Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick
Evangeline Ames unmasks fraudsters who prey on rich, innocent Victorian ladies. Lucas Sebastian consults for Scotland Yard on the most ghastly murders. When they meet, it’s paranormal romance at first sight, but they must solve some mysteries first.
Crystal Gardens, located in Little Dixby, is known for its purported paranormal energy. The plants are carnivorous, and people who enter might never be seen again. The second pool has paranormal energy that enhances passion. The third pool is rumored to hide ancient Roman treasure. “Crystal Gardens was divided into two sections. The outer region was called the Day Garden. It surrounded the walls of an elaborate maze, which, in turn, encircled the interior portion of the grounds, known as the Night Garden.” “There are any number of dangers, such as the poisonous thorns and vines that can lock around a wrist or an ankle and chain a man as securely as an iron manacle.”
Evangeline has no family. She works for the Flint and Marsh Agency with Clarissa and Beatrice as a private inquiry agent, predominantly as undercover professional paid companions. When Evangeline uncovered Douglas Mason before he could marry Lady Rutherford’s granddaughter, he attempted to murder her as revenge. He ended up dead and Evangeline ran away to Little Dixby. When Sharpy Hobson attempted to kill Evangeline in Little Dixby, he also met an unfortunate end.
Lucas Sebastian is the owner of Crystal Gardens and lives there with a local girl, Molly, and his man, Stone. He invited Evangeline to stay at Crystal Gardens for her safety. For propriety’s sake, his step-mother Judith, her maid Mrs. Florence Hampton, his step-sister Beth, and step-brother Tony all come to stay at Crystal Gardens. With all these guests, Molly’s family joins the staff.
In summary, Lucas and Evangeline must solve the mysteries of who is trying to murder Evangeline, who murdered Lucas's uncle Chester and his housekeeper, the source of the paranormal energy, and the Roman treasure.
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