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St. Kilda Consulting #4
Blue Smoke and Murder
Jill Breck was just doing her job as a river guide when she saved the life of Lane Faroe, son of two of St. Kilda Consulting's premier operators. But when a string of ominous events—including a mysterious fire that kills her great-aunt and a furor in the Western art world raised by a dozen Breck family paintings—culminates in a threat to her life, Jill reluctantly calls in a favor.
Zach Balfour works part-time as a consultant for St. Kilda. His expertise is gathering and analyzing information from unlikely and often dangerous sources. Though he's got the skills to be a highly effective bodyguard, being a bullet catcher isn't his preferred way to spend time.
Protecting Jill will take him into familiar territory—among a strange, savagely competitive bunch of collectors who'll do anything to stay at the top. But Jill is in deeper waters than she's ever known; as she soon discovers, the perils of running wild rivers are tame compared with the hidden dangers in the high-stakes game of art collecting.
From the cozy rooms of the Breck homestead cabin to the cold multimillion-dollar galleries of the Western art circuit, Zach and Jill must race against time to unmask a ruthless killer hidden in a blue smoke of money, threats, lies, and death. . . .
Zach Balfour works part-time as a consultant for St. Kilda. His expertise is gathering and analyzing information from unlikely and often dangerous sources. Though he's got the skills to be a highly effective bodyguard, being a bullet catcher isn't his preferred way to spend time.
Protecting Jill will take him into familiar territory—among a strange, savagely competitive bunch of collectors who'll do anything to stay at the top. But Jill is in deeper waters than she's ever known; as she soon discovers, the perils of running wild rivers are tame compared with the hidden dangers in the high-stakes game of art collecting.
From the cozy rooms of the Breck homestead cabin to the cold multimillion-dollar galleries of the Western art circuit, Zach and Jill must race against time to unmask a ruthless killer hidden in a blue smoke of money, threats, lies, and death. . . .
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2008
144 people are currently reading
1,088 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Lowell
213books1,889followersIndividually 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 .
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 .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
February 23, 2024
Blue Smoke and Murder
by Elizabeth Lowell combines romance, action, suspense, and the search for the truth regarding a death and some art work. Jill Breck is a river guide who saves the life of the son of two operators with a security and protection firm. When Jill’s great aunt dies and there is an uproar in the Western art world regarding several Breck family paintings, Jill calls in a favor. Zach Balfour is the nearest security consultant and he’s assigned to protect Jill.
Jill and Zach are both likeable characters. Since the book mainly takes place during a couple of months with most it occurring during less than one week, the romance is a little too fast to be believable. Additionally, it was too easy for readers to identify the ultimate antagonist. Despite this, I enjoyed the novel. The plot has a few twists to it and the suspense was extremely high at times. The narrative flows well with a thought-provoking story line, fast pacing, and good characterization.
Overall, this was a suspenseful novel with good characterization and plenty of action. It’s the fourth book in a series, but can be read as a standalone novel.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was May 27, 2008.
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My 3.48 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
Jill and Zach are both likeable characters. Since the book mainly takes place during a couple of months with most it occurring during less than one week, the romance is a little too fast to be believable. Additionally, it was too easy for readers to identify the ultimate antagonist. Despite this, I enjoyed the novel. The plot has a few twists to it and the suspense was extremely high at times. The narrative flows well with a thought-provoking story line, fast pacing, and good characterization.
Overall, this was a suspenseful novel with good characterization and plenty of action. It’s the fourth book in a series, but can be read as a standalone novel.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was May 27, 2008.
----------------------------------------
My 3.48 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
August 2, 2009
I remember liking EL years ago; now I find her tough-guy writing style so annoying I want to throw the book across the room. She uses very short, abrupt sentences to create drama and urgency and a "snappy" delivery for all her one-dimensional characters in the EL world. She's not as witty as she thinks. For example, all her characters used the word "craptastic" at one time or another. Really irritating.
And now more than ever, she's got an underlying feminist agenda, attributing the unnamed "she" pronoun to unimportant background characters one would normally think of as a "he", such as a driver or shooter or bodyguard.
God, I would hate to be her and have to write the same book over and over again. And have to copy stereotypes from other authors, such as the villain on steroids. If I see one more "young, quirky" computer hacker, I think I'll scream.
Is it just political with me? Does the current version of feminism have a place in "romance novels/ women's fiction"? Real feminists don't need feminism to give them a voice and presence. Anyone who thinks so doesn't understand a woman's real weapons...which are humor, intelligence, understanding, will power, and sex appeal.
Enough said about a craptastic book.
And now more than ever, she's got an underlying feminist agenda, attributing the unnamed "she" pronoun to unimportant background characters one would normally think of as a "he", such as a driver or shooter or bodyguard.
God, I would hate to be her and have to write the same book over and over again. And have to copy stereotypes from other authors, such as the villain on steroids. If I see one more "young, quirky" computer hacker, I think I'll scream.
Is it just political with me? Does the current version of feminism have a place in "romance novels/ women's fiction"? Real feminists don't need feminism to give them a voice and presence. Anyone who thinks so doesn't understand a woman's real weapons...which are humor, intelligence, understanding, will power, and sex appeal.
Enough said about a craptastic book.
April 5, 2025
I learned so much about art & art auctions from this book
September 15, 2008
Elizabeth Lowell is one of my auto-buy romantic suspense authors. I can never wait for the paperbacks either, so I just grin and shell out the $ for the hardcovers 'cause I know she'll provide a few hours of good reading now and I'll re-read it at least once every couple of years when I'm in need of a Lowell 'fix'! "Blue Smoke and Murder" is her latest and it's a headrush of action and tension from start to finish.
The entire events of the book take place over a little less than two months...BUT, the real action and 9/10 of the book takes place in 5 days. Just reading it about gave me a heart attack and I didn't want to put it down 'til I knew what would happen next and...well, I'm sure you can guess how that went!
The book opens with the murder of a fiesty 90-year-old woman. She's our heroine's Aunt Mercy and I was actually sorry we didn't get to hear more from her as she was a hell of a dame! But our heroine is Mercy's heir. Her name's Jill and she's a river guide who happened to save the life of two top St. Kilda Consulting operatives' son. She pocketed the card they gave her figuring she'd never need it...but of course she does...and pretty darn quickly too. Part of her inheritance is a set of 13 paintings. When she does some research, it appears that one of those paintings may have caused her aunts murder. So she uses her card and in steps Zach.
Zach is quite the character. Smart, rugged, and handily enough, an art expert. He pilots Jill through the white water of greed, lies, politics, and murder that makes up the world of high ticket art collections. Neither of their lives will ever be the same.
Another read I couldn't put down from Elizabeth Lowell. If you like Coulter, Johansen, or Brown...you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of "Blue Smoke and Murder". I bet you'll get hooked too.
The entire events of the book take place over a little less than two months...BUT, the real action and 9/10 of the book takes place in 5 days. Just reading it about gave me a heart attack and I didn't want to put it down 'til I knew what would happen next and...well, I'm sure you can guess how that went!
The book opens with the murder of a fiesty 90-year-old woman. She's our heroine's Aunt Mercy and I was actually sorry we didn't get to hear more from her as she was a hell of a dame! But our heroine is Mercy's heir. Her name's Jill and she's a river guide who happened to save the life of two top St. Kilda Consulting operatives' son. She pocketed the card they gave her figuring she'd never need it...but of course she does...and pretty darn quickly too. Part of her inheritance is a set of 13 paintings. When she does some research, it appears that one of those paintings may have caused her aunts murder. So she uses her card and in steps Zach.
Zach is quite the character. Smart, rugged, and handily enough, an art expert. He pilots Jill through the white water of greed, lies, politics, and murder that makes up the world of high ticket art collections. Neither of their lives will ever be the same.
Another read I couldn't put down from Elizabeth Lowell. If you like Coulter, Johansen, or Brown...you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of "Blue Smoke and Murder". I bet you'll get hooked too.
October 8, 2012
I bought this book, because it was downmarked to 1/4th of the normal price; I thought I had read something ok from the same author (it turned out I mistook Heather Lowell for Elizabeth Lowell...); and last because of the rather good 3.72 rating on goodreads.
Well, as my rating shows I do not share the enthusiasm of previous readers.
The book is structured with extremely short chapters (from less than 2 to max 10 pages), with info à la 24 TV series beforehand; hence 94 chapters, all starting with "Location, Date and Time", the whole book taking place over 8 days (except for the 2 prologues).
In case the stupid reader (me) had not understood yet that the pace of the story would be fast, as should be her pulse rate, the writing itself is specially made for that, with very short sentences, no contextualization ever, no description, no emotions/feelings, only actions. The vocabulary used is quite familiar and would be much more adapted to poor TV series dialogue than a third-person narration. A lot of things are repeated over and over. I did not like it at all.
None of the characters was likable. The bad guys are so very bad and mean they are ridiculous. One of them, by the way, is bisexual still in the closet; this adds nothing to the story except left me a bad feeling.
The main characters, Zach and Jill, never seemed to me like real persons. Information provided regarding their past, their fellings, their wants, their dreams, especially for Zach's case, is so minimal that I never could care and think of him as a real-flesh person. The hindsights we have into Jill's past just show her as a very very frustrated and aggressively anti-male, rather than feminist, person; no sense is given to her choices.
The overall plot and the unravelling of the mystery behind the unsigned paintings was however rather good.
If a action-flick movie was made of it, with dialogues written by someone else, and a director cutting the crap on the bad guys misbehaviors, this might be ok. The book, as such, was IMO as "craptastic" as could be.
I'll go back to Brockmann, St. Claire or even Howard and never read one again from EL.
Well, as my rating shows I do not share the enthusiasm of previous readers.
The book is structured with extremely short chapters (from less than 2 to max 10 pages), with info à la 24 TV series beforehand; hence 94 chapters, all starting with "Location, Date and Time", the whole book taking place over 8 days (except for the 2 prologues).
In case the stupid reader (me) had not understood yet that the pace of the story would be fast, as should be her pulse rate, the writing itself is specially made for that, with very short sentences, no contextualization ever, no description, no emotions/feelings, only actions. The vocabulary used is quite familiar and would be much more adapted to poor TV series dialogue than a third-person narration. A lot of things are repeated over and over. I did not like it at all.
None of the characters was likable. The bad guys are so very bad and mean they are ridiculous. One of them, by the way, is bisexual still in the closet; this adds nothing to the story except left me a bad feeling.
The main characters, Zach and Jill, never seemed to me like real persons. Information provided regarding their past, their fellings, their wants, their dreams, especially for Zach's case, is so minimal that I never could care and think of him as a real-flesh person. The hindsights we have into Jill's past just show her as a very very frustrated and aggressively anti-male, rather than feminist, person; no sense is given to her choices.
The overall plot and the unravelling of the mystery behind the unsigned paintings was however rather good.
If a action-flick movie was made of it, with dialogues written by someone else, and a director cutting the crap on the bad guys misbehaviors, this might be ok. The book, as such, was IMO as "craptastic" as could be.
I'll go back to Brockmann, St. Claire or even Howard and never read one again from EL.
July 2, 2017
An excellent book that just covered the same ground once too often.
December 3, 2021
I guess this book falls under the category of romantic suspense. I don’t care for romance but I do love suspense. I was determined that I wouldn’t like this book when the two horny main characters had nonstop lustful thoughts of getting in each other’s pants. The story revolves around some found art that may or may not be valuable and the people that would like it to remain hidden. Now, this isn’t a subject that really enthuses me. I guess I mostly picked the book up because I liked the cover. Well, much to my surprise, I really enjoyed it. It had a brisk pace and a pretty good mystery to it. In this case, I guess judging a book by it’s cover worked out!
June 13, 2008
I found Blue Smoke and Murder, by Elizabeth Lowell remarkable. Elizabeth Lowell is a New York Times bestseller of such titles: Innocent as Sin, Forget Me Not, Amber Beach, The Wrong Hostage, Midnight in Ruby Bayou, A Woman Without Lies, and Only Love. She resides in Arizona with her husband, with whom she writes mystery novels under a pseudonym.
When Jill Breck saved the life of Lane Faroe she thought she was just doing her job as a river guide. She didn’t think she’d ever need to take up his father’s offer of using St. Kilda’s expertise if she found herself in trouble. But when a mysterious fire kills her aunt and a feud within the Western art world over twelve family paintings immerges with a death threat, Jill calls in the favor. Zach Balfour is a part-time consultant for St. Kilda. He much prefers analyzing and gathering information from dangerous sources then playing bodyguard. Protecting Jill is familiar ground, but she’s in deeper than she knows. Zach and Jill are in a race against time to unveil a merciless killer who is hidden in a blue smoke of art dealers, lies, and money.
I obtained the advance reading copy of this romantic suspense for review, so I won’t bother with the very few errors I found. Aside from that, there isn’t a negative word to be said about this book.
I was certainly familiar with the name Elizabeth Lowell prior to this review. However, this is the first novel of hers I have read. I do believe I have found a new author to love. The plot was fast-paced, intriguing, and captivating. I, at no time, lost interest, nor were there any dead spots. The characters were believable and cogent. The suspense angle was jaw-dropping and had more twists than a gourmet pretzel. The romantic elements were tastefully written and not overly flighty or exaggerated. I especially like that readers can learn a thing or two about the art world. I certainly did. The setting was interesting, too, as well as the characters background steeped in some religious truth.
Blue Smoke and Murder will grip your attention from the first page and hold you hostage until the very last period. Elizabeth Lowell is a true icon in the romantic fiction genre! I cannot wait to pick up more of her books.
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
When Jill Breck saved the life of Lane Faroe she thought she was just doing her job as a river guide. She didn’t think she’d ever need to take up his father’s offer of using St. Kilda’s expertise if she found herself in trouble. But when a mysterious fire kills her aunt and a feud within the Western art world over twelve family paintings immerges with a death threat, Jill calls in the favor. Zach Balfour is a part-time consultant for St. Kilda. He much prefers analyzing and gathering information from dangerous sources then playing bodyguard. Protecting Jill is familiar ground, but she’s in deeper than she knows. Zach and Jill are in a race against time to unveil a merciless killer who is hidden in a blue smoke of art dealers, lies, and money.
I obtained the advance reading copy of this romantic suspense for review, so I won’t bother with the very few errors I found. Aside from that, there isn’t a negative word to be said about this book.
I was certainly familiar with the name Elizabeth Lowell prior to this review. However, this is the first novel of hers I have read. I do believe I have found a new author to love. The plot was fast-paced, intriguing, and captivating. I, at no time, lost interest, nor were there any dead spots. The characters were believable and cogent. The suspense angle was jaw-dropping and had more twists than a gourmet pretzel. The romantic elements were tastefully written and not overly flighty or exaggerated. I especially like that readers can learn a thing or two about the art world. I certainly did. The setting was interesting, too, as well as the characters background steeped in some religious truth.
Blue Smoke and Murder will grip your attention from the first page and hold you hostage until the very last period. Elizabeth Lowell is a true icon in the romantic fiction genre! I cannot wait to pick up more of her books.
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
Read
August 25, 2010There’s just something about listening to a story read aloud. Especially when you find a magic combination between author and performer. And I’ve found that in Elizabeth Lowell’s Blue Smoke & Murder, performed by Carol Monda.
I’ve never read Elizabeth Lowell before. I was heading out on a 4 day road trip and I wanted something to listen to. A friend suggested Elizabeth Lowell, so I grabbed the first book on cd I found on the shelf.
And off I went � into the high stakes world of Western Art and Art Auctions. Jill Breck is a white water river guide, who was raised in the west in a family full of strong women. When her great aunt dies in a mysterious fire, Jill inherits all that’s left of the family ranch � including 12 mysterious paintings.
Paintings she remembers seeing once in childhood � but was told never to ask about or talk about again. Paintings that have been hidden her whole life. Paintings that just might be the works of one of the most famous Western artists who ever lived. But someone wants those paintings to never see the light of day. And they want Jill dead too! Jill calls in a favor and turns to St. Kilda Consulting for help.
Zach Balfour is a “consultant� at St. Kilda Consulting. His areas of expertise cover the art world, art auctions, information analysis, fire arms and muscle cars. Acting as a “bullet catcher� is not his favorite assignment � but he’s more than qualified for the job.
I don’t know which was better � Lowell’s writing or Monda’s performance. But together they were magic. And since this book is #4 in the Lowell’s series featuring St. Kilda Consulting, I have more new books on my list of must reads!
I’ve never read Elizabeth Lowell before. I was heading out on a 4 day road trip and I wanted something to listen to. A friend suggested Elizabeth Lowell, so I grabbed the first book on cd I found on the shelf.
And off I went � into the high stakes world of Western Art and Art Auctions. Jill Breck is a white water river guide, who was raised in the west in a family full of strong women. When her great aunt dies in a mysterious fire, Jill inherits all that’s left of the family ranch � including 12 mysterious paintings.
Paintings she remembers seeing once in childhood � but was told never to ask about or talk about again. Paintings that have been hidden her whole life. Paintings that just might be the works of one of the most famous Western artists who ever lived. But someone wants those paintings to never see the light of day. And they want Jill dead too! Jill calls in a favor and turns to St. Kilda Consulting for help.
Zach Balfour is a “consultant� at St. Kilda Consulting. His areas of expertise cover the art world, art auctions, information analysis, fire arms and muscle cars. Acting as a “bullet catcher� is not his favorite assignment � but he’s more than qualified for the job.
I don’t know which was better � Lowell’s writing or Monda’s performance. But together they were magic. And since this book is #4 in the Lowell’s series featuring St. Kilda Consulting, I have more new books on my list of must reads!
May 8, 2015
I'm a fraction through one of the first suspense books that I've read. I think the book has a really interesting, attention-grabbing start, but towards the middle it got quite boring for me. I don't know - maybe suspense isn't my genre.
I was also constantly irked by the way the author Lowell kept referring to the discrimination of her female characters; all the way from the rowing incident, to Jill's aunt, to the sheriff, to the taunting way DeeDee was described, to Jill's conversation with Zach, to the etc etc.
The whole gender issue was handled quite insensitively and rather one-sidedly. So what if DeeDee wants breast implants? So what if the receptionist wanted to cake her face with make-up? I was continually annoyed by the incessant snide commentary, such as . Unfair negative stereotypes are attached to many female characters, and I feel kind of like Elizabeth Lowell was shoving "what a woman should be" lecture down my throat as I try to read the suspense novel. I would have preferred the book to be more gender neutral.
Still, I'm going to give this book a chance and three stars for now. Hopefully it will get more exciting.
**update 18 November '11**
I really cannot finish this book - it bores me to death and I don't like the whole tough girl dissertation. I cannot get through this :(
I was also constantly irked by the way the author Lowell kept referring to the discrimination of her female characters; all the way from the rowing incident, to Jill's aunt, to the sheriff, to the taunting way DeeDee was described, to Jill's conversation with Zach, to the etc etc.
The whole gender issue was handled quite insensitively and rather one-sidedly. So what if DeeDee wants breast implants? So what if the receptionist wanted to cake her face with make-up? I was continually annoyed by the incessant snide commentary, such as . Unfair negative stereotypes are attached to many female characters, and I feel kind of like Elizabeth Lowell was shoving "what a woman should be" lecture down my throat as I try to read the suspense novel. I would have preferred the book to be more gender neutral.
Still, I'm going to give this book a chance and three stars for now. Hopefully it will get more exciting.
**update 18 November '11**
I really cannot finish this book - it bores me to death and I don't like the whole tough girl dissertation. I cannot get through this :(
March 24, 2018
This was my first art-themed novel, and while it's not a subject I am well-versed in, it was a really good read. I liked the characters, the way things progressed between Jill Breck and her hired body guard, Zach Balfour. Jill inherits a chest-full of art from her aunt. Paintings that look a lot like Dunstans, but the one painting sent out to be appraised was deemed a fraud and ended up "disappearing" never to be seen again, except in tattered rags. Jill is convinced the paintings are legit, even though they lack the necessary signature to prove authenticity. When a fingerprint in discovered, this novel takes on a true sleuthy feel. Digging through old records, comparing fingerprints, being sneaky. All in an effort to get to the truth, to finally know who painted those paintings. Very very absorbing a novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2022
Picked up this random paperback at a yard sale earlier this year. It's the kind of modern suspenseful novel that allows me to easily get swept up in the plot and get into that state of reading Flow, especially the last quarter of the book that raced toward the final scenes. I enjoyed learning more about the world of fine art / Western art. I'll definitely check my library and keep an eye out for other books in this series.
November 5, 2020
3.5 Slow start but it does get better.
November 24, 2022
Snappy characters and dialogue. I learned about art and art auctions. There is an involved plot with short chapters and plenty of action and a good ending.
All that is the good part.
But I just couldn’t get interested in it especially the art .. a slow read for me.
SO .. good author and writing .. not my favorite by her.
All that is the good part.
But I just couldn’t get interested in it especially the art .. a slow read for me.
SO .. good author and writing .. not my favorite by her.
November 20, 2024
4th St Kilda. Jill Breck is a river guide who inherits some paintings after the death of her great-aunt. When her inquiries into the value and provenance of the paintings lead to death threats, she calls in the marker she has with St Kilda after saving Lane Faroe's life in a rafting accident. St Kilda sends Zach Balfour to be her bodyguard and guide to the shady world of art collecting.
August 25, 2022
It’s ok. She writes well but the subject matter didn’t interest me. I got bored halfway through and skimmed the pages.
February 21, 2017
Registered on Bookcrossing:
It's been awhile since I read an Elizabeth Lowell book. The St. Kilda series is my favorite by her. This one focuses on Jill Breck and an art auction con. I love art so the part about establishing the scheme and how it works was fascinating. Zach Balfour is the St. Kilda agent who is there to help Jill. Good romantic suspense.
It's been awhile since I read an Elizabeth Lowell book. The St. Kilda series is my favorite by her. This one focuses on Jill Breck and an art auction con. I love art so the part about establishing the scheme and how it works was fascinating. Zach Balfour is the St. Kilda agent who is there to help Jill. Good romantic suspense.
October 11, 2008
4.5 stars for this solid read. EL always gives me a great read and this was no exception. Loved the balance between suspense and romance. Unlike the past couple of hers, this one doesn't get as bogged down with the heroines 'expertise'.
Great all round read
Great all round read
March 17, 2015
This was a suspenseful and well-plotted book. I "read" it in the form of an audiobook. The reader was quite good. I wanted to sit in the car and listen when I arrived in my driveway. I see from ŷ that this is part of a series. I'll be looking for all the rest!
June 24, 2015
How have I missed reading Elizabeth Lowell! Blue Smoke and Murder has action, adventure, great characters, and romance. There was a small issue with one discovery that happened at two different times in the book, but I still enjoyed the story. A great read for s summer day.
March 19, 2014
Graphic in everything but violence... not my type of mystery.
May 3, 2019
could not finish - too much of writing like:
he walked behind her and enjoyed the view of her swaying hips.....................
yick
he walked behind her and enjoyed the view of her swaying hips.....................
yick
March 20, 2019
The characters are interesting and the plot is great. However, more research is needed. If you are going to place your characters in the world of the Mormon Church you should have some idea how the church is structured and what it’s policies are.
On page 39 this statement is made: “But the temple doesn’t forgive a runaway woman,� Jill said, “A male sinner, sure, a female? Never.� The temple doesn’t forgive. It’s a building you get married in. The people inside have nothing to do with whether or not you are forgiven for anything. Nor does the temple chase you down and make you do anything. I’m divorced and remarried. In the temple both times. The temple never said anything to me about my divorce or church attendance.
If this was the only inaccuracy I wouldn’t be that bothered. But the author makes a big deal about the sheriff being an elder of the church so he’s acting with authority. Big deal. All male members of the church over 18 are elders if they want to be. If they don’t, big whoop. My son is not an elder because he isn’t interested. He’s welcome at church and people come by the house to ask about him. He isn’t shunned or ostracized as is implied in the book.
I was left with the idea that Elizabeth was half interested in doing a hatchet job on Mormons and only half interested in doing a good story. And it shows. The obvious inaccuracies get in the way of the story as a Mormon reader is left saying, “well that’s wrong. So is that. I wonder what else is messed up in her facts?� It really hurts the flow of the story.
On page 39 this statement is made: “But the temple doesn’t forgive a runaway woman,� Jill said, “A male sinner, sure, a female? Never.� The temple doesn’t forgive. It’s a building you get married in. The people inside have nothing to do with whether or not you are forgiven for anything. Nor does the temple chase you down and make you do anything. I’m divorced and remarried. In the temple both times. The temple never said anything to me about my divorce or church attendance.
If this was the only inaccuracy I wouldn’t be that bothered. But the author makes a big deal about the sheriff being an elder of the church so he’s acting with authority. Big deal. All male members of the church over 18 are elders if they want to be. If they don’t, big whoop. My son is not an elder because he isn’t interested. He’s welcome at church and people come by the house to ask about him. He isn’t shunned or ostracized as is implied in the book.
I was left with the idea that Elizabeth was half interested in doing a hatchet job on Mormons and only half interested in doing a good story. And it shows. The obvious inaccuracies get in the way of the story as a Mormon reader is left saying, “well that’s wrong. So is that. I wonder what else is messed up in her facts?� It really hurts the flow of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2025
"Jill Breck was just doing her job as a river guide when she saved the life of the son of two of St. Kilda Consulting's premier operators. But when a string of ominous events -- including a mysterious fire that kills her great-aunt and a furor in the Western art world caused by a dozen Breck family paintings -- culminated in a threat to her life, Jill finally calls in a favor.
"Zach Balfour works part-time as a consultant for St. Kilda. Though he's got the skills to be a highly effective bodyguard, being a bullet catcher isn't his preferred way to spend time. But Jill is in deeper waters than she's ever known, and she'll need his protection, as she soon discovers the perils of running wild rivers are tame compared with the hidden dangers in the high-stakes game of art collecting. Together, Zach and Jill must race against time to unmask a ruthless killer hidden in the blue smoke of money, threats, lies, and death . . ."
~~back cover
Very exciting! And the trail leads back through a veritable labyrinth of art dealers, art collectors, politicians, police and other assorted bad guys. The secondary motif of the budding romance between Zach and Jill just adds piquancy to an already page-turner plot. Well worth reading!
"Zach Balfour works part-time as a consultant for St. Kilda. Though he's got the skills to be a highly effective bodyguard, being a bullet catcher isn't his preferred way to spend time. But Jill is in deeper waters than she's ever known, and she'll need his protection, as she soon discovers the perils of running wild rivers are tame compared with the hidden dangers in the high-stakes game of art collecting. Together, Zach and Jill must race against time to unmask a ruthless killer hidden in the blue smoke of money, threats, lies, and death . . ."
~~back cover
Very exciting! And the trail leads back through a veritable labyrinth of art dealers, art collectors, politicians, police and other assorted bad guys. The secondary motif of the budding romance between Zach and Jill just adds piquancy to an already page-turner plot. Well worth reading!
December 11, 2017
I enjoyed the overall plot and storyline in this book and that's really the only reason for my score. There are several things that just did not work for me.
The chemistry between the H/h was lacking - mainly because I don't really get much insight into their feelings. They exchange lots of innuendos then move into the bedroom scene. Not exactly my idea of romance.
Lots of time was given to explaining art - which clearly the writer has researched on, and this would have been great if it was not at the expense of the romance/thriller theme.
Like several readers I also felt the feminist agenda was "pushed" quite often but didn't really add anything to the story.
The author's writing style takes getting used to. Several times I had to re-read passages to understand what was going on.
Some rather unbelievable moments for me...e.g. For someone to help ran an operation of this magnitude while going through labor pain, delivery and breastfeeding...?
In summary, I might read another of the authors books but will probably avoid this series...
The chemistry between the H/h was lacking - mainly because I don't really get much insight into their feelings. They exchange lots of innuendos then move into the bedroom scene. Not exactly my idea of romance.
Lots of time was given to explaining art - which clearly the writer has researched on, and this would have been great if it was not at the expense of the romance/thriller theme.
Like several readers I also felt the feminist agenda was "pushed" quite often but didn't really add anything to the story.
The author's writing style takes getting used to. Several times I had to re-read passages to understand what was going on.
Some rather unbelievable moments for me...e.g. For someone to help ran an operation of this magnitude while going through labor pain, delivery and breastfeeding...?
In summary, I might read another of the authors books but will probably avoid this series...
December 18, 2017
The storyline was mediocre and the book as a whole might have been sufficiently enjoyable to me if the author hadn't been so blatantly ignorant in her descriptions of the Mormon church and culture. It infuriates me when an author does not do sufficient research and instead chooses to rely on misconceptions and false views. Not only does she paint the Mormon church in a completely incorrect and unfair light, but she fails to understand the fact that her "Fundamental Mormons" (FLDS) and "Mormons" (LDS) are two COMPLETELY separate groups with no ties to each other. The FLDS group broke off from the LDS church and formed their own church, 100% separate from the LDS church. The LDS church does not support nor have any affiliation with the FLDS church.
December 31, 2018
Continues the plein air arts and St. Kilda Consulting saga. Better than earlier books in the series although I'm still not happy with a character whose aunt has just been murdered and her life threatened being so horny that she can't eat a meal with two men without being so sexually aroused she can't concentrate on the conversation. The characters tend to be a bit stereotyped, but still interesting. The themes of governments are helpless in the face of big-business-crime organizations and of crooked politicians fits my political views so I don't mind a bit of stereotyping of bad guys. about a 6 hour read
September 27, 2020
This story about an earthy gal who grew up on a farm and ran river rapids for a living, discovers a mystery when her great-aunt dies shortly after the great-aunt sends a painting for appraisal that becomes lost and compensated for $2000. A friend is grateful for Jill saving his son from near death on the rapids, so Jill takes him up on his offer of detective services to help solve the riddle. It is a fast-paced thriller to the end. Great story!
October 26, 2022
Hardback edition picked up at a used bookstore reminded me how much I used to love Elizabeth Lowell books. This book is an excellent example of why I still do. Mystery, intrigue, suspense, a great sexy romance (with LOTS OF CHEMISTRY), and an interesting story and characters. Zach is delicious and a great match for Jill as they work together, along with the St. Kilda crew to resolve the mystery of paintings and her family. Standalone, although part of a series. HFN.
October 14, 2021
Интересна идея, но изпълнението не ми хареса. Нямаше никаква спойка между, на места пространствените, обяснения за изкуство и сюжета като цяло. Все едно две отделни книги четях. Главните герои не ми станаха симпатични, не знам причината, затова пък едни от второстепенните- да( семейството с бебе и син тийнейджър).
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