ARC Review: The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz

The Harper and the Wells families have regarded each other with deep suspicion for four generations. The Harpers have been known to offer their psychic talents for less-than-legal purposes, and the powerful Wells clan has a reputation for playing both sides of the street. But for all the years of history and distrust between them, there is a mysterious pact binding the two. They share the responsibility for protecting a long-buried and very dangerous secret.

Sophy Harper and Luke Wells are shocked to learn that her aunt and his uncle have been sleeping together—and now they are both missing. Not only that, but the last traces of them are at the scene of a murder soaked in negative paranormal energy. Clearly, someone is willing to kill to obtain the secret their families have been charged with protecting. Despite their mutual distrust, which, as far as Sophy is concerned extends to Luke’s hellhound of a dog, they both know that the terms of the pact must be honored.

Their investigation uncovers a psychic trail leading to a bizarre desert art colony where nothing is as it seems. But Luke and Sophy are concealing a few secrets, too. By a strange twist of fate, a Harper and a Wells have no choice but to trust each other and the fierce attraction that is binding them as surely as the pact between the families.

Let's start off with the title of this book. I just love it. I really enjoy when a title makes me smile when I read it and this one does. The wonderful part is that the story stands up to the title. I really enjoyed reading The Shop of Hidden Lane. I loved the characters and the whole story line is a good one. I'm glad that the issues the two families have doesn't overshadow the main story. They don't spend the whole book hating each other for something that neither of them had any part in. Yes, you know there is issues between the family but what they need to be more important. 

You'll really love Luke and Sophy together. They made me smile more than once. I really love how they interact together. From the beginning they worked. I like that Sophy stood for Luke and even taught him something about himself. 

I will say that this mystery seemed to wrap up very quickly. I was hoping for more to come but didn't feel that way until the end when I realized it was going to be the dogs that carry on the story and I'm down for that. I loved how Bruce was with both Luke and Sophy. I also enjoyed that we don't know too much of his backstory yet. I wonder if we will find out more about him. Here's hoping. The three of them made for a good team. It was like they truly understood each other. Bruce is this books dust bunny. If you know you know. 

The story left us wondering about Sophy's sister and knowing the fact that we have another missing dog. I can't wait to see what happens next. I will say that if you haven't read any of Krentz past books this might not be totally easy to get into to. She focuses heavily into the psychic talents. At times it might be hard to understand. When you've read so many it's second hand but for those starting out I'd say not to give up. Once you get into this world you'll love it. 

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