When she’s good, she’s very good. And in this, the last entry in her Eclipse Bay trilogy, Jayne Ann Krentz shows once again that when she’s cooking, there are few to match her knack for dialogue, her skill in creating likable characters, and her ability to deliver a mystery that may be on the light side, but is never, never dumb.

For those who’ve read the previous books in the trilogy (although it’s not necessary in order to enjoy this one), the Hartes and Madisons and the assorted denizens of the town of Eclipse Bay are familiar territory. But, for those new to the series, some 50 years ago Mitchell Madison and Sullivan Harte were both best friends and partners in a successful investment company. But, due to the nefarious doings of one Claudia Banner, the firm collapsed and the infamous Harte-Madison feud was born. In the two previous books, marriages between Hartes and Madisons constituted the first signs of truce in the ongoing battle between the family patriarchs.

This time it’s Nick Harte’s turn to meet his fate, in the person of one Octavia Brightwell, the owner of Eclipse’s Bay’s new art gallery. And while saying too much would give away something the reader should discover on her own, it is fair to say that Octavia comes to Eclipse Bay with a bit of an agenda.

Nick, the widowed father of a young son, is a classic example of the trademark Krentz alpha-beta combo hero. Once the head of the Harte family financial empire, he gave up his life as a high-powered CEO to focus on his real dream – writing mysteries. Now a successful author, Nick has returned with his 5-year old son in tow to spend the summer months back home in Eclipse Bay.

Famous along the northwest coast for his inability to commit, Nick is knocked for a loop by Octavia, who definitely has commitment issues of her own. But a mutual interest in Nick’s son fuels their mutual interest in each other – and, then, of course, there’s a mystery to solve involving the theft of a valuable painting.

But, interesting though the mystery may be, suspense isn’t what Summer in Eclipse Bay is really all about. Jayne Ann Krentz is most interested in characters and the book contains a raft of them, including the usual round of amusing eccentrics, lovable cultists, conspiracy nuts, and irascible old men. But such is Krentz’s skill that, with a very few words, she also manages to create fully developed and poignant portraits of secondary characters that provide additional depth.

Octavia is a typical Krentz heroine – smart, resourceful, and emotionally complicated. Nick, as well, fits the Krentz formula – but, hey, it’s a formula that works. That jeans-and-leather-clad combination of an iron will and a not-over-the-top rough-and-readiness is wrapped up in an appealingly laconic package.

Summer in Eclipse Bay is a perfect example of Jayne Ann Krentz at her best. If you like her, you’ll love it. And if haven’t read Krentz – or haven’t read her in a while – I suggest you give this one a try. Hey, when she’s good, she’s good.