This is a little known gem of romantic fiction that goes to places that the more pedestrian romances never go: Victoria is an expert on Victorian erotica, but has never been able to complete an erotic encounter of her own.
Her relationships with men fail. When her relationship with Reyne is more emotionally satisfying and physically arousing she has to accept that she is a lesbian. But even with Reyne she can't find release.

It is only with Reyne's support and willingness to wait that Victoria finally finds the courage to shine a light on her repressed past.

This is a stirring, emotional story that goes to dark places. But in the end love brings out all the light.

I am a lover of romance and I really enjoyed this book. I also like McNab's mysteries, but I think the writing here shines even more as some difficult issues provide the background to beautifully complex characters who find happiness but not without pain. Just like real life. I think I'll be using this book as a standard I hope other writers will strive for.

How honest should you be with your life? That is a question that every gay or lesbian eventually has to answer. The question lies at the heart of this book. How much should you risk to be comfortable with yourself? And don't let anyone tell you that being "out" is the answer for everybody. It was interesting to see that Karin Kallmaker wrote a review for this book. Kallmaker has to be THE premier writer of lesbian novels right now, but she doesn't mind giving praise to another writer's work. I agree with her about Under the Southern Cross. The Carol Ashton series by McNab is entertaining reading, but this book is much better developed.

Every writer has touchstone books that they turn to for fresh air -- a relief from their own words. Under the Southern Cross is one of mine. Though I enjoy Claire's mysteries, she really shines in this book. The main characters are complicated, and their fears are as real as their passion. Claire creates two women with the strength to achieve their dreams, but places them in the real world, where strength alone is not enough. Add the lush landscape that she describes so beautifully and this book is a rare romance indeed.

Carol Ashton is recovering from wounds she received in another case, so, to give her a chance to recover, she is assigned to be a body guard. The mystery now is who is trying to kill her assignment. Ashton also finds herself tempted by the woman she is guarding. Is this the end of her relationship with Sibyl? Read and find out.

If you've read any of the Carol Ashton series, you know the formula for the books. There is always a mystery, with some twists and turns, and Ashton is trying to figure out what kind of personal relationship she really wants, with Sybil or anyone else. Each successive book reveals more of her personality. The issue of whether or not to come out of the closet is becoming an important one by this point. If you miss one or read the books out of order, you might get lost in the relationships. This is a good serviceable addition to the series.

As usual Claire McNab has done it again...
Please let the nice Detective find some true happiness in her personal life, the stress of being a cop on top of all that is bound to make her old quick! LOL

Being a long time fan of Claire McNab, and the Carol Ashton series, I was very pleased with Denise Cleever, it was very refreshing to read and I looked forward to seeing more of her in the future.

This is the first in the Denise Cleever series, and it's a winner. It features undercover agent Cleever sent to an island resort to determine if a powerful family is involved in a rumored coup to overthrow the government. It is dangerous in the extreme - someone has already killed. What Cleever didn't count on is the daughter of the family being so attractive - and willful. McNab has returned to the writing of her early Ashton series - the kind that keeps you up late at night reading just one more chapter until the last page is read and it's three in the morning. The second in the series is published so order them both because, in this case, you'll definitely want to read every book McNab adds to this series.

As a long time fan of mystery and Claire McNab I was excited to see her venture off into another series. Denise Cleever is a beautiful undercover agent who's personal passion,her love for life, women,and her job takes me into a mind-set in which everything in this world seems possible. Intricate and playfully written this book is a gem. If you love a good mix of suspense, steaming passion, and upbeat writing you'll love this book!

I have read all of McNab's books and enjoyed all of them. This new character Denise is slightly more difficult to get into. The story line is much harder to do of course because Denise is undercover and a member of a much more secretive organisation. This means that McNab has less characters to feed off and must work with Denise alone. However, a good read if somewhat lacking in punch. I guessed the story line from the end of the fourth or fifth chapter.

Working undercover at the notorious Hiddwing Institute, Agent Denise Cleever assumes an inside position as their public relations manager. A group with strong racial and social prejudices, the powerful Hiddwing family will take any means necessary to instill their ultraconservative values into the heart and minds of those they consider essential to their cause.

Cleever's risk is heightened when Rhys Hiddwing, one of the leaders recognizes her from somewhere in his past. Although threatened by the possibility of discovery, Cleever's role becomes paramount when a murder occurs that threatens national security. Inside the chambers of the organization, Cleever must also protect herself from those who openly suspect her intentions. Her task becomes more daunting when Becky Hiddwing, Rhys' sister, expresses a strong sexual attraction to Cleever. Struggling with her own beckoning desires, Cleever's resistance to the beautiful, charming Becky weakens.

"Death Understood" is an action-packed mystery that is difficult to set aside. Claire McNab plots a story as well as she writes. In this reader's opinion, both are 'superb.'

Working undercover at the notorious Hiddwing Institute, Agent Denise Cleever assumes an inside position as their public relations manager. A group with strong racial and social prejudices, the powerful Hiddwing family will take any means necessary to instill their ultraconservative values into the heart and minds of those they consider essential to their cause.

Cleever's risk is heightened when Rhys Hiddwing, one of the leaders recognizes her from somewhere in his past. Although threatened by the possibility of discovery, Cleever's role becomes paramount when a murder occurs that threatens national security. Inside the chambers of the organization, Cleever must also protect herself from those who openly suspect her intentions. Her task becomes more daunting when Becky Hiddwing, Rhys' sister, expresses a strong sexual attraction to Cleever. Struggling with her own beckoning desires, Cleever's resistance to the beautiful, charming Becky weakens.

"Death Understood" is an action-packed mystery that is difficult to set aside. Claire McNab plots a story as well as she writes. In this reader's opinion, both are 'superb.'

In her 12th outing, Australian Detective Inspector Carol Ashton is sent to train with the FBI in the US. While there, her instructor is murdered, and she is high on the FBI's suspect list. She has to find out why the teacher was murdered to find out who did the evil deed. While the series seems to have stagnated a tad, the change of venue and a liaison with a new woman gave this outing a jump start and it's the best she's written in several outings.

In her twelfth Carol Ashton mystery, McNab continues her award-winning style. Ashton attends an F.B.I. training course, and finds herself the suspect when a man with whom she argued vehemently is found dead. Surrounded by a group of other suspects, the detective must sift through the clues and clear herself. Her only ally is a female F.B.I. agent who has more on her mind than simply helping to clear Carol. Although typical of books from the Naiad Press, this story still features excellent pacing and a lively assortment of suspects.

Under Suspicion is the latest in Claire McNab's Australian Detective Inspector Carol Ashton series of outstanding mysteries. This time Inspector Ashton is attending a rigorous FBI training course in the U.S. when an instructor with whom she as a bitter argument is found dead and she is accused of murder. Framed, friendless, and far from home, Carol Ashton finds her only ally is a female FBI agent with her own agenda. Under Suspicion is a typical McNab can't-put-it-down, page-turner of a mystery read that plays fair with the reader from first page to last.

Denise is undercover again - this time infiltrating a terrorist group that has, thus far, avoided being infiltrated. To add an additional threat to her life, the woman whose identity she has assumed has a brother who escapes custody at a mental hospital for the criminally insane to kill his sister.

I really enjoyed the first two entries in McNab's new series. But this outing seemed . . . well, less. It wasn't bad by any stretch of the imagination, but it was bordering on tedious in some places and seemed contrived in others. This book didn't move as fast as the others, but it was, nevertheless, a good read.

Certainly if you enjoyed the first two, you'll undoubtedly like this one as well.

Denise is undercover again - this time infiltrating a terrorist group that has, thus far, avoided being infiltrated. To add an additional threat to her life, the woman whose identity she has assumed has a brother who escapes custody to kill his sister.

I really enjoyed the first two entries in McNab's new series. But this outing seemed . . . well, less. It wasn't bad by any stretch of the imagination, but it was bordering on tedious in some places and seemed contrived in others. This book didn't move as fast as the others, but it was, nevertheless, a good read.

Certinly if you enjoyed the first two, you'll undoubtedly like this one as well.

The book is good but needs more of the sexy love scenes found in Claire McNab's books.............just have to have them!

"Fatal Reunion" is the second installment in the Carol Ashton detective series. The reader is introduced to Christine, Carol's ex-lover who was briefly mentioned at the end of "Lessons in Murder." Although Carol is not officially on the case, Christine begs for her to help prove her innocence when her husband is found murdered. But as Carol and Christine become re-acquainted after three years of separation and a bad breakup they both realize that their feelings and desires have not completely disappeared causing significant strains in Carol's new relationship with Sybil. Carol finds herself at a fork in the road concerning which woman she wants. In addition Carol remains in the closet in fear that her lesbian relationships will be revealed and her professional career jeopardized.

I enjoyed this book because it provided insights into the character of Carol pertaining to her motivations in her personal life that were absent in "Lessons in Murder." The detective work is good but the book itself is a little too thin. This isn't my favorite lesbian detective series but that won't stop me from continuing reading subsequent books in this series. I am anxious to see the relationship between Carol and Sybil progress further.

I enjoyed reading Fatal Reunion. It was a nice time killer but not a book I would particularly read again. This is not to say I don't plan on reading the third book in the series. Just that the author walks the reader through the mystery from the first murder to the arrest. I am happy to say Sybil made it into the second book and the scenes between her and Carol adjusting to life together were nice.

This second book in the Carol Ashton series provides some background into her past lovelife and how the past has affected her ability to love as well as her child's custody. In this novel we meet her former lover, Christine who still has a hold on Carol's heart. This causes obvious strain with Carol's lover, Sybil. In the course of her investigation, Carol must come to terms with her past with Chris in order to solve a murder case that seems open and shut. All the while, she must reconcile her feelings for Sybil as well as for Christine. This book is one that you just can't put down. From the moment Christine enters the picture until the very last page, the questions about what will happen abound. It is a delightful read that proves that Claire McNab has a handle on the complexities of her characters and develops well what "makes them tick". I can't wait to read #3.