Don't Look Back

By: Amanda Quick

Narrated by: Josephine Bailey

In this most entrancing tale of mystery and romance by the New York Times best-selling author Amanda Quick, lovers and partners-in-crime investigators Lavinia Lake and Tobias March continue their exciting newfound relationship, with its delicious mix of risky business, rising passion, and now - murder.

As if a head for business and a nose for trouble aren’t enough to distinguish fiercely independent Lavinia Lake from the other women of London’s fashionable Claremont Lane, there is one more feature to set her apart. Lavinia is also well versed in the practice of mesmerism, an extraordinary gift that far surpasses mere charm and physical appeal.

Nobody knows this better than the usually cool-headed Tobias March, who seems to have fallen hopelessly under her spell. Fortunately for all, however, Lavinia uses her powers for good. And ever since a tragedy involving one of her subjects, she has even retired them in favor of her work with Lake and March, a joint venture providing “discreet private inquiries for individuals of quality.”

Celeste Hudson, the stunningly beautiful young wife of a family friend and fellow mesmerist, would surely count herself among such individuals - were she still alive, that is. While mythology’s Medusa could turn men to stone, lovely Celeste was more accustomed to turning them to jelly. In fact, unbeknownst to her husband, Howard, the ambitious Celeste was planning to use her talents to forge a new future in Society - one that would not include him.

Sadly, her plans were cut short when she was murdered. Only a gentleman’s cravat wound around her lovely neck remained for evidence - small compensation for the strange and priceless bracelet that may have been snatched from her wrist as she drew her last breath.

As a result, Lake and March are soon in Howard Hudson’s employ on the trail of the killer. But Tobias is convinced the dashing widower is more interested in tracking down the missing relic. If so, Howard is not alone. Any number of ruthless types are after the very same antiquity, whose centerpiece is an unusual blue cameo of inestimable value and supposed legendary powers - powers of immeasurable worth to anyone in Howard’s line of work.

Together, Lake and March undertake a tantalizing investigation that leads them from the glittering ballrooms of the ton to London’s seediest taverns to a mesmerist whose therapies include treating ladies suffering from “hysteria” is a a most unconventional method - and, not least of all, to the darkest reaches of men’s psyches. Along the way, Don’t Look Back becomes a completely mesmerizing listen as the irrepressible Lavinia and Tobias mix business with pleasure....

©2002 Amanda Quick (P)2002 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Quick...pulls the reader along with her eminently readable blend of humor, sharp dialogue, and well-paced plotting. Readers can only hope that they have not seen the last of Lake and March." (Publishers Weekly)
"A fast-paced, delightful tale." (Library Journal)

Delightful!

I really like this narrator much more! Josephine made the relationship and tension between Lavina and Tobias more to what you would think it should be bringing all the characters to life. After the last one I was hesitant to purchase but truly glad I did!

Worth a listen

I was hesitant to get this one, after reading some scathing reviews about it on Amazon.com, but I decided to give it a try. I enjoyed the first book in the series (Slightly Shady), and wanted to see where the story would go next. I am glad that purchased this audiobook. I liked the story, found that I was looking forward to sessions of listening to this book. The mystery was good, although I have to admit that the last twist was unnecissary. The main point of this book, at least in my opinion, was to explore the growing relationship between Tobias and Levinia. To those reviewers that panned this book, I say "lighten up".

Another Great Story by Amanda Quick

I have read several of Amanda Quick's books or should I say almost of all them. I absolutely love her style of writing. However, I find the narrator was very hard to swallow. Ms. Bailey's performance leaves a little bit to be desired. As some narrators actually acted their parts, I felt she just read the lines. Not much inflection in her voice. I am on the second book narrated by her and still cannot get use to it. Usually, I can't wait to finish a book but with this book and the next one, I am not as eager. The story was great and one didn't find out all the intricacies of the plot until the end which was surprising.

Amanda Quick

good read if you like books of this type I can highly recommend this one.

I really enjoyed this book

I liked this one. I liked having a continuation of a previous story that I had read and enjoyed. The her and heroine were both a compelling couple.

Second of three books--Lavinia Lake & Tobias March

An engaging story of two adults who often independently arrive at the same point!
Lavinia Lake has had jobs fold under her in the past, not her fault. But each time, she decisively picks herself up, finds her next endeavor, and plows forward!
Tobias March makes his living making discreet private investigations, often for those in high society who abhor any notion of exposing family follies to Bow Street Runners. Sequel to Slightly Shady; next up, Late for the Wedding.

Good book

I don't usually listen to romances but I love these. They add a bit of spice and mystery to their stories making them worth the time.

Lovely. Engaging. Entertaining!

It’s why I read a book! Well done. Terrific narration and storyline. Looking forward to next one.

Enjoyable romp poor narrator

I enjoy this older novel by Amanda Quick I read years ago. Lake & March are a funny and charismatic duo. I decided to get the Audible versions for the series. It’s too bad the narrator is so poor for this installment of the series. The narrator on the first in the series is a lot better at male voices. Ms Bailey is not as adept at male voices. Her speech is a bit too breathy

Really Good Book

Really enjoyed reading this story. The beginning was a little slow but it picked up steam way before the middle of the book. I ended it on a satisfied note. I love the characters continued story. Would recommend.