What do you think?
Rate this book
Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery #10
Ornaments of Death
The tenth book in Jane K. Cleland's mystery series featuring an amateur sleuth/antiques appraiser in New Hampshire
Christmas lights twinkle throughout the cozy coastal town of Rocky Point, New Hampshire, and Prescott’s Antiques auction venue has been transformed into a winter wonderland for Josie Prescott’s annual holiday party. Josie is especially excited this year—Ian Bennington, a recently discovered distant relative, will be joining the fun. Both Ian and Josie are, it seems, descended from Arabella Churchill, a 17th century royal mistress. The party is a success and Ian is a hit. It gives Josie an unexpected thrill to have family—and unexpected dread when he vanishes.
Ian doesn’t keep his dinner date with Josie’s good friend, Lavinia, or his lunch date with her. Surely, he would have done so—if he could. Ian has given his daughter two priceless 17th century watercolor miniature portraits, one of Arabella and one of her lover, King James II, and they’ve gone missing, too. Knowing that after her nasty divorce, Lavinia is facing financial ruin, Josie can’t help wondering if her friend is behind the theft—and Ian’s disappearance.
Determined to find Ian, Josie uses her knowledge of antiques to track the miniatures. In doing so, she learns the true meaning of Christmas—and the true meaning of family.
Christmas lights twinkle throughout the cozy coastal town of Rocky Point, New Hampshire, and Prescott’s Antiques auction venue has been transformed into a winter wonderland for Josie Prescott’s annual holiday party. Josie is especially excited this year—Ian Bennington, a recently discovered distant relative, will be joining the fun. Both Ian and Josie are, it seems, descended from Arabella Churchill, a 17th century royal mistress. The party is a success and Ian is a hit. It gives Josie an unexpected thrill to have family—and unexpected dread when he vanishes.
Ian doesn’t keep his dinner date with Josie’s good friend, Lavinia, or his lunch date with her. Surely, he would have done so—if he could. Ian has given his daughter two priceless 17th century watercolor miniature portraits, one of Arabella and one of her lover, King James II, and they’ve gone missing, too. Knowing that after her nasty divorce, Lavinia is facing financial ruin, Josie can’t help wondering if her friend is behind the theft—and Ian’s disappearance.
Determined to find Ian, Josie uses her knowledge of antiques to track the miniatures. In doing so, she learns the true meaning of Christmas—and the true meaning of family.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2015
42 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Jane K. Cleland
32 books352 followersJane 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 5, 2016
High end antiques and murder! Josie is the owner of Prescott's Antiques in Rocky Point, NH. Her recently discovered distant cousin is visiting from England when he disappears and is eventually found murdered. His daughter and two valuable miniatures are missing. This is another fascinating look at the world of expensive antiques mixed with a solid and twisted murder plot. This adventure with old and familiar friends leads us thru revenge, greed, bad business deals, dirty divorces and secrets. Red herrings abound and the ending was a total surprise. I highly recommend this book and the series for great plots and entertaining story lines.
December 23, 2016
This is a new series for me. Josie Prescott is barely introduced to her new cousin before he disappears. The information about the antique business is extremely interesting. The characters and plot made this a fast and enjoyable read.
Find Ornaments of Death the Westminster Public Library.
Find Ornaments of Death the Westminster Public Library.
January 2, 2016
Nice story-line BUT...I was terribly disappointed in the main character Josie, being a professional antique appraiser WHY DID SHE CARRY ANTIQUES WITH HER [not hers-a clients] WHEN SHE WENT ON AN ERRAND...AND TO MEET A STRANGER????? OF course they were stolen!!!!!!!! This ploy was used to enhance the story!? B A D
January 10, 2017
not bad for a cozy mystery
the antiques angle was interesting
the antiques angle was interesting
February 5, 2017
I enjoyed the plot and characters as well as the tidbits of information about various kinds of antiques woven into the book.
December 30, 2018
I picked this book up on a lark because I loved the cover and was determined to have an all Christmas-themed cozy mystery December, and I am so pleased I did. I've discovered a new favorite series - always a good thing! A great mystery and interesting characters are always a plus, and this book has them both! 5 stars to Jane K. Cleland's Ornaments of Death!
September 3, 2024
Josie is very excited at the prospect of having newly-discovered family from England. However, people aren't who they say they are, and greed over highly-prized antique artwork lead to murder and deception. Josie's life is in peril when she recovers this artwork. Who can she trust, and who is after her?
March 16, 2020
I am reading the entire series and enjoying it UNTIL NOW!! Josie Prescott makes several errors that NO professional should make. She has been in business for 10 years and shows none of proper care and experience needed in this book. Trying not to give too much of the story away here.
BUT
A professional would not stuff a million $ item into the bottom of their tote bag without getting security for transport. Nor drive many miles down the road with it.
Stop for a sandwich on the way- where are your brains?
Talk on the phone to several people while getting the sandwich about your great find. Crowded eating area - WHAT are you thinking.
NO adult women gets out of a car on a little traveled road after dark to check on a stopped car. You have a cell phone. Stay in the car.
There had to be ways to get this needed plot twist into the story without making her be a total idiot.
So disappointed.
BUT
A professional would not stuff a million $ item into the bottom of their tote bag without getting security for transport. Nor drive many miles down the road with it.
Stop for a sandwich on the way- where are your brains?
Talk on the phone to several people while getting the sandwich about your great find. Crowded eating area - WHAT are you thinking.
NO adult women gets out of a car on a little traveled road after dark to check on a stopped car. You have a cell phone. Stay in the car.
There had to be ways to get this needed plot twist into the story without making her be a total idiot.
So disappointed.
January 3, 2017
I've read each of the books in this series, in order. I expected to enjoy this more than I did. Took me forever to get through. Tedious, trite . . Contrived (how convenient that so many characters either live in or are attending a conference in Rocky Point just when Josie needs them!). And ridiculous that she is left alone in an apartment that's considered a crime scene and the cop "watching" the place fails to see or hear a break in- really inept law enforcement. Josie is getting just a bit annoying . . .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2018
Josie Prescott is a likeable character with a happy personal life despite past sorrows. However, some elements of her story seemed forced and a little too "nice"... Like Facebook life vs. real life. The story took some time to take off, and some of the resolution was predictable. Overall, a good easy read for Christmas and you learn something about antiques.
As an aside, the editor needed to pay closer attention to specific details and typographical errors. It's always a distraction to me when I'm reading a book and have to get past the careless oversights of editing.
As an aside, the editor needed to pay closer attention to specific details and typographical errors. It's always a distraction to me when I'm reading a book and have to get past the careless oversights of editing.
January 20, 2018
I've been reading this series for a while and like them, especially because of the antiques info in each one. This book covers hidden caches in furniture, miniature paintings, and Amberina glass. Good cheer of the holiday season was marred by murder, theft, break-ins, and a vicious assault on Josie.
Two things, though were off about this book. One, Josie found a hidden drawer in Becca's furniture that contained diamond earrings and that was the only mention of them, not sure if they were forgotten. The other item is that Josie has been involved in solving antique thefts, helping to solve murders and dealt with lying scheming people before. It made no sense for her to find the missing miniatures, call more than one person to reveal that find, and then walk blindly into an obvious trap on the road. She paid for her stupidity in a painful manner, but I was disappointed in her actions; she has always seemed smarter than that. I won't refine on her never aging, but her ageist thought about a 48 year old man was kind of surprising. Hank continues to be an adorable shop cat and the holiday decorations sounded stunning. Overall another satisfying holiday cozy.
Two things, though were off about this book. One, Josie found a hidden drawer in Becca's furniture that contained diamond earrings and that was the only mention of them, not sure if they were forgotten. The other item is that Josie has been involved in solving antique thefts, helping to solve murders and dealt with lying scheming people before. It made no sense for her to find the missing miniatures, call more than one person to reveal that find, and then walk blindly into an obvious trap on the road. She paid for her stupidity in a painful manner, but I was disappointed in her actions; she has always seemed smarter than that. I won't refine on her never aging, but her ageist thought about a 48 year old man was kind of surprising. Hank continues to be an adorable shop cat and the holiday decorations sounded stunning. Overall another satisfying holiday cozy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2017
Josie Prescott, owner of Prescott's Antiques in the small coastal town of Rocky Point, New Hampshire, is not only excited to be hosting her company Christmas party, but also to be meeting a distant relative from England, Ian Bennington, who recently contacted her and will soon be arriving at her party. Josie and Ian get along wonderfully, and agree to meet the next day for brunch, but Ian never shows. Ian also stands up a good friend of Josie's for dinner, which has Josie very concerned. Two antique miniature portraits that Ian had given his daughter have also gone missing, and soon there are a lot of unanswered questions regarding Josie's newfound relative and the missing portraits.
There are quite a few suspects in this case, one of which is Josie's good friend, Lia, who has not been herself lately after going through a terrible divorce. I enjoy Josie's thought process as she works to solve the mysteries, as well as her relationship with Police Chief Ellis and her boyfriend, Ty, who now works for Homeland Security.
There are quite a few suspects in this case, one of which is Josie's good friend, Lia, who has not been herself lately after going through a terrible divorce. I enjoy Josie's thought process as she works to solve the mysteries, as well as her relationship with Police Chief Ellis and her boyfriend, Ty, who now works for Homeland Security.
September 23, 2021
? Stars
***HOOPLA Audio***
I enjoyed the story, and I like the characters I've come to know throughout the Josie Prescott Mysteries. Each book brings in new side characters and some tend to stay. Did see more of Ty this go around.
Some things in the book give me pause. Here's an example....Josie is in bedroom alone in Becca's bedroom, requested by the police, she's looking for hidden cubbies in the antique furniture. As she moves to another room she hears someone come in and start destroying things as he/she searches. Josie hides in the bathroom. The whole time I'm thinking "Where is her cell phone"? Why isn't it on her? She didn't even have it with her. This is a running thought happens throughout the series; by book #10 she should be smart enough to be prepared. She's a smart woman, so this lack of personal safety stumps me.
***HOOPLA Audio***
I enjoyed the story, and I like the characters I've come to know throughout the Josie Prescott Mysteries. Each book brings in new side characters and some tend to stay. Did see more of Ty this go around.
Some things in the book give me pause. Here's an example....Josie is in bedroom alone in Becca's bedroom, requested by the police, she's looking for hidden cubbies in the antique furniture. As she moves to another room she hears someone come in and start destroying things as he/she searches. Josie hides in the bathroom. The whole time I'm thinking "Where is her cell phone"? Why isn't it on her? She didn't even have it with her. This is a running thought happens throughout the series; by book #10 she should be smart enough to be prepared. She's a smart woman, so this lack of personal safety stumps me.
December 14, 2022
Another year, another Christmas cozy mystery!
I couldn't figure out the title..... it wasn't even a stretch, it just plain old wasn't relevant. But the book was good! The right number of twists and turns, and I don't even think it was too predictable.
Josie Prescott is an antique dealer/owns her own antique store/auction house. Her detective skills are much more believable than many lead characters in cozy mysteries (at least in this story), just because she does naturally do a lot of item tracing working with antiques. In the world of cozy mysteries, this book makes me believe this series isn't tacky at all (which could be a draw back or an endorsement, depending on what you're looking to read).
3.5 candy canes for my rating, just because it was almost too believable. If Jane Cleland writes books that aren't cozy, I might enjoy reading one.
I couldn't figure out the title..... it wasn't even a stretch, it just plain old wasn't relevant. But the book was good! The right number of twists and turns, and I don't even think it was too predictable.
Josie Prescott is an antique dealer/owns her own antique store/auction house. Her detective skills are much more believable than many lead characters in cozy mysteries (at least in this story), just because she does naturally do a lot of item tracing working with antiques. In the world of cozy mysteries, this book makes me believe this series isn't tacky at all (which could be a draw back or an endorsement, depending on what you're looking to read).
3.5 candy canes for my rating, just because it was almost too believable. If Jane Cleland writes books that aren't cozy, I might enjoy reading one.
November 7, 2017
This is my first Josie Prescott Mystery. While the book can stand alone based on the story I may need to go to the beginning of the series to become more acquainted with the characters.
The beginning of the story seemed to drag. The antique part of the story was interesting. As the murder happened and the story progressed it became more interesting.
I felt sad for Josie who had just discovered a distant relative than to find the relative was dead. The cuddle time with the work cat mascot is funny. Having two cats I can relate to this kitty's antics. The author pulled the story altogether at the end. I will be reading more of Josie Prescott Antique Mysteries.
The beginning of the story seemed to drag. The antique part of the story was interesting. As the murder happened and the story progressed it became more interesting.
I felt sad for Josie who had just discovered a distant relative than to find the relative was dead. The cuddle time with the work cat mascot is funny. Having two cats I can relate to this kitty's antics. The author pulled the story altogether at the end. I will be reading more of Josie Prescott Antique Mysteries.
December 11, 2018
Josie is having her annual Christmas party and her cousin, Ian, has arrived from England and she is beyond delighted to have him arrive. When he goes missing, she tries to find him and when he is missing for more than a day, a body is found and when she identifies it as her cousin, she finds out that his daughter is now missing.
This story had many twists and turns and looked at ancestry and antiques and provenance. I had found it last year when my girls started getting braces and borrowed it, but ran out of time to read it, so I just would borrow and read a bit more, finally reading it now.
This story had many twists and turns and looked at ancestry and antiques and provenance. I had found it last year when my girls started getting braces and borrowed it, but ran out of time to read it, so I just would borrow and read a bit more, finally reading it now.
August 12, 2019
It's Christmas, and Josie has just received an unexpected Christmas gift - a new relative, Ian Bennington, from Britain, who has traced their lineage back to the 1600s in England, and a king. He also has two miniatures of the king and his mistress, who Ian and Josie are both descended from. However, the day after the Prescott's Christmas party, Ian disappears, and the miniatures seem to have gone in the wind. Ian's daughter has also disappeared, and there are more suspects that keep showing up in the case. Add in divorce, lawsuits and stolen identities, and Josie is in more danger than she thought.
March 24, 2023
How am I just realizing now that none of Josie’s employees have last names? I couldn’t even remember what Ty’s was?
And then another fake antiques appraisal call that resulted in Josie getting hit with a baseball bat? That JUST happened in the last book.
This one just feels lazy. Season one of Josie’s TV show is done, what about Gretchen’s baby? Why is Josie and Ty’s whole relationship them talking about how much they love each other? There’s zero substance. Did Josie tell anyone about the earrings in the highboy? Did the thief take those? All of Wes’s scenes are copy/pasted in too? I shouldn’t read two of these so close together.
And then another fake antiques appraisal call that resulted in Josie getting hit with a baseball bat? That JUST happened in the last book.
This one just feels lazy. Season one of Josie’s TV show is done, what about Gretchen’s baby? Why is Josie and Ty’s whole relationship them talking about how much they love each other? There’s zero substance. Did Josie tell anyone about the earrings in the highboy? Did the thief take those? All of Wes’s scenes are copy/pasted in too? I shouldn’t read two of these so close together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2017
An investigative antiques dealer, some long-lost relatives and a mystery or two. This is a fun, easy-to-read book but the storyline is pretty predictable and I have no idea why it's called "Ornaments of Death" apart from the fact it is set around Christmas. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could
November 19, 2021
Maybe 2 1/2 is more like it! I really enjoyed the first half of the book…then it got bogged down. I do like the characters and probably will read another. I started this because I love reading holiday themed books around the holiday!
September 10, 2023
Finally able to anticipate part of a Cleland novel. Amazing story about found relatives, murder, masquerade, and revenge. Less about Wes, the reporter, but he still features prominently as do Ty, Ellis, Zoe, and Josie's new-found family member.
December 24, 2023
Not my cup of tea! I loved the New England aspects as a NE native but it basically stops there. I thought it was written like a Wattpad original and I was able to guess the ending easily. Not super Christmasy either which was my own doing but either way. Very mystery - ish if that’s your thing.
March 28, 2024
I really like this series, it's cosy but not too cosy. I have been reading it out of order but it doesn't matter, they are always interesting, I usually end up looking up what ever antique is featured, and Josie never does anything too stupid.
January 4, 2018
New to the series I was attracted by the synopsis saying it involved an antiques dealer. I enjoyed it. The only thing I’d change is to have Hank the cat living with Josie at her house.
October 29, 2018
A pleasant read, but the plot was a bit to slow to develop. The initial twists were a bit predictable, but the finish was strong & more complex.
March 2, 2019
Never a disappointment! I enjoy it more when I do not have a clue as to who done it......this series is unpredictable,and fun to read.
March 4, 2019
I really enjoy this series. The characters are good. The story kept me interested and guessing.
March 15, 2019
It was an interesting story, but about half way through I reasoned who the bad guy was.
May 3, 2019
Enjoyable and well-written, with some good plot twists. I think this series would appeal most to antiques buffs and fans of HGTV. Lots of detailed description of interiors and furnishings.
June 23, 2019
Good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews