The Second Lie

Richland attempts to mix Remington Steele, The Thomas Crown Affair, and Beowulf in her second Immortal Vikings romantic contemporary fantasy (after First to Burn), but it succeeds only in concept, though the protagonists’ cat-and-mouse chemistry is never in question. California wine seller Christina Mancini invents a boss named Geoffrey Morrison to be taken seriously in a man’s world. She arrives at an English auction house where her wines are featured, only to discover that someone posing as Morrison is in attendance. Immortal warrior Stig plans to use his cover as “Morrison” to replace the good stuff with counterfeits after the sale. Richland ably transforms Stig into believable hero material, but the story falters; he declares his immortality but only halfheartedly tries to prove it, and Christina’s secrets, which Stig uses to blackmail her into helping him carry out misdeeds while they evade capture in three European countries, remain ambiguous for too long. Richland’s attempt to build a setting around the epic poem often confuses, particularly in scenes where Stig recalls his past. This clumsy mash-up could have used fewer kitchen sinks. (Feb.)