The Sin Within Her Smile [Hardcover]

Jonathan Gash (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1994

Lovejoy's latest mystery finds the antique-dealing sleuth involved in a fraud in Suffolk and traveling to Wales in search of a priceless early Christian lynx, a trip that produces antique finds, sexual adventures, and an abundance of corpses. 20,000 first printing. $20,000 ad/promo.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In his 17th appearance ( Paid and Loving Eyes was #16), East Anglia's sexy antiques expert, Lovejoy, steps onto a charity auction block as Slave for a Day. The winning bid--"two thousand guineas, an unbelievable sum"--by an elegant lady wearing pale blue prompts sympathy from his friends. Why? Once again Lovejoy is center stage in a baffling, nefarious scheme, this one hatched by a bunch of greedy rich people. He's off to Mynydd Mal, Wales, driving one of four horse-drawn caravans housing mental patients. Numbered among these are Phillida, pickpocket, shoplifter and mother of baby Arthur (whose diapers Lovejoy frequently changes); Corinda, who's forever taking her clothes off; and shy Boris, who may be having an affair with a royal princess. Members of the syndicate pop up from time to time. Lovejoy enjoys his usual success with the ladies but has less luck figuring out the scam, nearly getting himself blown to bits before nailing it down. This caper requires concentration from readers who must interpret the often obscure lingo and keep straight an unwieldy cast littered with unnecessary and forgettable characters. But even when difficult, Gash delivers more than a fair share of antiques lore, finely timed comedy and, in this case, a dazzling climax.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Lovejoy (Paid and Loving Eyes, LJ 7/93) and his penurious charm become part of another scam-this one involving Early Renaissance Celtic gold and, eventually, murder. Buy for his well-established audience.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Viking (June 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670856088
• ISBN-13: 978-0670856084
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,581,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lovejoy in Wales, May 25, 2005

By 

S. Schwartz "romonko" (alberta canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sin Within Her Smile (Hardcover)

Lovejoy novels are sometimes difficult to read because of the British slang and obscure language that Gash employs. This book is particularly obscure and requires some concentration. There is also a huge cast in the book, and it's difficult to keep everyone straight. But, having said that, it's still worth the effort, but I wouldn't recommend this book for first time Lovejoy readers. In it we have Lovejoy sold at a charity auction as "Slave for a day". He is sold for a huge sum, and he's not sure what's expected of him at all. He actually ends up in a horse-drawn caravan with a bunch of mentally challenged people as they make the trek to Wales to move into a new hospital. The antics of this group as well as the other "trevies" (travelling people in buses and trailers) are quite hilarious. We get a glimpse of Wales as no one else can depict it, as well as a good history lesson from Lovejoy as he explains the origins of the many antiques that he encounters. As I said, still worth the effort.