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This is an alternate cover edition for isbn13: 9780982587355

Her mentor says she has the makings of a good reporter, but to be great, Katherine Kelly must learn to find the emotional core of a story and not hold back in its telling. Then he suggests one last grad school assignment find someone who has influenced her family and tell that story. Katherine pursues the only family story that has ever eluded her: the identity of the father she never knew. Her mother, knowing her daughter will not stop until she gets the truth, breaks her years of silence and makes the call she always swore she would never make.
The reality of her father stands in stark contrast to the one in her dreams, and Katherine must decide who her father truly is the guardian of a group of wounded souls called The Collectibles, the attentive father of a newly discovered daughter, the person of interest in a bank fraud investigation or a little of all three. Blood is deeper than principle, or so she is told. And a great journalist follows a story wherever it leads. It is her call, and only Katherine can make it.

404 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2013

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About the author

James J. Kaufman

7 books21 followers
An attorney, businessman and former judge, James J. Kaufman has published several works of non-fiction.
The Collectibles, his debut novel, draws heavily from his experiences in law, his dealings in the business world, and his interactions with people from widely different backgrounds. Kaufman lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, with his wife, Patty, and is working on his second novel.

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5 stars
73 (28%)
4 stars
105 (41%)
3 stars
65 (25%)
2 stars
8 (3%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Nancy Yager.
111 reviews25 followers
December 30, 2024
What would you like feel if you found out you have a grown daughter, suddenly expected to look after five other adults with various needs, and realize that your marriage is falling apart? How would you handle it?

That’s the intense emotional landscape James J. Kaufman invites readers to explore in The Concealers, the second gripping installment of The Collectibles Trilogy. This novel takes a sharp departure from the group dynamic of the first book and instead zooms in on the personal struggle of Preston Wilson, a man torn between familial obligations, the responsibilities of the other Collectibles and his own emotions. It’s a deeply layered story that challenges our understanding of loyalty, love, and sacrifice.

If you have not read The Collectibles yet, go back and read it. This is not a stand-alone book.
If you're a fan of thrillers packed with ethical dilemmas and thought-provoking drama intertwined with friends’ outrageous personalities, The Concealers will pull you in and refuse to let go.
Who Should Read This Book

The Concealers is a perfect read for those who enjoy:
• Thrillers with emotional and ethical depth.
• Stories grappling with themes of friendships forced upon you and sacrifice.
• Characters wrestling with real, messy human dilemmas.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a fast-paced action-packed thriller or are not interested in heavy emotional subplots, this may not be the right fit for you.

Main Characters

• Preston Wilson: High end car and the protagonist of the series, Preston finds himself caught between the consequences of his past choices and an unexpected new responsibility—his estranged daughter and five other adults with very colorful needs.
• Katherine Kelly Wilson: Preston’s newly discovered daughter, who brings a sharp intellect and a compelling personal dilemma of her own to the story. To put it in perspective, Katherine is more of a Joe Hart type character, highly ethical and driven to make a difference. She takes special interest in The Collectibles, and I predict that she will assume Preston’s new role because he struggles with them. She seeks answers and direction, a
• The Collectibles (briefly): While this book shifts its focus away from the group of individuals that Joe Hart had helped in the first installment, they all make their memorable and funny appearances. They do not cut poor Preston any slack.

Quote from the Book

“I always wondered why you didn’t say anything, you know, at the funeral,” Missy said. “I know why,” Tommy said. “He’s not an all-in kinda guy.”

This quote perfectly captures the heart of the book’s core message, the overall struggle for Preston is not that he is not capable of overseeing the lives of the collectibles, it is that he is not “all-in”. Good, bad, right, wrong, his own insecurities make him seem unreachable.

Plot Summary

Preston Wilson’s life is turned upside down when Katherine Kelly, the daughter he never knew he had, enters the picture. Katherine, an ambitious journalist, finds herself needing Preston’s help to uncover the truth about a murky ethical scandal tied to her work. She specializes in bank fraud. Hear any bells going off?

Preston, being A Collectible himself, must deal with them. As it turns out, they help him more than he realizes or will admit to.

My Opinion

I came into this book expecting a continuation of Preston’s involvement with the Collectibles, as the series title suggests. Instead, I was surprised to find a deeply personal shift in focus on Preston and Katherine. While the plot does include moments of thrilling investigation on Katherine's side, the heart of the story is more on Katherine’s life rather than The Collectibles. She is the center of the story which was a little disappointing.

This is not your typical thriller—it is a story about human connection, forgiveness and unforgiveness, and redefining what love, and loyalty mean. While I missed the heavier presence of The Collectibles from the first book, I found The Concealers an equally compelling read, with its focus shifted toward individual growth.

Final Thoughts

The Concealers is a thought-provoking exploration of the tension between ethics, family ties, and personal desires. It is a must-read for fans of character-driven drama and thrillers with deeper emotional layers. Kaufman does not just create a story; he builds a reflective experience that stays with you long after the final page.

If you enjoy stories that make you question your own values while immersing you in a heartfelt narrative, this book is worth adding to your shelf. If you have read it already, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What would you do in Preston’s shoes? Personally, he does the best that he can.
Profile Image for Debbie.
944 reviews81 followers
September 9, 2013
Please follow the link to enjoy my interview with Jim and to enter to win your own copy of The Concealers

Katherine Kelly’s had a good life, a mother who loves and supports her and a grandfather who she adores the only thing she’s ever felt she’s missed out on was having a father. Just when all the pieces are falling together nicely in her life, having just completed her masters in journalism and hoping to soon find a job as an investigative reporter, her worlds gets up-ended by her mother’s confession about who her father really is.
Preston Wilson’s life is the envy of most, he’s a very successful businessman thanks to the past involvement of Joe Hart. He and his wife Marcia have been blessed with a son. But there’s also unrest in both his personal and professional life and he’s at odds as to how to fix the problems before the unraveling continues and to top everything else off he’s just learned he has a 23yr old daughter.
In the following months Preston and Katherine start building their relationship. Katherine learns about Joe’s intervention and his subsequent demand about Preston’s new role with the “Collectibles”. Preston learns about all the years that he missed with her. They also learn they have some unexpected common connections in their lives that neither would have known if fate hadn’t intervened. Katherine has also begun a new job as a reporter and as a result of an ongoing investigation discovers something that may once again change her life and the lives of those she’s come to care about.


James Kaufman once again delivers a mighty punch in literature with a soft spoken voice as he continues his trilogy several years in the future from where he left off with The Collectibles. He manages to fill in the blanks of past characters catching us up on their lives and also introducing us to his brand new star Katherine who rules every page she’s on by her humility, her honesty and her forbearance with not only the surprises life throws at her but how she handles those surprises. We also get to see how Preston is or isn’t fulfilling his promise to Joe, how his “Collectibles” are doing and a hint of the future story. He does this by his unique and amazing mix of high impact edge of your seat action mixed with his innate ability to talk softly and clearly so that anyone and everyone can and will get total enjoyment from his wonderful words.
The novel stands well on it’s own but I suggest reading the volumes in order for maximum understanding. But whatever you do make sure you put this novel on your must read list.
Thank you Jim for another mind blowing walk in your amazing world and I can’t wait to see how the final curtain falls.

Profile Image for Tammie King.
Author 2 books731 followers
August 28, 2013
Reviewed by Terri - 5/5 Stars - Top Pick

This long awaited sequel is worth the wait. Once again, you quickly become part of the story and the twist and turns become as personal to you as they are to the characters. Once again, Preston is one of the main characters and while he’s not the most lovable, you can’t help but to want him to grow emotionally and to get shook up enough to see past his own selfish desires. Lies, fraud, new found love, unexpected consequences and so much more are part of this book which pulls family ties almost to the breaking point and yet in other places close friends and family is what holds you together. It’s a roller coaster ride that you won’t want to get off of! Better yet, there is another book coming which I hope doesn’t take as long as this one.

If you haven’t read the first book, The Collectables, you can enjoy this story with no problem. However, the first was totally awesome and well worth reading. All of the main characters in the first book are present in some way in this second giving those that have read the first book a chance to catch up with them and see how they are doing.

Full Review on Night Owl Reviews / © Night Owl Reviews
Profile Image for Jo Bender.
Author 9 books3 followers
September 12, 2013
Readers get something extra when they read a James Kaufman novel. On the surface, the novels are delightful, however, their underlying themes leave a lasting impression that help us live better lives after we put the book down. In The Collectibles, Kaufman defines the power that happens when you appreciate people by telling them 'thank you' not only for a simple action but for those that aren't often mentioned or applauded.

In the Concealers, another fast-paced story, Kaufman engages us with more authentic and likable people and brings us up-to-date with the group of people in the first book entitled The Collectibles. In that book, Kaufman shows us clearly that when we take the easier path and lie or conceal and are dishonest, there are consequences. Five-stars for you James Kaufman, and thanks for your wisdom and insight into the human condition.
Jo Ann Bender, author of Lebensborn.
2 reviews
October 30, 2023
After recently learning of and finishing The Collectibles I eagerly started The Concealers and was not disappointed. Kaufman's 2nd book of this trilogy was again filled with well-developed characters and story lines. It was also nice that the actual "collectibles" carried through. I am, once again, eager to find quality time to start and read The Conciliators. These books and their details are not ones that can be read in bits and spurts, like so many others. Very impressive! Thank you, Jim!!
Profile Image for Thomas.
238 reviews2 followers
September 14, 2017
This second book in the series is just too convenient and far-fetched for my liking. The first book was super original, thoughtful and sweet. This time around we are introduced to an unrealistic string of events that ultimately involves the most amazing 23-year old journalist the world has ever seen acting super human in all she does. I’m just not buying the story, and feel as though The Collectibles should have been a stand alone novel.
Profile Image for Catherine Riley.
579 reviews
August 15, 2020
Again, I am giving this book an OK rating as I find the plot unconvincing. the young girl right out of college, chasing these people down to learn more about them, hmm , Why ? She discovers her father late in life, after her mother raised her as a single mom. Her father is supposed to be the " transformed " person. but of course hes not holding up his end of the bargain.
5 reviews
March 29, 2021
It was great to read this after The Collectables, which I thought was a fabulous book. It is well written, keeps you in suspense and doesn't disappoint. I am about to start on the next book in the trilogy. It's a pleasure to read a book without a murder to solve. It's about people who learn to care about each other. It was a great read!
810 reviews8 followers
October 27, 2018
I would have rated this 5 stars but this seems to be a bridge between the first and last book. This series needs to be read in order otherwise it will not read the same and spoilers throughout the book about the previous. I can’t wait to read the final book!!!!
7 reviews
February 17, 2017
This series was a great story, great lessons learned and a great message to be had. Read all three in the series, and at the end you'll have that, "now what do I read or do" feeling.
Profile Image for Brent Mitchell.
8 reviews
June 15, 2015
I gave this book 3 stars but was thinking more of 2 1/2. I first have to say that I enjoyed the story and I find myself looking forward to the third installment of this trilogy. On the other hand I wasn't really impressed with the writing and some lines in the story. At times it felt like the book was written more as a screenplay with some meaningless filler added to make it into a novel. I found the relationships between the characters to be far too easy with very little background or substance. At times there was plenty of detail provided about a specific situation but other times there was very little. The story seemed to be taking a line to provide some situational background then it would simply stop abruptly. I found this a little frustrating at time. All in all I believe the story is good and there are several messages in this book as well as the first book. I wish I could put my finger on what was missing but it was missing elements I find that I get from other books.
If I had all the answers to how to make this better I may be a writer myself! Good Job and keep working on making it better!
1 review
September 9, 2013
High Expectations Exceeded!

When I finished The Collectibles, I knew I'd read a book I would never forget, and I could not wait for Book Two of The Collectibles Trilogy. I pre-ordered it and read it the minute it came. My expectations were high--and I was not disappointed. In fact, it was even better. I loved Katherine Kelly, the young investigative journalist the author introduced. I'm a mother with a grown daughter of my own, and I could totally relate to the love a mother feels, together with her hope that her daughter will be happy. Katherine reminded me of my daughter--smart, energetic, and a bit of a bulldog. The writing is wonderful; you can see the scenes and all the characters are compelling. I felt that I knew them personally. I was also amazed at the journey Katherine was on in her search for the truth and her real father. What a timely book. Don't let this one go by. I can't wait for Book Three!
Profile Image for Avil Beckford.
1 review
December 16, 2013
Early 2011, James J. Kaufman, a former judge, took the publishing world by storm with his first book, The Collectibles - two years later, The Concealers, the second installment of the trilogy, is out. Once again, the characters are well developed, the story line is believable, and I can relate to it because it’s realistic and touches on a topic that many of us are passionate about – bank frauds and regular people being swindled out of their savings. Kaufman’s work experience has enabled him to write a book that’s worth reading. There are a few story lines in the book, and you will not be bored. At the end of The Concealers, there is an excellent cliffhanger, and the reader is left hungry for more. I have to read the third book because I have an interest in the characters – I want to know what happens to the characters in the third book. I recommend The Concealers (Book 2 of The Collectibles Trilogy), and if you haven’t read The Collectibles, I recommend that you read that as well.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
101 reviews
June 25, 2016
Having read The Collectibles (Book 1) I'm disappointed in Preston. Hopefully he'll turn it around before the close of the trilogy.

I like Katherine's honesty, integrity, and overall good character. I don't care for her being such an overachiever. That kind of drive and single minded focus, while admirable, can be rather irritating. She's also essentially a carbon copy of Joe. Like Joe, she even has a dog. Perhaps the parallels between them are intentional. I don't know. Maybe Book 3 will bring that into focus.

I have to admit that Katherine's golden retriever, Hailey, is my favorite character in Book 2 just as Joe's german shepard, Buck, was my favorite character in Book 1. What can I say? I'm a dog lover!

Either the dialogue improved as compared to Book 1, or I have become accustomed to it... I'm leaning toward it having improved.

Overall really enjoying the series!

Profile Image for Sandra Stiles.
Author 1 book84 followers
December 7, 2013
It had been a while since I’d read the Collectibles, so I went back and reread it before I read The Concealers. I was not disappointed in this second book. The author has done a great job in creating characters we can all relate to in one form or another. The characters and situations Kauffman creates cause the reader to pause and look inward at our own situations, choices and values.
For me as a reader, I look for books that not only entertain me, but helps me make connections. Without those connections a book seems flat. This book is not flat. The suspense keeps you going all the way through. I highly recommend this book. If you’ve not read the first book then please, stop and read it first. This is a series you will enjoy. I am looking forward to reading the third book.
49 reviews
December 21, 2014
Liked the moral dilemmas

Katherine finds at the age of 23 she has a father. Rich, successful Preston finds at the age of 47 he has a daughter. In this continuation of the Collectables, Preston is facing problems at home, has lost touch with the Collectables and his business is on the upswing, for now.
The story line is good and kept me interested. Character relationships are weak. They seem to jump from one level to another without full development. Catherine's mentor, tells her she is good at writing the story, but needs an emotional attachment, I feel the story Mr Kaufman writes has the same issues.
159 reviews7 followers
May 31, 2014
I read the first book in this series, The Collectibles, and thought it was pretty good, even though it was not even close to what I usually read. So I decided to read this book and can't really say I was disappointed, it just didn't keep my interest as much as The Collectibles. Having said that, when the next book in the series comes out, I will have to read it to see what happens to the characters since I have invested this much time into them.
Profile Image for Mary.
1,700 reviews22 followers
September 14, 2013
I liked reading this one. I enjoyed the first one much more. This one seemed a little hard to follow, due to Preston not being involved with his collectibles. Looking forward to the 3rd book, though!
Profile Image for Lissy Peace.
69 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2014
I jumped into the series and have enjoyed Preston and his family. I have learned a lot about the car business and how it runs on the business side. The story is strong and the character are full of layers. I look forward to the third book in the series set to come out in early 2015.
Profile Image for Jeff.
1,381 reviews7 followers
July 21, 2016
This book is clearly a transition book. That doesn't really matter because the story is all about the characters. We meet some new characters, and build quite a bit of tension as we learn about these new characters. The character development is excellent like the other books in this series.
Profile Image for Christa.
103 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2013
NOW . I have to wait for the next to get written & published. ARRGGHH
Profile Image for Jodie.
69 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2014
I didn't think this book was as wonderful as the first one but it was interesting. I will read the third book when it comes out.
Profile Image for Bill.
597 reviews
September 11, 2016
Book 2 of this trilogy. Twice as long as it needed to be and too syrupy. Hoping Book 3 is better.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews