits four ancient pages of illuminated text and art. Specifically, they are from the Book of the Learned, penned by Erik the Learned in early twelfth century England. As such, they are incredibly valuable; but there are only four pages - where is the rest of the manuscript? So begins a search with a researcher from Rarities Unlimited named Erik North, with the bad guys seemingly closing in at every opportunity to steal the pages, and Serena remembering the past as it now applies to her at every opportunity. Moving Target is presented as Romantic Suspense, but there's too much description in it to be true suspense; suspense needs to be lean and mean, constantly moving forward, and this seems to slow down with all the details Author Lowell presents. Here's an example: "Serena snickered. "Hexateuch and incunable are real words. The former means the first six books of the Old Testament. The latter means any book printed before 1501. Primer is another name for the Book of Hours, taken from the House of Prime, which was the first hour in the daily cycle of devotion. Since most people learned to read - if they learned to read at all - from the Book of Hours, today we call early teaching books primers."" You don't need this much detail in a romantic suspense novel, but including it makes the writing seem more researched, somehow more real. This is a good book to read on a rainy day when you have lots of time on your hands.
May 29, 2009
Elizabeth Lowell is a fascinating author to me. I love how she does her research and educates me as she writes, but I've never seen a more inconsistent author. Her contemporary romances with the arts & antiquities themes are great - like this one, Moving Target. I loved the plot. But her historical stuff (Only series) couldn't get me past the first 50 pages. Sorry, thought the premise of Only Mine was moronic. Didn't make it to the others. She is quite the varied author. Even how she develops the romance is inconsistent. She did great with the romance in Tell Me No Lies (my favorite Lowell book by far), but the romance in Running Scared is choppy and this one, Moving Target, is developed well but could have used some more depth. I'll keep reading her stuff, though, because I won't know until I start reading whether the next one I pick up was written by the good twin or the evil twin.
March 9, 2020
The story and the characters in this book were great, but the sex scenes that popped up (pardon the pun) occasionally ruined it for me.
As the cover didn't show an impossibly buff man with long hair and a partially undressed woman, I didn't expect this to be the kind of book it was.
I won't read more of the series and I'm really sorry about that because there was some real promise for this book if it hadn't decided to be a semi-porn romance.
As the cover didn't show an impossibly buff man with long hair and a partially undressed woman, I didn't expect this to be the kind of book it was.
I won't read more of the series and I'm really sorry about that because there was some real promise for this book if it hadn't decided to be a semi-porn romance.
January 15, 2018
For me, this book started out slow but picked up after a few chapters. I love how the author gets you to think like the characters to help figure out the mystery. The details of The Book of The Learned are so vivid you can almost see the pages. Can’t wait to read more of this series.
August 26, 2020
This was a good story but was a bit too wordy for my like.
Enjoyed the history and old books but dang, think you could have shaved off 100 pages of over the top explanations.
Not sure I am going to try book 2 in the series.
Enjoyed the history and old books but dang, think you could have shaved off 100 pages of over the top explanations.
Not sure I am going to try book 2 in the series.
February 24, 2010
I loved this book. Anyone who loves books will love the story wrapped around this one. It was a facinating look back into history as it follows the creation and preservation of a unique manuscript.
December 4, 2014
Enjoyed the suspense.
A extension of a previous series of books set in modern times with a good who dunit ending enjoyed the book.
A extension of a previous series of books set in modern times with a good who dunit ending enjoyed the book.
November 28, 2019
Terrific read!
This is a long book, however, I devoured it. The characters were lively and the storyline took a couple twists and turns. This was a totally engaging book!
This is a long book, however, I devoured it. The characters were lively and the storyline took a couple twists and turns. This was a totally engaging book!
January 24, 2020
Read it, didn’t think it was my kind of book but then got caught up in it.
May 18, 2020
R - sex
June 3, 2020
Pretty good story. Just a hint of paranormal.
December 3, 2025
MY RATING GUIDE: 4 Stars. We both found MOVING TARGET, originally pub 2001, a satisfying listen. The ending was especially good. Elizabeth Lowell is an author I began reading in my youth. Occasionally I enjoy returning to favorite older titles. MOVING TARGET, a Contemporary Suspense novel in Lowell’s 4bk Rarities Unlimited series is one which, I feel, has held up well over time. I listened to the audiobook with my husband over cups of morning coffee. Together we worked to solve the ancient mystery, (very) lightly touched by ‘magic.’ This was a much enjoyed nostalgic listen.
1=DNF/What was that?; 2=Not for me; 3=Ok; 3.5=I enjoyed this; 4=WE TRULY ENJOYED THIS; 5=I really loved this! (5 is rare for me).
In the deserts east of Palm Springs, California ~
Serena Charters of Silverfells, 34, was born into a family with claim to a valuable medieval historical manuscript, the Book of the Learned. This document has been passed from generation to generation, from oldest daughter to the next. One year following the murder of her grandmother, Ellis Weaver, Serena gains knowledge of this book and loose illuminated pages once covered by woven cloth embossed with gold and precious gems. It soon becomes apparent that someone killed Ellis Weaver attempting to gain information leading to the location of this missing manuscript and/or the loose pages. That person(s) is now after Serena. He/they have already killed 3 ppl; what’s one, two or three more?
Rarities Unlimited has an established reputation for the buying, selling, appraising & protection of valuable art. Erik North, 36, is a Rarities Unlimited consultant, a medieval scholar, appraiser, calligraphy & illumination expert and a rock climber. Erik has a personal and professional interest in medieval manuscripts. Once Rarities Unlimited notifies him of the possible existence of valuable medieval manuscript pages, Erik’s interest is hooked, both in the pages and the cautious woman who guards its secrets.
Comments ~
1) MOVING TARGET, originally published in 2001, is bk1 in Lowell’s 4bk Rarities Inc Contemporary Suspense series. It can be read as a Standalone title as only secondary characters overlap throughout the series. Except for technology differences, the story has held up very well over time. We listened to the (new to me) unabridged audiobook performance by Alyssa Bresnahan, which successfully grabbed our attention and pulled us in. Many of Lowell’s older books were abridged when formatted into audio. I was thrilled to find MT in its original form.
2) MOVING TARGET reads somewhat as a Mystery. As the book progresses additional information regarding the provenance and location of a certain medieval Book of the Learned is revealed. Someone is willing to kill to keep that information to themselves while the main characters are caught in the crossfire. At times MT seemed to drag and it also contained plenty of sexual innuendos (which is MMC Erik’s style of humor). Overall, we enjoyed it.
3) MOVING TARGET touches on inherited memories & reincarnation, providing a (very) light Fantasy feel. My husband, an engineer, dropped a Star (personally) for that lack of realism but it is an element that I thought rang true and added rather than subtracted.
4) Elizabeth Lowell’s books have been favorites of mine for many years. She and her husband (a scholar? mineralogist?, ??) collaborated in writing several of them. When I read, I find myself wondering which of them contributed the historical, geographical detail. My audiobook copy included an author’s note at the book’s end explaining the idea behind MOVING TARGET. Fascinating! and fun.
5) We were both satisfied with MOVING TARGET and recommend it to readers who enjoy:
> Rereading/revisiting Contemporary Suspense novels from an earlier age (2001).
> (Possible) Enemies/Strangers to More trope novels.
> Contemporary Suspense with mysteries to solve.
> Contemporary Suspense novels with considerable detailed historical background.
> Independent, cautious, intelligent female main characters teamed with alpha male characters who appreciate strong women.
> Seasoned, mature main characters.
> Minimal relationship angst & miscommunication, no TSTL female character behavior.
> Older titles recently formatted into well performed audiobooks (although my audio copy contained a few editing glitches, nevertheless I was thrilled to find an unabridged copy of MOVING TARGET).
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
VIOLENCE - PG-13. Murders occur without graphic detail or occur off-scene.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Frequent sexual comments and innuendos. Intimacy scenes eventually fade to closed door.
1=DNF/What was that?; 2=Not for me; 3=Ok; 3.5=I enjoyed this; 4=WE TRULY ENJOYED THIS; 5=I really loved this! (5 is rare for me).
In the deserts east of Palm Springs, California ~
Serena Charters of Silverfells, 34, was born into a family with claim to a valuable medieval historical manuscript, the Book of the Learned. This document has been passed from generation to generation, from oldest daughter to the next. One year following the murder of her grandmother, Ellis Weaver, Serena gains knowledge of this book and loose illuminated pages once covered by woven cloth embossed with gold and precious gems. It soon becomes apparent that someone killed Ellis Weaver attempting to gain information leading to the location of this missing manuscript and/or the loose pages. That person(s) is now after Serena. He/they have already killed 3 ppl; what’s one, two or three more?
Rarities Unlimited has an established reputation for the buying, selling, appraising & protection of valuable art. Erik North, 36, is a Rarities Unlimited consultant, a medieval scholar, appraiser, calligraphy & illumination expert and a rock climber. Erik has a personal and professional interest in medieval manuscripts. Once Rarities Unlimited notifies him of the possible existence of valuable medieval manuscript pages, Erik’s interest is hooked, both in the pages and the cautious woman who guards its secrets.
Comments ~
1) MOVING TARGET, originally published in 2001, is bk1 in Lowell’s 4bk Rarities Inc Contemporary Suspense series. It can be read as a Standalone title as only secondary characters overlap throughout the series. Except for technology differences, the story has held up very well over time. We listened to the (new to me) unabridged audiobook performance by Alyssa Bresnahan, which successfully grabbed our attention and pulled us in. Many of Lowell’s older books were abridged when formatted into audio. I was thrilled to find MT in its original form.
2) MOVING TARGET reads somewhat as a Mystery. As the book progresses additional information regarding the provenance and location of a certain medieval Book of the Learned is revealed. Someone is willing to kill to keep that information to themselves while the main characters are caught in the crossfire. At times MT seemed to drag and it also contained plenty of sexual innuendos (which is MMC Erik’s style of humor). Overall, we enjoyed it.
3) MOVING TARGET touches on inherited memories & reincarnation, providing a (very) light Fantasy feel. My husband, an engineer, dropped a Star (personally) for that lack of realism but it is an element that I thought rang true and added rather than subtracted.
4) Elizabeth Lowell’s books have been favorites of mine for many years. She and her husband (a scholar? mineralogist?, ??) collaborated in writing several of them. When I read, I find myself wondering which of them contributed the historical, geographical detail. My audiobook copy included an author’s note at the book’s end explaining the idea behind MOVING TARGET. Fascinating! and fun.
5) We were both satisfied with MOVING TARGET and recommend it to readers who enjoy:
> Rereading/revisiting Contemporary Suspense novels from an earlier age (2001).
> (Possible) Enemies/Strangers to More trope novels.
> Contemporary Suspense with mysteries to solve.
> Contemporary Suspense novels with considerable detailed historical background.
> Independent, cautious, intelligent female main characters teamed with alpha male characters who appreciate strong women.
> Seasoned, mature main characters.
> Minimal relationship angst & miscommunication, no TSTL female character behavior.
> Older titles recently formatted into well performed audiobooks (although my audio copy contained a few editing glitches, nevertheless I was thrilled to find an unabridged copy of MOVING TARGET).
READER CAUTIONS ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.
VIOLENCE - PG-13. Murders occur without graphic detail or occur off-scene.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Frequent sexual comments and innuendos. Intimacy scenes eventually fade to closed door.
November 15, 2019
Sometimes the most interesting character is the one you never meet. Such is the case in Moving Target by Elizabeth Lowell. The most intriguing character in the book dies before you reach page 20.
But Lisbeth stays with us throughout the story...we never meet her but learn of her through her granddaughter's memories as well as what Serena learns about her grandmother in her efforts to find her killer.
The book moves quickly, there is lots of action...some romance...more than a little intrigue...a couple more fire bombs in addition to the one that killed Lisbeth early on, and another intriguing character that is really easy to dislike from his first appearance in the book...it all comes together to make this a story that is hard to put down until you reach the last page...where there are even more surprises.
And while we find out that Lisbeth had more than a few less than sterling personality traits we do learn why making her choices more understandable...
But Lisbeth stays with us throughout the story...we never meet her but learn of her through her granddaughter's memories as well as what Serena learns about her grandmother in her efforts to find her killer.
The book moves quickly, there is lots of action...some romance...more than a little intrigue...a couple more fire bombs in addition to the one that killed Lisbeth early on, and another intriguing character that is really easy to dislike from his first appearance in the book...it all comes together to make this a story that is hard to put down until you reach the last page...where there are even more surprises.
And while we find out that Lisbeth had more than a few less than sterling personality traits we do learn why making her choices more understandable...
February 22, 2020
Interesting concept. An old manuscript is passed down from mother to daughter through the ages. As time passes, the book becomes an antique and worth something.
Serena’s grandmother is killed by a deliberate fire set in her home. The will is the first Serena learns about this inheritance. Words written by her grandmother warn Serena not to trust any man and to seek the pages missing from the book.
Not having any idea of the value of the pages left to her, Serena seeks advice from more informed sources, one being Rarities Unlimited. Here she meets Eric, the person at RU who is their specialist in rare books.
As Serena tries to follow her grandmother’s instructions, she tries to find missing pages from the Book of Life. Eric has long been fascinated by the few pages of the book he has seen. He is drawn to the book and to Serena.
The two, Serena and Eric, become close as they try to protect the pages Serena has, and research into the providence of these pages.
Serena’s grandmother is killed by a deliberate fire set in her home. The will is the first Serena learns about this inheritance. Words written by her grandmother warn Serena not to trust any man and to seek the pages missing from the book.
Not having any idea of the value of the pages left to her, Serena seeks advice from more informed sources, one being Rarities Unlimited. Here she meets Eric, the person at RU who is their specialist in rare books.
As Serena tries to follow her grandmother’s instructions, she tries to find missing pages from the Book of Life. Eric has long been fascinated by the few pages of the book he has seen. He is drawn to the book and to Serena.
The two, Serena and Eric, become close as they try to protect the pages Serena has, and research into the providence of these pages.
September 12, 2024
Terrible book. It was over 300 pages too long. The only interesting parts were the first 25 pages and the last 25 pages. The rest of the information was not necessary. Most of the book were descriptions and histories of illuminated pages and books. Very boring stuff. I would have cared less about all of that. I was interested in the story not all of that other garbage. What was the purpose of the 2 or 3 pages about the Donovans? That contributed nothing to the story. It just let the reader know that the author wrote the series about the Donovans and added more unnecessary pages.
I have read Elizabeth Lowell (Ann Maxwell) for years and enjoyed her books. I know I read this book when it first came out. I just wished I had remembered how awful it was.
I have read Elizabeth Lowell (Ann Maxwell) for years and enjoyed her books. I know I read this book when it first came out. I just wished I had remembered how awful it was.
December 18, 2022
Each couple in the Rarities series has their own unique story and romance in these books and they are all so good it is hard to pick a favorite. This author certainly writes with passion and the Rarities series not only has romance but is also filled with suspense. Another stayed up all night til I finished it book which is typical of me with this author. Since she started writing suspense novels mixed in with romance this is the series that I think is the best. She definitely does her research about some of the topics that are part of the main storyline so one can also learn a thing or two about art and collectibles in this series.
July 9, 2017
I have read a ton of Elizabeth Lowell novels and this was the worst of them. It isn't the romance novel that I was expecting. If your looking for a romance novel, this isn't the one. If you are looking for a suspense, mystery, then this is pretty good. I was hoping for a romance novel, so maybe my expectations were off.
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