Antiques and Adversity in the Azores

Treasured Journey Mystery Series #1

by Victoria Tait

Beneath a tranquil island's charm, a deadly mystery emerges from the lake. Can an amateur sleuth uncover the truths hidden within decades of tradition before the past claims another victim?

Troubled antiques expert, Georgina Carey, is reeling from the loss of her husband, her job, and her self-assurance. When she’s offered a commission to value the estate of a deceased Portuguese collector in the Azores—wherever that is—she reluctantly accepts.

A lakeside house nestled in the lush greenery of São Miguel Island seems like the perfect retreat to confront her past and prepare for her future. But her tranquillity is shattered when a body is found floating in the lake, echoing a mysterious death from over 30 years ago.

Despite her best intentions to focus solely on the commission, Georgina finds herself drawn into the secrets of the local town as residents unexpectedly confide in her. As she pieces together their stories, she starts to wonder if the deaths were as accidental as they seemed or if something more unsettling is at play.

Can Georgina stay on task, find an heir to the estate, and uncover the truth behind two mysterious deaths on this beguiling island in the Atlantic?

If you enjoy enchanting locations, small-town mysteries, and an intelligent sleuth grappling with self-doubt as she finds the strength to reshape her future, then you’ll love Victoria Tait’s Antiques and Adversity in the Azores, the captivating first book in The Treasured Journey Mystery series.

Traditions, secrets, and a deadly mystery. Buy Antiques and Adversity in the Azores today!

Genres: Cozy Mystery

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2025

About the author

Hi, would you like to download Hour is Come, the FREE prequel to my Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series?

If so visit https://bookfunnel.victoriatait.com/s... or visit my website https://www.victoriatait.com

I was born and raised in Yorkshire, England, and never expected to travel the world. I've drawn on my life’s experiences of following my military husband, and a love of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Murder She Wrote, to write British-based cozy mysteries.

My determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and my settings are vivid and evocative. As you’re compelled to keep turning the pages, you’ll be irresistibly drawn into a world of intrigue, surprises, and humour, as well as a delectable helping of mystery, because tea and intrigue are a perfect blend.

Reviews

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

This book is the first in a spin-off series of Victoria Tait’s Dotty Sayers Antique Mysteries.

Following the death of her husband and job, antiques expert Georgina Carey needs to move forward with her life and get her confidence back. An offer to inventory and value a deceased Portuguese collector’s estate in the Azores may be what she needs to start to get her life on track, so she accepts. São Miguel Island is beautiful, and the lake estate where she will be staying feels more like a retreat than work. But before she can enjoy any of it and start the job she was hired to do, a body is found in the lake. Georgina learns there was a similar death over 30 years ago.

While Georgina wants to concentrate on the job she has been hired to do, the man who hired her is pretty laid back and encourages her to enjoy all the festivities happening in the small town of Furnas. Doing this, she meets several locals who are anxious to explain the events and island lore, and even disclose long forgotten secrets and details. Can she put all the clues together and solve two suspicious deaths? Will the information uncover a true heir of the deceased Portuguese collector’s estate?

As a fan of Victoria Tait, I was delighted to see Georgina (George) star in a series of her own. Her life has been ripped apart, and she is at a crossroads. Getting away from the Cotswolds may help her find the clarity she needs. She is a complex character, the author has done an excellent job of developing her, peeling back layers while leaving space for growth as the series continues.

The mysteries within the story are very intriguing. While George is traveling around the island, trying to pull clues together, getting information from key individuals, and keeping her eyes and ears open, readers are taken on a tour around the island and its events and activities. – Yoga in a beautiful garden, parades with narrow streets filled with flowers, trips through the artisan market, and more. Whether working on the estate inventory or other activities, the deaths are always on George’s mind. I truly enjoyed tagging along with her as she found items that solidified her theories.

Antiques and Adversity captivated me in so many ways. A secondary character from another series breaks out in believable ways to come to grips and find herself, a complicated mix of mysteries to solve, all set in a “Calgon take me away” locale that was so clearly envisioned by the author’s prose, grabbed me and held on. It was a perfectly marvelous escape, and I am excited to read the next Treasured Journey Mystery, Mystique and Murder in Morocco, set to be released in October.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgina Carey an antique expert from England goes to Azores in time for the Festa dash Flores and value Alexandre Silva's  estate . There is a lot going on in Furnas with the murder of Tomas De Azevedo. A captivating read with secrets, threats that complicated matters. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh start

A new beginning for Georgina in a beautiful new place. I must admit George was not a favorite character when she appeared in the Dotty Sayers series. As I read the book and learned more about her and her life I realized that old George was just a front and that this Georgina who’s searching and growing is really quite likable. I loved the setting and learning about the culture on the small island. I must admit I did not see some of those twists coming but I did enjoy every minute of this story and the adventure vicariously through Georgina. I look forward to her next assignment!

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have featured several of Victoria Tait’s books here on the blog but until this weekend, I had never read one. When I saw that she was starting a new series, I jumped at the chance to join the party from the beginning and eagerly opened Antiques and Adversities in the Azores. I had also never really heard of the Azores before, so I thoroughly enjoyed not only getting to know this author’s writing style and her protagonist Georgina but also getting to travel vicariously to what seems to be a gorgeous cluster of volcanic islands off the coast of Portugal.

Apparently Georgina is a supporting character in Tait’s Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series, but I didn’t feel lost for having only met her in this book. It’s clear that she’s been through the wringer lately though, and I’d like to go back and read the Dotty Sayers series now so I can truly appreciate the metamorphosis that Georgina is undergoing in her ‘new’ life. Given the painful memories and whispers back home, this opportunity to value a collector’s estate in the picturesque Azores is too good for Georgina to pass up. And thankfully she takes us, the readers, along with her. Tait’s descriptive imagery brought São Miguel and its people to life, and I almost got the sense that I had left the modern world behind as Georgina settles in at the Lake House. Of course, I didn’t – Georgina utilizes email and cell phones – but the Old World charm and traditions give this setting a rather nostalgic tone.

While on the island, Georgina meets a collection of vibrant characters who make up the framework of the mysteries she’ll encounter here. Murder, lost love, lawsuits, blackmail, regrets, perhaps a secret heir… the more Georgina works on valuing the vast number of antiques and artwork on Alexandre’s estate, the more secrets she uncovers too. One layer leads to another which leads to another, and I had fun putting the puzzle pieces together along with her. The pace of the investigation – at least on Georgina’s part – is steady but also laid-back, adding to the ‘vacation’ feel of the story and allowing readers to explore the various subplots and draw their own conclusions while Georgina does the same.

Bottom Line: Antiques and Adversities in the Azores by Victoria Tait is an entertaining and thoughtfully-written mystery with a charming setting and multi-dimensional characters. The author’s descriptions of the Azores – the people, the food, the culture, the flowers – had me wanting to book a trip even despite the murder that marred our protagonist’s working visit. And the mysteries that pop up throughout her stay kept my interest engaged in the story too. I had some initial theories that I refined as the plot progressed, and most of them panned out to be correct, but there were still some elements that took me by surprise. Including an unexpected dilemma that I’m still pondering. Georgina’s journey of personal growth won me over to her corner, and I look forward to spending more time with her as the series unfolds.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgina Carey embarks on her new start in life, taking a job appraising an estate in the Azores. Staying at the lakeside villa, she’s pulled into a mystery when a local troublemaker is found drowned in the lake. The circumstances of his death are eerily similar to case 30 years ago, that affected the housekeeper of the estate. Along with valuing the estate and searching for evidence of an heir, Georgina begins to come to terms with the grief she’s been carrying regarding her own life. After she finds evidence of guilt in the historical case, she begins to put the pieces together regarding the latest death. Faced with the truth, will she expose it or let the island keep its secrets?

This spin-off of the Dotty Sayers series from Victoria Tait follows antiques expert Georgina Carey-Boyd (George). Her life shattered by her husband’s infidelity, dubious business practices, and murder, Georgina has stepped back from her former life. Feeling as if she’s been a failure in all aspects of life -daughter, wife, mother, business - she’s adrift and searching for meaning. Those feelings are ones that I and probably many other middle aged women can relate to. In the previous series, George didn’t come across as a particularly likable character. This book gives much more depth to the struggles she was trying to hide and creates empathy for the character. The setting of Sao Miguel takes center stage in this book and Ms. Tait’s evocative writing makes it come alive. I felt that I was there myself experiencing the sights, sounds, & smells along with Georgina. The mystery is intriguing bringing into questions of moral versus relative justice. A truly engaging start to a new series from a talented author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Roderick S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new series starter

Jan not Rick (shared account). I’ve read all of Victoria Tait’s mysteries and this is the most complex, much more a novel in my opinion - what I think of as “woman’s fiction” - than the typical “cozy” mysteries she’s been writing. She’s clearly done her research - she told us late last year she’d spent time in the Azores, on the specific island and I believe in the actual area where she’s set this book. She’s skillfully woven information about the significant impact of the Catholic Church on the local community, the “place” women have traditionally been held to, the rhythm of local life, the culture, food, festivals and traditions into the story - the book is as much a travelogue as a murder mystery. To an extent, in following the clues and leads, as she meets and talks to her hosts and those she meets, Georgina also comes to grips with her past life and what’s brought her to her present state. The author also has her reflecting on the morals and ethics of the situation and how best to resolve it. I’m sure readers will have differing opinions.
As noted, a much more complex and involved novel than Ms Tait’s prior series, much as I’ve enjoyed Dottie, Keya and the (primarily) Cotswold setting and am looking forward to the promised upcoming series focusing on them. However, this book has been fascinating - definitely a bit different. At the end, it appears Georgina is heading back to the Cotswolds, eager to see her children, but will then be off to Morocco and later to Malta! Looking forward to both series! Note: if you haven read the prior series, no problem- you can begin this series as a stand-alone, but I definitely recommend all of Ms. Tait’s work.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing mystery and an appealing new amateur sleuth.

Antiques and Adversity in the Azores is the debut novel for Victoria Tait’s new Treasured Journey Mystery series, a spin-off of the author’s popular Dotty Sayers Antiques Mysteries and featuring her friend from Akeman’s Antiques business, Georgina Carey. A recent widow in need of a change of scenery, Georgina takes a commission to evaluate the antiques of an estate on the island of Saõ Miguel in the Portuguese Azores. Soon after arriving and beginning her work, an antagonistic local man with a knack for instigating ill will, Tomas de Avezeda, is found dead near the estate. While his death is assumed to be an accidental drowning after imbibing too much to drink at the festival the night before, everyone is surprised when police officials discover evidence he may have been the victim of foul play.

The main character, Georgina, comes off as quite aloof and cool initially, but I soon warmed up to her as she finally relaxed her guard enough to grieve how her marriage had turned out and allow herself to heal. Marcus had been a cheater in his marriage to Georgina and his business dealings as well; who eventually became the target of a murderer. Her commission for the Alexandre Silva estate is complex and interesting, but she is definitely up to the task and immediately uncovers long-held secrets.

The plot moves quickly, with the victim stirring up trouble and proving himself to be one nasty piece of work from the start, including hinting about challenging the heirship of the estate Georgina is inventorying. The author introduces plenty of local characters to inspire suspicion and clues to keep readers on their toes. A highlight of this book is the beautiful, you-are-there descriptions of the island of Saõ Miguel, especially during the Festa da Flor (Flower Festivals). I was immediately captivated by this setting and the story as a whole.

I recommend ANTIQUES AND ADVERSITY IN THE AZORES to cozy mystery readers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

[Ruth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in 'The Treasured Journey's series by Victoria Tait. It did not disappoint.
Georgina travels to the Azores to do valuations on furniture and other items in the house of a man who died. While there, a man dies and is found at the shore of a lake. Was it an accident? Murder? Georgina sets out to find out and between some sleuthing and her valuations, she learns all about the society she is visiting. She experiences their customs, and the way people interact with one another and some of their festivals.
The characters are richly drawn and the scenes are so well described that it would be easy to close your eyes and feel like you were there.
There are many revelations in this story, not least of which are some of Georgina's own.
I highly recommend this book, although if you haven't read the Dotty Sayers series, there's a few little things you may not understand about Georgina's past but this book describes it enough so that you don't feel too bewildered.
I give this book 5 stars because I really enjoyed it and I think you will too.

[Dave Measner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The past meeting the present
Georgina Carey is in the beautiful Azores to catalog the home and collection of the late Alexandre Silva. She is still recovering from her own personal issues and is hoping to get some clarity as well as help the estate become organized for the potential heirs. It is festival time and most residents are having a joyful celebration, except for the spiteful actions of Tomas de Azevedo, a despicable character who looks only to insult and injure all he meets. Georgina meets many colorful and friendly people as she does her cataloging and takes time to attend some local events. When Tomas body is brought to shore the local sargeant has to discover if the death was accidental or murder. This first full novel in a new series brings more depth to Georgina and shows her a puzzle solving side that is new to her. I look forward to more of her travels.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antiques and Adversity in the Azores (A Treasured Journey Mystery Book 1) by Victoria Tait has the reader meeting a new major character, Georgina Carey, I found her to be different from any other sleuth this author has created. She is recovering from a loss, her outlook dimmed by some of her experiences, even her belief in herself. However, not for long, she is one tough resourceful woman. I liked this character as she comes to grips with her past, moving into her present and even her future.

There is a murder mystery needed to be solved along with her evaluation of the value the estate of a deceased Portuguese collector in the Azores. Then there is hope that she will find out who the heir to this estate actually is as she goes through the property. Much to do which she does beautifully. A wonderful new series that involves traveling for Georgina. Yeah.

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antiques and Adversity in the Azores is the first book in the Treasured Journey Mystery series. Georgina Carey is still recovering from the loss of her husband and job. When offered, Georgina takes an offer to settle the estate of a deceased collector in Portugal. A change of pace is exactly what she needs. A dead body floating in a lake on the estate, however, was not part of the plan.

I love the setting of Antiques and Adversity in the Azores. I've not read a book set in Portugal yet and love the uniqueness. The characters are well-written and Georgina is a wonderful protagonist. There are several suspects to consider in the recent death and the death is mimics from 30 year ago. I love the twists and turns that kept me guessing.

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent start to the series!

Georgina Carey, antiques expert, accepts a commission to value the estate of a deceased Portuguese collector on São Miguel Island. The lakeside house is peaceful and the small town offers enjoyable diversions. When the body of a contentious resident is found in the lake, her intentions to focus on her task succumb to her need to unravel the towns secrets.

Victoria Tate keeps me guessing in this well-crafted mystery. Her writing style makes the beauty of the Azorean setting come to life. The clues are there but so are twists, making it a fun case to follow. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Cassidy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Georgina has an interesting job which lends itself nicely to the role of amateur sleuth. She is smart and likable and easily makes new friends with the locals, a small community where almost everybody knows everybody’s business. Clearly, the author did her homework, as evidenced by the vivid descriptions of scenery and traditional cuisine in the Azores. The characters are well-drawn, each contributing something different to the story as the mystery unfolds. Although the resolution was somewhat predictable, this was a pleasant read.

FTC Disclosure: I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher. This has not affected the content of my review.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy books by this author because she writes about places she knows and takes you there with her. I liked reading about the traditions, clothes, history and food.
George/Georgina is a character who doesn't seem to have played a big role in previous books, and always seemed a bit cold, so it was nice to get to know her and have her character develop.
Although I did pick who the killer was, as well as some of the side stories, this was still a very enjoyable book to escape into.
I'm looking forward to reading George's future adventures!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antiques and Adversity in the Azores is book 1 in the Treasured Journey Mystery
series by Victoria Tait.

As a longtime fan of the Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series, I didn’t see George carrying her own series until the life changing events in “Tartan, Treasures and Trouble” set her up perfectly for a new start. The premise of why she was in the Azores made perfect sense. The descriptions of the locale made me feel like I was there. It was an interesting case with a much disliked victim leading to many suspects. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to George’s next adventure!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I saw there was another spinoff from Keya's series. I still have to finish that one🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ I'm working on it. I feel like an idiot with this one🤣 I had a feeling about Alexandre, but Eduardo really threw me. I don't know why but he did. This was such an excellent story. I especially loved the storyline. It's so hard when people believe differently. I felt for Georgina. She had so much weighing on her. I really loved these characters. I took to Georgina and Dotty in Keya's books and it's been so good to see them on their own now.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgina is starting over after her life was upended from the death of her very shady husband. To get a fresh start, she takes a commission in the Azores, which is the ideal place to start over. The assignment is straightforward enough until a body is found and secrets are revealed. Who can she believe in a tight-knit community who look after each other's secrets? There are a number of twists and turns and a satisfying conclusion. This can be read as a standalone and is the first book in the series, and I am looking forward to the next book, which is set in Morocco!

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tropical location, some questionable food, plenty of secrets, loads of gossip and a death of a local is what awaits Georgina when she arrives at São Miguel Island and it doesn't take long for her to start questioning things.
You really do get to see Georgina start to move on and come to terms with everything that's happened and begin to find her new self and I don't think it is just from the stella work she did in piecing things together at the Lake but also from opening herself to new friendships.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 of A Treasured Journey Mystery Series. This book is great especially if you like antiques, adventures, and murder in a small foreign town. While reading this book, it had me questioning so much of what is happening, why is this important. As the story keeps going those questioned are answered, and the ahha comes in. An annoying man causing problems with everyone, is murder. There are so many suspects. I look forward to reading more from this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antiques expert Georgina is leaving her troubled past behind and heading to the Azores to start her life anew. Charged with evaluating the estate of a wealthy, deaceased man, she gets thrown into the middle of a murder mystery. With the clues coming to her, she uncovers the truth in the mystery. This is an interesting, cozy mystery with plenty of twists and turns in the story and a great background setting all of which keep the reader engaged.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth Borges · Rating 2 out of 5]

As someone who is Portuguese and has family from and living in the Azores I feel like the book painted a picture of abuse of women, ignorance, drunks, and what not of the Azorean people. While these things happen all over the world I don’t think it’s fair to assume that this is how people live there today. I listened to this book on Audible and the narration was horrible. The Portuguese words were spoken with a Spanish accent completely ignoring the rules of Portuguese language. While the story line is cute and mysterious the negatives outweigh the positives for me.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgina's new job/live takes her to the Azores. In addition to evaluating an estate she also tries to solve murders. This really is a cozy and entertaining book in a nice setting and with likeable characters. I really enjoyed the storyline and the writing stylee. I'm already looking forward for the next book to be published. A recommendation.
I received an advance review copy via Booksprout and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Lucy Chesna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story, full of twists and turns and mystery. It takes Georgina into a crazy mystery adventure she did not know she needed after her life was shattered when her husband died. A great story and I can't wait for more in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching story!

A beautiful, touching and poignant story of love, loss and recognition. An emotional and heartwarming ending as the strength of Georgina, Liliana and Beatriz is shown. I highly recommend this book and author.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a fresh start, antiques expert Georgina is excited for a chance to head to the Azores on a new commission. As she gets to know the area and locals she learns more about a few mysterious deaths and secrets. As she tries to solve these mysteries while staying on tract with the job she was tasked to do, she also grows and learns more about herself. Wonderful new story. Highly recommend.

[Deborah Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun story and I enjoyed the setting in the Azores. Georgina an antique expert is hired to evaluate the estate and go through the paperwork of a man who died with out any heirs. While at the town festival she over hears a argument and a man is insulting some women and then a business owner. He is later found dead drowned in the lake. This was a fun story and I recommend it.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is a wonderful start to a new series. As another reviewer stated that George was not a favorite in Dotty Sayers Mysteries, but in this series the reader gets to see the real person emerge as she finds herself again. I enjoyed this book, and I am looking forward to the next one. Strongly recommend reading.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Victoria Tait's books is like taking a quick trip to the location of her story. I almost feel as if I were there, and it definitely makes me wish I had the time and money to travel to all of these locations. Her stories are enjoyable, with just enough clues along the way to make it enjoyable without giving everything away.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice to read that Georgina has moved on and is using her skills to forge ahead with a new life. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the Azores and the small town island mentality which the author has managed to capture. A solid plot and a satisfying ending. Good read.

[Lisa Bjornstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent new series

I love Victoria Tait’s other two series and this one promises to be just as good. I appreciate that it is located somewhere other than England, as it introduces a vibrant new culture.