#37: A Picker Mystery

by Scott Soloff

"I absolutely loved this book. Scott Soloff has written a gem of a novel with an extraordinary protagonist, intriguing characters and an engaging plot." Chandni_Goodreads Librarian Antique dealer extraordinaire Picker is koshed on the head; kidnapped; transported 90 miles and disposed of in a trash bin. Anthony 'Doo Wop' DeAngelo, a world class painter and copyist is murdered. A previously unknown priceless oil painting has gone missing! On his way to solving the murder and retrieving the painting, Picker is pursued by the bad guys and cops alike. Assisted by a friendly ghost, an awesome German shepherd, a long lost brother and a red headed beauty, Picker stumbles across crimes which span two generations. What makes this book so pleasing are the delightful characters and superb pacing. In the end, this complex tale comes together with a very satisfying resolution along with some measure of justice. Join Picker and company in this rollicking good romp through the world of art and antiques with forays into high finance and intrigue. “ The characters and story-line are well done. ” Carol in Berks_Amazon review “ I found myself very satisfied with the end, and, in its way, justice was indeed done.” Shoshana Hathaway_Amazon review “ Great read, couldn't put it down.” Donna Evans_Amazon review

Genres: Mystery

228 pages, Paperback

First published April 8, 2012

About the author

Mr. Soloff is an antique dealer, accomplished story teller and is married to a beautiful woman. He claims to never use foul language, smoke, drink or stretch the truth. Charming to a fault, he is moderately well liked by small children and dogs.

Reviews

[Chandni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every once in a while, I come across a protagonist that makes me wish I knew them in real life. Picker is definitely one such character. Picker is such an interesting, astute, and unpredictable antihero, but he’s very likeable. He’s sarcastic and irreverent, but I still wanted to be best friends with him.

I absolutely loved this book. All of the characters were so colourful and unique and they really made this novel as great as it was. It was also enjoyable to learn about antiques throughout the novel. Antiquing is something I’ve never been interested in before, but the plot revolving around art and history in combination with antiques was a genius idea.

The plot was entertaining and involving and draws the reader into Picker’s world effortlessly. Even though there are some elements of the unbelievable in it and the plot does get a little convoluted at times, the book comes together nicely in the final act and I was really satisfied with its resolution. However, it did take a little time to adjust to the format of the chapters with one chapter taking place in the present and one in the past. Luckily, it does not detract from the book at all.

I give this book four and a half stars. It could be a five star book except for the minor spelling and grammar mistakes. One pass with an editor would make this novel incredible, but even as it is, it’s highly recommended. Scott Soloff has written a gem of a novel with an extraordinary protagonist, intriguing characters and an engaging plot. I can’t wait to read the next Picker mystery!

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Art mystery

Interesting take on antique picker, art and all the relationship connections with such business. High vocabulary with foreign conversation kept the reader focused to get it clear.

[Virginia Winfield]

I received this book through good reads and I am really enjoying it so far.

[Glenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

hard to follow

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had won this on goodreads and loved it. Had to get some of his other books.