Lethal Treasure

Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery #8

by Jane K. Cleland

For antiques dealer Josie Prescott, an abandoned storage unit is the perfect place to find some killer treasure, but finding a dead body amongst the wares is more than she bargained for
With Valentine's Day a week away and the sun sparkling on the fresh-fallen snow in Rocky Point, New Hampshire, it is the perfect day for antiques dealer Josie Prescott to pursue her newest source of unexpected treasures--the contents of abandoned storage units sold at auction.
A crowd gathers at the storage facility, including the owner of a local interior design store, Henri Dubois, who bids against a man who is new to the local auction scene. Josie is thrilled with her win, a small unit filled with Depression-era glassware and stunning vintage jewelry. The unit won by Henri includes hand-painted silent movie posters, which he eagerly hands over to Josie for appraisal.
The next morning, Josie receives a frantic call from Henri's wife and learns that he never made it home. When the police open Henri's storage unit they find him dead amidst a jumble of objects. Was he killed over one of the objects? Is his wife hiding secrets that led to his death? And who was the stranger who bid against Henri? The police turn to Josie's antiques expertise and she discovers more than provenance--she uncovers a murderer.
Jane K. Cleland's "Lethal Treasure "is a page-turning addition to her beloved Josie Prescott mystery series, with the fascinating antiques details and devilishly clever mystery plot that fans adore and newcomers will love.

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

495 pages, Hardcover

First published June 25, 2013

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

[Lindap · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

***HOOPLA Audio***

The story started off well, but the reason for the murder just didn't work for me. Josie being framed (even if only for a bit) is tiresome. I wish something would become of Josie and Ty's relationship besides ships that pass in the night.

[Diane Rapport · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lethal Treasure is the 8th book in Jane Cleland's "Josie Prescott" mystery series. Josie is an antiques dealer living in the fictional town of Rocky Point, New Hampshire. Along with conducting estate appraisals, auctions and tag sales, she finds herself solving a variety of murders. This time, the victim is killed inside a storage locker he had just purchased at auction. Josie works with the police to determine if anything in the locker was valuable enough to kill for. I have to admit, I love this series as much for the antiques information as I do the mysteries themselves. Ms Cleland knows her stuff! That was a good thing in this particular outing, because I felt the mystery itself was weak - at least the resolution was. It seemed forced, and quite frankly the motivation of the killer didn't seem murder-worthy. I still rate the book at 4 stars however, for the always interesting antiques lesson, and because Ms Cleland develops her characters nicely, with growth not always found in other cozy series. I'm looking forward to seeing where she takes them next.

[Viccy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading this pleasant series featuring Josie Prescott, an antique appraiser, living in Rocky Point, New Hampshire. Josie owns an auction house and each book focuses on different areas of collecting. This book deals with the murder of an interior decorator in Rocky Point who is killed while cleaning out a storage unit he just bought. Henri Dubois has given Josie some old movie posters to appraise as well as a beautiful piece of jewelry, a heart wrapped in wire. The reader finds out interesting information about Fulcio Verdura, jeweler designer; A.P. Markham, a commercial illustrator from the 1920s and Batiste Madalena, another illustrator from 1924-1928, who worked for the Eastman Theater in Rochester NY. One of the best aspects of these books is the fascinating information Cleland recounts about antiques. As Josie pursues Henri's murder, she finds herself in deeper and deeper trouble. Always entertaining; recommended for anyone who likes cozy mysteries.

[Dewayne Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked about this was all the interesting information about the early movies posters and the Verdua jewelry. Josie talks to her Maine coon cat and anyone that talks to their pets in okay in my book. While driving along the coast the Josie remarks that the tide is coming in. IMO without a tide table in hand or one hell of a river current tidal changes are so slow that to observed them is difficult. Recently, in reading mystery novels set in current times Google become a sleuth in finding the murder. Smart phones become relevant in framing the innocent and the bad guy uses YouTube for hints

[Diana Dunn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't usually nitpick with books, but this time I'm making an exception. I have always enjoyed this series, but this one just made me angry. Without spoiling the ending, the motive for the murder was WRONG…the author got her facts wrong and created a motive that is simply not true. As I said, I don't want to add spoilers, so it is difficult to write this, but murders need motives and, in this case, the motive given was totally wrong and, while I knew this from personal experience, one quick (two minute) check of a freely available official website verified what I already knew.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I was just browsing for a book with a cat on the cover for my 2017 Popsugar challenge and picked up this one. It looked like a basic cozy mystery where the characters and setting are too quaint to be real, while the mystery is a bit weak, but the characters here felt like normal people involved in regular pursuits, even the person eventually revealed to be the murderer. The mystery was cleverly plotted, although the amount of inside information Josie was given, even while she was briefly the main suspect was not completely convincing. The end, though was not fully believable and paced much to quickly. I don't have a problem with who the murderer turned out to be or the clues that led Josie to that person, but I am not convinced that the motive for murder was sufficient, although an attempt was made to make it seem in character, and I remain skeptical about sending in a "friend" to get a confession as a viable policing method, but I don't really have any inside knowledge of how modern crime solving is done so perhaps it is.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reader learns that silent movie posters were hand-painted and adult friendships can be difficult. Josie's business seems to be doing just fine and her relationship with Ty is loving and strong. As we learn about bidding on abandoned storage units we get a glimpse of interior design and restaurant revival. Josie is friends with Henri and Leigh Ann; their two businesses compliment and slightly compete. When Henri wins the bid on a storage unit Josie is happy for him and focuses on the units she won. Later, she is distressed to find Henri dead and the evidence mounting against her. Someone is setting Josie up to be Henri's lover and killer, but since neither is true, Josie has to prove her innocence. This eighth book in the series continues to introduce readers to antiques in a thematic manner and puts Josie in amateur sleuth mode once again. Another satisfying jaunt into her New Hampshire world.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Josie Prescott Antiques Dealer, her co-workers, and Hank the Maine Coon Cat. Wes the newspaper reporter is usually a wealth of knowledge for Josie when she does her sleuthing. it seems to be give and take when they share information. Ty, Josie's ever devoted guy is a great support, however he seems to be working out of town a lot. Aside from the mystery, I enjoy learning about the Antiques and collectibles in each book. This a good book to stretch out with on a gloomy afternoon and/or listen to while you clean (The only way I can get down and dirty with cleaning.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Antiques dealer, Josie Prescott, is shocked when her friend and business neighbor is found murdered in their small coastal town of Rocky Point, New Hampshire. Along with the murder to be solved, this book focuses quite a bit on the antiques business and the steps Josie and her employees go through to be able to obtain top dollar on the items they sell.

I enjoy Josie's character. She's intelligent and methodical, and very much in love with her boyfriend, Ty, a Homeland Security agent. She would be a good friend and a good boss!

[Becky Tatar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just love her books. This time, Josie is bidding against a friend for a storage locker. After the dust settles, he turns up missing, and is eventually found in said storage locker. Things start getting bad when the murder weapon is found in Josie's car, love notes from the victim are found in her desk, and a photo of them together is found. Who is framing Josie and why. It's especially difficult since she is now friends with the police chief, who is dating her landlady.

[Janet York · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wish I could give this a better review. I love art history and that part of the book intrigued me. But the plot was ridiculous and the motive improbable. Frankly, it was insulting. The characters went from one extreme to another in a matter of minutes. There were unanswered questions and clues that didn’t make sense. And I was extremely annoyed with footnotes to previous books. I don’t care enough to check them out. Doubt that I’ll ever read another book by this author.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries. This series is a cozy type but more intelligent than many. Josie is an admirable character: a woman who survived difficult times who has become a wise, but kind, business woman. I learn something new about the antique world with every book. I have read all in the series though this one which is number 8. There are more! I intend to read them all.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Josie Prescott finds herself in the middle of a murder. A colleague involved in interior design, who also bids against her in storage wars ends up dead. Before she can decide the various avenues of research, she finds herself a suspect and set out to remove that stigma. Cooperating with the police, she is able to help bring the murderer to justice.

[Victoria Paterek]

Great as always. So many cozies border on chick lit or, are almost comedic or have central characters who, despite being likable and smart do reckless and careless things. Not these. Josie Prescott is mature and smart and these books have well rounded characters.

[Bridget Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The spunky protagonist solves the crime in New Hampshire.
I learned a bit about authenticating documents and auctions of storage bin contents.
The document authentication of old movie house posters was very interesting to me.

I will read another book in the series to clear my head from other more realistic crime fiction.

The boyfriend on the police force is a tiresome strategy to me at this time.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

One man's trash is another man's treasure. This will keep people guessing and inspire more auctions.

[Susan Moxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner with lots of twists and turns and lots of mystery and action to the very end of the book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery, the characters are alright but these books are a fun way to learn about antiques and/or collectibles

[Christine Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

was good

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy mystery that looks at the world of antiques and other valuables through the eyes of a business woman. Interesting characters & plots. Good series.

[Whi · Rating 4 out of 5]

the obvious one for once!

[Janel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spot-on character development.

[Alison G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

8 books in and I still cannot stand Wes.

[m · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love how mystery and a LITTLE BIT of romance here is perfectly mixed 😌

[PurpleCroccus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Among some of my newly discovered cozy mysteries authors, I so far like this one the best. The most liking part was "Antiques Mystery" part of it. It is unique, and the Antique theme was well described/incorporated into the story. Not too much, but well enough to make this series fun to read and unique. As to the story goes, overall, I enjoyed very much, and it was a quick read. The very ending was abit abrupt for my liking. I wanted more convincing folding out of the mystery as though reading Agatha Christie type mystery. But still, it was a good read and I like its theme. I will perhaps reading this series from the beginning.

[Jennifer Vido · Rating 5 out of 5]

In picturesque Rocky Point, New Hampshire, Josie Prescott rubs her hands together, not just for warmth, but in anticipation of outbidding the competition. In order to secure an abandoned storage locker filled with treasures, she must outsmart the other anxious bidders. In the crowd is Josie’s friend Henri Dubois, the owner of the local interior design store. These two business owners relish the chance to outdo the other despite being social acquaintances. After some spirited bidding, both Josie and Henri land valuable units loaded with several extraordinary pieces. The antique enthusiasts look forward to the opportunity of cashing in on their priceless finds.

When Josie receives a frantic call from Henri’s wife Lee Ann reporting that he never made it home that night, the police are alerted to the possibility of foul play. Upon entering Henri’s prized storage unit, the authorities locate his bludgeoned corpse mixed up in an array of priceless objects. In need of some expertise concerning Henri’s newly acquired possessions, the police chief summons Josie to confer on the case. With the identity of a mysterious storage unit bidder unknown and the provenance of some priceless hand-painted silent movie posters unclear, Josie is thwarted in finding the killer. Yet someone is keen on having her take the fall for a murder she did not commit.

Lethal Treasure is the eighth installment of the highly popular Josie Prescott Mystery series. Incorporating the popular storage unit phenomenon within the framework of the story makes for an enjoyable read. Cleland’s wealth of knowledge of the antique business gives the story depth and direction. The recurring characters and familiarity of the locale from previous books makes the reader feel invested in the story. Well-written with quirky yet affable characters, Cleland has garnered the winning bid.

[Grey853 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josie has started going to storage locker auctions to get goods for her antique tag sales. Sometimes she finds true gems like jewelry or glass, but other times doesn't cover the cost of the locker. It's all a gamble. In the most recent purchase, she found some nice things, but not as nice as the hand painted movie posters that her friend interior designer Henri found. He brings them in for appraisal and then disappears. Later he's found dead in the storage locker he'd bought.

Sadness soon turns to dismay when all the clues about his murderer lead to Josie. There are love letters to her on his phone. Josie denies knowing about such letters, but when the police check her phone, the letters are there. When they search her house, they find a love letter with her fingerprints on it. Josie soon becomes desperate because it's obvious someone is framing her. She has to step up and find out what the reason might be for his murder and why she's being targeted to take the fall.

It all comes down to secrets. We all have them.

I always learn interesting things about antiques and other things when I read this series. I had no idea you could make a workable key from cutting it from an aluminum can.

My biggest beef with the book wasn't the story, but the printing. The hardback print is painfully small. Ouch.

[Lora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josie Prescott and her boyfriend, Ty, have become friends with Leigh Ann and her husband, Henri, who are new to Rocky Point, New Hampshire. Leigh Ann and Henri have an interior design business in town and their paths frequently intersect with Josie's. Josie owns an auction house and is always looking for antiques and collectibles to sell, while Leigh Ann and Henry often hunt for items for their jobs. Then Henri disappears and Leigh Ann is frantic with worry, hoping that he's OK. Ultimately, he is discovered murdered in a storage unit he had just bought for its contents. Josie wonders who would want Henri dead and if the items in the locker have anything to do with his death. Given Josie's expertise with antiques, she is asked to assist the police with their investigation--but will her help put her in harm's way? An enjoyable entry in the Josie Prescott series.

[Cindy Hogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries and this latest addition to the series was not a disappointment! Jane K. Cleland continues to build on the characters while creating mystery and murder along the way. The storage unit auction venue is current and Cleland is masterful at integrating information and facts about appraisals and antiques seamlessly into the story. Her writing technique is fluid and easy to read but hard to put down. One of my favorite series and I highly recommend!

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series, and when this book started slowly, and well, quite boring, I was worried. But it was just a slow starter. Once into the actual crime taking place the story became interesting and intriguing. I did guess the who-done-it fairly early in the book, but it was still an interesting read.
not too much in-depth involvement from regular characters, which was fine. The perfectness of the main characters life, and romantic ga-ga stuff is mildly annoying.
I suspect I will continue to read the series.