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Antique Magic
Antique dealer Alicia Trent is hired to appraise a huge collection of treasures hoarded by a woman who has recently died in the town where Alicia grew up. The huge old house poses mystery after mystery from the moment she arrives, but the stakes become deadly when murder is added to the mix. The question then becomes, can she stay alive long enough to unmask the killer?
- GenresMystery
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 18, 2022
Alicia Trent is one of the partners of an Antique Store in Scottsdale, Arizona. When she is commissioned to list, sort out and sale the antiques collected by a slightly eccentric old lady of her hometown, she cannot resist the offer. It is partly because of the antique dealer in her who is curious about the collection she had seen once as a kid but mostly because of the magnetic draw of the enigma that the house and its owner had represented during her childhood. But once she arrives in the house, she realizes that something is very wrong. With lurkers, threats, missing items, some magic and a possible murder, Alicia is embroiled in a case that she seemed to be a part of. Not to mention that there are four very charming, attractive and single men involved in it too.
The plot is truly intriguing. The author takes her time in setting the plot and building up the characters, but with such charm that as a reader, instead of finding it dragging, I enjoyed all the little details. Each character is as strong as the other. Jed and Cal are polar opposite brothers whose personality is drawn out with such distinction that it left me amazed. Nick is the one character that you would empathize with and certainly be attracted to. Dan and Lawrence won my heart towards the very beginning and Naomi… Well, let’s just say that the mere mention of her name made me hungry. But the thing is that even though you like the characters, you also cannot help but suspect each of them in turn.
I have to admit that Ms.Eileen’s story-telling ability is just too good. She manages to draw you in and feel involved with the characters. The presence of magic could have made me bit skeptical, but it did not. I mean that when we are reading about magic in a fantasy world, it’s a different thing. But reading about magic in the real modern world can get bit uncomfortable if you do not know whether to believe in it or not. But, Alicia is a modern girl like us who believes in science, rather than in magic. Thus, reading about it through Alicia’s narration makes it much easier to believe in the magic portrayed in the story. Also, Alicia is such a strong and practical girl that it makes you feel like cheering for the female lead throughout.
There are a few questions left unanswered in the story. I do not know if they are left unanswered intentionally or unintentionally. I sure do hope that it was intentional and that we are going to find the answers in one of the upcoming Alicia Trent Mysteries.
The plot is truly intriguing. The author takes her time in setting the plot and building up the characters, but with such charm that as a reader, instead of finding it dragging, I enjoyed all the little details. Each character is as strong as the other. Jed and Cal are polar opposite brothers whose personality is drawn out with such distinction that it left me amazed. Nick is the one character that you would empathize with and certainly be attracted to. Dan and Lawrence won my heart towards the very beginning and Naomi… Well, let’s just say that the mere mention of her name made me hungry. But the thing is that even though you like the characters, you also cannot help but suspect each of them in turn.
I have to admit that Ms.Eileen’s story-telling ability is just too good. She manages to draw you in and feel involved with the characters. The presence of magic could have made me bit skeptical, but it did not. I mean that when we are reading about magic in a fantasy world, it’s a different thing. But reading about magic in the real modern world can get bit uncomfortable if you do not know whether to believe in it or not. But, Alicia is a modern girl like us who believes in science, rather than in magic. Thus, reading about it through Alicia’s narration makes it much easier to believe in the magic portrayed in the story. Also, Alicia is such a strong and practical girl that it makes you feel like cheering for the female lead throughout.
There are a few questions left unanswered in the story. I do not know if they are left unanswered intentionally or unintentionally. I sure do hope that it was intentional and that we are going to find the answers in one of the upcoming Alicia Trent Mysteries.
December 13, 2014
Living in the South, it’s hard not to like, shop, or collection antiques. I use to go antiquing with my mom and grandma on the weekends. All sorts of baubles and treasures. Some could have been magical, I’m sure. Alicia Trent grew up with an antique appraiser mother and has followed in her footsteps. A local elderly lady has passed and her family has assigned Alicia of setting up the sale of the huge, gigantic, and eclectic collection of items she has crammed into her large home. Alicia moves in, meets the two sons of the passed woman, and stumbles on some murderous and magical secrets. The unraveling of the family’s tale, personal struggles, and present is extremely fascinating. Her run ins with trouble, life or death that is, and her discoveries made this novel a quick page turner. Toss in a little romance, some side character stories, and the reader gets a satisfying read.
Note: I received a copy of this book from Book Tour Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received a copy of this book from Book Tour Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2014
Loved the book, a lot of intrigue and an interesting cast of characters that left you wondering who was good and who was bad. I liked how she brought in various types of antiques and I was able to learn a little bit about the various categories.
I was totally surprised by who the "bad guy" was in this book. It was definitely not someone I was anticipating but did guess the "why" or how this person was tied in to the family.
I think this is going to be a series and that is exciting because the book intrigued me and I can't wait to find out what situation Alicia gets into next and if any of the love interests from this book continue in future segments.
I was totally surprised by who the "bad guy" was in this book. It was definitely not someone I was anticipating but did guess the "why" or how this person was tied in to the family.
I think this is going to be a series and that is exciting because the book intrigued me and I can't wait to find out what situation Alicia gets into next and if any of the love interests from this book continue in future segments.
February 10, 2015
I was very excited to be included in the book tour for this series (review of book #2 to be posted tomorrow), as I love mysteries with amateur sleuths, and there was the added lure of this one having to do with magic. It took several chapters for me to really get into this book, but once I did, it was definitely worth it. There's a murder to be solved, a handful or more of plausible suspects, clues from the murder victim, and a magic bottle that helps Alicia in its unique way. Even the house becomes an integral character in the story with its hidden passages to be discovered. A good book to curl up with on a snowy winter day
February 17, 2015
Although the read feels slightly rough at the start it quickly smooths out and keeps a good pace throughout the book. A few switches between views and added notes give the reader enough information to remain interested and the pages turning. Harris shows a good grasp of language and story development. The characters are well fleshed and interesting to connect with and learn about. Overall this is a good mystery and one I can easily recommend. I received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review through b00kr3vi3w tours.
February 18, 2015
* I received a free copy of ANTIQUE MAGIC in exchange for an honest review.*
This is the first book in what promises to be an interesting series.
Alicia Trent is the co-owner of a successful antique store in Scottsdale, Arizona. In the series debut Alicia is hired to organize, sort, value and sell an entire house filled with antiques of all kinds. The woman who owned the house was actually somewhat of a hoarder, but a hoarder with amazing taste. When Alicia is offered the job she is excited to get started for more than one reason.
First, the chance to have first look at the unique items that were acquired by the eccentric woman who owned the home, was too good to pass up. She wanted to acquire several of the items to sell in her own shop. The second reason she was interested in the job was because she had always been intrigued by the house ever since childhood. She had a brief encounter with the owner many years earlier and it had left an impression.
The author draws in the reader right from the start and Alicia is portrayed as a successful business owner and happy single woman. Readers will be able to relate to this heroine. She is not a buxom, teenage knock-out. She is a normal woman. This is refreshing as all too often regular women are not used as main characters, especially in mystery series.
The cast of characters that Eileen Harris has assembled is vast in scope, but is still manageable. This story could have become confusing, but the author never let that happen.
Some magical objects come into play and Alicia develops a new love interest named Nick. I have to say that I think I am a bit in love with Nick myself, he sounds wonderful. Too bad he is only fictional. (Just kidding...I am happily married).
There is intrigue, there is mystery, there is magic, there is romance and there is drama. Wow! Is there drama! This is a terrific Who-Done-It and readers will think they have everything figured out and then another twist in the plot will occur. I absolutely LOVED the fact that I wasn't sure who the guilty party was until the end. This is a rare treat!
I do not want to give away too much of the plot of this book, but suffice it to say that anyone who loves a good read will want to add ANTIQUE MAGIC to their MUST READ list.
I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
This is the first book in what promises to be an interesting series.
Alicia Trent is the co-owner of a successful antique store in Scottsdale, Arizona. In the series debut Alicia is hired to organize, sort, value and sell an entire house filled with antiques of all kinds. The woman who owned the house was actually somewhat of a hoarder, but a hoarder with amazing taste. When Alicia is offered the job she is excited to get started for more than one reason.
First, the chance to have first look at the unique items that were acquired by the eccentric woman who owned the home, was too good to pass up. She wanted to acquire several of the items to sell in her own shop. The second reason she was interested in the job was because she had always been intrigued by the house ever since childhood. She had a brief encounter with the owner many years earlier and it had left an impression.
The author draws in the reader right from the start and Alicia is portrayed as a successful business owner and happy single woman. Readers will be able to relate to this heroine. She is not a buxom, teenage knock-out. She is a normal woman. This is refreshing as all too often regular women are not used as main characters, especially in mystery series.
The cast of characters that Eileen Harris has assembled is vast in scope, but is still manageable. This story could have become confusing, but the author never let that happen.
Some magical objects come into play and Alicia develops a new love interest named Nick. I have to say that I think I am a bit in love with Nick myself, he sounds wonderful. Too bad he is only fictional. (Just kidding...I am happily married).
There is intrigue, there is mystery, there is magic, there is romance and there is drama. Wow! Is there drama! This is a terrific Who-Done-It and readers will think they have everything figured out and then another twist in the plot will occur. I absolutely LOVED the fact that I wasn't sure who the guilty party was until the end. This is a rare treat!
I do not want to give away too much of the plot of this book, but suffice it to say that anyone who loves a good read will want to add ANTIQUE MAGIC to their MUST READ list.
I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
May 25, 2015
Alicia Trent's story is an absolute delight, gripping and frightening in equal parts.
Her hometown calls 28-year old Alicia Trent back, but not for the obvious reasons. The house, very old by western standards, the one they joked about as being haunted and spook as kids, has been inherited by the two sons of .
Alicia Trent, or Ali, as she is called for the major part of the book, is the co-owner of an antique store called Eclectic Treasures in Scottsdale, Arizona. As a child she had been inside the house just once. Turns out, that one visit was enough to connect her to the home in unknown, intricate ways. And although that visit had now relegated to the background and faded gradually as a shadowy memory, things change all of a sudden as she gets to apprise and facilitate the bidding for the exquisite collection of antiques that Mrs Hall has left behind.
Only, it is not as simple as that. Mrs Hall has also left a plethora of mysteries as well. Riddled with clues, magic and a murder to add to the spice, Ali now has a lot of work to do while she is alive in her quest.
It is a gripping read, and since there aren't many books that uncover mysteries related to antiques, or for that matter, revolve around antiques, it is a refreshing read.
The job of appraisal is huge, Herculean even, and thankfully her co-partner Barry is a very caring and understanding person. Cody and Ned Hall are brothers, Lawrence Hall and Nick are other important characters. Ali stays at the mansion along with the guard Dan, and the cook. What follows is a series of cryptic letters, immensely valuable antiques, suspects themselves getting murdered, and every possible plot twist.
Although too many characters were a challenge to keep up with, the pace of the plot was steady enough to let the reader take it all in.
An important clue is a list of names left by the deceased, and thereon Ali isn't able to quell her thirst and curiosity.
Irony can be so cruel, and through interesting twists, we are in for a thrilling culmination.
It does leave space for s sequel.
Why I'd recommend this book would be for the love of all things antique and a knack for the paranormal.
Her hometown calls 28-year old Alicia Trent back, but not for the obvious reasons. The house, very old by western standards, the one they joked about as being haunted and spook as kids, has been inherited by the two sons of .
Alicia Trent, or Ali, as she is called for the major part of the book, is the co-owner of an antique store called Eclectic Treasures in Scottsdale, Arizona. As a child she had been inside the house just once. Turns out, that one visit was enough to connect her to the home in unknown, intricate ways. And although that visit had now relegated to the background and faded gradually as a shadowy memory, things change all of a sudden as she gets to apprise and facilitate the bidding for the exquisite collection of antiques that Mrs Hall has left behind.
Only, it is not as simple as that. Mrs Hall has also left a plethora of mysteries as well. Riddled with clues, magic and a murder to add to the spice, Ali now has a lot of work to do while she is alive in her quest.
It is a gripping read, and since there aren't many books that uncover mysteries related to antiques, or for that matter, revolve around antiques, it is a refreshing read.
The job of appraisal is huge, Herculean even, and thankfully her co-partner Barry is a very caring and understanding person. Cody and Ned Hall are brothers, Lawrence Hall and Nick are other important characters. Ali stays at the mansion along with the guard Dan, and the cook. What follows is a series of cryptic letters, immensely valuable antiques, suspects themselves getting murdered, and every possible plot twist.
Although too many characters were a challenge to keep up with, the pace of the plot was steady enough to let the reader take it all in.
An important clue is a list of names left by the deceased, and thereon Ali isn't able to quell her thirst and curiosity.
Irony can be so cruel, and through interesting twists, we are in for a thrilling culmination.
It does leave space for s sequel.
Why I'd recommend this book would be for the love of all things antique and a knack for the paranormal.
May 27, 2015
It is a fact that I have mentioned on several occasions: I am a huge fan of the amateur sleuth mystery genre, and I have found another author to add to my to-read list.
I volunteered to review the Alicia Trent series written by Eileen Harris, and what a find that turned out to be. The first book, Antique Magic, introduces the series and the main character, Alicia, aka Ali to the reader. I fell in love with Ali, and her partner Barry, almost from the get go. Together they own an antique's store and while I am no collector, the passion the characters show for their vocation could almost convince anyone to start up the hobby.
Antiques come with histories, good or bad, and invariably some mystery will be attached to those histories making for a good background to the series. I like Ali's persistence and enthusiasm to get to the bottom of the mystery she is investigating. Barry is a good supporting character to provide the sidekick role in the series.
The reader are drawn into the details as Ali digs deeper into the mystery and murder that results as the story unfolds. There is a little romance happening, which adds to the realness of the main character, while other characters are depicted in a likeable and realistic way, each with their own uniqueness.
The magic component to the story was unusual, but not overwhelmingly in your face. Ali gets a clue or two from the magical items, but the mystery does not depend on this alone. A definite point in the author's favour.
Like all good mysteries the truth is well concealed, but could be detected by the reader who pays very close attention to the story, and not only to the clues. Even if you are not a sleuth, the story is very enjoyable and the aha! moment not so much of a surprise that it cannot be believed.
Antique Magic earns a well deserved four stars for the first book in a series.
I volunteered to review the Alicia Trent series written by Eileen Harris, and what a find that turned out to be. The first book, Antique Magic, introduces the series and the main character, Alicia, aka Ali to the reader. I fell in love with Ali, and her partner Barry, almost from the get go. Together they own an antique's store and while I am no collector, the passion the characters show for their vocation could almost convince anyone to start up the hobby.
Antiques come with histories, good or bad, and invariably some mystery will be attached to those histories making for a good background to the series. I like Ali's persistence and enthusiasm to get to the bottom of the mystery she is investigating. Barry is a good supporting character to provide the sidekick role in the series.
The reader are drawn into the details as Ali digs deeper into the mystery and murder that results as the story unfolds. There is a little romance happening, which adds to the realness of the main character, while other characters are depicted in a likeable and realistic way, each with their own uniqueness.
The magic component to the story was unusual, but not overwhelmingly in your face. Ali gets a clue or two from the magical items, but the mystery does not depend on this alone. A definite point in the author's favour.
Like all good mysteries the truth is well concealed, but could be detected by the reader who pays very close attention to the story, and not only to the clues. Even if you are not a sleuth, the story is very enjoyable and the aha! moment not so much of a surprise that it cannot be believed.
Antique Magic earns a well deserved four stars for the first book in a series.
December 20, 2014
Antique dealer Alicia Trent has met Mrs. Hall, the woman in the huge house with the large hoard of treasures only once, many years ago when she was a teenager. Now, as an adult, she has been hired to appraise the collection after Mrs. Hall has died.
From the moment Alicia arrives, there is mystery after mystery. Alicia even suspects that Mrs. Hall did not die of natural causes. The mystery deepens when she finds a bottle with swirling colours and hidden passageways all throughout the mansion.
I loved the pacing of the book. It kept me on edge waiting for the next dreadful thing to happen or to be found. Mixed in to the whole story was a little romance to lighten things up a bit. It was a good balance.
I appreciated getting to know the characters. I think my favourite was Mrs. Baylor, the housekeeper with a flair for making wonderful meals and making the others feel better when tough stuff was happening.
I liked the determination in Alicia’s character to finish out the job even when it seemed like her life might be in danger. I especially liked the way the author was able to represent the characters in one light that made them possibly be threatening on one hand, or could take that behaviour and turn it into something positive so that it became just like a plot twist. You didn’t know if they were good or bad.
Lots of plot twists. Lots of fun. I gave Antique Magic 4 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
From the moment Alicia arrives, there is mystery after mystery. Alicia even suspects that Mrs. Hall did not die of natural causes. The mystery deepens when she finds a bottle with swirling colours and hidden passageways all throughout the mansion.
I loved the pacing of the book. It kept me on edge waiting for the next dreadful thing to happen or to be found. Mixed in to the whole story was a little romance to lighten things up a bit. It was a good balance.
I appreciated getting to know the characters. I think my favourite was Mrs. Baylor, the housekeeper with a flair for making wonderful meals and making the others feel better when tough stuff was happening.
I liked the determination in Alicia’s character to finish out the job even when it seemed like her life might be in danger. I especially liked the way the author was able to represent the characters in one light that made them possibly be threatening on one hand, or could take that behaviour and turn it into something positive so that it became just like a plot twist. You didn’t know if they were good or bad.
Lots of plot twists. Lots of fun. I gave Antique Magic 4 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
July 2, 2012
The book is developed gradually, with a lot of detail to provide a sense of a complete world in the story. The characters are ones that the reader will be able to identify with and understand. They are complete personalities that presented unique traits. It almost makes you forget for a moment that you’re reading a novel as you are thrust into these carefully constructed interactions.
What I always appreciate in a book is when there are unanswered questions, things that stir up the reader’s thought and imagination. This is often very risky for the author as not all readers will enjoy this, but it’s something that I like because it’s reflective of the real world. In reality, when there are murders and mystery, questions aren’t always answered. When an author can capture that and still successfully mix reality with fantasy by adding magic, impossible situations, and excitement, it’s something that I really appreciate.
This book is perfect for a quiet night, preferably a cold and stormy one. While you could certainly take this to the beach with you, this is a book better enjoyed at home, curled up on the couch. Mystery lovers won’t be disappointed in this book.
What I always appreciate in a book is when there are unanswered questions, things that stir up the reader’s thought and imagination. This is often very risky for the author as not all readers will enjoy this, but it’s something that I like because it’s reflective of the real world. In reality, when there are murders and mystery, questions aren’t always answered. When an author can capture that and still successfully mix reality with fantasy by adding magic, impossible situations, and excitement, it’s something that I really appreciate.
This book is perfect for a quiet night, preferably a cold and stormy one. While you could certainly take this to the beach with you, this is a book better enjoyed at home, curled up on the couch. Mystery lovers won’t be disappointed in this book.
December 23, 2014
An addictive mystery. You start out thinking this is just a antique dealer going to do a estate but it turns into so much more. I Loved Lawrewnce and Jed but Nick really was awesome. The mystery surrounding Ms. Hall and all that unfolded as Alicia got further into the house and all it holds brought more danger and intrigue. Alicia was the center of the story and where all the mayhem occurred. As she uncovered more secrets more seemed to happen and all wanted to know what was happening. This is one where you think you know who it is but aren’t sure and with each page turn something new is delved and a secret revealed leaving you wondering what will happen next and if you really did know who done it.. As time goes on you begin to doubt yourself as to who was stealing the antiques, killing Ms. Hall, stealing into the house and killing others as well but in the end you are addicted and need to go on. A great mystery that keeps you on your toes as you engross yourself into figuring out the person behind all that is going on.
May 25, 2012
Joseph Wambaugh once said that you can teach everything about writing except how to tell a good story. Either you know how to do it or you don't. Eileen Harris definitely knows how to tell a good story. When I picked up Antique Magic I was expecting something on the order of Hallmark's The Good Witch. The book is actually closer to a Steven King novel without the intense horror. Harris is a very descriptive writer and does an excellent job of laying down scenes and slowly feeding the mystery to the reader. If I had to find a flaw in the writing, it would be that at times the dialogue between characters tends to be wordy until it seems as if the characters are giving speeches to each other. However, even this does not distract from the story. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the sequel.
February 16, 2015
Mysteries began to form it's shape after the arrival of Alicia, she slowly discovered the unnatural death of Mrs. Hall and started to solve it.
Mystery is one of my favorite genre, so I was excited to read the Antique series. It was a good read and I took approximately three days to complete it.The plot is little blurry, our author has taken some time to give clarity to the plot and built up the characters properly. The author portrayed each and every characters well; the characters will baffle you to a point where you will wonder 'who is good' and 'who is bad'. Each characters will drawn you towards themselves. I like Alicia's confident and determining-to-solve-it-out character.
This book promises you a second series. I will give it a three and half stars out of five for the author's marvelous story and addition of a little romance to keep up the balance.
Mystery is one of my favorite genre, so I was excited to read the Antique series. It was a good read and I took approximately three days to complete it.The plot is little blurry, our author has taken some time to give clarity to the plot and built up the characters properly. The author portrayed each and every characters well; the characters will baffle you to a point where you will wonder 'who is good' and 'who is bad'. Each characters will drawn you towards themselves. I like Alicia's confident and determining-to-solve-it-out character.
This book promises you a second series. I will give it a three and half stars out of five for the author's marvelous story and addition of a little romance to keep up the balance.
November 20, 2014
5 stars
A house from Ali's past comes to the present. A house with many secrets. Ali is hired to go through and sell all the items in this house. The owner was a hoarder of sorts. So many questions arise. Once those questions are answered many more pop up. Ali tries to help the deceased owner discover who the murderer is. As secret passageways are shown to her, She finds more treasures in them. She also finds more mysteries. Ali also finds a new possibility of romance.
This really is a very interesting book. I could not put the book down. I was amazed with the amount of detail and suspense. I wish I could give more than 5 stars. I hope to read more from this author.
A house from Ali's past comes to the present. A house with many secrets. Ali is hired to go through and sell all the items in this house. The owner was a hoarder of sorts. So many questions arise. Once those questions are answered many more pop up. Ali tries to help the deceased owner discover who the murderer is. As secret passageways are shown to her, She finds more treasures in them. She also finds more mysteries. Ali also finds a new possibility of romance.
This really is a very interesting book. I could not put the book down. I was amazed with the amount of detail and suspense. I wish I could give more than 5 stars. I hope to read more from this author.
May 30, 2015
Antique Magic is a fun read. The mystery combines with a little romance and some information about antiques to make a unique read. I think I would like to know the people in this story personally. They are all relatable and I was kept guessing until the very end.
I give this story 4 out of 5 clouds and look forward to reading more books in the series.
I give this story 4 out of 5 clouds and look forward to reading more books in the series.
April 18, 2012
This book is the amazing first book in a new series about an exciting character! Very fun and enjoyable read!!! Cannot wait for the second book to come out.
June 7, 2016
I love these books Eileen Harris please keep them coming. I have read all of your books please write more. Hope you all are well we miss you.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews