Close Up

Close Up follows Vivian Brazier, a photographer in 1930s California who specializes in crime scene photography and artistic shots. When her keen eye for detail helps identify a serial killer's pattern, she becomes a target herself and must work with Nick Sundridge, a private investigator with unusual abilities tied to his vivid dreams. The story unfolds against the glamorous backdrop of Hollywood's Golden Age and the emerging California art scene, where Vivian navigates both her professional ambitions and mounting danger. The investigation leads the pair through a complex web of art forgery, murder, and deception within elite social circles. The novel combines elements of romantic suspense, historical fiction, and paranormal mystery to explore themes of perception versus reality. Through its focus on photography and psychic visions, the story examines different ways of seeing truth and the price of being gifted with uncommon abilities.

Readers describe Close Up as a solid romantic suspense novel with a 1930s Hollywood noir atmosphere. Many reviewers note Quick's reliable formula while appreciating the paranormal elements and old Hollywood setting. What readers liked: - The chemistry between Vivian and Nick - Historical details about 1930s photography and filmmaking - Fast-paced plot with supernatural/psychic aspects - Strong female protagonist What readers disliked: - Predictable plot following Quick's standard formula - Too similar to her other works - Some found the paranormal elements underdeveloped - Romance felt rushed for some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,200+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Perfect escape reading with just enough mystery and romance" - Goodreads reviewer "The same plot as her other books with different character names" - Amazon reviewer "Loved the noir atmosphere but wanted more depth to the supernatural elements" - BookBub reviewer

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🔍 "Close Up" is part of Amanda Quick's Burning Cove series, set in 1930s California during Hollywood's golden age. 💫 Amanda Quick is actually a pen name for Jayne Ann Krentz, who also writes under the name Jayne Castle - using different names for different time periods in her romance novels. 🎬 The book incorporates elements of film noir and the rise of psychic entertainers that were popular in 1930s Hollywood and high society. 🗞️ The story's backdrop of scandal sheets and tabloid journalism accurately reflects the real-life gossip culture that surrounded Hollywood stars during the Depression era. 🔮 The paranormal elements in the book were inspired by the genuine historical fascination with spiritualism and psychic phenomena during the early 20th century, when even prominent figures like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle believed in such possibilities.