Review: The Girl Who Knew Too Much (Burning Cove #1) by Amanda Quick

The Girl Who Knew Too Much
(Burning Cove #1)

by Amanda Quick

May 9, 2017
352 pages

Goodreads   Indigo
 

Goodreads Summary:

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…

Review

As someone who reads a lot I'm usually very mellow about what I read. However, when it comes to my mystery books, I can be very picky. Last year, I read an Amanda Quick novel and I loved it and wanted more. I was thrilled to be sent a review copy (Thank you Penguin Random House Canada!) of her newest, The Girl Who Knew Too Much, and I'm very pleased to say I enjoyed very much.

There's something about Amanda Quick's writing that completely draws me in. Her writing is so natural it kept the fast-paced story flowing. Ms. Quick is excellent at sustaining a suspenseful atmosphere. Nothing was predictable in The Girl Who Knew Too Much. My mind was whirling with possibilities at every turn of the story with every piece of evidence that came to light. How exciting that my theories were never correct! I love a book that can keep me guessing.

I also really love the 1930s setting. Ms. Quick painted such vivid pictures of the time period I could see it all in my head: the glamours of the stars, the threats from the rich and powerful and the lurkers in the shadows. Ms. Quick took the time to develop every aspect of the story, especially the characters' backstories. I learned a great deal about them and it was enlightening.

Irene Glasson is a brave woman of her time. She kept finding herself in awful situations but she firmly carried on; with her grandfather's motto in mind, "...it's only a mistake if it kills you or if you fail to learn from it..." (p. 81). I admire her tenacity because god knows she's been through a lot. Irene's more than capable of holding her own but I'm a fan of how Oliver Ward took care of her. He's pretty perfect in my eyes <3 Their relationship moved a tad fast for my usual liking yet I couldn't help feeling excited to see their progression. Two thumbs up for how mature and strong these characters are.

With wonderful prose and an engaging mystery, The Girl Who Knew Too Much is a book I'd recommend mystery fans who like a bit of romance on the side. Amanda Quick is excellent at writing different time periods and I look forward to what she has in store for us in the future!

*I received a finished copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way. All quotes were taken from the finished copy I received.