Rating: 
Summary: Lowell's Die in Plain Sight was a dud
Review: After reading all of Elizabeth Lowell's books at least once, I have to say I was disappointed. The potential was definately there with a good basic plot of suspense and murder, but no surprises and therefore not much suspense. Romance between Lacey and Ian was never more than lukewarm. No big sparks between the characters and all the romance of watching paint dry. There is no challenge to the relationship, which is unusual considering it is Elizabeth Lowell and the relationship struggle is what I really enjoy about her previous books. I want the struggle to live happily every after with a true soul mate. All the hot romance, misunderstandings, trust issues, suspenseful plots with twists and turns were missing from this latest effort. Would the real Elizabeth Lowell please come back? Please, before Ms. Lowell writes about the rest of the Donovan clan come back to the hot romance and great suspence that have kept your fans enthralled and devoted for years!
Rating: 
Summary: Never Disappointed
Review: Another wonderful suspense/ romance from Elizabeth Lowell. You will love this story. The relationship between Lacey and Ian is so well written, plus Susa Donovan is even in this book, so you get to know more about the mother of all the great Donovans from Elizabeth's earlier books (Amber Beach, Jade Island, Pearl Cove & Midnight in Ruby Bayou)
Rating:
Summary: Another great read from Elizabeth Lowell
Review: EL does it again! This book is a great read. It has it all - romance, action, suspense. The characters are likeable and interesting - and I especially like the fact that our romantic leads are "partners" almost immediately.As another reviewer has pointed out, the ending is not the strongest part of the book. It read as if EL ran out of space or time. I'd knock a half star off if we were allowed to do so; but overall the book is still very good.
Rating: 
Summary: Just Awful!
Review: Elizabeth can do no wrong! Wonderful story, exciting and Lacey and Ian were just wonderful...kept me turning the pages!! And having Rarieties back is the best!!
Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: Elizabeth Lowell doesn't know how to write a bad book. Kudos, Ann!
Rating:
Summary: Too slow and boring...couldn't finish it.
Review: I got one-quarter through this book, and just couldn't endure it any longer. The plot moved at a snail's pace. Pages and pages were devoted to mundane events. The dialogue, especially that of Ian and Lacey, was incredibly hokey. Also, after the previous books painted Susa as this impressive, sophisticated woman, I found her portrayal in this book to be rather banal. Anyway, I have no idea how the book turns out, and I don't care. Don't waste your money.
Rating: 
Summary: Better than the last one.
Review: I have been a fan of Elizabeth Lowell since the Donovan series, and followed the Rarities series which came after. I have read all of them so far and have to say that "Die in Plain Sight" was a much better read than its predecessor in the Rarities series, "Running Scared." First off, the lead couple were much more enjoyable and the focus on the romance can be seen in this book. The mutual attraction between Ian and Lacey grows throughout the book, and Lacey was much more fleshed out, especially when her family dynamic is introduced, which is important to the storyline. Altogether, she was a likable heroine. The hero was likable also, yet their was less characterization for him as a whole. In reading many of Ms. Lowell's books, you see a pattern in almost all her heroes (intelligent, stubborn, alpha males with some kind of past working law enforcement or for the government.) Dont get me wrong, their is nothing wrong with that, but in order to make the character stick out, some vulnerabilities, some quirks need to be added that differentiates the hero from other characters. For me, Ian did not really stand out, he seems recycled somehow, a cut and paste type character. I though the mystery was pretty good too, and although you are not too surprised to find who the "bad guy(s)" were, their are one or two interesting twists to the book and for me the lead up to the end (the path the protagonists have to take in order for the finale) was what I enjoyed more. However, I felt the ending was a little rushed and could have used at least one more chapter in order to clean up the loose ends, in order to get a better sense of closure. The focus on Impressionist Art was well played out and again Ms. Lowell does her research. And the introduction of Susa Donovan, and old character from her other books, was a surprising and not to unwelcome one. All in all, not a bad romantic suspense novel by Elizabeth Lowell, much better than the second Rarities book, "Running Scared." She incorporated both romance and suspense more evenly this time. But it simply lacked something, although the story and romance were not to bad. To truly read the author at her best in romantic suspense, I would recommend her Donovan series: Amber Beach, Jade Island, Pearl Cove and Midnight in Ruby Bayou.
Rating:
Summary: The perfect balance
Review: I have to admit, when I grabbed this one from the shelf, I had no idea who Elizabeth Lowell was. Not being a Romance fan, I hadn't had the pleasure of reading any of her novels. After reading "Die in Plain Sight," however, I'll be looking for more of her work.
This book grabbed my attention on the very first page and didn't let go. Each of the characters was well-developed and easy to follow through out the story. The relationship between the main characters built a bit quickly (reminiscent of most romance novels,) but it was well defined and the interaction between the characters was fun to follow.
The mystery (the reason I picked up the book in the first place) was interesting and the ending was excellent, if a tiny bit predictable.
All in all, I look forward to reading more of Lowell's novels, and was happy to learn that there is a series based on Susa's family.
Rating: 
Summary: An OK Read - But Not Lowell's Best Effort!
Review: I love Elizabeth Lowell's novels, especially those featuring the Donovan family, with its Alpha-males and super talented women. I hoped that "Die In Plain Sight," with Donavan matriarch Susa as a major character, would be on par with "Jade Island," "Amber Beach," and "Midnight on Ruby Bayou." Unfortunately, it is not. I have been disappointed in Ms. Lowell's last few books and that's a real shame, as she has long been a favorite writer. I'm not about to give up on her though. She has given me much enjoyment over the years and I am sure she still has many terrific stories to tell and dynamic new characters to reveal.
Artist Lacy Quinn's grandfather bequeathed all his paintings to her upon his death. There are extraordinary landscapes and other, more disturbing canvasses depicting violence and death. Grandfather and granddaughter had an exceptionally close relationship, from the time she was a little girl and first began to show interest in art and painting until the man's death at a fairly young age. Lacy is different from her wealthy, society family - more at home painting in jeans than dancing in designer gowns. Her grandfather was a black sheep of sorts - so the two found comfort and inspiration in each others company. Lacy is determined to show famous artist Susa Donovan her grandfather's work and have it evaluated when she discovers Ms. Donovan will be in town to support a charity event. Lacy's parents, especially her father, warn her that bringing the old paintings to the public's attention might stir up some disagreeable truths, old rumors, that are best left alone. Lacy agrees to present the work under an assumed name so no one will identity it with the Quinn family - especially since the paintings are all unsigned. Standing in line, waiting for her turn with Susa, Lacy meets hunky Ian Lapstrake, an employee of Rarities Unlimited, Donovan friend and Susa's temporary bodyguard. Ian is smitten at first glance with the sexy, sassy young artist with the curly auburn hair. Also at first glance, Susa realizes the value and high quality of the paintings Lacy has brought. In fact, she believes she knows the artist. Ian is aware that Lacy is using an assumed name and offers his assistance to discover the long hidden secrets behind the artwork and a series of unexplained deaths that had been ruled accidental.
Now don't get me wrong. The novel is worth reading. The plot is engaging, although it plods at times, detracting from both the mystery and the romance. The characters, as always, are well developed and interesting, but not as outstanding as usual. I hope the author does better with her next effort.
JANA
Rating:
Summary: Guess I'm in the minority again but
Review: I loved this story. Lacey, Ian and especially Susa were strong characters I cared about and would love to read about in future books. I am hoping for a book that develops Lawe and Justin and "the Donovan" and catches us up on the other Donovan's.
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