Madeline Deveridge is aware of the whispers behind her back, the rumours that she dispatched her husband to the next world and concealed her crime. But she has a far more pressing problem than her reputation as the Wicked Widow. It's impossible to believe that her late husband is haunting her and her aunt, but something odd is happening, and Madeline doesn't dare take chances. Summoning the brilliant, reclusive Artemas Hunt, secret owner of London's favorite pleasure pavilions and master of arcane talents, she blackmails him into providing help. As soon as the bargain is struck, Artemas and Madeline find their arrangement complicated by searing desire, and the frightening recognition that the ghost poses a very real danger. Now they must plunge into a world of intrigue and ancient mysteries, where a calculating killer - and a tantalising passion - will not be denied.

2003-03-15 I loved it

Madeline Deveridge was known among the Ton as the "Wicked Widow". Everyone believed she had murdered her husband and then set fire to the house to cover the crime. Her deceased husband had been trained in the special arts of the Vanza. But he had not been a Master of Vanza as her father had been. Never-the-less, her husband's madness mixed with his training left Madeline very scarred on the inside. When someone, pretending to be her deceased husband's ghost out for revenge, began threatening her, she had to seek another Vanza for help.

Unknown to others, Artemas Hunt was a Full Vanza Master and the owner of the Dream Pavilions. Artemas sold dreams and illusions. When Madeline virtually blackmailed him into helping her rescue one of her kidnapped maids, he was furious! When he found out she knew he was Vanza, owner of the Dream Pavilions, and knew much more about the Vanza Society than was healthy, he became cautious. He had no time for her. He had his own revenge to seek. They made a deal. Artemas helped her catch a ghost and Madeline turned over her father's journal that was filled with all the personal lives and businesses of all members of the Vanza Society - including his!

Amanda Quick weaves the most enthralling tales of romance and suspense! I was caught in this story's sticky web from the first page! This book is one of her best yet!