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
coolheaded 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 read as the irrepressible Lavinia and Tobias
mix business with pleasure....
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