Suspense/Intrigue
Blue Smoke and Murder
By Evelyn
Jul 1, 2008 - 7:19:42 AM

The third book in Elizabeth Lowell’s St. Kilda Consulting series is a gripping and fiery story that does not disappoint.

When Jillian Breck returns to dusty Northern Arizona to claim her inheritance from her eccentric Aunt Modesty, she leaves her job as a successful thrill-seeking river guide, only to be thrown into the high stakes world of Western art history.  After only a couple of days back, Jill receives a death threat that is linked to the mysterious, unsigned paintings she inherited.  Not knowing where to turn, she places a call to St. Kilda Consulting and calls in the favor she earned from Joe Faroe whose son she recently saved from the rushing and unpredictable Colorado River.

Zach Balfour is a St. Kilda operative on vacation in California when the call comes from Joe to look after Jillian.  All he can hope for is that Jillian is more tolerable than his last assignment – a spoiled, rich, and not too bright Hollywood brat.  He leaves his quest for the perfect muscle car to look after Jillian in Vegas.

Jillian and Zach must work together, both facing up to their pasts, to discover why the paintings Jill inherited mark her as a target, and for whom.  Traveling together proves to be more thrilling than either of them expected.  The passion between them is palpable and builds with just the right momentum. 

Expertly written and meticulously researched, BLUE SMOKE AND MURDER is a fascinating journey through the murky world of art production and forgery.  Without getting mired in details that could have been too technical, Elizabeth Lowell is able to draw the reader in until the thrilling, suspenseful ending.  Before I knew it, I was finished and wishing for more from these wonderfully created characters.  I missed the first two books in this series, and am looking forward to my next trip to the book store in order to catch up with St. Kilda Consulting.