Throwback Thursday: Whirlpool by Elizabeth Lowell

Author: Elizabeth Lowell
First published in 1994 under the title, The Ruby by Ann Maxwell
Republished in 2006 by Avon

When an exquisitely crafted, authentic imperial Faberge egg mysteriously shows up at Laurel Swann's home studio, she knows it can only be from one person--her father, who has drifted in and out of her life for as long as she can remember. But this time Jamie Swann leaves her something too many people will kill for.

Out of her league and desperate, Laurel is forced to accept help from the very man who is trying to ensnare her father in his own web of double crosses. Cruz Rowan can help her stay alive, but will he do the same for her father?


Whirlpool would make a pretty good spy movie.  It has everything that a good spy story needs: Spies, double crosses, action and romance.  I loved Laurel and Cruz together  The instant attraction felt real and for once I didn't mind the insta-love part of the story.  They were both strong characters that meshed well together.  

I will admit that I absolutely despised Jamie, Laurel's father   I thought the way he treated his daughter and the way he used her was despicable   I thought he got off way too easy in the end.  There were a couple of twists in the book that kept me guessing. While it's not the greatest work of Ms. Lowell's, it is one of her entertaining ones. The audio-version is read by Carrington McDuffie.  She is one of my favorites.  If you missed this one, make sure to check it out!