Bea Reviews 'Til Death Do Us Part by Amanda Quick

Publisher: Thorndike Press Large Print
Source: Library
Release Date: May 4th, 2016
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Blurb from goodreads:

The author of the New York Times bestseller "Garden of Lies" returns to Victorian London in an all-new novel of deadly obsession.

Calista Langley operates an exclusive introduction agency in Victorian London, catering to respectable ladies and gentlemen who find themselves alone in the world. But now, a dangerously obsessed individual has begun sending her trinkets and gifts suitable only for those in deepest mourning a black mirror, a funeral wreath, a ring set with black jet stone. Each is engraved with her initials.

Desperate for help and fearing that the police will be of no assistance, Calista turns to Trent Hastings, a reclusive author of popular crime novels. Believing that Calista may be taking advantage of his lonely sister, who has become one of her clients, Trent doesn't trust her. Scarred by his past, he's learned to keep his emotions at bay, even as an instant attraction threatens his resolve.

But as Trent and Calista comb through files of rejected clients in hopes of identifying her tormentor, it becomes clear that the danger may be coming from Calista's own secret past and that only her death will satisfy the stalker..

Bea's Thoughts:

" 'Til Death Do Us Part" grabbed me from the first page; I didn't want to put it down. The plot was intriguing, the characters delightful, and the mystery entertaining. I like Quick's historicals; they're fun, easy to read, entertaining, and distracting.

The story had lots of twists and turns, and red herrings. It was a little dark and morbid as Trent and Calista investigated who and why 'gifts' were being left for Calista. In fact, the whole story has a Gothic feel to it though it's not a true Gothic. The mystery ends up being larger than just Calista and she and Trent were determined to find the one responsible, despite the danger. I did suspect who the villain but I wasn't sure; there were other viable suspects. I like when I can't figure out all of the answers

The romance was mild and could have been more developed, but the attraction between Calista and Trent was strong. They worked well together and respected each other, both professionally and personally. Well, not initially, especially on Trent's side, but over the course of the story respect developed. Calista grew emotionally, especially where her younger brother was concerned. Trent also grew the more time he spent with Calista. They were good for each other.