I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

FINAL DECISION: A strong and engaging start to a new Jayneverse storyline, with a compelling mix of family history, paranormal suspense, and a well-matched central couple. This is an easy recommendation, especially for longtime readers.

THE STORY: The Harper and Wells families have spent generations distrusting each other, even as they remain bound by an old pact to protect a dangerous secret tied to their shared psychic history. That uneasy balance is disrupted when Sophy Harper and Luke Wells discover that her aunt and his uncle have both disappeared and were secretly involved with each other. The situation becomes more urgent when the last known trace of them is linked to a murder scene saturated with negative paranormal energy.

Sophy and Luke are forced into an uneasy partnership. Despite their mutual suspicion, they have little choice but to work together to track down what happened. Their investigation leads them from Fogg Lake into increasingly strange and dangerous territory, including a desert art colony where the surface reality does not match the actual situation.

OPINION: This is a very satisfying read that delivers exactly what works in a Jayne Ann Krentz novel. The balance between suspense, paranormal elements, and romance is well maintained throughout, and the story never loses focus. The pacing is consistent, and the plot has enough turns to stay engaging without becoming overly complicated.

My favorite Jayne Ann Krentz books have always been her paranormal ones, especially the Arcane Society books, and this feels very much in that same tradition. The world-building, the focus on psychic ability, and the underlying sense of a larger connected mythology all work in a similar way here, which made this particularly enjoyable.

The relationship is one of the strongest aspects of the book. Sophy and Luke are well matched from the start, even if they do not immediately trust each other. Their dynamic is on equal footing, making their partnership feel solid in both the investigation and the romance. The dialogue reflects that balance, with Sophy’s sharper edge playing well against Luke’s more understated, dry responses.

The progression of the relationship feels natural. They begin as reluctant collaborators with clear boundaries, but as they continue working together, both trust and attraction develop in ways that feel earned. The shift from a professional alliance to something more is gradual and believable, making the emotional payoff more satisfying.

The dynamic between the two families is one of the strongest elements of the book. The tension is not just personal but generational, and that adds depth to both the mystery and the romance.

Sophy is a capable and direct heroine who drives the story forward. Luke is more reserved but equally competent, and his methodical approach complements her well. Together, they come across as true partners rather than one dominating the other.

The absence of unnecessary relationship drama is also notable. The conflict comes from the external situation and the family history, not from forced misunderstandings between the leads, which keeps the story focused and makes the resolution more satisfying.

WORTH MENTIONING: Bruce, Luke’s dog, adds both personality and function to the story. He is not just there for atmosphere but plays a meaningful role in the investigation and helps round out the dynamic between the characters. Animals are a constant presence in the Jayneverse, and Bruce is a fun addition to the menagerie. And it turns out he is important to the story as well.

CONNECTED BOOKS: This is a new book in the Jayneverse that starts a new storyline. It is most closely connected with the Fogg Lake books, but it includes elements related to the Arcane Society and the Bluestone Project. The book can be an entry point to the Jayneverse.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley, which permitted me to prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.