What do you think?
Rate this book
A Book Collector Mystery #2
The Sayers Swindle
When Jordan manages to locate her boss's missing books, they are in the possession of Randolph Adams, an elderly man in a nearby town. Offering a valuable Hemingway first edition as an incentive, Jordan thinks she's about to seal the deal-but some of Randolph's relatives think he should hold out for more. Then the entire family disappears-and a dead body shows up. It's up to Jordan to collect the clues-and make sure a killer gets booked.
MP3 CD
First published December 3, 2013
82 people are currently reading
971 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Abbott
12 books294 followersPseudonym used by Victoria Maffini and mother Mary Jane Maffini.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
February 20, 2019
Sure the mystery was obvious and the detecting work a little over the top goofy, but still it was a fun read. All of the Sayers literary references add a charm that only a mystery lover could appreciate.
Jordan, her crazy Kelly uncles, her pinch-faced boss and all of the pets and police officers make for a fun cast of characters. And those yummy Italian meals (complete with recipes at the end) definitely delight this reader. Especially when you really just want a cute cozy read!!
Jordan, her crazy Kelly uncles, her pinch-faced boss and all of the pets and police officers make for a fun cast of characters. And those yummy Italian meals (complete with recipes at the end) definitely delight this reader. Especially when you really just want a cute cozy read!!
February 2, 2019
I like Officer Smiley but I'm not sold on this series yet. I found the mystery predictable and the references to Dorothy L. Sayers and Sir Peter Wimsey endearing but heavy handed. Also, I kept getting the feeling Jordan doesn't like Harriet Vane, and how can you not like Harriet Vane?
The series overall contains several elements that ought to feel compelling but mostly feel underdeveloped. The eccentric uncles, the vintage wardrobe, and even the vague love triangle all feel like good ideas that somehow don't fit with the story. Whenever one gets referenced, I'm more apt to feel jarred out of the story than further engrossed.
At the same time, I do love reading about my favorite writers and characters, even "second hand." Maybe I'll give the series one more try.
The series overall contains several elements that ought to feel compelling but mostly feel underdeveloped. The eccentric uncles, the vintage wardrobe, and even the vague love triangle all feel like good ideas that somehow don't fit with the story. Whenever one gets referenced, I'm more apt to feel jarred out of the story than further engrossed.
At the same time, I do love reading about my favorite writers and characters, even "second hand." Maybe I'll give the series one more try.
February 21, 2025
* Enjoy my reviews? I would appreciate knowing what you enjoy with a comment, instead an empty ‘like button’ click.
I admire this family’s ability to describe quirks, settings, animals, and to leave flavour sparkling everywhere without the pace ever lagging. Few master this and under Victoria Abbot, it results in novels that are funnier and more exciting than any other published nowadays. Extra touches, side notes, segues.... all work. There is no place for a bookmark to pause. It works because all of the hilarity and scenic detours are information we need to know, or adds personalized flavour to characters - human and animal - that we meet.
What is also praiseworthy about this series is that growth is perceptible. Jordan, Karen, and even an uncle decide whether they want to keep drooling over people to whom they’ve been attracted, or step up a notch. Vera Van Alst isn’t as icy and we meet the most rascally uncle. Best of all, the profuse hinting that the Kelly homestead is prepared for unforeseen eventualities comes to satisfying fruition. The authors dare to show us entryways and even staircases that sure do treat the true mystery fan; where the fun is entirely in secrets and hiding places! A sequential reader is rewarded by picking up where we left off, with book dealer Karen recuperating from injuries and Vera’s stolen collection needing to be found. Their painstaking effort to locate the buyer is another example of fine writing.
These novels never stretch a plot connection with Jordan. The happenstance of involvement is seamless; leaving any number of motives open to being independently built, with plausibility. As Jordan & Karen persist in soliciting a suspicious household, they witness police activity in that neighbourhood and finally, fear for the safety of two people she cares about. Every detail ties into a mysterious, daring, emotional journey that uplifts me every time I revisit this cast.
I admire this family’s ability to describe quirks, settings, animals, and to leave flavour sparkling everywhere without the pace ever lagging. Few master this and under Victoria Abbot, it results in novels that are funnier and more exciting than any other published nowadays. Extra touches, side notes, segues.... all work. There is no place for a bookmark to pause. It works because all of the hilarity and scenic detours are information we need to know, or adds personalized flavour to characters - human and animal - that we meet.
What is also praiseworthy about this series is that growth is perceptible. Jordan, Karen, and even an uncle decide whether they want to keep drooling over people to whom they’ve been attracted, or step up a notch. Vera Van Alst isn’t as icy and we meet the most rascally uncle. Best of all, the profuse hinting that the Kelly homestead is prepared for unforeseen eventualities comes to satisfying fruition. The authors dare to show us entryways and even staircases that sure do treat the true mystery fan; where the fun is entirely in secrets and hiding places! A sequential reader is rewarded by picking up where we left off, with book dealer Karen recuperating from injuries and Vera’s stolen collection needing to be found. Their painstaking effort to locate the buyer is another example of fine writing.
These novels never stretch a plot connection with Jordan. The happenstance of involvement is seamless; leaving any number of motives open to being independently built, with plausibility. As Jordan & Karen persist in soliciting a suspicious household, they witness police activity in that neighbourhood and finally, fear for the safety of two people she cares about. Every detail ties into a mysterious, daring, emotional journey that uplifts me every time I revisit this cast.
February 21, 2018
Look, there's a lot to like about this: the Sayers' references, the main character's fictional crush on Lord Peter, the characters, their interactions, the world, the general conceit of the series... I could go on.
The main problem? The mystery plot. It starts out a bit weird and wacky, moves to slightly confusing and convoluted, and then somewhere around the halfway point catapults straight to implausible and insane. My credulity, she was strained. I started skimming anything plot related about three quarters in.
Basically, it was not ideal.
The main problem? The mystery plot. It starts out a bit weird and wacky, moves to slightly confusing and convoluted, and then somewhere around the halfway point catapults straight to implausible and insane. My credulity, she was strained. I started skimming anything plot related about three quarters in.
Basically, it was not ideal.
December 4, 2013
"The Sayers Swindle" is a cozy mystery. It's the second book in the series. It doesn't spoil the whodunit of the first book, but you'll probably understand the second one better if you've read the first book. The author assumed you read the first book and didn't explain some could-be-confusing references.
The story is a situation comedy, going from one funny situation to another. The characters were enjoyable, but it was hard to take them too seriously. Since I've read so many mysteries, it wasn't too difficult to spot the suspicious behavior, take the information that Jordan discovered, and have a fair idea of where the story was headed. The question was more "how many awkward situations will Jordan get into while figuring this all out."
There was no sex. There was a minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this humorous mystery.
I received this book as a review copy.
The story is a situation comedy, going from one funny situation to another. The characters were enjoyable, but it was hard to take them too seriously. Since I've read so many mysteries, it wasn't too difficult to spot the suspicious behavior, take the information that Jordan discovered, and have a fair idea of where the story was headed. The question was more "how many awkward situations will Jordan get into while figuring this all out."
There was no sex. There was a minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this humorous mystery.
I received this book as a review copy.
August 7, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars A mystery lovers mystery !, December 29, 2013
This review is from: The Sayers Swindle (A Book Collector Mystery)
This is the 2nd book in the Book Collectors Mystery series. I loved the 1st, "The Christie Curse" and this 2nd in the series has it all!
Jordan Bingham has retained her position at the Van Alst homestead with Vera in charge. We find Vera distraught over her Dorothy L. Sayers collection which has mysteriously gone missing. That's a job for Jordan and whoever she can round up to help in the recovery.
This was not just an another interesting mystery...it was so much more. Jordan's Uncles, Mick, Lucky and now adding Uncle Kevin to the batch of Kelly's became a well blended part of the story. Their backgrounds as well as their development with Jordan added depth to her character.
We are greeted by Lance, the librarian and Adonis to boot and Smiley, the police officer. Now the choice is up to Jordan who will be in her romantic future...but before a choice can be made there are books to be found and not just any books. Vera's books.
The mystery began when Karen, owner of the cozy Corpse, mistakenly sold the Sayers collection to a Randall Adams. Since Karen is still recovering from that assault her memory is not what it used to be and she has difficulty remembering who and where this Randall Adams is or lives.
Run don't walk to get caught up in all the action and read, read, read!
Love this new series.
This review is from: The Sayers Swindle (A Book Collector Mystery)
This is the 2nd book in the Book Collectors Mystery series. I loved the 1st, "The Christie Curse" and this 2nd in the series has it all!
Jordan Bingham has retained her position at the Van Alst homestead with Vera in charge. We find Vera distraught over her Dorothy L. Sayers collection which has mysteriously gone missing. That's a job for Jordan and whoever she can round up to help in the recovery.
This was not just an another interesting mystery...it was so much more. Jordan's Uncles, Mick, Lucky and now adding Uncle Kevin to the batch of Kelly's became a well blended part of the story. Their backgrounds as well as their development with Jordan added depth to her character.
We are greeted by Lance, the librarian and Adonis to boot and Smiley, the police officer. Now the choice is up to Jordan who will be in her romantic future...but before a choice can be made there are books to be found and not just any books. Vera's books.
The mystery began when Karen, owner of the cozy Corpse, mistakenly sold the Sayers collection to a Randall Adams. Since Karen is still recovering from that assault her memory is not what it used to be and she has difficulty remembering who and where this Randall Adams is or lives.
Run don't walk to get caught up in all the action and read, read, read!
Love this new series.
December 10, 2013
I really enjoy these book collectors mysteries. The first one rotated around Agatha Christie books. Now this one takes on Dorothy Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey books. Our heroine, Jordan Kelly, tracks down old collectors edition books for her employer, Vera Van Alst. Vera lives in a beautiful old home and is prominent in her hometown in New Your, but all she cares about is her library of books.
Vera's Sayers books were stolen. A bookseller friend of Jordan acquired them without knowing they were stolen, then she sold them. Jordan must get them back or risk loosing her job. The problem is that her friend is still recuperating from an attack that left her memory confused. They do find an old gentleman who may have bought the books, but something is definitely wrong with his living arrangements. Dead bodies show up, people might not be who they seem, and breaking and entering becomes a dangerous decision. Jordan wonders what Peter Wimsey and his girlfriend, Harriet Vine would do.
The characters in this book are especially strong and interesting. The many well placed and used references to the Sayers' books is superbly done. Intriguing and fanciful mystery connecting famous author to a present day mystery. One of the best cozy series out there!! Looking forward to many more!
Vera's Sayers books were stolen. A bookseller friend of Jordan acquired them without knowing they were stolen, then she sold them. Jordan must get them back or risk loosing her job. The problem is that her friend is still recuperating from an attack that left her memory confused. They do find an old gentleman who may have bought the books, but something is definitely wrong with his living arrangements. Dead bodies show up, people might not be who they seem, and breaking and entering becomes a dangerous decision. Jordan wonders what Peter Wimsey and his girlfriend, Harriet Vine would do.
The characters in this book are especially strong and interesting. The many well placed and used references to the Sayers' books is superbly done. Intriguing and fanciful mystery connecting famous author to a present day mystery. One of the best cozy series out there!! Looking forward to many more!
August 7, 2020
Such fun!
These books are a lot of fun and I wasn’t disappointed in this one. Bi haven’t read any of Dorothy Sayers books but Jordan’s description makes me want to. This one totally kept me guessing and wanting to read faster to figure out what was going on. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
These books are a lot of fun and I wasn’t disappointed in this one. Bi haven’t read any of Dorothy Sayers books but Jordan’s description makes me want to. This one totally kept me guessing and wanting to read faster to figure out what was going on. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.
March 9, 2019
2.5 stars
This is an okay series. I’m doing it on audio so it does the job of keeping me occupied while I work.
this one was intriguing.
I wondered at what was going on w/the Adams family characters. They’re in possession of the Sayers books that Jordan has been taxed w/getting back.
The bits about zuccini were hysterical. And the character name “Candy Morticus” was very clever for the cop.
Unfortunately, all the good stuff happens in the last 1/3 of the book.
Negatives:
Like a lot of cozy’s it moves slowly
Most of the cozy’s w/a protagonist whose single have a bit of romance in them. That’s one of the elements besides the mystery which I like.
Unfortunately, while there are 2 possible male candidates for Jordan, there is no romance subplot. I find that lacking.
The romance subplot wasn’t developed enough for me.
Positives:
I like the supporting characters. (especially the uncles & the senora)
Once it gets going, the mystery is stimulating.
This is an okay series. I’m doing it on audio so it does the job of keeping me occupied while I work.
this one was intriguing.
I wondered at what was going on w/the Adams family characters. They’re in possession of the Sayers books that Jordan has been taxed w/getting back.
The bits about zuccini were hysterical. And the character name “Candy Morticus” was very clever for the cop.
Unfortunately, all the good stuff happens in the last 1/3 of the book.
Negatives:
Like a lot of cozy’s it moves slowly
Most of the cozy’s w/a protagonist whose single have a bit of romance in them. That’s one of the elements besides the mystery which I like.
Unfortunately, while there are 2 possible male candidates for Jordan, there is no romance subplot. I find that lacking.
The romance subplot wasn’t developed enough for me.
Positives:
I like the supporting characters. (especially the uncles & the senora)
Once it gets going, the mystery is stimulating.
August 3, 2020
The last time I read a book in this series was probably 2-3 years ago, the first book, and now I'm wondering why I waited so long! Once I was back in tune with the characters, I remembered what I loved so much about the first book. I was happy to see that this one continued with the story of Jordan's new book dealer friend Karen recovering from her brain injury sustained in the first book. I remembered how she'd been left for dead, but that was about all I remembered. But I did remember absolutely loving Jordan's uncles' characters! Talk about characters, and Uncle Kevin was quite the comic relief!
Toward the end of the book, there was a really good twist, and the action just kept coming! It ended in an awesome finish, and the very end of the book was pretty sweet. Even crochety old Vera Van Alst managed to have a few redeeming moments in this book. I don't intend to let so much time pass before enjoying the next book! (Famous last words, right?) ;)
Toward the end of the book, there was a really good twist, and the action just kept coming! It ended in an awesome finish, and the very end of the book was pretty sweet. Even crochety old Vera Van Alst managed to have a few redeeming moments in this book. I don't intend to let so much time pass before enjoying the next book! (Famous last words, right?) ;)
January 19, 2015
While I really enjoyed the first book in this series, I found this one just OK. I liked the setting and the characters are all unique, but I found that there were many repetitions in the story. Also, the main character (Jordan) did something really TSTL in my opinion in that
While I will continue with the series in the hope that this was one off, I am disappointed that I didn't enjoy it very much.
While I will continue with the series in the hope that this was one off, I am disappointed that I didn't enjoy it very much.
January 26, 2014
Great news: "Victoria Abbott" discovered editing! This book flows much better than the last and had many fewer typos and grammatical errors. The characters are still fun, the situation just on the edge of believable (but enjoyable), an all around great "light" read. In many ways, I should give it 4 stars, but it feels like something is missing… I think we didn't get to spend as much time with the fun characters (Vera, Lance, Tiff--who was in Africa) and I missed them. OTH, we got to know the uncles and the dogs a bit better, and that was nice.
April 22, 2018
Jordan Bingham, a member of a family with a criminal reputation, lives in the Van Alst home with its owner, a woman who collects classic mysteries. Eleven stolen Sayers books were sold by a dealer who had no idea the books were stolen and who is suffering from the effects of head trauma. When they track down the purchaser, they realize something is amiss in the situation. The book goes downhill from there into an absurd plot with nothing to commend it. Audiobook narrator Carla Mercer-Meyer does a good job with the narration of this underwhelming installment.
July 8, 2014
Even though this book is titled, The Sayers Swindle, I think the best way to describe this book is with a quote from another author. "The game is afoot." -Arthur Conan Doyle, Adventure of the Abbey Grange. Good mystery!
July 27, 2018
Jordan is back. She is searching for Vera's stolen Sayers books. She and Karen have become friends and she helps her daily in the hopes that she will remember what she has forgotten after the attack she had received. Karen does finally remember who may have the books and where he lives and they go in search of him. Along the way, they run into Officer Smiley (the police officer that Jordan is starting to get to know) and her Uncle Kevin has come into the picture. She and Karen have a bad feeling about the old man and think someone (namely the wife and "son") are drugging him, so they enlist the help of Uncle Kev and the neighbor to find out the truth, so they can involve the police. She meets a woman that she thinks is a police officer by the name of Candy.
By the time, you reach the middle of the night visit, you feel that Candy might not be what she is claiming to be. I do feel that some of the information about Dorothy L Sayers made me want to take some time to read a few of her books. I am not certain about this series of books and may read one more and then decide if I want to read the last one or not.
By the time, you reach the middle of the night visit, you feel that Candy might not be what she is claiming to be. I do feel that some of the information about Dorothy L Sayers made me want to take some time to read a few of her books. I am not certain about this series of books and may read one more and then decide if I want to read the last one or not.
October 24, 2019
Jordan is tasked with recovering 11 books by Dorothy Sayers for her cranky employer Vera Van Alst. Book seller Karen had sold them without realizing that they had been stolen. Still recovering her memory (incident from first book in series) she has trouble remembering who she sold them to.
Jordan assigns Uncle Lucky to look after Karen, and they instantly hit it off.
The fun in this series derives from the Kelly clan. Although they are not exactly law abiding, they are a fun, kind, and caring group of uncles and Jordan, who tries hard not to break the law but does not always succeed. She frequently puts the lock picks given to her by her doting uncles on her 16th birthday to good use.
Librarian Lance is still hung up on Jordan, but while he flirts he does not make a direct move. He sees a photo in the newspaper of Jordan kissing Officer "Smiley" Tyler Dekker once they are freed from a dangerous situation.
Officer Smiley is still an enigma. He is a police officer who believes in strictly following the rules in some situations but also seems to have his own agenda.
Jordan assigns Uncle Lucky to look after Karen, and they instantly hit it off.
The fun in this series derives from the Kelly clan. Although they are not exactly law abiding, they are a fun, kind, and caring group of uncles and Jordan, who tries hard not to break the law but does not always succeed. She frequently puts the lock picks given to her by her doting uncles on her 16th birthday to good use.
Librarian Lance is still hung up on Jordan, but while he flirts he does not make a direct move. He sees a photo in the newspaper of Jordan kissing Officer "Smiley" Tyler Dekker once they are freed from a dangerous situation.
Officer Smiley is still an enigma. He is a police officer who believes in strictly following the rules in some situations but also seems to have his own agenda.
April 25, 2017
Probably only a 3 star book, but it gets a 4th star for being able to distract me almost completely during a ver difficult and emotional situation. I liked the characters and found their quirks mostly charming vs annoying. The mystery itself was okay, but it was well written enough that I am only realizing that now.
October 20, 2018
Very enjoyable cozy mystery with Jordan Bingham as the main character. Jordan is searching a set of books by Dorothy Sayers. When she and Karen locate the man who bought them from Karen everything starts to fall apart. People are not who they seem and Jordan finds Karen, herself and her family in danger from killers. More is revealed about Jordan's family home. The book was a quick easy read.
February 8, 2022
Even better than the first book. Less stalking from Officer Smiley, though I guess he is moving into Boyfriend Smiley territory. Interesting mystery. Fantastic bad guy/girl. Interesting book facts. More dogs. More uncles. Human Vera. Hilarious zucchini anecdotes. Can't wait to read on.
June 2, 2024
Who knew that looking to recover stolen classic mystery books could be so dangerous. In this 2nd book in the series, friendships and family are even more important.
Who is actually who and what they say they are. It was quite a roller coaster read with one surprise after another.
Who is actually who and what they say they are. It was quite a roller coaster read with one surprise after another.
March 24, 2017
A slightly different take on "book" cozies.
April 22, 2017
Excellent. This book was better than the first one, to me. I will not wait very long the read the next one. Recommend!
April 27, 2023
A great read with a book collecting added in with the mystery.
February 28, 2025
Great book! 📖
July 27, 2019
This is a cozy mystery, which was not so bad but also not so good.
July 25, 2015
Jordan Kelly works for Vera Von Alst an avid collector of rare and Valuable mystery novels. Vera is also the most difficult women in Harrison Falls New York/ So when her set of Dorothy Sayers books goes missing finding them may lead Jordan to a murder which would be suitable for Sayers esteemed sleuth Lord Peter Whimsey... Jordan manages to find her bosses missing books, they are in the possession of an elderly man Randolph Adams he lives in a nearby town. She offers him a valuable Hemingway first edition as an incentive, Jordan thinks she is about to close the deal- but Randolph's relatives at least some of them feel he should hold out for more. Than the whole family disappears- and a dead body turns up. It's up to Jordan to collect the clues- and make sure the killer is caught.
September 20, 2016
I like the unusual settings of this series very much. The book's background is determined by a historical mystery author. The characters are well developed and have become friends. I wanted to know what is happening in their lives. Jordan Bingham has been hired by a wealthy recluse, Vera Van Alst, whose only passion is for books. Vera's first editions of Dorothy L. Sayer were stolen and sold to an unknown buyer. Almost everything in the book is an illusion and there a lot of surprises throughout the tale. Jordan must find the missing books to keep her job and the lives of friend and herself. I highly recommend this book.
September 2, 2014
The crusty Vera Van Alst, Jordan's employer, doesn't appear as much in this book as the first one, but Jordan's more than slightly shady uncles play a bigger part, as does her friend, the book dealer. Jordan must balance her work for her demanding employer with her need to vindicate her book dealer friend who is unfairly blamed for the loss of Vera's Sayers' collection. That means there is much sneaking around and plenty of comic interactions between the dangerous sleuthing Jordan performs. I'm looking forward to the third book in the series.
March 8, 2016
Jordan Bingham loves her job tracking down rare and valuable books for her employer Vera Van Alst. She has the task of tracking down a set of first edition Dorothy L. Sayer books who were unknowingly sold to a wealthy man named Randolph. Before she can trade the Sayer books for a prestine Hemingway, Randolph disappears and a body is found near by. While Jordan is trying to track him down, an uncle, Officer Smiley and the next door neighbor all go missing! Jordan must try to find them as well as the books before Vera kicks her to the curb.
April 22, 2017
I loved this book :)
The mystery was really good and, as with the first book, I really enjoyed reading about Jordan, her uncles, and her job, Officer Smiley and Lance. I missed having Jordan's bestie more in the book (she was away in Africa), but it did leave room for a new want-to-be new friend character that I will probably find the most memorable from this book over time.
I loved hearing more about the uncle's house/shop and the secret passage ways. Makes me wish I had some at my place.
The mystery was really good and, as with the first book, I really enjoyed reading about Jordan, her uncles, and her job, Officer Smiley and Lance. I missed having Jordan's bestie more in the book (she was away in Africa), but it did leave room for a new want-to-be new friend character that I will probably find the most memorable from this book over time.
I loved hearing more about the uncle's house/shop and the secret passage ways. Makes me wish I had some at my place.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews