Publication Date: January 6, 2026
New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz dives into an enthralling new romantic suspense novel filled with deeply entrenched grudges, psychic dangers, and a conspiracy that threatens not only two families but also the entire paranormal community.
The Harper and the Wells families have regarded each other with deep suspicion for four generations. The Harpers have been known to offer their psychic talents for less-than-legal purposes, and the powerful Wells clan has a reputation for playing both sides of the street. But for all the years of history and distrust between them, there is a mysterious pact binding the two. They share the responsibility for protecting a long-buried and very dangerous secret.
Sophy Harper and Luke Wells are shocked to learn that her aunt and his uncle have been sleeping together—and now they are both missing. Not only that, but the last traces of them are at the scene of a murder soaked in negative paranormal energy. Clearly, someone is willing to kill to obtain the secret their families have been charged with protecting. Despite their mutual distrust, which, as far as Sophy is concerned extends to Luke’s hellhound of a dog, they both know that the terms of the pact must be honored.
Their investigation uncovers a psychic trail leading to a bizarre desert art colony where nothing is as it seems. But Luke and Sophy are concealing a few secrets, too. By a strange twist of fate, a Harper and a Wells have no choice but to trust each other and the fierce attraction that is binding them as surely as the pact between the families.
Whether writing as Amanda Quick, Jayne Castle, or under her own name, author Jayne Ann Krent continues to build a prolific catalog, even as she introduces a new set of characters pitted against each other.
The Shop on Hidden Lane blends romantic suspense and paranormal elements, featuring two families caught up in a grudge spanning four generations. However, extreme circumstances force the Harpers and the Wells families to cooperate.
Add in a solid dose of psychic talents, and the stage is set for a rather explosive connection between Sophy Harper and Luke Wells. The author weaves in plenty of humorous dialogue, especially pertaining to Luke’s rather unusual dog.
On the hunt to find their missing relatives, the two find themselves drawn by an unexpected connection. The question is whether this attraction will distract them from the mission or prove to be a fluke.
The Shop on Hidden Lane delivers another win for a seasoned author who already maintains a spot on the keeper shelf.
Jayne Ann Krentz is the author of more than fifty New York Times bestsellers. She has written contemporary romantic suspense novels under that name and futuristic and historical romance novels under the pseudonyms Jayne Castle and Amanda Quick, respectively.
