Fired Up

November 16, 2009
In Krentz's paranormal Arcane Society series, she bounces from contemporary romantic thriller (Running Hot
) to steampunk historicals (Perfect Poison
, as Amanda Quick). This trilogy kickoff concerns the present-day descendents of Nicholas Winters and Sylvester Jones, magic-obsessed 17th century rivals locked in a generation-spanning struggle. In Seattle, paranormal PI Chloe Harper is hired by financier Jack Winters to find the “Burning Lamp” his ancestor Nicholas created. Unrealistic whiz-bang action follows, including otherworldly powers that Winters must learn to control and a romance that may unleash an ancient curse, occasionally interrupted by psychic mobsters who also pursue the lamp. Arcane Society fans will be thrilled with the brand-new intrigue, but newcomers will need to read earlier books to understand Krentz's world.

December 1, 2009
A lost lamp is the MacGuffin in this dim, talky paranormal suspenser from Krentz (White Lies, 2007, etc.).

The thing about the so-called Burning Lamp is that it isn't actually a lamp. Totally wickless, it was created by an infamous alchemist in the late 17th century. It stands about 18 inches high, is made of something that looks like gold but isn't, and the only light it generates is of a very special kind. The Burning Lamp gives off"dreamlight," which of course not everyone can perceive, but which explains why desperate Jack Winters has come knocking at the door of Harper Investigations. Not only can Chloe Harper read dreamlight, but, according to the best information available through the Arcane Society (don't ask), she's at least a level seven, possibly an eight, meaning she's world class. At this point Jack can't afford to settle for less. He believes he's been cursed into impending madness, and that the source of his trouble is the Burning Lamp, missing for a good many years. Without immediate help he will soon be converted, Hyde-like, into some semblance of a slavering beast. Chloe must find the lost, strayed or stolen lamp and, top-notch dreamlight reader that she is, must also figure out how to"work" it, i.e., free Winters from its terrifying burden. A lot to ask, but challenge is the breath of life to Chloe—and besides, Jack is definitely hot. The game's afoot, complicated by a throng of competing paranormals intent on bagging the Burning Lamp to satisfy a variety of objectives, few of them benign.

The fun here is the sexual tension between the protagonists; the rest is psychic-babble.

(COPYRIGHT (2009) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

December 15, 2009
Suffering recurring blackouts, Jack Winters fears he is falling victim to the centuries-old Winters curse and will turn into an unstable monster if he doesn't locate the legendary Burning Lamp. Jack seeks help from smart, skeptical PI Chloe Harper, whose rare dreamlight talent is necessary to work the lamp's magic. But others, some with far more sinister agendas, are also in search of the lamp, and as the puzzle pieces slowly fall into place, the danger to Jack and Chloe ratchets up. Part of the ongoing "Arcane Society" titles, this is the first in "The Dreamlight Trilogy," which will include not only a book under Krentz's historical pseudonym, Amanda Quick, but will add a new dimension with a volume by Krentz's futuristic alter ego, Jayne Castle, as well. VERDICT Sparkling with sharp wit, clever, complex plotting, intelligent humor, and electric sensuality, this lively story drops just enough hints to tease readers; classic Krentz ("Running Hot").

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 15, 2009
The Burning Lamp is the key. If Jack Winters doesnt find the lamp quickly, the dreaded Winters family curse will kick in, and Jack will lose his mind. But tracking down the cursed family heirloom is only the beginning, for Jack also must locate a woman who can work the lamps dream-light energy. Fortunately, Seattle private investigator Chloe Harper seems to be the solution to both of Jacks problems. She not only possesses an extraordinary record for locating lost items but also has a talent for reading dream light. This is a risky case; members of the infamously ruthless Nightshade Society are also searching for the Burning Lamp. And even if Chloe finds it, she must successfully handle its unique powers, or she may end up killing her client, which is never good for business. Krentzs latest captivating novel of psychic-spiced romantic suspense is the first in a trilogy connected to her brilliantly original Arcane Society series and displays all the signature Krentz elements her readers prize, from witty prose to a fast-paced plot rich in danger and intrigue to superheated chemistry between two perfectly matched protagonists.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)