Deadly Caress (Francesca Cahill Romance Novels) - Softcover

Joyce, Brenda

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0312989431 ISBN 13: 9780312989439

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2003

Synopsis

Brenda Joyce's New York Times best-selling novels have thrilled millions of readers. Now, in her latest Francesca Cahill novel, return to the lush mansions and teeming streets of New York City's Gilded Age, where intrigue and seduction lie on every corner...

The year is 1902. The place is New York City. A famous stage actress has been found strangled in an artist's studio, and the artist herself has vanished. Francesca Cahill, the city's most unconventional heiress and famous amateur sleuth, is once again on the case-for the murder victim is none other than her brother's mistress. And when the sole witness to the crime is also found strangled and only one clue is left behind-a silk stocking-it becomes evident that a madman is on the loose.

Now more than ever, Francesca is determined to find The City Strangler and bring him to justice. But the trail is a twisted one, and she'll need the help of handsome, dynamic Police Commissioner, Rick Bragg-even though she must attempt to end their star-crossed romantic liaison. But now, she also finds herself fending off the advances of his notorious rival, his powerful half-brother, Calder Hart. Ruthlessly pursued by Hart, hopelessly enamored with Bragg, Francesca races against the clock before The City Strangler strikes again, never realizing the consequences that will come when danger and desire become one...

About this title

From the Inside Flap

DEADLY DESIRE
"Even more deliciously tangled lives...The carefully woven plot and memorable characters kept me riveted and I hate having to wait for more." -Romantic Times

"A riveting storyline with more twists and turns than a mountain road." -Old Book Barn Gazette

"An addictive gift for the burned-out reader...vivid characterization, compelling drama, sudden twists, and a most gratifying shocker of an ending. The deadliest aspect of the 'Deadly' series is waiting for the next one." -Writers Club Romance Group

DEADLY AFFAIRS
"Another scintillating romantic murder mystery...Brenda Joyce perfectly balances a strong mystery with a love story so that readers get exactly what they are looking for, both suspense and passion." -Romantic Times

"Fantastic...I don't know when I've enjoyed a series as much as 'The Francesca Cahill Novels.' They are a fresh, clever, titillating mixture of fun and seriousness."-Reader to Reader

"Immensely enjoyable...passionate and heartbreaking...readers will be captivated by Francesca's charm, intelligence and courage as well as by Rick's honor and integrity. I love this series and recommend it highly."-Romance Reviews Today

"Continues to surprise...the sort of page turning compulsions bestsellers are made of...Complex, engaging, and human, Francesca Cahill is a most unusual heroine."-Writers Club Romance Group

"The suspense mounts with each book in the series. Waiting for the next one is going to be almost unbearable." -Old Book Barn Gazette

DEADLY PLEASURE
"Intriguing...a smooth, continuous literary flow...A wonderful whodunit, Victorian style."
-Affair de Coeur Magazine

"Enchanting...a page-turning, thoroughly entertaining read that is loaded with adventure, vibrant characters, witty dialogue, sexual attraction, and an enjoyable visit to turn-of-the-century New York City. This is Ms. Joyce at her best, giving the reader an appealing and captivating story that is alive with humor and a dazzling plot." -Writers Club Romance Group

DEADLY LOVE
"Fast-paced, sensual, and intriguing." -Library Journal

"The steamy revelations...are genuinely intriguing, and just enough of them are left unresolved at the book's end to leave readers waiting eagerly for the series' next installment...Joyce excels at creating twists and turns in her characters' personal lives."-Publishers Weekly

"B.D. Joyce carefully crafted a wonderful mystery with twists and turns and red herrings galore, then added two marvelous, witty protagonists who will appeal to romance readers...Add to this a charming cast of secondary characters and a meticulously researched picture of society life in the early 1900s. I can hardly wait to see what Francesca and Rick will be up to next."-Romantic Times

"A delight!"-Reader to Reader

From the Back Cover

PRAISE FOR THE FRANCESCA CAHILL NOVELS

"SCINTILLATING."
--Romantic Times on Deadly Affairs

"GREAT READING!"
--Huntressreviews.com

"CAPTIVATING...DAZZLING."
--Writers Club Romance on Deadly Pleasure

Brenda Joyce's New York Times best-selling novels have thrilled millions of readers. Now, in her latest Francesca Cahill novel, return to the lush mansions and teeming streets of New York City's Gilded Age, where intrigue and seduction lie on every corner...

DEADLY CARESS

The year is 1902. The place is New York City. A famous stage actress has been found strangled in an artist's studio, and the artist herself has vanished. Francesca Cahill, the city's most unconventional heiress and famous amateur sleuth, is once again on the case-for the murder victim is none other than her brother's mistress. And when the sole witness to the crime is also found strangled and only one clue is left behind-a silk stocking-it becomes evident that a madman is on the loose.

Now more than ever, Francesca is determined to find The City Strangler and bring him to justice. But the trail is a twisted one, and she'll need the help of handsome, dynamic Police Commissioner, Rick Bragg-even though she must attempt to end their star-crossed romantic liaison. But now, she also finds herself fending off the advances of his notorious rival, his powerful half-brother, Calder Hart. Ruthlessly pursued by Hart, hopelessly enamored with Bragg, Francesca races against the clock before The City Strangler strikes again, never realizing the consequences that will come when danger and desire become one...

"Joyce excels at creating twists and turns in her characters' personal lives."
-Publishers Weekly

"Fast-paced, sensual, and intriguing."
-Library Journal on Deadly Love

About this edition

• Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0312989431
• ISBN 13: 9780312989439
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 384