Lost and Found

This is a romantic suspense story from Ms. Krentz from 2001. I do tend to prefer her non-paranormals from this period, and this is one of her most enjoyable. Mack and Cady, are a bit on the older side, (late 30s for her, around 40 for him), and he has a college-age daughter, so they have a maturity that is sometimes lacking in romantic suspense stories. JAK's signature banter is crisp and enjoyable, and the mystery actually IS a mystery in this one, that is not easily worked out. All in all, a very fun, if light, read.

This contemporary romantic suspense title was published in 2001 and displays some of the characteristics of Krentz's more recent novels. Cady Briggs is an appraiser who grew up in the world of antiques and antiquities. She was interested in joining her great-aunt's company Chatelaine. She preferred more independence.

Cady has recently taken on some jobs for Mack Easton who runs Lost and Found which is a company dedicated to find and restoring missing treasures for wealthy clients. Her independent spirit almost gets the best of her when she goes off to find a missing 16th Century helm and runs into robbers who also want it. Mack had been trailing her because he wondered if she might be planning to sell the helm to someone else. Trust is a show more hard-won thing for him. He didn't know Cady well enough to know if her could trust her.

After a big argument, Cady quits working for Mack. But, when her great-aunt is found drowned, she wants to hire Mack to help her determine whether or not her aunt was murdered. The two do a lot of investigating because there might be problems with an upcoming merger and they know there have been some fraudulent antiquities passing through the company they had planned to merge with. It becomes more and more likely that Cady's aunt was murdered, and the murderer might not be finished clearing his way to his ultimate goal.

As Cady and Mack investigate, their relationship gets closer and closer and the misunderstandings between them gradually get cleared up leading to a "happy ever after" ending. This story lacked some of the sparkling dialog and strong characterization that are keys to the author's later work but was still an entertaining story. show less

Lost and Found
4 Stars

Read as part of my ongoing project to complete JAK/AQ's entire backlist.

Anyone expecting something new and original from this earlier JAK work is bound to be disappointed as Cady and Mack are carbon copies of most of her heroes and heroines. Nevertheless, there is something to be said for a book that follows a tried and true formula.

Mack and Cady have great chemistry and their bickering is reminiscent of Tobias and Lavinia in the Lake & March series. There is no unnecessary angst in their relationship and both are honest and straightforward. The ending is very sweet and satisfying.

The suspense plot revolving around the suspicious death of Cady's aunt isn't overly complicated and it is possible to figure out the show more culprit although the motivation is somewhat contrived.

All in all, a light and entertaining read with likable and engaging characters. show less

Cady Easton has a Fantasy Man - her new employer, art and antiquities locator Mark Easton. She's well aware that the reality may not match the image she's built up during their correspondence, but hey, a girl's entitled to dream, right? But the pair's subtle flirting via email and phone is about to take a steamy and deadly turn. When Cady's aunt dies unexpectedly leaving Cady her well-known art gallery Chatelaine, Cady suspects foul play - can Mack and Cady get to the bottom of things before someone else dies?

Romantic suspense with Krentz's signature spin. If you're a fan, this is familiar fare. If you've never read anything of her's before, this is a fairly typical offering. Spunky heroine, strong, family-committed hero, quirky second show more string, and easy to spot bad-guys. show less

This was a quick read for me. The plot moved along quickly. I liked that it was set in the world of high end antiques/art. Cady and Mack, the main characters, were likable and I was rooting for them to get together.

This is a sexy, irresistible story of two people searching for secrets --and finding each other...

Cady Briggs is useful to Mack Easton. Her expertise in art and antiques helps his low-profile company, Lost and Found, find missing treasures for high-paying clients. But Cady knows that being useful to a client is one thing - and being used is another. So no matter how alluring she finds Mack, she plans to keep business and pleasure entirely separate.

cady Briggs knows alot about antiques. Her new client is Mack Easton a recovery specialist until her aunt dies then she must enlist Mack's aid in solving her aunt's murder. Family sins, past and present, are revealed and Mack and Cady find more than a business relationship together.
Once again, Jayne Ann Krentz weaves a warm, romantic story with a mystery. A fun read.