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.
Blue Smoke and Murder is the third book in the St. Kilda Consulting series (The Wrong Hostage and Innocent as Sin are the first two books). I haven’t read either of those books, but Blue Smoke and Murder is a stand-alone book even though characters from this book were probably main characters in the first two books. I’ve read many books by Elizabeth Lowell–including other romantic suspense. Her writing is smooth and assured and she’s one of my favorite authors.
The two main characters–Jill Breck and Zach Balfour–were the best part of the book. Jill is a fiercely independent woman who was raised by her mother and her great aunt. Zach is a strong enough individual in his own right that he isn’t threatened by Jill’s independence.
The book was a great summer read–just enough suspense along with some nice romance. However, the ending felt rushed to me and I’m not sure Jill and Zach had spent enough time together for a “happily ever after.” I felt they were at the beginning of a relationship which might or might not work out, but was fun for now. I like them and the book enough that was okay with me!
I enjoyed the plot about the art world and Western art in particular. I’ve always liked Reminington and Russell paintings so it was fun to learn a little more about them. The cynacism of collectors collecting not because they like or understand the art certainly rang true. The suspense part of the story was good.
The book is not deep, but the “good guys” win and that makes it a good summer read for me! I liked the book enough I will search for the first two books and read them. I give this one a B.
