Review: In Too Deep by Jayne Ann Krentz

In Too Deep
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Publication: Putnam Adult (December 28, 2010)


Description: The latest Arcane Society novel from New York Times- bestselling author of Running Hot and Fired Up-as she introduces her brand-new Looking Glass trilogy. 

Jayne Ann Krentz follows up her highly successful Dreamlight Trilogy- written in collaboration with her two alter egos, Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle-with a brand-new story arc that begins in a secluded coastal town in northern California.

Scargill Cove is the perfect place for Fallon Jones, confirmed recluse and investigator of the paranormal. It's a hot spot, a convergence point for unusually strong currents of energy, which might explain why the town attracts misfits and drifters like moths to a flame. Now someone else has been drawn to the Cove-Isabella Valdez, on the run from some very dangerous men.

When she starts work as Fallon's assistant, Isabella impresses him by organizing his pathologically chaotic office-and doesn't bat an eye at the psychic aspect of his job. She's a kindred spirit, a sanctuary from a world that considers his talents a form of madness. But after a routine case unearths an antique clock infused with dark energy, Fallon and Isabella are dragged into the secret history of Scargill Cove and forced to fight for their lives, as they unravel a cutthroat conspiracy with roots in the Jones family business . . . and Isabella's family tree.



My Thoughts: This is a typical Krentz - which is a good thing! The characters are lovable quirky and the dialog is crisp and funny. Neither character is over-concerned with what others might think of them or their actions. The are extremely self-confident. When Isabella moves to Scargill Cove, she is on the run from her ex-boss. She is being framed for selling paranormal weapons. She told her conspiracy-nut grandmother about her problem and now the grandmother is missing and presumed dead. She needs an investigator.


Fallon Jones is in charge of J&J - the investigators for the Arcane Society. They handle paranormal crimes that the regular police can't solve or understand. Fallon is a chaos theory talent. Some people think he is a conspiracy nut too but Isabella knows he is not. She straightens out his office and mediates between him and others who misperceive him. She has tact; he doesn't even recognize it. She storms into his life and he lets her.


There are lots of interlocking problems in this novel. Someone is stealing and selling paranormal weapons. Someone is trying to oust the Jones family from control of J&J and the Arcane Society. Some strange paranormal devices that are also weapons are turning up in Scargill Cove. The Nightshade organization which is rival to the Arcane Society and determined to destroy it has gone underground and only a few in the Arcane Society still see them as a threat. Fallon knows that they are still out there and still a danger. Fallon and Isabella are busy trying to solve all these cases and fall in love at the same time.


I really love the crisp dialog in these stories. I recommend Jayne Ann Krentz if you are looking for contemporary paranormal romantic suspense. Her alter egos Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle are also great for historic paranormal romantic suspense and futuristic paranormal romantic suspense. I am eager to see where she goes with this series. The next one will be a historical titled Quicksilver. 


Favorite Quote:

"Let's just say I didn't want to star in the role of the perky blond teen," she said.


"You're not blond," he pointed out. "And you're not a teenager."


"But at least I'm perky, right?"


He gave that some thought. "I don't think that's the right word."


"Has anyone ever told you that you have a tendency to be extremely literal, boss?"


"Yes," he said. "Usually at the same time that I'm being told I don't have a sense of humor."


"Nonsense. Of course you have a sense of humor."


"I do?" He seemed genuinely surprised to hear that.


"It's just a little offbeat, that's all."