Elizabeth Lowell

Elizabeth Lowell is a prolific American author known for writing romance and suspense novels, with over 50 books published under multiple pen names including Ann Maxwell and A.E. Maxwell. Her work spans contemporary romantic suspense, historical romance, and mystery genres, with many of her titles reaching the New York Times bestseller list. Lowell began her career in the 1970s and gained particular recognition for her medieval romance series and her contemporary romantic suspense novels set in the American West. Her books frequently incorporate detailed research on specialized topics such as rare gems, art dealing, and various aspects of law enforcement. Starting in the 1990s, Lowell focused increasingly on romantic suspense, producing popular series including the Donovan family novels and the St. Kilda Consulting books. Her work is characterized by complex plots involving art theft, jewelry heists, or international intrigue, combined with romantic storylines. Working with her husband Evan Maxwell on several projects, Lowell has received multiple awards including the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award and the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

Readers consistently note Lowell's detailed research and knowledge of specialized topics like gemology, art, and antiquities that inform her plots. What readers liked: - Strong character development and chemistry between leads - Fast-paced plots combining romance and suspense - Technical accuracy and educational elements about gems/art - Descriptive writing style that brings settings to life What readers disliked: - Repetitive plot formulas across series - Too much technical detail slowing story pace - Similar character types recurring in different books - Later books seen as less engaging than earlier works On Goodreads, Lowell's books average 3.8-4.2 stars out of 5, with her Donovan series and earlier medieval romances rating highest. Amazon reviews average 4.3 stars, with readers praising her "intelligent heroines" and "well-researched backgrounds." One reviewer notes: "She makes complex topics accessible while maintaining suspense." Critical reviews often mention "information dumps" and "recycled storylines," with a Goodreads reviewer stating: "The gem details overwhelmed the actual story."

Only His - A romance novel about a horse breeder and a businesswoman who clash over the future of a Nevada ranch.

Beautiful Dreamer - A romance novel following a geologist and a land developer who find themselves entangled in both business and personal matters.

Death is Forever - A romantic suspense novel about an international hunt for stolen amber artifacts.

Tell Me No Lies - A suspense novel centered on a Chinese art expert investigating jade theft and murder.

Jade Island - A romantic thriller involving an American businessman and a jade expert caught in dangerous family rivalries.

Pearl Cove - A suspense novel about the search for rare black pearls and a murderer in the South Pacific.

Midnight in Ruby Bayou - A romantic thriller following a jewelry designer and her protector as they investigate ruby smuggling.

Moving Target - A suspense novel about an ancient illuminated manuscript and the deadly hunt to possess it.

Running Scared - A romantic suspense novel about a woman hiding from her past in Las Vegas and the man who protects her.

The Color of Death - A thriller about rare colored diamonds and the deadly competition to control them.

Always Time to Die - A suspense novel about genealogical research that uncovers dangerous family secrets in New Mexico.

Blue Smoke and Murder - A thriller involving valuable Western art and a series of suspicious deaths.

Death Echo - A suspense novel about ex-CIA operatives investigating mysterious yacht explosions.

Nora Roberts writes romance with suspense elements and strong character development, similar to Lowell's style. She incorporates family dynamics and relationship building while maintaining tension throughout her stories.

Linda Howard combines romance and suspense with alpha male protagonists and independent heroines. Her plots often involve danger and intrigue while developing the central relationship.

Sandra Brown creates romantic suspense with complex mysteries and relationship conflicts at the core. Her work features similar pacing to Lowell's and includes both contemporary and historical settings.

Jayne Ann Krentz writes romantic suspense under multiple pen names, covering contemporary, historical, and futuristic settings. She focuses on intelligent characters solving mysteries while developing relationships.

Catherine Coulter specializes in FBI thrillers with romantic elements and detailed plots. Her books contain the same mix of danger and romance that Lowell readers expect.