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Annie's Attic Mysteries #12
The Valise In The Attic
A seemingly innocent antique valise turns into the centerpiece of a sinister plot when a film crew makes Stony Point the location for a made-for-TV movie A Very Maine Christmas. Annie Dawson, her best friend Alice MacFarland and their friends from the Hook and Needle Club agree to appear as movie extras, but the festive backdrop evaporates when Annie is assaulted and Alice is kidnapped. Everything hinges on the small suitcase found in Annie's attic and used as a movie prop. Annie knows that kidnapper is determined to get the case -- but why?
222 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
237 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 28, 2021
Two good friends since childhood get together to solve a mystery.
Widow Annie Dawson and divorcee Alice MacFarlane become part-time actors in a Christmas movie similar to Hallmark movies. A group from California decide to make this type old fashioned, back in time, movie. Handsome mayor, Ian Butler, is attracted to Annie, Annie considers him a good friend. The book pulls in characters from Stony Point, Maine, a wonderful place to make a Christmas movie. New England has beautiful winters.
The town residents are to be extras in the movie. Alice, because of her red hair, is to be a greeter, Ian and Annie to be getting on a ferry. The prep master is asking people to bring old, small suitcases. The movie is set in 1950. Alice and Annie wear dresses and stockings.
Annie goes to her attic to find a valise that looks 1950s. She finds one and brings it, takes it back home after use. A not attractive suitcase, well worn. But someone wants it badly.
Annie walking, carrying the suitcase is knocked down, the valise torn from her hands, her knees skinned, some bruises. Ian got the dropped suitcase, gives it back to its owner.
The person who badly wants the suitcase will not stop. The valise is empty, nothing valuable in it. What can anybody want with an old suitcase?
Somebody does. Alice is kidnapped. The only thing the kidnapper wants is the suitcase which is similar to others of the same size and color.
The story is set close to Christmas. The California crew is not used to such cold weather. Annie's house mate is Boots, her badly spoiled cat. They are cozy in the big house.
Widow Annie Dawson and divorcee Alice MacFarlane become part-time actors in a Christmas movie similar to Hallmark movies. A group from California decide to make this type old fashioned, back in time, movie. Handsome mayor, Ian Butler, is attracted to Annie, Annie considers him a good friend. The book pulls in characters from Stony Point, Maine, a wonderful place to make a Christmas movie. New England has beautiful winters.
The town residents are to be extras in the movie. Alice, because of her red hair, is to be a greeter, Ian and Annie to be getting on a ferry. The prep master is asking people to bring old, small suitcases. The movie is set in 1950. Alice and Annie wear dresses and stockings.
Annie goes to her attic to find a valise that looks 1950s. She finds one and brings it, takes it back home after use. A not attractive suitcase, well worn. But someone wants it badly.
Annie walking, carrying the suitcase is knocked down, the valise torn from her hands, her knees skinned, some bruises. Ian got the dropped suitcase, gives it back to its owner.
The person who badly wants the suitcase will not stop. The valise is empty, nothing valuable in it. What can anybody want with an old suitcase?
Somebody does. Alice is kidnapped. The only thing the kidnapper wants is the suitcase which is similar to others of the same size and color.
The story is set close to Christmas. The California crew is not used to such cold weather. Annie's house mate is Boots, her badly spoiled cat. They are cozy in the big house.
September 28, 2017
This may be my favorite Annie's Attic Mystery yet! Annie Dawson continues to stumble onto mysteries thanks to items from her grandmother's attic -- this time a well-worn valise that is being used as a prop in a movie. Annie and her friends from Stony Point, Maine, have a brush with fame as movie extras, and with danger in this latest mystery.
This was a great book to read on a very warm day, as the author's descriptions of the icy Maine winter gave me the shivers!
This was a great book to read on a very warm day, as the author's descriptions of the icy Maine winter gave me the shivers!
November 24, 2016
Another great mystery in the ongoing sagas of Annie's attic! This one is kind of goofy but fun. Is mayor Ian Butler getting closer to breaking down Annie's reserve? Will Alice's long distance boyfriend Jim make a holiday appearance? And will the movie being made in Stoney Point have a happy ending? Find out if Annie can solve another mystery!
April 15, 2018
This story was certainly more action-packed than the others. It just was a little too far-fetched for me.
Everyone is excited when the Mayor tells the people of Stony Point that a movie crew is coming and is looking for some extras. Alice begs Annie to go even though Annie would rather stay toasty warm inside. The set director said they needed some small older suitcases for some scenes and asked people to check their attics. Annie found a few that passed muster with the director. After the first day was abruptly cut short and Annie was heading to her car a strange man attacked her and tried to take it from her. He ended up falling on the ice and losing the case just before taking off. Annie was confused because the suitcase was empty. Why would someone try to steal and empty valise? She thought it was just a mix-up but crazy things kept happening to both her and her best friend Alice.
Everyone is excited when the Mayor tells the people of Stony Point that a movie crew is coming and is looking for some extras. Alice begs Annie to go even though Annie would rather stay toasty warm inside. The set director said they needed some small older suitcases for some scenes and asked people to check their attics. Annie found a few that passed muster with the director. After the first day was abruptly cut short and Annie was heading to her car a strange man attacked her and tried to take it from her. He ended up falling on the ice and losing the case just before taking off. Annie was confused because the suitcase was empty. Why would someone try to steal and empty valise? She thought it was just a mix-up but crazy things kept happening to both her and her best friend Alice.
January 1, 2026
Annie was in danger and when Ian tried to help her she called him a bully. He was not at all bullying her, but trying to help. She calls him a friend but she’s also very dismissive of him. Most women would love to face a real man that tries to protect him and her character acts like he’s doing her wrong. Her character can be a bit annoying and snobbish.
July 29, 2022
This series is one of my favorites. The characters work together so well. I want to be a part of their crafting club! The story develops at the perfect pace, and you are pretty sure you know who the thief is. A quick read that is perfect for a rainy day.
July 12, 2023
I had read an earlier book from this series and found this copy at a Goodwill. I enjoyed reconnecting with the characters, and although there were 11 other books written before this one, I was able to read this one as a stand-alone book.
December 16, 2017
Another good book - # 12. One of the main characters was in danger and had to be rescued. Another character from one of the past books shows up all of a sudden. I can't wait to read book #13.
February 21, 2020
Another enjoyable read. It takes me out of my world and solves life issues with grace and love. A nice option on a cold winter evening.
September 29, 2020
I love these mysteries!!
March 21, 2022
Not gory, but there's plenty of action and suspense, a little romance, good friendships.
December 18, 2022
So sweet
April 2, 2023
good mystery enjoying this series
October 17, 2023
I love this series…a lovely easy read between my (boring non fiction book club picks) I have to read…life is too short and I prefer to spend what’s left with pleasant picks…
April 23, 2024
Really awesome story super suspenseful but numerous at times as well. I love this series
August 24, 2025
What fun to be an Extra in a movie. How sad that someone takes his loss of fame out on others.
September 18, 2025
Long and drawn out story about a lost valise and why it was stolen. the story unfolds in the last two pages.
May 26, 2014
One thing about reading a mystery series featuring the same characters but using different authors is that story quality can vary wildly. The last one in this series got 5 stars from me but this one gets only 2.
It is December and the residents of Stony Point, Maine are excited because a Hollywood movie company has an up and coming young hunk and a famous older action movie star filming a movie about Christmas in Maine. It is a movie of the week- like one of those Hallmark things. Some of the Hook and Needle club decide to take jobs as extras. The story centers around an old suitcase (valise) that someone is willing to attack Annie, kidnap Alice, run Annie and Alice off the road and ransack their houses for. It appears to be empty- is it? Despite all the action, I was not excited about any of it The story seemed formulaic and made no sense. It was downright goofy.
This one was just okay. I wouldn't go out of my way to read it.
It is December and the residents of Stony Point, Maine are excited because a Hollywood movie company has an up and coming young hunk and a famous older action movie star filming a movie about Christmas in Maine. It is a movie of the week- like one of those Hallmark things. Some of the Hook and Needle club decide to take jobs as extras. The story centers around an old suitcase (valise) that someone is willing to attack Annie, kidnap Alice, run Annie and Alice off the road and ransack their houses for. It appears to be empty- is it? Despite all the action, I was not excited about any of it The story seemed formulaic and made no sense. It was downright goofy.
This one was just okay. I wouldn't go out of my way to read it.
February 10, 2015
I get these books about one-a-month. Tihey are from a series called Annie,s Attic Mysteries. They showcase different authors each month. They all involve a lady named Annie Dawson and a large Victorian house named Grey Gables located in Stoney Point, Maine that she inherited from her grandmother. Annie leaves her home In Texas and only means to stay in Maine long enough to get the house sold, but Grey Gables takes hold of her. This is the 12th book in the series and they all involve items found in the attic and the mystery that surround them. I call them big girl Nancy Drew's. Light, enjoyable reading
October 21, 2012
#12 in the Annie's Attic Mysteries series. A twist in this one makes it delightful reading. Alice is kidnapped and Jim shows up. A movie is being filmed in Stony Point, Maine in the winter. Annie and Alice dig around in the attic for a suitcase to carry in the "crowd" scene of the movie and the adventure/mystery takes off!
November 3, 2012
From being extras on a movie set to being attacked & kidnapped, Annie and her friends are on the case again! Annie finds a small valise in the attic of her home, Grey Gables, to use as a prop in the movie. Little does she know that the valise possibly holds valuable treasures. Fun to read and the characters are well developed.
April 20, 2013
Love this series
October 18, 2014
I just love these books! They are perfect when you want to just sit and enjoy a quick mystery in the afternoon! :)
February 15, 2016
If you want a series of mystery books to read that are wholesome and entertaining, I highly recommend this series.
June 12, 2016
An entertaining read. I guessed who the bad guy was as there were some pretty big hints in the story. Sending on to a member of paperbackswap.com
September 16, 2016
The more "Annie" books I read the more I enjoy them. I know the characters so well now that they are like old friends. These are relaxing stories, excellent for bedtime reading.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews