Blackmail is a strong theme from page 1, when Serenity tells Caleb she’s being blackmailed. Just as he’s about to entice her into an affair. It was all for Art, and she can’t understand why this drives him to a fury. As they become closer, Serenity realises Caleb is being emotionally blackmailed by his ambitious family after an old scandal involving his mother. Strong emotions swirl as Caleb and Serenity find the answer to their mystery lies buried in the tragic story of his parents’ deaths. When Caleb deserts his family, just like his father, it’s Serenity who brings about the reconciliation.

The story is full of lighthearted moments and wonderful humour. Witts End itself is a gem of a creation. There’s Ambrose - the gifted, alcoholic photographer who took the photos of Serenity, who becomes Body Number One. There’s a bookshop owner who follows an incomprehensible philosophy as he brews Old Hogwash, the world’s finest beer. And there’s Zone, Serenity’s store assistant who dresses and talks like a Hari Krishna follower and whose first name ought to be Twilight. My favourite is Blade, a paranoid survivalist who wanders the woods armed to the teeth guarding against a covert government invasion. He soon gets rid of Caleb’s rival just by being friendly. And we mustn’t forget Webster, whose passion for rocks is so important at the climax of the story. There’s a lot going on here, mostly tightly plotted, as usual, even though I found Zone’s sub-plot more of a "bolt on" than an integral part of the whole.

I have to say, though, that I don’t like the idea of men taking photographs of naked women and calling it Art. We’ve several famous photographers over here in England (men of course) who do just that. Their "collectors’ calendars" are tacky and probably put me off before I opened the book. OK, it’s central to the plot that Serenity was photographed like this. But couldn’t she have said something along the lines that everyone in Witts End was unconventional and posed for Ambrose, and it’s no big deal except she happened to be young and pretty?

But I bicker. JAK writes about the things that she cares for passionately which is what a writer’s "voice" is all about after all. This book has them all: the business and family themes, her ideal man, a clear vision of what will keep the relationship between the hero and heroine rock solid for the rest of their lives, a touch of the paranormal, wonderful dialogue, a wicked sense of humour, a well drawn hero and heroine, solidly drawn family members, and interesting minor characters. It’s a cracking story. Read it.

Serenity returns to Witt's End disappointed by Caleb's dissolution of their contract and by his reaction to her announcement. On both a professional and personal level she'd liked him and he'd been the perfect consultant to help with her plans to save Witt's End from extinction. She is therefore surprised and pleased by Caleb's arrival although it comes on the heels of Ambrose's seemingly accidental death. She is even more pleased with the manner in which he deals with Witt's End's odd residents and their sometimes bizarre behavior. But as Caleb and Serenity are pressured into investigating the blackmail attempt, they realize that murder and violence have invaded this remote town and somehow Caleb's wealthy family may be involved.

Peopled with delightfully quirky characters, crafted with whimsical plot twists and starring a fascinating hero and heroine, HIDDEN TALENTS is definitely one of Jayne Ann Krentz's most intriguing and entertaining efforts. It's on my keeper shelf and if you enjoy it as much as I did, I'm sure it will be on yours too!