Blood Rubies

Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery #9

by Jane K. Cleland

Ana Yartsin is on the verge of becoming a celebrity chef. Her custom Fabergé egg-shaped cakes have brought her national attention, as has the story behind the cakes: Her family owns the spectacular Fabergé Spring Egg snow globe, a magnificent example of the master craftsman’s work that includes five ruby-red tulips. As she prepares to be filmed for a reality TV show about the launch of her bakery in Rocky Point, New Hampshire, Ana hires antiques expert Josie Prescott to appraise the precious egg and snow globe.

The show's pilot will show Ana planning the desserts for the upcoming wedding of her friend Heather to investment guru, Jason. When Josie arrives at Ana's home, however, she finds Jason murdered and the priceless snow globe smashed beyond repair. All that remains for Josie to examine are bits and pieces—which to her shock reveal that the Spring Egg was a fake.

What has happened to the real Fabergé snow globe, if it even existed? And what does that have to do with Jason's murder? Never one to resist a puzzle, Josie teams up with her reporter friend Wes to investigate.

With Jane K. Cleland's trademark combination of antiques expertise and ingenious detection, Blood Rubies is an irresistible new mystery featuring the much-loved amateur sleuth, Josie Prescott.

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

290 pages, Hardcover

First published December 2, 2014

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

[Emma Sea]

I really wanted a sweet comfort read today, but this was not the right book for me. I bailed on the second page: possibly a new low for my fortitude as a reader.

Timothy spotted me, and his smile grew even broader. "Good to see you again, Josie." He turned to Ana. "Why can't everyone be like her - on time and smiling?"
Ana laughed. "Because she's one of a kind. Lucky us!"
...
I chuckled. "I think the fact that you've won a gazillion awards for your pastries might have something to do with [your success], to say nothing of your charisma. Oh, let's not forget that your Faberge egg cakes aren't just gorgeous, they're unbelievably delicious, too."
"You're very sweet, Josie, but I cannot tell a lie - I've only won a couple of awards."

I love, love, love cozy mysteries, but clearly I need to stick to British cozies, because the level of sugar in here is overwhelming for me. This kind of dialogue is so outside of any real life experience I just can't deal with it.

My dnf is entirely culturally based and in no way reflects on Cleland's writing or plotting ability.

[Sallee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery series is one of the best I have ever read. Each book gets better than the last and this one is no different. Ana Yartsin,a very talented pastry chef is opening her bakery in Rocky Point. She specializes in Faberge egg cakes and her family actually owns one called the Spring Egg. A pilot episode is being filmed and this may make her a famous chef. Her first show will feature her family's Faberge egg along with her preparations of the deserts for her friends, Heather and Jason's wedding. When Jason is found dead in Ana's living room and the Spring Egg is also found smashed to smithereens, the show and Ana's chance of fame may be in ruins. Josie Prescott, an antique expert who had been hired by Ana to appraise the Egg now finds that bits and pieces are all she has to deal with. Greed, deception, assault and murder make a great convoluted mystery with concise tight writing and a super plot. Josie, called upon by Rocky Point's Police Chief Ellis for her antique expertise finds herself right in the middle of all the action. I can highly recommend this as a great read.

[Lindap · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.50 / 4 Stars

***HOOPLA Audio***

Naturally Josie gets caught up in another murder...that's what these books are based on. Will say she needs to learn to keep her cell phone on her at all times because she's always put in danger. One humorous thing is the Police Chief relies on her a lot to solved the crime, or she comes up with a "plan" and the police always thing it's a great idea. Don't get me wrong their fun reads, but predictable.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie, who is friends with Ana, is asked to be in her reality show. Josie who hates to be in the spotlight is hesitant but agrees. Ana is making one of her Faberge egg cakes for friend Heather's wedding. Ana is becoming well known for her Faberge egg cakes. She chose to make these type of cakes because her family owns a snow globe containing a real Faberge egg.
It is thought to have been smuggled out of Russia in the Snow Globe to avoid it being confiscated.
Josie is going to appraise the egg for Ana. Ana plans to use the egg on her reality TV show.
All the preparations for the wedding and reality show are going as planned.

Ana's dad is bringing the snow globe to Ana's home to be put on the show. The bride and groom are in the show because of the wedding and Ana making the cake. As the guests arrive for the wedding and the reality show progresses we watch our characters appear.

Then we gather at Ana's home and find the groom is dead on the floor. All around him is the apparent snow globe and egg shattered on the floor and around the groom. Was this an accident? Did the groom examine the globe and fall? Did someone hit him with the snow globe? Read the story you will find out some about Faberge eggs their worth and a little history. You will find how appraisers work and are bound like lawyers to keep their clients name secret. Josie and her employees work to investigate about this egg. See how Josie and the staff try to keep their adopted cat happy when he looses his play mice.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery series, in which Josie agrees to be an extra in her friend, Ana Yartsin's TV show about her Faberge egg-shaped cakes. What seems like a fun gig soon becomes something much more serious when the first of two men are killed. Not only that, but the expensive Faberge egg in a snow globe is shattered, Josie quickly discovers that what was broken isn't the original, but a fake. The question now becomes: who broke it and was it really murder or an accident that killed the man amongst the shattered glass and crystal?

Things get even more complicated when Josie comes upon another body, this time in a half-submerged car. And, as if that wasn't enough, she is attacked, too. As she endures the slow healing of the bruises, Josie steadily begins to put the clues together to identify and then reveal who the murderer was and why. But can she stay safe in the process and oh, what about that TV gig? Is it going to lead to something more substantial than a walk-on role?

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another foray into Josie's world of antiques and mayhem. In this book Faberge eggs, snow globes, and even gadget canes are examined. This series is wonderful for introducing the reader to the world of antiques and even identifying the not so special items people hold dear. This story has Josie agreeing to be on TV with Ana, a woman who makes cakes that look like the famous jeweled Russian eggs made by Faberge. Ana's friend Heather is about to marry Jason, but Ana finds the groom dead in her living room. While the police investigate Josie and Wes "assist." Usually very cautious, Josie almost dies of exposure at a car accident at a partially frozen pond. When she gets too close to figuring out crimes and murders she is brutally attacked. As usual everything is revealed and arrests are made. One surprise in the book was Wes's alterations and there is a delightful surprise ending. Once again a thoroughly satisfying story.

[Becky Tatar]

Jane is helping Ana out with Ana's new television show. A Martha Stewart type, Ana is going to bake a cake for Josie for a baby shower. Also, Ana has a reputed Faberge egg that she is going to have Josie appraise. Conflicts arise when another couple, Heather and Jason, show up as part of the filming. Ana's brother Peter had been Heather's boyfriend, when she chose Jason. A day or so later, Jason is found dead in Ana's kitchen, with the Faberge egg shattered around him. The police give Josie the remains of the egg, so she can figure out if it was indeed a Faberge egg. However, her testing finds otherwise. So, are the murder and the fake egg connected, or two separate crimes?

Great story as always. And I know that Cleland is a Nero Wolfe fan, and is always having clues to his character and books in her stories. I might have to start reading them!

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Urg! I read the first book in this series and thought it might be alright. I picked up this one from PaperBack Swap because the premise of the book was Faberge Eggs. I have a special place in my heart after viewing one in Paris. The mystery was weak, I liked the main characters, the supporting cast was rather annoying and Ms. Cleland explained the incidents in the book over and over and over again. I was bored. She threw some lovely red herrings in for interest but if I did not know the killer already they may have been fun. She either needs a new editor or don't assume your readers are intelligently challenged and get it!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie is called in to appraise a Faberge egg. When she arrives, she finds a client dead and the egg broken. Ana is a chef who designs Faberge egg shaped cakes and her family owns the egg that Josie is to appraise. Josie can't resist and gets involves in the search for the murderer.

The story moves along at a good clip. It involves the usual suspects. It is easy to read and doesn't get bogged down. I always like trying new series and getting a review copy always makes it easier.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may have been my favorite Josie Prescott so far -- I loved the faberge egg cakes -- would LOVE to see one. Lots of great interactions with people (Ana and the Chef, Timothy and Ana/Timothy and Josie; Heather and Jason / Heather, Jason & Ana, Ana's family. The author does such a great job with characters -- making you understand them and wanted you to learn more about them after the book is done. GREAT mystery in this one. Definitely recommend.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed the series, but it's only until I read the next I remember why. There seems to always be one or two things that do not jive, but because it still ends up making an awesome read it's hard to bring it to notice. I also always learn something new with the antiques she appraises. A real plus. Excellent series.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had forgotten how much I enjoy the Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries! She's an interesting character and is surrounded by other interesting characters. I like the flea market, antique market, inside information she imparts. I'll have to look at others I have missed.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleland delivers a wild ride regarding Faberge eggs--real and fake with a cast of interesting characters. The least likable turns out to be belligerent but totally dedicated to his family. As usual, Josie takes a couple of bashes and bruises. The killer is carefully concealed.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I start a Josie Prescott book, I'm there for the duration. Suspenseful and clever plotting.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still enjoy this mystery series, especially discussions about various antiques.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned a lot about Faberge eggs.

[Christine Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

good story

[Whi · Rating 4 out of 5]

son & father
She was a weaker character in this one. Also plot not as realistic

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery

[Karin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hope Josie gets a consultation fee for all her police work. And did the elephant cane get damaged??

[Tiffany E-P · Rating 2 out of 5]

My least favorite in the series so far. Something just seemed off in this book. Also, how long are Josie and Ty going to just date while everyone around them is getting married? It’s weird

[Janet Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun little mystery. I’ll probably read more of this series.

[Beth Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crowned

[Sharakha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book by chance at my local library. I enjoyed it and also got annoyed at Josie getting teary eyed for everything emotional. However, I believe that is the charm of this book. I also now want a cat now.

Looking forward to reading all the others in the series.

[Diane Rapport · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a fan of the Josie Prescott series since the beginning. Jane Cleland has created a strong, likable protagonist along with a good group of supporting characters. I love the antiques information - always well researched and interesting. In this volume, Josie is asked to appraise a Faberge egg for her friend, celebrity chef Ana Yartsin. Ana is in the midst of filming a reality tv show based on the launch of her new bakery in Rocky Point. Unfortunately, one of Ana's clients is murdered, and the Faberge egg appears to have been smashed over the body of the victim. Josie quickly determines that the smashed egg was a fake, which sends her on the hunt for the real egg - along with a murderer.

While the mystery itself was interesting, I only rated this book three stars. I found myself very irritated with the character of Josie in this particular book. She is included in every detail of the investigation by the police chief - really? She tells the police how to do their job. She constantly blabs everything she knows to Wes the reporter, and to some of the suspects as well! She goes off on her own when she is specifically told not to (ok she's not the first heroine to do that). Everyone in town seems to need her business advice. With all these things going on, how does she ever find the time to run her own business? Oh yeah - she's hardly ever there. Her staff does all the work! I was also disappointed that her boyfriend Ty is seldom around. These are all characteristics that have been part of Josie's personality to a degree from the beginning. It really seems like they are getting out of hand however. They've become irritating enough to dilute my appreciation of the story as a whole - hence the lowered rating. Bring back smart Josie who works as a team player - not big shot blabber mouth Josie!

[Sue Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ana Yartsin, an aspiring chef and reality show star, is becoming known for her Fabergé egg-shaped cakes. Her family owns a Fabergé Spring Egg snow globe that Ana wants antiques expert Josie Prescott to appraise. Ana's reality show pilot features her friend Heather, who is engaged to investment analyst Jason. When Josie arrives at Ana's home she finds Jason murdered and the snow globe smashed beyond repair. When Josie analyzes the remains of the globe she realizes the Spring Egg was a fake.

Josie wonders if something happened to the real Fabergé snow globe, and if it has anything to do with Jason's murder. She teams up with her reporter friend Wes and Police Chief Ellis Hunter to investigate.

This is the first book I've read in the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed the relations between the characters, the plot, the pacing, and what I learned about antiques. I plan to go back and read all the preceding books.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the complexity of Cleland's books.

[Kaia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Josie Prescott book and a little confusing since almost 50 people were introduced in the first 40 some pages and I could not keep the names straight as the story progressed. I finally started over and made a list of who everyone was. Parts of the book were entertaining, but unbelievable. The idea of traveling with such a valuable breakable item either in an airplane or a car with no bodyguards seems farfetched as well as the idea that anyone would pawn something like this. For something as valuable as a potentially real F. egg, experts would be called to visit the location of the egg and do validation as a team of experts. The baseball bat was a silly addition, too, since there are much "cleaner" ways to do the job quickly. Guess the cane had to come into play somehow. The ending wrapped up the mystery nicely, even though the reader figures it out early in the book.

[Viccy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josie Prescott is making a name for her business, Prescott Antiques and Appraisals in Rocky Point NH. Her monthly tag sales and quarterly auctions are attracting attention. When she is asked to appraise a previously unknown Faberge snow globe, she is thrilled. But, when she arrives at the owner's house, she finds the globe smashed to bits and a dead body. Soon, another body turns up in a frozen pond. And, as Josie pieces together the bits of the snow globe, it is obviously a poorly done imitation. Where is the real globe? And who would kill to keep it hidden? I really enjoy these books about Josie and her friends. I like learning about antiques which are a central tenet of every book. Read them and learn!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting read. Cleland does an excellent job with detailing the antiques and providing a great town atmosphere. It took a while to build up the actual murder (the first parts were focused on setting up the scene), but I liked how Cleland takes you through the twists and turns on following the clues. It was slightly hard to root for the case, since the victim and family involved weren't all positive characters. Additionally, I had a hard time wading through some of the snow globe/Faberge egg details. I think if I was more of an antiques buff, this series would really appeal to me. Overall, though, a solid mystery.