The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick

May 8th, 2017 Kimberly Review 49 Comments

8th May
The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick
The Girl Who Knew Too Much
by Amanda Quick
Series: Burning Cove #1
Genres: Historical, Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne Flame

Amanda Quick, the bestselling author of ’Til Death Do Us Part, transports readers to 1930s California, where glamour and seduction spawn a multitude of sins…

When Hollywood moguls and stars want privacy, they head to an idyllic small town on the coast, where the exclusive Burning Cove Hotel caters to their every need. It’s where reporter Irene Glasson finds herself staring down at a beautiful actress at the bottom of a pool…

The dead woman had a red-hot secret about up-and-coming leading man Nick Tremayne, a scoop that Irene couldn’t resist—especially since she’s just a rookie at a third-rate gossip rag. But now Irene’s investigation into the drowning threatens to tear down the wall of illusion that is so deftly built around the famous actor, and there are powerful men willing to do anything to protect their investment.

Seeking the truth, Irene finds herself drawn to a master of deception. Oliver Ward was once a world-famous magician—until he was mysteriously injured during his last performance. Now the owner of the Burning Cove Hotel, he can’t let scandal threaten his livelihood, even if it means trusting Irene, a woman who seems to have appeared in Los Angeles out of nowhere four months ago…

With Oliver’s help, Irene soon learns that the glamorous paradise of Burning Cove hides dark and dangerous secrets. And that the past—always just out of sight—could drag them both under…

MURDERMYSTERY well written SUSPENSE Auto-Buy

THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH by Amanda Quick delivered a suspenseful tale set against the backdrop of 1930s Hollywood. A retired magician and a woman on the run team up to solve a murder mystery. Come to Tinseltown and discover their secrets.

Welcome to the Burning Cove Hotel where Hollywood’s stars and moguls go to escape. The hotel is owned by Oliver Wood a retired magician whose final act almost got him killed. Enter Irene Glasson, a reporter from a local LA rag who comes to the Burning Cove for a clandestine meeting with an actress who promises the inside scoop on actor Nick Tremayne. Only the meeting never happens because Irene discovers her at the bottom of the pool.

Amanda Quick (Jayne Anne Krentz) always manages to pull me into her stories and THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH offered an interesting cast of characters. Irene Glasson is hiding a secret, and Oliver Ward is determined to discover it. As the two begin to investigate, they find themselves facing down danger and finding passion. I connected with Irene and admired her spunk and quick wits. She is tenacious and once she gets a hold of a story she just doesn’t let go. Oliver was an interesting character, from his connections to the secret he carries that resulted in him walking with a limp. He protects those he cares about, and he quickly decides Irene needs his help.

Quick gives us two mystery threads. The first involves Irene and her former life. We are even privy to the thoughts of those who seek her. This was a dark thread that added suspense to an already interesting murder case that’s connected to Nick Tremayne. I loved the different suspects and players involved. Quick did a great job of sharing their mindset, throwing down red herrings and providing twists. All of this allowed me to slip into the world and become involved.

I absolutely loved the setting and Quick easily captured the atmosphere, glitz, and glamor of the 1930s Hollywood scene. Her characters felt authentic, and the murder mystery threads offered surprises that kept me flipping the pages.

The romance that develops takes a backseat to the mystery plot, but we do get brief moments of passion and discovery. Their relationship felt genuine, and they worked well together, but for me, this was the weakest thread in the tale. There really wasn’t enough page time to allow the romance itself to simmer, but Quick writes a compelling story that held its own, and I actually wouldn’t mind meeting this couple in a future mystery.

THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH was delightful as it transported me to this bygone era with its suspenseful mystery and colorful characters. Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this engaging tale.

A suspenseful murder in Tinseltown -The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick Share on X
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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49 Responses to “The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick”

  1. Lily B

    this does sound atmospheric and I think I would love the setting as well. Coupled with the fact that it takes place in 1930s and sounds like it has a really interesting plot.

  4. Lorna

    I still haven’t read her under any of her pen names. But I know I need to! I like the early Hollywood setting in particular

  5. RO

    I like this era and the mysteries associated with it. I have to admit that it’s been many years since I read Krentz/Quick, but remember she wrote some really great stories. Loved your review. Hugs…

  7. lisa thomson

    This sounds like a read I would truly enjoy! 1930’s Hollywood is a fabulous back drop. Thanks for the review, Kim. I’m adding this to my TBR.

  8. Tyler H. Jolley

    I am actually starting a new series (middle grade) that takes place in the 30’s. It’s such a great/exciting/sad time. I’m loving the research. Great review, Kimba.

  12. Quinn's Book Nook

    I really want to read some Amanda Quick. HOw fun that this is a 1930s setting. I don’t see that often. I do like the romance to be more prominent, but it sounds like this was totally great.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Try her novel Second Sight. It is the first in the Arcane Society series and offers romance, mystery and a little bit of paranormal woo-woo.

  13. Angie

    So glad to see you enjoyed this one! I do love the sound of it, and I like when romance doesn’t outshine the suspense aspect.

    Great review.

  14. Laurel-Rain Snow

    I’ve been eyeing this book, wanting to try Amanda Quick, since I love the Jayne Ann Krentz version of the author.

    I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but I’ve been realizing that I adore early 20th C. historical books, especially the ones set in the 20s onward. Thanks for sharing…adding this one to my list.

  15. Geybie's Book Blog

    The setting and the mystery in this book sound something I would enjoy. Thank you for putting this on my radar. Awesome review, Kim, as always.

  17. Cyn

    I’m loving the sounds of the glitzy Hollywood and murder mystery! Glad to hear it was a good read. I definitely need to read more Quick! Lovely review, Kim!

  18. Katherine

    I just read my first Amanda Quick (“Til Death Do Us Part) and really enjoyed it though I found that the romance wasn’t front and center there either. While that’s a flaw this setting sounds so amazing and the characters sound so interesting that I’m really looking forward to reading it! Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Wahoo! I am so excited you tried her. My absolute favorites are the ARCANE SOCIETY books penned under all three names. They start with Second Sight by Amanda Quick. Suspense, mystery and a bit of paranormal romance

  19. Debbie Haupt

    Oh Kim its been too long since I’ve read a Quick novel and she’s traveling to more recent past with this one too. Thanks for the great review this one’s on my list

  20. Nick

    This reminds me a bit of Jenn Bennett’s Roaring Twenties series! That one has a mystery too and some paranormal elements to it. I haven’t tried this author under any pen name, but this sounds like a good place to start. Glad you enjoyed it, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh, I loved that series, Nick. This is one of my favorite authors and I have read all the books under all of her names..lol

  22. Nadene

    It has been a while since I read anything by Amanda Quick. This novel sounds enthralling. If the mystery is well done, I would not have a problem if the romance takes a back seat. Great review Kim.

  23. cindy

    I love books about the 1930’s! I like the sound of this one, you had me a mystery! Great review and thanks for bringing this to my attention.

  24. Tash

    I have been eying this one for a while and wasn’t sure if I would love it. So I haven’t read this one yet but I”m definitely going to bump it up the TBR pile. Great review Kimberly

  25. Melliane

    I know that I did read a book by this author! I don’t remember which one though. In any case I love books during this period, I think it is always really interesting!

  27. Trish

    Like Christy said, I’m ok with romance taking a back seat too, especially when the mystery is the main theme. I’m sold on the setting alone! And the cover too, if I’m honest. It sounds fab!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I loved the setting too and agree on the romance on the side was fine, but I would have liked a little more connection.