Beguiled - Romance

Author: Deanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand

Title: Beguiled

Publication Date: 2010 

Number of Pages: 461 (Large Print)

Part of a Series: No

Subject Heading(s):

• Charleston (S.C.) Fiction
• City and Town Life- South Carolina- Charleston- Fiction
• Dog walking- Fiction 
• Journalists- Fiction
• Robbery Investigation- Fiction
• Romantic Suspense-Fiction Mystery- Fiction (Pioneer Library)
• South Carolina- Fiction (Library of Congress)

Geographical Setting/ Time Period: Present day Charleston, South Carolina

Main Character(s): 

• Rylee Monroe- a roller-blading dog walker in Charleston, S.C.
• Karl Sebastian- lawyer, family friend, and dog walking client
• Logan Woods- crime reporter for local paper and aspiring non-fiction book author (afraid of dogs)

Plot Summary: A strange series of Robin Hood style robberies affecting wealthy Charleston residents casts suspicion on Rylee Monroe- a local dog walker who literally holds the keys. Handsome family friend, Karl Sebastian offers to represent Rylee, and new friend, reporter Logan Woods, falls for Rylee as they look for answers together. But whose motives are honest and who is hiding a sinister secret?

Appeal: Christian Romantic Suspense, Intriguing Mystery, Gentle Read

Brief quote: “I’ve got half a mind to sic my dog on you- for old time’s sake,” she said.

“I’ve got half a mind to let you.” She jutted out her bottom lip. He was tempted to snare it between his teeth. Not the most appropriate of icebreakers. (Gist and Bertrand 2010, 387)

Prizes or Awards: Author has won 2 Christy (recognizing excellence in Christian fiction) awards (2006, 2007) and nominated for 2 RITA (Romance Writers of America) awards for Best Inspirational Romance

Similar Works: mysteries by Phyllis Whitney- endangered heroine, suspense

Million Dollar series by Mindy Starns Clark- female investigator, Christian romantic suspense fiction

Savannah series by Denise Hildreth- contemporary Christian romantic fiction set in the South, gentle read

Family Tree series by Patricia Sprinkle- contemporary intriguing mystery, set in the South

Reviewer's Name: Beth Lyle