Roaring Twenties, Book 2
Synopsis: It’s the Roaring Twenties in foggy San Francisco. Prohibition is on, inhibitions are low, and dark magic is rolling into town…
Archaeologist Lowe Magnusson is packing something everyone wants. The djed amulet, a priceless Egyptian artifact, will fetch Lowe a hefty paycheck from one of San Francisco’s wealthiest. But when the handsome Swede runs into his patron’s uptight daughter, what he once considered easy money becomes maddeningly complicated…
Cursed with deadly spirits as her constant companions, curator Hadley Bacall must keep calm to hold her dangerous specters at bay and prevent them from lashing out at anything—or anyone. Trouble is, Lowe is driving her crazy, but her father needs the artifact he’s transporting. While Hadley can feel the amulet’s power, she can’t fathom the destruction—or the desire—it’s about to stir up.
Review: Since the end of the first volume, I was looking forward to discover this second novel by Jenn Bennett. I always enjoy a story from another time, so you can suspect that Roaring Twenties with all this different culture could only fascinate me.
After discovering Winter in the first book, we have another character here and we discover this time his brother: Lowe. The two are very different but it was very interesting to meet this archaeologist who returns home after some very lucky excavations. Yes because he found an ancient amulet that everyone seems to want at all costs. Problem? He owes a lot of money to an influential man to whom he sold a copy of a piece and he hopes to find a good scheming to get out of that. But nothing is simple when the young daughter of the man to whom he has promised to sell the amulet arrives. His world is going to completely change. And when he is hired to find the pieces of the amulet hidden in the city, teaming up with Hadley, he will soon have to find a solution to his problems before they catch him up.
I enjoyed discovering these two very different characters. Hadley is fully aware that it is difficult for a woman to be taken seriously but she is determined to show that she is capable to do a lot of things. This is a fairly complex character, she can not bear to be touched and seems surrounded by spirits that must be constantly monitored. However it is not easy and whatever she does, she always tries to be the master of the situation. Yet Lowe always seems to thwart her plans and whatever she does, he is always in the middle of the way … I also enjoyed the young man who falls in love gradually with Hadley. He has a lot of problems and never seems able to handle what is happening around him. This is a gifted liar, a forger and a talented magnet to constant problems. Yet in contact with the young woman, he will try to change, but things are tough. Many secrets surround them both, but they will open during the story for our greatest pleasure.
Their investigation was very interesting and it is true that I was curious to see what the reunion of the piece was going to achieve. But that’s not all because we have a pretty romance, and a fascinating curse that allow us to have many revelations throughout the story. I loved the fact that Jenn Bennett did not keep things on certain facts because we finally understand at the same time as the characters what actually happens.
A great new novel that allows us to have a good time and I’m curious to see who will be staged in the next novel. A lovely surprise!
Keertana @ Ivy Book Bindings
Yay, I’m so glad you enjoyed this one! I love Bennett’s writing and this series has already become a favorite of mine with just one installment, so I’m looking forward to reading this once it releases! 🙂
Melliane
yes me too! I hope you’ll like the second one as well!
Tracy Terry
Given the era in which this is set and the archaeology spin this sounds like my kind of read, thanks for recommending it.
Melliane
I love that as well, it’s a really good mix!
kim { Book Swoon }
Yay, Melliane-I’m so glad you enjoyed book two! I’m actually reading Bitter Spirits now and loving it. I’m so excited for Grim Shadows 🙂
Melliane
Oh I hope it will be the same for you with book 2! I can’t wait to read your thoughts!
kindlemom1
I have the first book and I need to read it! So glad the second was just as great as the first, I know I will be buying this one as well.
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it as well.
Rachel
I loved this one as well, Melliane! Jenn Bennett’s writing is fabulous and thrilling. The next book centers on Astrid and Bo. Lovely review! 🙂
Melliane
Oh thank you, I didn’t know that!
ShootingStarsMag
That’s great you really enjoyed this one; sometimes the second book in a series can be really hit or miss.
Melliane
I know it’s alays difficult, but it was great with this one!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I need to read these! After no more Lon and Cady… I needs me a Bennett fix! 😀 So going to start these and I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Melliane
I agree and I think you can love them as well!
Silvia
I’m really, REALLY intrigued! Definitely another series I’ll have to check out! Thanks Melliane, and I’m happy you enjoyed the read so much 🙂
Melliane
it’s a really fun one!
blodeuedd
Sounds fun 🙂 I’d love to give a it a shot one day
LilyElement
Oohhh I haven’t read a book by her yet.
kimbacaffeinate
I am so loving this series, from the mystery to the characters. Ooo and the setting is wonderful. I am so excited you enjoyed this too Melliane. My review posts next week 🙂
Melliane
Oh great! I can’t wait to read it!
anna@herding cats & burning soup
I’ve got book one on my reviewer shelf. It kinda slipped by me when it was released. Eek. Sounds like I’ve missed a good one. I’ll have to try and get that in June 🙂
Melliane
Oh I hope you’ll like it if you try it! I’m curious.
Vilia
I’m hanging out for this one. I love the idea of an archaeologist, romance and the 1920s all wrapped in one book.
Alise
Haven’t heard of the series but the characters sound pretty great, I love when they are complex and developed like this.
Jennifer Bielman
Hmm, not sure if this book is for me but I am happy you liked it.
Kirsty-Marie
I’d mainly read it just because it’s set in the 20’s, I loved reading about different era’s, and it’s kind of a fun way to learn (even if it’s not accurate- depending on the research). I love meeting new characters, especially when they’re characters you get to know more and like, or even if you don’t completely like them- you can understand them, and it sounds likes a realistic romance. 🙂
Amir
I just borrowed book 1 of this series and reading it today! I can’t wait!
Livia @ Butterfly-o-Meter Books
Oooh, this sounds awesome! I love the investigation & romance angle, always fall for books with both of them 😀 Great review!
Lily B
oh my I cannot wait to read this one, never read the first book but really looking forward to this series.
michelle A - Novels On The Run
I do like reading a story from the 20’s. I haven’t read any Jenn Bennett yet. I am intrigued after reading your review. I like the name Lowe and a curse and romance. I shall look into this series at my library 😀
mich