Promise Not to Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz

January 2nd, 2018 Kimberly Review 30 Comments

2nd Jan
Promise Not to Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz
Promise Not to Tell
by Jayne Ann Krentz
Series: Cutler Sutter & Salinas #2
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne Flame

A broken promise reveals a terrifying legacy in this electrifying novel from the New York Times bestselling author of When All the Girls Have Gone.

A painter of fiery, nightmarish visions throws herself into the sea—but she’ll leave some of her secrets behind...

Seattle gallery owner Virginia Troy has spent years battling the demons that stem from her childhood time in a cult and the night a fire burned through the compound, killing her mother. And now one of her artists has taken her own life, but not before sending Virginia a last picture: a painting that makes Virginia doubt everything about the so-called suicide—and her own past.

Like Virginia, private investigator Cabot Sutter was one of the children in the cult who survived that fire...and only he can help her now. As they struggle to unravel the clues in the painting, it becomes clear that someone thinks Virginia knows more than she does and that she must be stopped. Thrown into an inferno of desire and deception, Virginia and Cabot draw ever closer to the mystery of their shared memories—and the shocking fate of the one man who still wields the power to destroy everything they hold dear.

Auto-Buy ROMANCE SUSPENSE PAGETURNER

Jayne Ann Krentz delivered a gripping romantic suspense that is sure to delight old and new fans. Promise Not to Tell is the second novel in the Cutler, Sutter & Salinas series but will work as a standalone.  Complex characters, a cult, hidden key, and murder kept me up into the wee hours hoping for a happily ever after.

The private investigative offices of Cutler, Sutter & Salinas take on a new case involving Seattle gallery owner Virginia Troy. It turns out she was one of the children recused from the cult group the boys themselves were saved from, and like them, Virginia believes the leader Quinton Zane may still be alive.

From the onset, I liked the chemistry and back and forth banter between Virginia and Cabot Sutter. They share a connection and played to each other’s strengths.

Virginia has reached out to the firm because Hannah Brewster’s recent death was ruled a suicide. As the reader, we are made privy to what occurred on the night of Hannah’s death. I was immediately pulled into the investigations and loved the plot Krentz developed from the paintings to the hidden key. Twists and unexpected connections made for an entertaining and suspenseful mystery. While Krentz tends to write in a formulaic pattern, I had fun guessing her intent as I read.

Both Virginia and Cabot are strong characters left with scars from their time in the cult. Both lost their parents, Cabot was adopted, but Virginia was taken in by her grandmother a woman who refused to discuss what happened. You might have to suspend belief a little as to some of their shared dysfunctions, but I thought Virginia’s intimacy and anxiety disorder to be genuine.  The two worked well together, and their shared connection created a bond. I loved the story concerning Cabot’s family, Virginia’s gallery and details about Cutler, Sutter & Salinas.

Promise Not to Tell was a page-turner and for me, a stronger book than the first in this series. Fans of well balance romantic suspense, quests and cults will find the story contained within entertaining.

Jayne Ann Krentz delivered a gripping romantic suspense w/ Promise Not to Tell #mustead Share on X

 

Photo of kimbacaffeinate
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

Related Posts

30 Responses to “Promise Not to Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz”

  3. Stefanie

    Thank you very much for yesterday’s warm welcome. I haven’t read Krentz for quite some time but maybe I’ll put her on my list this year.

  4. Quinn's Book Nook

    I keep meaning to read Jayne Ann Krentz. I know I read a few of her books when I was in college, but that was more than 10 years ago, and I honestly have no idea which books i’ve read. I know many people love her books.

  6. Debbie Haupt

    OH Kim this looks juicy. I didn’t know she had a new series out, LOL that’s how behind I am, sometimes its like living under a rock LOL Great review

  8. Sophia Rose

    This was only my second book by her, but I was caught up through the whole story with the suspense and the romance. She did slip in some nifty surprises.

    • Kimberly

      Yay. I am glad to hear you enjoyed it as well Sophia. Her Arcane Society books are my favorite and begin with Second Sight by Amanda Quick.

  10. Nadene

    I have not read a Jayne Ann Krentz novel in a while. I use to devour her books. I need to pick up bsck her books and this series seems like a good place to start.

  14. Lorna

    I’ve still not read anything by her-that I remember anyway. Not real sure about the formulaic pattern thing though. However, I am glad you enjoyed the read!

    • Kimberly

      Her characters are strong. She writes PR romances as Jayne Castle and Historical by Amanda Quick. Her Arcane Society books are fantastic and something I think you would like. It begins with Second Sight by Amanda Quick