Dolled Up for Murder

Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery #7

by Jane K. Cleland

Crime-solving antiques dealer Josie Prescott is back—tracking down a doll collection to die for.

On a sparkling spring day in the cozy coastal town of Rocky Point, New Hampshire, with the lilacs in full bloom and the wisteria hanging low, antiques dealer Josie Prescott is showing a stellar doll collection she's just acquired to Alice Michaels, the queen of the local investment community. Moments later, Josie watches in horror as Alice is shot and killed. Within hours, one of Josie's employees, Eric, is kidnapped. The kidnapper's ransom demand is simple—he wants the doll collection. Working against the clock with the local police chief, Josie discovers that the dolls hold secrets that will save Eric and uncover the truth behind Alice's murder.

With Dolled Up for Murder, Jane K. Cleland's Josie Prescott Anitques Mystery Series "continues to offer clever mysteries studded with enough information on antiques to keep collectors coming back for more." --Publishers Weekly

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Cozy

247 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2012

About the author

Jane K. Cleland writes the multiple award-winning and bestselling Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries. Her short stories are published by Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine. She’s also written the bestselling and Agatha Award-winning how-to books, Mastering Plot Twists and Mastering Suspense, Structure & Plot , both from Writer’s Digest Books.

Her latest release is the craft of writing book, Beat the Bots: A Writer's Guide to Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI from Regalo Press.

In addition, Jane presents a free monthly webinar series on the craft of writing as well as the Mystery Mastermind series—her small-group virtual writing workshops. She is also a Contributing Editor for Writer’s Digest Magazine, chairs the Wolfe Pack’s Black Orchid Novella Award, in partnership with AHMM, and is the Vice President of the Florida chapter of Mystery Writers of America.

Jane has an MFA (in professional and creative writing) and an MBA (in marketing and management). Jane is a lecturer at Lehman College where she is also the director of the Program for Professional Communications, and a frequent workshop facilitator and guest author at writing conferences and university programs.

For more on Jane, visit www.janecleland.com.

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the 7th installment of the Josie Prescott series, she's embroiled into another mystery. When Alice Michaels is shot in front of her antique story, her death puts Josie front and center of another shocking twist. While charges were impending on Alice's company from the SEC, it's up to Josie to figure out why someone wanted her dead, even digging into her family life and private affairs, stemming from a valuable antique collection. When one of her co-workers is kidnapped, things change for an exchange of rare dolls that's one of the kind. We witness what Josie goes through, when danger approaches and closes in on her. And it's gets freaky for Josie and her co-workers, when she's closer to the danger, when it's right in front of the noise. While the press hounds her for the truth, she helps the police to get down to the bottom of this mess, when another prime suspect is killed and the killer is revealed. This one gave me goosebumps with plenty of drama.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a doll collector, and the cover of Dolled Up for Murder caught my eye. A doll collection plays a role in murder and kidnapping. Dolled Up for Murder is the seventh in the Josie Prescott Antique Mysteries series. I have not read any of the others, and I expect that affected my rating. It's always a challenge to start in the middle of a long-running mystery series. I never felt I really got to know the characters; there has probably been character development in previous books. The writing was good, so it kept me reading to the end, but the resolution of the crime was totally out of left field and I'm not tempted to go back and start at the beginning of the series. What goes on behind the scenes of an antiques business does not interest me that much; the dolls were the best part for me.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continues to be one of my favorite series.

[Becky Tatar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie's been asked to appraise a doll collection. After a visit with a prospective buyer of the collection, the woman is killed in Josie's parking lot! Apparently, someone wants those dolls, and will stop at nothing to get them, even kidnapping Josie's employee, Eric. Lots of twists in this, and continuing connections with Ty, Zoe, and the rest of the crew at Prescott's Antiques and Auctions.

Great story, and I really like how Josie is not becoming blasé about murder and finding bodies. Also, even though there were great talks on the phone, I wish there was more with Ty. Sigh.

[Tiffany E-P · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cover was super creepy so I gave it one less star than usual…it just freaked me out every time I picked up the book! And I’m sorry but covers are part of the experience for me. Seriously though, this is another good solid book in a strong series. The appraisal and antiques side is such a good hook

[Lacey Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought this would be quick/just ok book in between more serious reads but I enjoyed this!
No spoilers but I never once expected the bad guy to be the bad guy! Detailed writing, easy to read but thorough. The plot is well thought out and l gasped out loud a few times. I am sending this to my friend who loves murder mysteries, I know this will be a hit with her, too.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done. Unfortunately, I have to read the books from my library and this wasn't available until recently. I was able to figure out the villain from the intricacies and well-thought-out plan for the ransom drop.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Josie Prescott Antique Mysteries. I learn something about the antique business in each book in the series. Josie Prescott is a very likeable character and the mysteries are always interesting. They are quick reads and just the thing to block out the world and get lost in the mystery.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual Cleland has a series of issues: a friend faces federal indictment, appraisals for two sisters, her man out of town, dolls galore--some stuffed with Civil War currency and worth a mint. As is her nature, Cleland conceals the super bad guy until the very end.

[Cheryl Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great 👍

Great chartacters and interesting mystery. Always love when the bad guys get their just rewards. And when it's who you least suspect.

[Christine Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

was good

[Beth Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book.

[Hope Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and fast read.

[M A The Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a big fan of Josie but the mystery and writing style were solid.

[Sharon Helfrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written cozy with lots of interesting facts about antiques.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a little shorter but had a ton of action!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read keeps you in suspense up to the last minute

[Carol Havlik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poison Pen Bookstore

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie's latest acquisition is a bunch of antique dolls. The story also centers around Civil War era money hidden in some of these dolls and the extent people would go to get that money -- including murder.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a cozy murder mystery tied up in the world of antique dolls and grand larceny. An Antique company owner, Josie Prescott has purchased an estate collection of dolls straight from the heirs which is reason to celebrate alone. The fact that the dolls, not of a rarity, but highly collectible garners multiple bidders before anyone has even authenticated, nor even packed up completely from the previous owner's home, makes Josie wonder about what is going on.

Alice Michaels, pending indictment for a Ponzi scheme is one of the customers insisting on having first options upon the dolls when they are placed up for sale. Josie reluctantly agrees to hold a non-binding blank check...what is it about these dolls?

As the two ladies wander out to the parking lot, Alice gets gunned down as Josie seeks safety behind her vehicle. Stunned by the shock of the killing, Alice is further stunned when she learns one of her associates has been abducted.

What is going on? You will be amazed and caught up in the tale as Josie becomes integral to saving her associate and solving the crime with help from Ellis, the Police Chief. This was my first introduction to this series. I'm so glad I have met Josie. I also had fun researching the list of dolls she gave us that were involved in the story plot. I learned a lot.

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice Michaels is a very wealthy client of Josie Prescott who owns and operates Prescott's Antiques and Auctions. So when Alice is shot dead after buying a one of a kind Doll collection from Josie. Josie is sure that the financial advisor who was plagued by scandal was killed by one of her ex- investors. Than Eric one of her employees is abducted while transporting some dolls.... it turns out the collection was more than it appeared to be .. The media is hot on her trail and the dolls are in the middle of a vicious estate battle. The kidnappers what the dolls as ranson for the return of Eric. Josie must use her negotiating and expertise to help the police get Eric back. The only way is to find out the truth behind the dolls and try to save Eric is to bait one calculating ruthless murderer in an everything must go battle. Does Josie succeed in saving Eric ? sorry i don't give spoilers. A fascinating read . I look forward to reading more books by Jane k. Cleland

[Viccy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy Jane Cleland's books. Josie Prescott is an antiques dealer in New Hampshire. She finds dead people, somewhat like Jessica Fletcher in "Murder, She wrote." This particular book revolves around a doll collection that Prescott's is hired to sell. The owner has died and her daughters want the dolls sold as a lot. As the story unfolds, the reader learns that the family who owned the doll collection is descended from Salmon Chase, Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of the Treasury. The best thing about Cleland's books is the information imparted about various antiques. The reader learns a lot about French fashion dolls and very rare 17th-century dolls. Who knew doll collecting could be dangerous. I recommend this series for those readers who miss Deborah Morgan's series featuring Jeff Talbot.

[Debbie Heaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Cleland’s mystery novel, antiques dealer Josie Prescott is positive when a wealthy client is shot dead after purchasing a specific doll collection, that the financial advisor was the victim of revenge. When her employee, Eric, is abducted while transporting some of the dolls, she realizes the collection is not quite what it appears to be. With the media hot on her trail, it becomes clear the dolls are part of an ugly estate battle. To resolve the situation, Josie must rely on her expertise and negotiating skills to help the authorities save Eric and the only way she can do that is to risk everything before the murderer strikes again.

A fast-paced addition to the A Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dolled Up for Murder (Josie Prescott #7) by Jane K. Cleland

Josie Prescot is an antiques dealer. Her wealthy client Alice Michaels ends up dead. Josie thinks the murderer could be one of Alice's investors. But then Josie's Employee is kid-napped while transporting dolls, Alice now wonders what the connection could be. She is on the scene to figure out who the murderer is and to find her employee/friend.

I learned quite a bit about old (and collectible) dolls. Josie is very likable, plus she has an interesting job, very original. The suspect list is high, making the story intense. The plot moves at a steady pace with a great mix of mystery, suspense, drama and secrets. Those who love a great who-done-it should enjoy Dolled up for murder.

[Deshay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series more and more with each book. The characters are appealing and grow in each book. The relationships and circumstances are believable. I work in a similar field so can very nicely relate to the work atmosphere. My only issue with all of these cozies that have the main character running a type of retail establishment is that they sure can be absent a lot from the business to solve mysteries and yet the business still flourishes. That is a tad bit unrealistic to me. That being said, I enjoy the series and can't wait for the next one!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

When one of her customers is shot in the Prescott Antiques parking lot, Josie Prescott is angry. But then the murderer does something that makes the whole thing deeply personal. There's a possible Ponzi scheme with defensive financial advisers and angry customers; there's the possible counterfeiting of antique greenbacks; and there's much more, too, before Josie can figure out why the killing took place. As usual, she's aided--and sometimes hindered--by her friend, ace reporter Wes, and her loyal employees.

[Debbie Maskus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting trip into the world of dolls. I enjoyed hearing about the Chatty Cathy doll. The story is not very psychological, as Josie does not seem too upset when a friend is killed in front of her, and when an employee is kidnapped. The story is told on a one-dimensional level, and emotions are absent. The history of antiques and various other collectibles delves into intricate explanation. I enjoy Cleland's books as a light reading venture.

[Ricki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series that I have read, and it was good enough to make me want to go get the books that I have not read that came before this one! Dolled Up For Murder is a cozy murder mystery that is tied up in the world of antique dolls and grand larceny. This book turned out to be a pleasant, easy read. It kept my interest and I enjoyed how the writer introduced the characters and their personalities, and how they are all entwined in the story.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

# 7 in Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery series. I would never figure out the killer so I am happy that someone else can!!! I like the information about antiques collecting that is mixed in with the mystery.
Josie is right in the thick of things again. Eric is kidnapped in this one. I think that Josie and her boyfriend should get engaged pretty soon! He may not be around for most of Josie's adventures, but he keeps her grounded and encourages her.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, a feel of being among the characters you'll surely enjoy the Josie Prescott Antique Mysteries. This one involve an old doll collection. Some worth a lot, but most will not be huge money makers. Until the person who left the dolls is murdered. An associate is ambushed in collecting and moving them. Fairly light reading, action packed who done it. Looking forward to more.