[.ca] Deadly Love: A Francesca Cahill Novel (ISBN 0312977670)

Very Entertaining!:
I had read Deadly Affairs first, then Deadly Love, but I am glad because I know why Rick Bragg just wanted to be friends with Francesca Cahill. If I had read this book first, I would of felt it just left you hanging there, and there would be no completion to the story, like some other readers did. Everything made sense. There is really no character development or interaction, but do remember that they have just met and it is a beginning of a series. I had a problem with Montrose's attitude toward his infidility. He felt that he did nothing wrong because adultery is very wrong, even though it was legal to keep a mistress back then. Overall, it was more of a mystery than romance, but still had you hanging on the edge of the pages.

More Please:
I have found the Francesca Cahill series a joy to read. I must correct reviewer Shawna, the college is in Manhatten, not England. The story is set in "early' Manhatten. There are enough twists & turns in the plot to keep me reading & enjoying. Again, more please.

Joyce brings depth in characterization and atmosphere:
As an ardent reformist in New York in 1902, Francesca Cahill refuses to be bound by conventions. She studies secretly in Barnard College to refrain from incurring the wrath of her mother and is socially active especially in the plans for the Police Department to eliminate rife corruption. By chance of fate, she now takes on the role of a female sleuth to investigate the disappearance of Jonny Burton, a child of her neighbour who was mysteriously abducted. A series of notes and clues are sent. She joins forces with the new police commissioner, Rick Bragg to solve the crime and discovers that things aren't always what they seem.... Francesca Cahill is also the protagonist of Brenda Joyce's Deadly series to dabble in historical romanctic suspense. Deadly Love as the maiden book proves refreshing in the period of 1900 and is atmospheric in the description of New York's socialite. The mystery kidnapping itself isn't much of an intricate plot but the stunning revelations explores human foibles and crimes of passion which is rare in today's romances. The suspense is fast-paced and the chemistry between Bragg and Francesca crackles. Joyce succeeds in bringing out the complexity of her sub-characters like Connie, her sister and Neil, her sister-in-law through engaging sub-plots. Though choppy at times and a rambling mystery yarn, Brenda Joyce is laudable for her humane portrayal of her characters and her penchance for historical details. It offers some high-voltage drama and grit at times and DEADLY LOVE is an auspicious start to her new series.

Absolutely terrible:
I was horribly disappointed by this book. When I bought it I though it would be a romance mystery. Unfortunately,its not a romance. The most romance in this book is a kiss between two main characters who can never get togeather, in this book or any other in the seiries. unexpressable unrequited love that is not overcome is not my idea of a romance. In addition to this, the myster part of the story is a major let down, boring and predictable from a mile away. If you want a romance or a mystery get a different book about the only thing this book is a waste of time. And for all of you who think that this may only be the case in the first book of the series i'm sorry to disappoint, none of the others in this series change this situation.

A not to miss cannot put down book!:
If anyone likes Brenda Joyce then they will love this book. You will swept away in amzing sexual tension, a complex mystery, and drop dead gorgeous brothers who persue Francesca, the heroine.