Step into the pulse-pounding world of St. Kilda Consulting, where danger, romance, and dark secrets collide in Elizabeth Lowell’s thrilling romantic suspense series! This five-book saga whisks readers into the shadowy operations of a Manhattan-based private spy firm, blending heart-racing action with sizzling chemistry. Perfect for fans of intrigue and passion, St. Kilda delivers a rollercoaster ride you won’t forget.
With its richly drawn characters and high-stakes plots, the series captures the essence of romantic suspense. From unraveling family scandals to chasing ruthless killers, St. Kilda Consulting’s operatives navigate a world where trust is scarce and love is a risky gamble. Ready to dive into this addictive blend of mystery and desire? Let’s explore!
How St. Kilda Began
Elizabeth Lowell, a New York Times bestselling author, launched the St. Kilda Consulting series in 2005 with Always Time to Die. Known for her genre-blending prowess, Lowell (a pseudonym for Ann Maxwell) drew on her experience crafting romance, mystery, and suspense to create a series that feels both fresh and familiar. Inspired by the gritty allure of private intelligence work, she envisioned St. Kilda as a firm operating in the ‘shadow world’ where governments can’t tread, tackling cases too dangerous for conventional agencies.
Lowell’s knack for weaving passion into high-stakes narratives shines through, making St. Kilda a standout. Her background in historical and contemporary romance, coupled with a 1994 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America, gave her the tools to craft a series that balances emotional depth with adrenaline-fueled plots.
The Heart of St. Kilda
The St. Kilda series spans five novels, each a gripping tale of suspense and romance. Always Time to Die (2005) kicks things off, following genealogist Carly May as she uncovers deadly secrets in a powerful New Mexico family’s past, sparking a dangerous romance with the enigmatic Dan Duran. The Wrong Hostage (2006) dives into a kidnapping crisis, where federal judge Grace Silva teams up with her ex-lover, St. Kilda operative Joe Faroe, to save her son from Mexican cartels. Innocent as Sin (2007) pairs banker Kayla Shaw with artist-turned-avenger Rand McCree to thwart a money-laundering scheme tied to a murderer. Finally, Blue Smoke and Murder (2008) sees river guide Jill Breck and consultant Zach Balfour racing to unmask a killer in the cutthroat Western art world.
Themes of betrayal, redemption, and forbidden love run deep, set against vivid backdrops like New Mexico’s deserts, Arizona’s art scenes, and international crime networks. Lowell’s style is cinematic, with taut pacing and intricate plots that keep readers guessing. Her characters—flawed, fierce, and fiercely loyal—navigate moral gray zones, making every romance feel earned and every twist electrifying.
The series’ Manhattan-based St. Kilda Consulting acts as a unifying thread, its operatives tackling cases that blend personal vendettas with global stakes. Whether it’s exposing family secrets or dodging assassins, the novels deliver a potent mix of danger and desire, cementing Lowell’s reputation as a romantic suspense trailblazer.
Why St. Kilda Resonates
St. Kilda’s blend of heart-pounding suspense and steamy romance has captivated readers, earning praise for its unpredictable plots and memorable characters. Fans on Goodreads laud the series for its immersive settings and emotional stakes, with Innocent as Sin averaging a 3.92 rating from over 3,000 reviews. Lowell’s ability to craft strong, independent heroines and complex heroes resonates, offering a refreshing take on the genre.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its timeless exploration of trust and vulnerability in high-stakes scenarios. By grounding global conspiracies in personal struggles, Lowell ensures St. Kilda remains relatable yet thrilling. Its influence endures in the romantic suspense genre, inspiring readers to seek out similar tales of love and danger.
- Publication Years: 2005–2010
- Number of Books: 5
- Genre: Romantic Suspense
- Awards: Lowell’s broader work earned a 1994 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America
Grab Always Time to Die and plunge into St. Kilda’s world of secrets, passion, and pulse-pounding suspense!