The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz: Review

By AMidlifeWifeBook Reviews
cover of The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz

I’ve been reading this author for many years, and I guess I never really realized that she has transitioned some or most of her story themes into the paranormal romance genre.

I guess I was a bit unprepared for the focus when I picked up this book for review. If you are into that type of genre, then this is one for you. Check out my thoughts and review below.

The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz
ASIN: ‎ B0F3W7S9JL
Publisher: ‎ Berkley
Publication date: ‎ January 6, 2026
ISBN-13: ‎ 979-8217187348

OVERVIEW:
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.

The Shop on Hidden Lane by Jayne Ann Krentz Review

I guess I missed a lot when I read the overview for this book because I didn’t realize that the entire thing was based on psychic abilities and paranormal romance.

Not that it is a problem. I just don’t usually read that genre, and for me, it made it difficult to get into what was happening in the plot. It seemed like there was so much going on the path through the story.

To start, there is a murder mystery set up. There is a feud between two families. Then there are missing persons. We have missing items that are a critical piece of the story.

We also have a love/hate relationship between the two main characters that is quite antagonistic at times. I had a tough time following them as they grew and developed into a romantic relationship

I never really felt the connection between any of the characters. Several key characters came into the chapters sporadically or towards the end of the book, so you really don’t get that history built up and any warm fuzzy feeling.

For me, the suspense portion of the story was missing. While there is a lot of detail as they search for the missing items, I sometimes had a tough time following the story. I think that because a lot is happening in this book, I feel disconnected.

The Shop on Hidden Lane is unique and Krentz weaves an interesting tale. For those who love paranormal romance and murder mysteries, this is going to be a win for you. For me, I just didn’t feel it as much as I wanted to.

3.5 Stars

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.