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Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries #4
A Treacherous Trader
In the world of antiques and collectibles, it helps to have a sharp eye for quality, a good ear for gossip, and a nose for murder.
Molly Appleby is on cloud nine. The talented reporter and senior staff writer for Collector’s Weekly just got engaged to the man she loves. When she takes time off to plan her wedding and shop for a vintage gown, the spunky writer with a growing reputation for finding corpses and solving murders vows to her family and fiancé to avoid trouble at all costs. Until the wedding photographer she visits turns up dead in his home, the victim of foul play.
So when she’s not busy shopping for the perfect dress or sampling endless varieties of cake, Molly once again finds herself attempting to unravel a mystery, and the endless string of women spurned by the playboy photographer leaves no shortage of suspects. When another corpse turns up and Molly discovers that the woman who sold her a gorgeous vintage gown might be the murderer—and that the gown itself may be linked to a decades-old crime—Molly must summon all her sleuthing skills to find the killer before her preparations for the big day become plans for her funeral.
About the
New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams grew up on a beach near the Long Island Sound. Having spent her adult life in a series of landlocked towns, she cherishes her memories of open water, violent storms, and the smell of the sea. Ms. Adams has held many jobs, including that of caterer, retail clerk, car salesperson, teacher, tutor, and tech writer, all the while penning poems, children's books, and novels. She now writes full-time from her home in Virginia.
Parker Riggs is also the author of the mystery novel Finding Jessica. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and a lively mini Dachshund named Pippa.
Molly Appleby is on cloud nine. The talented reporter and senior staff writer for Collector’s Weekly just got engaged to the man she loves. When she takes time off to plan her wedding and shop for a vintage gown, the spunky writer with a growing reputation for finding corpses and solving murders vows to her family and fiancé to avoid trouble at all costs. Until the wedding photographer she visits turns up dead in his home, the victim of foul play.
So when she’s not busy shopping for the perfect dress or sampling endless varieties of cake, Molly once again finds herself attempting to unravel a mystery, and the endless string of women spurned by the playboy photographer leaves no shortage of suspects. When another corpse turns up and Molly discovers that the woman who sold her a gorgeous vintage gown might be the murderer—and that the gown itself may be linked to a decades-old crime—Molly must summon all her sleuthing skills to find the killer before her preparations for the big day become plans for her funeral.
About the
New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams grew up on a beach near the Long Island Sound. Having spent her adult life in a series of landlocked towns, she cherishes her memories of open water, violent storms, and the smell of the sea. Ms. Adams has held many jobs, including that of caterer, retail clerk, car salesperson, teacher, tutor, and tech writer, all the while penning poems, children's books, and novels. She now writes full-time from her home in Virginia.
Parker Riggs is also the author of the mystery novel Finding Jessica. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and a lively mini Dachshund named Pippa.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2015
About the author
Ellery Adams
62 books5,513 followersUSA Today and New York Times bestseller author Ellery Adams has written over forty novels. A Native New Yorker, she now lives in central North Carolina.
Ellery's Series Include: Secret, Book, & Scone Society (Kensington) Book Retreat Mysteries (Kensington) Books By the Bay Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries ((Berkley Prime Crime), Molly Appleby Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries (Beyond the Page), and Hope Street Mysteries (Beyond the Page).
Ellery also writes genre-blending fiction focusing on women and their inner monsters. Her first release in this exciting new direction is Invasive Species (2026). Friends in Dark places will follow in 2027.
For book club guides, bibliotherapy lists, and recipes, please visit www.elleryadamsbooks.com
Ellery's Series Include: Secret, Book, & Scone Society (Kensington) Book Retreat Mysteries (Kensington) Books By the Bay Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries ((Berkley Prime Crime), Molly Appleby Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries (Beyond the Page), and Hope Street Mysteries (Beyond the Page).
Ellery also writes genre-blending fiction focusing on women and their inner monsters. Her first release in this exciting new direction is Invasive Species (2026). Friends in Dark places will follow in 2027.
For book club guides, bibliotherapy lists, and recipes, please visit www.elleryadamsbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 24, 2016
A book in the Antiques and Collectibles series. I have read many of this author's books and have always enjoyed them. The books in this series can be read as a stand-alone each story is complete. The descriptions of the area and antiques are outstanding, the plot is very creative. The MC are more developed. The format was handled better and did not interpret the flow of the tale. It added to the story.
Molly Appleby is in Vermont to plan her wedding. Her fiancee grew up in the area and might be doing his residency there. Molly buys a wedding gown from a private individual. All is going well when a local photographer is found murdered. Molly becomes active in the investigation and puts herself in extreme danger. I would have given 4.5 stars if I could, the next book is high on my TBR list. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Molly Appleby is in Vermont to plan her wedding. Her fiancee grew up in the area and might be doing his residency there. Molly buys a wedding gown from a private individual. All is going well when a local photographer is found murdered. Molly becomes active in the investigation and puts herself in extreme danger. I would have given 4.5 stars if I could, the next book is high on my TBR list. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 14, 2019
A complete turn around from the last book on the personality of the main character. She came across confident and competent, a much better personality from the last book. Honestly if I had not already downloaded this book to read, I wouldn't have bothered to do so after the last book and now I am glad that I did. I have always enjoyed Ellery Adams books and series, but have seriously struggled with this one as the main character was a whiney, narcissistic bumbler, however, this book is a complete turnaround on the main character. Even her mother was a much less domineering diva as well. I must say kudos to the author as the plot lines have always been quite good and entertaining, but the main character and her mother made you want to throw the book out. I can honestly say, that it may be best to start with this book or read it as a stand alone. I have the next one downloaded so we shall see if the positive growth has continued.
January 24, 2015
A Treacherous Trader is the fourth book in the Antiques & Collectibles Mystery series. This book was written by Ms. Adams and Parker Riggs and a wonderful addition it is.
Molly Appleby is engaged to Mark Harrison and with the wedding planned to be in six months, Molly is definitely in a busy time. Mark is hoping to do his residency in Burlington, VT and that is where they will be married. Molly has asked Kitty to go to Burlington with her to help make arrangements for her wedding.
The next morning Molly goes downstairs to have breakfast the restaurant is quite busy and notices a woman in a wheelchair waving to her. As Molly approaches the woman, she invites Molly to share her table. The woman, Violet Emerson, recognizes Molly from seeing her in the magazine she writes for. Violet and her daughter, Lindsey, are also there planning Lindsey's wedding and begin to share various stores they have visited. Talk soon turns to a discussion of photographers and Lindsey is upset to have learned that her long lost father is none other than Alec Portman of Portman Photography.
Molly soon learns that Portman is a womanizer and possible jewel thief. One of the women that she learns he had an affair with is Bristol Price who owns a bridal dress shop next to Portman's studio. Upon visiting the bridal shop, Molly soon learns it is the bridal shop from hell and that Bristol still has feelings for Portman. Soon Portman is found dead and Molly begins to wonder if Price has sought her revenge on Portman or maybe Lindsey did for making her mother spend her life in wheelchair because of his action so many years ago.
There also is a story about an expensive tiara that made a trip form Germany back in the 30's that is skillfully written into the present day story.
I've enjoyed the previous books in this series and this is a well written addition to this enjoyable series. I'm also guessing that this series might be moving to Vermont, especially with the adding of the co-author Parker Riggs. Hopefully there will be more books in the series.
Molly Appleby is engaged to Mark Harrison and with the wedding planned to be in six months, Molly is definitely in a busy time. Mark is hoping to do his residency in Burlington, VT and that is where they will be married. Molly has asked Kitty to go to Burlington with her to help make arrangements for her wedding.
The next morning Molly goes downstairs to have breakfast the restaurant is quite busy and notices a woman in a wheelchair waving to her. As Molly approaches the woman, she invites Molly to share her table. The woman, Violet Emerson, recognizes Molly from seeing her in the magazine she writes for. Violet and her daughter, Lindsey, are also there planning Lindsey's wedding and begin to share various stores they have visited. Talk soon turns to a discussion of photographers and Lindsey is upset to have learned that her long lost father is none other than Alec Portman of Portman Photography.
Molly soon learns that Portman is a womanizer and possible jewel thief. One of the women that she learns he had an affair with is Bristol Price who owns a bridal dress shop next to Portman's studio. Upon visiting the bridal shop, Molly soon learns it is the bridal shop from hell and that Bristol still has feelings for Portman. Soon Portman is found dead and Molly begins to wonder if Price has sought her revenge on Portman or maybe Lindsey did for making her mother spend her life in wheelchair because of his action so many years ago.
There also is a story about an expensive tiara that made a trip form Germany back in the 30's that is skillfully written into the present day story.
I've enjoyed the previous books in this series and this is a well written addition to this enjoyable series. I'm also guessing that this series might be moving to Vermont, especially with the adding of the co-author Parker Riggs. Hopefully there will be more books in the series.
June 19, 2018
A Treacherous Trader is the fourth book in the Antiques & Collectibles Mystery series. This is the first book in the series that was co-written by Parker Riggs and I very much enjoyed it. This story starts off in Germany in 1937. Leo and Frieda Kurzer along with their two daughters, Sophie and Anna live in Hamburg, Germany. Leo is a Jewish jeweler and is forced to sell his jewelry store to his longtime employee, Rolf (Hitler decreed that Jews could not own businesses in Germany). Rolf gives Leo an expensive tiara to help the family escape to Holland. You can be sure that this tiara will play an important part of the present day story.
Molly Appleby, a writer for an antique and collectible magazine, is engaged to Mark Harrison. The wedding is only six months away and Mark wants them to be married in Burlington Vermont where he is hoping to do his residency. Molly has asked Kitty to go to Burlington with her to help make arrangements for her wedding. When Molly goes down for breakfast the next morning, she joins a woman, Violet Emerson who is in a wheelchair, as there are no tables available. Violet and her daughter, Lindsey, are also there planning Lindsey's wedding and begin to share various stores they have visited. Talk soon turns to a discussion of photographers and Lindsey is upset to have learned that her father, who abandoned his family when she was young, is none other than Alec Portman of Portman Photography right here in Burlington. As Molly visits various stores to plan her wedding, she learns that Portman is a womanizer and possible jewel thief. One of the women that she learns he had an affair with is Bristol Price who owns a bridal dress shop next to Portman's studio. Upon visiting the bridal shop, Molly soon learns that Bristol is a very miserable person, and that she still has feelings for Portman. Leaving without a dress, she runs into a woman on the sidewalk with a vintage gown. She wants to see if Bristol will buy it from her. Molly looks at the gown and buys it on the spot. It is exactly what she is looking for. When Alec Portman is found dead, Lindsey is a suspect along with Bristol Price. It turns out that he is the one responsible for Violet ending up in a wheelchair. As Molly investigates to help Lindsy and Violet, the police actually use her skills and she becomes an integral part of the investigation. She also wants to find out more about the beautiful gown and is doing research on it, possibly for a magazine article. What she finds out is amazing and adds a lot to the story.
The character of Molly is well developed and I really liked her. I have read one other book in this series and had not trouble following the story. The research she does is very realistic and the whole adventure will make a wonderful article for the magazine. Based on the end of this story, I think it is going to move from North Carolina to Vermont for future books. A great story that I recommend to cozy mystery lovers as well as those who are interested in preserving history.
Molly Appleby, a writer for an antique and collectible magazine, is engaged to Mark Harrison. The wedding is only six months away and Mark wants them to be married in Burlington Vermont where he is hoping to do his residency. Molly has asked Kitty to go to Burlington with her to help make arrangements for her wedding. When Molly goes down for breakfast the next morning, she joins a woman, Violet Emerson who is in a wheelchair, as there are no tables available. Violet and her daughter, Lindsey, are also there planning Lindsey's wedding and begin to share various stores they have visited. Talk soon turns to a discussion of photographers and Lindsey is upset to have learned that her father, who abandoned his family when she was young, is none other than Alec Portman of Portman Photography right here in Burlington. As Molly visits various stores to plan her wedding, she learns that Portman is a womanizer and possible jewel thief. One of the women that she learns he had an affair with is Bristol Price who owns a bridal dress shop next to Portman's studio. Upon visiting the bridal shop, Molly soon learns that Bristol is a very miserable person, and that she still has feelings for Portman. Leaving without a dress, she runs into a woman on the sidewalk with a vintage gown. She wants to see if Bristol will buy it from her. Molly looks at the gown and buys it on the spot. It is exactly what she is looking for. When Alec Portman is found dead, Lindsey is a suspect along with Bristol Price. It turns out that he is the one responsible for Violet ending up in a wheelchair. As Molly investigates to help Lindsy and Violet, the police actually use her skills and she becomes an integral part of the investigation. She also wants to find out more about the beautiful gown and is doing research on it, possibly for a magazine article. What she finds out is amazing and adds a lot to the story.
The character of Molly is well developed and I really liked her. I have read one other book in this series and had not trouble following the story. The research she does is very realistic and the whole adventure will make a wonderful article for the magazine. Based on the end of this story, I think it is going to move from North Carolina to Vermont for future books. A great story that I recommend to cozy mystery lovers as well as those who are interested in preserving history.
February 3, 2023
This book was better than the previous three in that the MC was not as obnoxious throughout as before so I didn’t actively dislike her as much. This book tracks the history of a diamond tiara and the death of a photographer. Molly is planning her wedding and travels to Vermont in order to find vendors for the big event. The father of another bride she meets is murdered and the bride, Lindsey is arrested/suspected of doing the crime. There are many other suspects as the photographer is a pretty sleazy person. Soon another body is found. Who is killing wedding vendors? How is it related to this missing tiara?
March 8, 2015
A Treacherous Trader by Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs is the fourth book in the Antiques and Collectibles mystery series. The book starts out with Leo and Frieda Kurzer along with their two daughters, Sophie and Anna. They live in Hamburg, Germany in April 1937. Leo is a jeweler and Jewish. Leo is forced to sell his jewelry store to his longtime employee, Rolf (Hitler decreed that Jews could not own businesses in Germany). Rolf gives Leo an expensive tiara to help the family escape to Holland. Leo manages to hold onto the tiara until the family needs to escape Holland. Leo gives the tiara to Richard Rayner, a ship captain. The journey of the tiara is told throughout the rest of the book.
Molly Appleby is getting married to Dr. Mark Harrison. Mark is about to graduate from medical school and is hoping to do his residency in Vermont at Fletcher Allen. They have decided to marry in October and to have to the wedding in Vermont (Mark spent time there growing up). Molly and her friend, Kitty Lewis go to Vermont to spend a week planning the wedding. This is going to be hard for Kitty Lewis and her husband, Lex who do not like to be apart. The first morning in Vermont Molly meets Violet and Lindsey Emerson from Massachusetts. Lindsey is getting married to her fiancé, Keith and they are thinking of getting married in Vermont. However, Lindsey is upset because she has discovered that the father she never met, Alec Portman now lives in Burlington and owns Portman Photography. Alec left Violet when Lindsey was a baby. Alec put Violet in a wheelchair (backed over her with a car).
Molly and Kitty start working on Molly’s to do list for the wedding. The first thing on her list is a wedding gown (personally, I would have looked for a venue first, but Molly wanted to do the fun things first). Molly, of course, wants to wear a vintage wedding gown. They go to the wedding dress store Princess Bridal owned by Bristol Price. Bristol has a severe snotty attitude and treats Molly with disdain (she picks on her size too). Turns out that Alec dated Bristol and then publicly humiliated her when she moved to town. Molly ends up getting a beautiful vintage wedding dress from the 1930’s from Betsy Stratton.
The next morning Molly awakes to find out that Alec has been murdered and Lindsey is a suspect. Violet asks Molly to look into the murder and clear Lindsey. Violet subscribes to Collector’s Weekly and knows that Molly has solved a few crimes. Molly along with her insatiable curiosity set out to solve the murder. During the course of the investigation, Molly discovers that Alec was a womanizer and jewel thief. Alec seems to have dated or hit on every woman in town (whether she wanted his attentions or not). Molly and Detective Anthony Lombardi follow the leads to try and find the killer.
Kitty ends up having to go home when Lex breaks his leg (not that she was much help because she was always on the phone with Lex). Molly’s mother, Clara comes to help with the wedding plans and instead finds romance with Sean Murphy owner of Treasure Trove Antiques.
I give A Treacherous Trader 4 out of 5 stars. It is a charming mystery, romance, fun characters, two murders, a vintage wedding dress, and a gorgeous diamond tiara. There is a lot going on in this book. I have only given a brief synopsis of the events in the book. A Treacherous Trader is a good cozy mystery, but I prefer Ellery Adams Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
Molly Appleby is getting married to Dr. Mark Harrison. Mark is about to graduate from medical school and is hoping to do his residency in Vermont at Fletcher Allen. They have decided to marry in October and to have to the wedding in Vermont (Mark spent time there growing up). Molly and her friend, Kitty Lewis go to Vermont to spend a week planning the wedding. This is going to be hard for Kitty Lewis and her husband, Lex who do not like to be apart. The first morning in Vermont Molly meets Violet and Lindsey Emerson from Massachusetts. Lindsey is getting married to her fiancé, Keith and they are thinking of getting married in Vermont. However, Lindsey is upset because she has discovered that the father she never met, Alec Portman now lives in Burlington and owns Portman Photography. Alec left Violet when Lindsey was a baby. Alec put Violet in a wheelchair (backed over her with a car).
Molly and Kitty start working on Molly’s to do list for the wedding. The first thing on her list is a wedding gown (personally, I would have looked for a venue first, but Molly wanted to do the fun things first). Molly, of course, wants to wear a vintage wedding gown. They go to the wedding dress store Princess Bridal owned by Bristol Price. Bristol has a severe snotty attitude and treats Molly with disdain (she picks on her size too). Turns out that Alec dated Bristol and then publicly humiliated her when she moved to town. Molly ends up getting a beautiful vintage wedding dress from the 1930’s from Betsy Stratton.
The next morning Molly awakes to find out that Alec has been murdered and Lindsey is a suspect. Violet asks Molly to look into the murder and clear Lindsey. Violet subscribes to Collector’s Weekly and knows that Molly has solved a few crimes. Molly along with her insatiable curiosity set out to solve the murder. During the course of the investigation, Molly discovers that Alec was a womanizer and jewel thief. Alec seems to have dated or hit on every woman in town (whether she wanted his attentions or not). Molly and Detective Anthony Lombardi follow the leads to try and find the killer.
Kitty ends up having to go home when Lex breaks his leg (not that she was much help because she was always on the phone with Lex). Molly’s mother, Clara comes to help with the wedding plans and instead finds romance with Sean Murphy owner of Treasure Trove Antiques.
I give A Treacherous Trader 4 out of 5 stars. It is a charming mystery, romance, fun characters, two murders, a vintage wedding dress, and a gorgeous diamond tiara. There is a lot going on in this book. I have only given a brief synopsis of the events in the book. A Treacherous Trader is a good cozy mystery, but I prefer Ellery Adams Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
March 10, 2015
Molly Appleby is in Vermont with her mother, Clara, to plan Molly's wedding. Shortly after arriving, she has an uncomfortable encounter with a bridal shop owner named Bristol, who insults her by practically telling her outright she's too fat to fit in a wedding dress. Molly should have cancelled her trip then and there, but being who she is, didn't, of course, and it could have saved her the nightmare that followed...
After meeting a couple of other people staying at her hotel, Violet and Lindsay, it is learned that Lindsay has discovered her father, a photographer - who left her and her mother shortly after her birth, and permanently physically injured Violet - lives there, and Lindsay has been attempting to avoid him. But Violet wants to know if he's even curious about them, and so is Molly, with her own insatiable curiosity, so she goes to his studio under the guise of hiring him for her wedding, and finds out on her own that he is just as unpleasant as she's heard.
When Alec Portman, the father, is killed, (and we know he will be, because he is a nasty human being, and this is a mystery, after all,) Molly finds there are no dearth of suspects. Nearly every female in town had reason to hate him, for it turns out he was a womanizer of the worst kind, not caring who he hit on. And when he is killed, more things come to light about Mr. Portman and his activities.
I found the backstory quite intriguing. It tells a tale of pre-war Germany and moves to the United States, bringing with it a true historical feel (and I love all things historical). It ties in completely with what is happening to Molly in present-day Vermont, and with others in the book, and I enjoyed the trips back in time as they related to what things were going on in the story today. Quite a bit of thought was given to the story, and it shows.
We watch Molly as she tries to plan her wedding, and how she is sidetracked at every turn with something having to do with the murder. And when Detective Lombardi, the policeman assigned to the case, becomes fascinated with her, and her abilities to "wring information out of" people who knew Alec and may have a stake in his death, it is entirely plausible, and fun to watch.
If anything about the book bothered me - and naturally this would have - as Molly is offended by Bristol's remarks to her, I was offended by Molly's remarks about Las Vegas weddings being "the chapel of cheap weddings." I would like to inform 'Molly' that Las Vegas is a Destination Wedding, and it is anything but cheap. Having been married myself here, and relatives also, it can get quite pricey, as much as anywhere else; and many, many people do it and I don't believe any of them would care for the fact it was considered they did it on the "cheap." (Yes, some elope, but people elope in many states).
Other than that one thing, I found the book quite nicely done and a good addition to the series. It connects several people (mostly by tenuous threads, but connections nevertheless) and everything appears to come full circle, which was very nice indeed. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, but this in no way influenced my decision.
After meeting a couple of other people staying at her hotel, Violet and Lindsay, it is learned that Lindsay has discovered her father, a photographer - who left her and her mother shortly after her birth, and permanently physically injured Violet - lives there, and Lindsay has been attempting to avoid him. But Violet wants to know if he's even curious about them, and so is Molly, with her own insatiable curiosity, so she goes to his studio under the guise of hiring him for her wedding, and finds out on her own that he is just as unpleasant as she's heard.
When Alec Portman, the father, is killed, (and we know he will be, because he is a nasty human being, and this is a mystery, after all,) Molly finds there are no dearth of suspects. Nearly every female in town had reason to hate him, for it turns out he was a womanizer of the worst kind, not caring who he hit on. And when he is killed, more things come to light about Mr. Portman and his activities.
I found the backstory quite intriguing. It tells a tale of pre-war Germany and moves to the United States, bringing with it a true historical feel (and I love all things historical). It ties in completely with what is happening to Molly in present-day Vermont, and with others in the book, and I enjoyed the trips back in time as they related to what things were going on in the story today. Quite a bit of thought was given to the story, and it shows.
We watch Molly as she tries to plan her wedding, and how she is sidetracked at every turn with something having to do with the murder. And when Detective Lombardi, the policeman assigned to the case, becomes fascinated with her, and her abilities to "wring information out of" people who knew Alec and may have a stake in his death, it is entirely plausible, and fun to watch.
If anything about the book bothered me - and naturally this would have - as Molly is offended by Bristol's remarks to her, I was offended by Molly's remarks about Las Vegas weddings being "the chapel of cheap weddings." I would like to inform 'Molly' that Las Vegas is a Destination Wedding, and it is anything but cheap. Having been married myself here, and relatives also, it can get quite pricey, as much as anywhere else; and many, many people do it and I don't believe any of them would care for the fact it was considered they did it on the "cheap." (Yes, some elope, but people elope in many states).
Other than that one thing, I found the book quite nicely done and a good addition to the series. It connects several people (mostly by tenuous threads, but connections nevertheless) and everything appears to come full circle, which was very nice indeed. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, but this in no way influenced my decision.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2016
In this installment, Molly Appleby is engaged to Dr. Mark Harrison (Book #3) and is on a mission to locate a vintage wedding dress. At the direction of her family and close friend, Molly vows to stay clear from trouble, specifically a murder mystery. Mark is hoping for a residency position in Burlington, VT so this is where they agreed to get married. Molly and her friend Kitty travel to VT in search of the wedding dress. Unfortunately, Kitty was called home during the week trip to VT, and Molly’s mother took Kitty’s place. Both women begin to work together to unravel Portman’s murder.
As luck would have it, Molly meets a photographer who just happens to wind up dead. The wedding photographer turns out to be a womanizer and a possible jewel thief. Several have wanted him dead so now Molly is in search of solving the mystery. Two women are at the top of Molly’s suspect list. Violet an ex.wife who Portman (photographer) left in a wheelchair after an accident or perhaps Lindsay who just found out that Portman is her father. And, there is another bridal shop owner who treats bride to be Molly with disdain and contempt.
A secondary story revolves around an expensive tierra from the 1930’s brought from Germany. Although this was a side story and not related to Molly’s mystery, this was a sweet distraction from Molly’s adventure.
I am really enjoying this series and hope that Ms. Adams continues with this series. This is the first book where she has co-authored. Thanks to Tantor Media for sending me this audio in exchange for an honest review.
As luck would have it, Molly meets a photographer who just happens to wind up dead. The wedding photographer turns out to be a womanizer and a possible jewel thief. Several have wanted him dead so now Molly is in search of solving the mystery. Two women are at the top of Molly’s suspect list. Violet an ex.wife who Portman (photographer) left in a wheelchair after an accident or perhaps Lindsay who just found out that Portman is her father. And, there is another bridal shop owner who treats bride to be Molly with disdain and contempt.
A secondary story revolves around an expensive tierra from the 1930’s brought from Germany. Although this was a side story and not related to Molly’s mystery, this was a sweet distraction from Molly’s adventure.
I am really enjoying this series and hope that Ms. Adams continues with this series. This is the first book where she has co-authored. Thanks to Tantor Media for sending me this audio in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2015
A Treacherous Trader is the newly released fourth volume of Ellery Adams' Antiques & Collectibles series. Molly is finally engaged to Mark, and is in the process of planning the wedding. Molly's inquisitiveness coupled with her love of antiques leads her to investigate two mysteries – the history and origin of a vintage gown, and the murder of a womanizing photographer who may have been a thief.
As in earlier installments, the history of a set of antiques, plays an essential role in the mystery. The authors do a marvelous job intertwining the past with the present. Adams' appreciation of antiques and their unique stories is infectious.
By suggesting that Molly will be relocating to Vermont, Adams implies that there will be future adventures for Molly, Mark and Clara. Adams also introduces two engaging new characters, who will hopefully return in future volumes.
A Treacherous Trader is a wonderfully written, captivating cozy novel with likeable main characters and an interesting plot. I would recommend it to mystery lovers of all ages, particularly those with an interest in antiques. It can be read as a stand alone, but the greatest enjoyment will come from reading the books in order.
I received a copy of A Treacherous Trader from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
As in earlier installments, the history of a set of antiques, plays an essential role in the mystery. The authors do a marvelous job intertwining the past with the present. Adams' appreciation of antiques and their unique stories is infectious.
By suggesting that Molly will be relocating to Vermont, Adams implies that there will be future adventures for Molly, Mark and Clara. Adams also introduces two engaging new characters, who will hopefully return in future volumes.
A Treacherous Trader is a wonderfully written, captivating cozy novel with likeable main characters and an interesting plot. I would recommend it to mystery lovers of all ages, particularly those with an interest in antiques. It can be read as a stand alone, but the greatest enjoyment will come from reading the books in order.
I received a copy of A Treacherous Trader from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
February 24, 2015
Great Series!
This is a great series! This is the fourth book in the A Collectible Mystery series by Ellery Adams. Molly is a senior staff writer for the Collector’s Weekly and she just got engaged to the man she loves. She takes time off to plan her wedding and find that perfect vintage wedding dress. When she visits the wedding photographer she finds him dead. She must once again put her sleuthing skills to find the killer before they kill again. I enjoy all of the characters in this book and love that the author brings them back in the books. I am looking forward to reading the next books in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a great series! This is the fourth book in the A Collectible Mystery series by Ellery Adams. Molly is a senior staff writer for the Collector’s Weekly and she just got engaged to the man she loves. She takes time off to plan her wedding and find that perfect vintage wedding dress. When she visits the wedding photographer she finds him dead. She must once again put her sleuthing skills to find the killer before they kill again. I enjoy all of the characters in this book and love that the author brings them back in the books. I am looking forward to reading the next books in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
February 13, 2015
Fun cozy with less about antiques this time, more about the characters. Some surprise you, others upset you with their evil intent.
Molly, the amateur detective, is an old hand at this by now, in book 4 (received as a review-copy).
Her love life is progressing to marriage, so the author gives us less of her loved one and more of the mystery and suspects, this time in Vermont.
There is a historical story intertwined with the present day story, and it comes to a surprising end.
Yes, lots of odd coincidences, but in a genre that often blends with the paranormal (not explicitly in this series), this really isn't too odd.
For cozy murder mystery fans!
Molly, the amateur detective, is an old hand at this by now, in book 4 (received as a review-copy).
Her love life is progressing to marriage, so the author gives us less of her loved one and more of the mystery and suspects, this time in Vermont.
There is a historical story intertwined with the present day story, and it comes to a surprising end.
Yes, lots of odd coincidences, but in a genre that often blends with the paranormal (not explicitly in this series), this really isn't too odd.
For cozy murder mystery fans!
February 8, 2015
Stunning! This book is full of twists and turns, connections, murder, love, friendships and how small this world can truly be at times. I haven't read any other books by this author, but that changes now. With so many books filled with profanity and sex it is nice to read a book you can feel good about reading completely. Loyalty, friendship and love along with some action, not too much, but enough to be able to check that off it you want that in a book. The details were fantastic and the back story wound in the book at the perfect moments. What a wonderful read!
September 29, 2020
This is the 4th book in the the Antiques and Collectibles Mystery series.
This is the first one in the series that I have read. This story can definitely be read as a standalone.
I enjoyed the genuineness of the main character, Molly. She is not perfect and doesn't pretend to be. She is someone I'd love to be friends with!
This story was fast paced and an easy to read cozy mystery! (One of my favorite genres!) I can't wait to read more in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!
This is the first one in the series that I have read. This story can definitely be read as a standalone.
I enjoyed the genuineness of the main character, Molly. She is not perfect and doesn't pretend to be. She is someone I'd love to be friends with!
This story was fast paced and an easy to read cozy mystery! (One of my favorite genres!) I can't wait to read more in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!
March 5, 2015
I received this book from netgalley.com for an honest review. I enjoyed this mystery. I have read the first book in this series so I was familiar with the main characters. This is a fun cozy. Mollie is in Vermont preparing for her wedding when she becomes embroiled in a murder. There are plenty of suspects. I did not suspect the murderer until it was revealed. The story moved quickly and kept my attention. I would read more by this author.
March 6, 2015
I loved how there was a secret wrap up in the end! I ended up listening to this one because I couldn't find a paperback version so it was a little confusing a couple of times when they were switching from the present and past. I still really enjoyed this story though. It's been awhile since I read the last one in the series so there were a few things I couldn't remember. Once I did though, I didn't want to put it down!! I love a book like that!
March 29, 2015
Double WOW
Love murder mysteries, love antiques, live humor, love light romance LOVED THIS BOOK! I only hope this isn't the end of "Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries" series. The author has written many book and I intend to read over of their books, but really would like more of this series.
Love murder mysteries, love antiques, live humor, love light romance LOVED THIS BOOK! I only hope this isn't the end of "Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries" series. The author has written many book and I intend to read over of their books, but really would like more of this series.
February 23, 2015
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Another quick and fun cozy mystery. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to more in the series.
Another quick and fun cozy mystery. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to more in the series.
February 2, 2015
Molly continues to be a complaining nag. It sure why this series was revived.
August 11, 2026
Dit boek beviel me beter dan het derde deel in de serie. Dat komt door de rode draad die er doorheen loopt. in WO II vlucht de joodse familie Kurzer vlucht van Duitsland naar Amsterdam, maar als de Duitsers ook Nederland dreigen binnen te vallen gaan ze met een vrachtschip van Richard Rayner naar Amerika. Dat is niet helemaal legaal en daarom nemen ze, eenmaal in Amerika andere namen aan.
In het nu zijn Molly Appleby met haar vriendin Kitty en later met haar moeder Clara in Vermont om de bruiloft van Mark (in de andere boeken heet hij Matt)en Molly voor te bereiden. Mark hoopt aangesteld te worden als dokter in het ziekenhuis van Burlington en dan zullen ze ook samen daar naar toe verhuizen. Molly brengt een bezoek aan verschillende zaken in de stad op zoek naar een bruidsjurk, een bakker voor de bruidstaart, een gelegenheid om de receptie en bruiloft te houden. Op alle locaties treft ze vrouwen aan die geen goed woord over hebben voor Alec Portman. Hij is een bullebak en heeft een hele rij van boze meisjes en vrouwen achter zich gelaten. Geen wonder dat hij op een bepaald moment vermoord wordt gevonden. Het onderzoek wordt geleid door Tony Lombardi die de hulp aanneemt van Molly die de verhalen van de vrouwen kent en samen gaan ze op pad om degene te vinden die schuldig is aan de dood van Alec.
In het nu zijn Molly Appleby met haar vriendin Kitty en later met haar moeder Clara in Vermont om de bruiloft van Mark (in de andere boeken heet hij Matt)en Molly voor te bereiden. Mark hoopt aangesteld te worden als dokter in het ziekenhuis van Burlington en dan zullen ze ook samen daar naar toe verhuizen. Molly brengt een bezoek aan verschillende zaken in de stad op zoek naar een bruidsjurk, een bakker voor de bruidstaart, een gelegenheid om de receptie en bruiloft te houden. Op alle locaties treft ze vrouwen aan die geen goed woord over hebben voor Alec Portman. Hij is een bullebak en heeft een hele rij van boze meisjes en vrouwen achter zich gelaten. Geen wonder dat hij op een bepaald moment vermoord wordt gevonden. Het onderzoek wordt geleid door Tony Lombardi die de hulp aanneemt van Molly die de verhalen van de vrouwen kent en samen gaan ze op pad om degene te vinden die schuldig is aan de dood van Alec.
August 28, 2019
Any Ellery Adams book/series goes on my favorites list. I find her writing is fresh and at times edgy (her newer series). I am enjoying going back and reading her older series such as the Antiques and Collectibles series.
In book 4, Molly has gone to Vermont with her best friend, Kitty, to get her wedding venues and such done. Matt has applied for his residency in Vermont so they decide to get married up there. As you guessed it, murder finds Molly everywhere.
My biggest complaint about the book was one character, in particular, Kitty. I found her a whiny, self-centered adult brat. I was glad when she had to fly back to NC. No matter what they were doing it seemed like she turned everything back to her and if she didn't want to do something so all but stomped her foot!
The story of the tiara was fascinating. I thought Adams did a great job weaving WWII into the story without telling the same old storyline. I can't say much as I do not want to give anything away.
I haven't looked at book 5 yet but I hope it is the wedding and not after and we just get to dream how it went.
In book 4, Molly has gone to Vermont with her best friend, Kitty, to get her wedding venues and such done. Matt has applied for his residency in Vermont so they decide to get married up there. As you guessed it, murder finds Molly everywhere.
My biggest complaint about the book was one character, in particular, Kitty. I found her a whiny, self-centered adult brat. I was glad when she had to fly back to NC. No matter what they were doing it seemed like she turned everything back to her and if she didn't want to do something so all but stomped her foot!
The story of the tiara was fascinating. I thought Adams did a great job weaving WWII into the story without telling the same old storyline. I can't say much as I do not want to give anything away.
I haven't looked at book 5 yet but I hope it is the wedding and not after and we just get to dream how it went.
July 3, 2024
Kept me guessing!
I felt Molly was a tad too nosy in this one. It made it obvious who was going to be killed lol
That being said, I could not, for the life of me guess who the murderer was! That's always fun for me. And I absolutely LOVED the history behind Molly's wedding dress 😍
Also love how supportive of her Matt was even when everyone else was telling her to butt out. They had a point but her future husband knows her and it was cute to read lol
Also, it was nice to see that someone was attracted to her even though shes a curvy woman. Someone had weight shamed her earlier in the book and this man stated that his type was skinny, blonde and tan but .... her intelligence, inquisitive mind, ability to observe and piece things together attracted him. Our girl was faithful, of course, but love the notion that yeah....girls have things to offer outside their body shape. Maybe look last that and you'll realize you met an amazing person 😄
But back to the mystery, SO many suspects and angry people in one small town, it was crazy! But def kept things interesting 😂
I felt Molly was a tad too nosy in this one. It made it obvious who was going to be killed lol
That being said, I could not, for the life of me guess who the murderer was! That's always fun for me. And I absolutely LOVED the history behind Molly's wedding dress 😍
Also love how supportive of her Matt was even when everyone else was telling her to butt out. They had a point but her future husband knows her and it was cute to read lol
Also, it was nice to see that someone was attracted to her even though shes a curvy woman. Someone had weight shamed her earlier in the book and this man stated that his type was skinny, blonde and tan but .... her intelligence, inquisitive mind, ability to observe and piece things together attracted him. Our girl was faithful, of course, but love the notion that yeah....girls have things to offer outside their body shape. Maybe look last that and you'll realize you met an amazing person 😄
But back to the mystery, SO many suspects and angry people in one small town, it was crazy! But def kept things interesting 😂
May 6, 2025
Molly Appleby heads up to Vermont for a week with her bestie to plan and shop for her destination wedding. After making friends with a mother/daughter duo at her hotel, she becomes embroiled in a murder mystery. Molly's BFF (I forgot her name) was so lame! She acted like it was such a hardship to be away from her hubby for one week to help Molly. An emergency at home led to her departure and Molly's mom flew in for the rest of the story. Also not super helpful or supportive! I like Molly but the supporting characters suck--it seems like Molly is always on her own. The historical details--this time for wedding antiques--were very interesting as usual. There was a detective who was very direct about his interest in Molly. She continued to spend time with him while claiming how much she was devoted to her fiance. I'm curious what future storylines will develop.
January 20, 2026
2.25 stars for this book specifically. I enjoy this cozy mystery series for the information I learn about antiques and the market, but I won't lie that sometimes Molly and Clara are not very likeable. The first book, Molly started out as a pick-me "not-like-other-girls" kind of a woman, but she progressed over the next two books. However, there are still hints here and there. Clara is kind of mean to her daughter a lot of the time, which I wasn't happy about. At the end of the day, though, I can still take them with the fact that they are flawed imperfect characters who are growing. Plus they're pretty well-rounded characters and they make their world interesting.
However, with the addition of a second writer, the tone of the book changed. Some of the characters became more flat and one-dimensional, paragraph spacing vanished (which made the book harder to read), and Molly turned into a Mary Sue action hero figure who can do no wrong and everyone falls in love with her (romantically or platonically). There were also details that were missed or plot points that were abandoned abruptly—for instance, Matt said his parents died in the first book, but suddenly they are alive and present for the wedding. Grayson Montgomery was built up to be a lovely partner for Clara in the third book, and he's completely forgotten and omitted in the fourth. I learn too much about antiques and I enjoy the series too much to quit now, but I'm not impressed by Parker Riggs. Hopefully the next few books get better because #4 was the worst I've read so far.
However, with the addition of a second writer, the tone of the book changed. Some of the characters became more flat and one-dimensional, paragraph spacing vanished (which made the book harder to read), and Molly turned into a Mary Sue action hero figure who can do no wrong and everyone falls in love with her (romantically or platonically). There were also details that were missed or plot points that were abandoned abruptly—for instance, Matt said his parents died in the first book, but suddenly they are alive and present for the wedding. Grayson Montgomery was built up to be a lovely partner for Clara in the third book, and he's completely forgotten and omitted in the fourth. I learn too much about antiques and I enjoy the series too much to quit now, but I'm not impressed by Parker Riggs. Hopefully the next few books get better because #4 was the worst I've read so far.
May 22, 2021
This was quite enjoyable. I liked the premise, have us something new and different for Molly. Having Molly plan her wedding in Vermont and not have the reason be antiquing was a nice twist. The little historical background section was so heartwarming, I think it was my favourite so far. There were a lot of characters to keep track of in this one, I need to do a better job of remembering side people. I think it's part of Ellery Adams' style, to make the world feel more fleshed out. They're not always integral to the plot, but little details here and there are important. I should have seen the twist coming, but I didn't somehow. Maybe because of those details. Anyway, I'm sure I'll continue this series, but I need to take a break to read out book club book next. Then back to Molly haha.
June 16, 2020
I *hate* to be this person, but i have a bone to pick with this--and I only mention it because it literally caused me to stop reading while I reread the passage several times. It utterly stopped the flow of the story for me. There's a vegan cafe in this book story and they bring bread and cheese sticks to the table as nibbles and then Molly orders a salad with feta cheese in it and the person she's with orders a white albacore salad. A vegan restaurant would not have cheese of any kind nor offer albacore.
And... without getting all spoilery.... everything wraps up just a wee tad too neatly. Just too many coincidences.
And... without getting all spoilery.... everything wraps up just a wee tad too neatly. Just too many coincidences.
September 23, 2025
A Treacherous Trader is a delightful entry in the Antiques & Collectibles Mystery series, with wedding planning serving as a charming backdrop to the central mystery. Molly finds herself caught up not only in the excitement (and chaos) of nuptials but also in unraveling the history of a tiara that becomes the heart of the story.
What makes this installment shine is how the tiara’s past is tied to themes of generosity and kindness, reminding readers that antiques carry not just value, but stories of the people who once owned them. The mystery surrounding its fate—and the danger that follows—keeps the pages turning while weaving in moments of warmth and compassion.
What makes this installment shine is how the tiara’s past is tied to themes of generosity and kindness, reminding readers that antiques carry not just value, but stories of the people who once owned them. The mystery surrounding its fate—and the danger that follows—keeps the pages turning while weaving in moments of warmth and compassion.
October 1, 2017
I picked this audio book for working out simply because I really liked the first two books in another of Ellery Adams' series, and this was the only book of hers currently available at my library. I think I'll have to go read the first 3 in this series, as well.
I liked the main character and her mother, and found many of the Burlington side characters just quirky enough to be engaging. The story kept my interest all the way through, becoming really tough to put down toward the end. It helped make me want to work out!
I liked the main character and her mother, and found many of the Burlington side characters just quirky enough to be engaging. The story kept my interest all the way through, becoming really tough to put down toward the end. It helped make me want to work out!
March 12, 2025
good plot, easy and entertaining read
Better than the earlier two, it is as if the writer(s?) are feeling more comfortable with their characters. Molly seems to be unevenly depicted in her role, however: an easygoing girl with a sweet tooth and a love for food, can suddenly turn into a harpy getting very nasty to her fiance. Odd and out of character, or is that her character? Very enjoyable series though. Two minor things: internment should be interment (which by the way is also a strange word for a cremation) and can one smell brine near a lake?
Good writing though!
Better than the earlier two, it is as if the writer(s?) are feeling more comfortable with their characters. Molly seems to be unevenly depicted in her role, however: an easygoing girl with a sweet tooth and a love for food, can suddenly turn into a harpy getting very nasty to her fiance. Odd and out of character, or is that her character? Very enjoyable series though. Two minor things: internment should be interment (which by the way is also a strange word for a cremation) and can one smell brine near a lake?
Good writing though!
June 5, 2021
Molly is in Vermont planning her wedding. She runs across some colorful characters, some not so nice. One is a photographer who left his wife and child many years ago. Coincidently, the daughter is also in town planning her wedding. When the photographer winds up dead, Molly is there to help unravel the case.
I love reading about the exploits of Molly and her mother. I'll be sad to catch up to this series.
I love reading about the exploits of Molly and her mother. I'll be sad to catch up to this series.
August 28, 2026
In this book of Ellery Adams’s Antiques and Collectibles Series, the reader follows a diamond and pearl tiara designed by a German jeweler immediately before World War II. It is so interesting to read how antiques of all kinds have stories and wide-ranging effects on people throughout time.
During the present time, Molly Appleby is deep into planning a destination wedding in Vermont. While checking items off her wedding “to-do” list, events take place that lead her right into an investigation.
During the present time, Molly Appleby is deep into planning a destination wedding in Vermont. While checking items off her wedding “to-do” list, events take place that lead her right into an investigation.
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