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Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery #11
The Glow of Death
As a warm ocean breeze ruffles the tall grass along Rocky Point’s sandy dunes, Josie Prescott visits the house of a wealthy local couple, Edwin and Ava Belcher. She’s been called in to appraise their Tiffany lamp, which everyone is delighted to find is genuine.
Josie’s good friend, Police Chief Ellis Hunter, is helping prepare for her annual Fourth of July barbeque when he gets a call that Ava has been murdered. Unable to reach Edwin, Ellis asks Josie to identify the body.
Josie is stunned to discover that the dead woman lying on the Belcher kitchen floor is not the woman she knew as Ava. Astonishment turns to shock when Josie discovers that everything she thought she knew about the Tiffany lamp and the Belchers has been built on lies.
Josie’s good friend, Police Chief Ellis Hunter, is helping prepare for her annual Fourth of July barbeque when he gets a call that Ava has been murdered. Unable to reach Edwin, Ellis asks Josie to identify the body.
Josie is stunned to discover that the dead woman lying on the Belcher kitchen floor is not the woman she knew as Ava. Astonishment turns to shock when Josie discovers that everything she thought she knew about the Tiffany lamp and the Belchers has been built on lies.
293 pages, Hardcover
First published November 29, 2016
13 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
About the author
Jane K. Cleland
32 books355 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 14, 2016
I have enjoyed my visits with Josie and this book did not disappoint. Josie is offered the chance to appraise a Tiffany Lamp. Following her practices, she appraises the lamp at over a million dollars. The lamp is returned to the owner. Police chief Ellis Hunter takes Josie along when he answer an emergency call. Josie is appalled to realize the party she dealt with is not
the owner of the lamp. Prescott Antiques is offered the opportunity to sale the lamp. Before Josie can retrieve the lamp she is shot at preventing the recovery of the lamp. The lamp recover is not the one appraise. Josie is determined to find the guilty party and recover the original lamp to prevent additional murders. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from St. Martin Press 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.
the owner of the lamp. Prescott Antiques is offered the opportunity to sale the lamp. Before Josie can retrieve the lamp she is shot at preventing the recovery of the lamp. The lamp recover is not the one appraise. Josie is determined to find the guilty party and recover the original lamp to prevent additional murders. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from St. Martin Press 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.
October 15, 2016
I stumbled upon this series a few years ago and have been a fan ever since. Josie Prescott is a unique character, she has had her disappointments in life, yet she has a strong personality and her devotion to her friends is commendable.
In The Glow of Death, Prescott Antiques is asked to appraise a Tiffany Lamp. This is a real coup for the business and Josie is overjoyed to begin the appraisal.
Things take a turn for the worse when it seems Josie has been duped. It doesn't take long for Josie to become involved and once again risks her life for her love of antiques and fine things.
This series is one of my favorites. The quaint New Hampshire setting and the cast of characters makes me want to stop by and check out the goods at Prescott's. Josie's love for her job comes across in this book and I didn't want to put it down.
Josie grows with each book and her relationship with Ty keeps it real. They don't have a storybook romance, they have ups and downs and because the author keeps it real, it makes it very easy to relate to.
Anyone who loves a good cozy mystery is bound to love this one. This is a series that most cozy mystery fans will love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
In The Glow of Death, Prescott Antiques is asked to appraise a Tiffany Lamp. This is a real coup for the business and Josie is overjoyed to begin the appraisal.
Things take a turn for the worse when it seems Josie has been duped. It doesn't take long for Josie to become involved and once again risks her life for her love of antiques and fine things.
This series is one of my favorites. The quaint New Hampshire setting and the cast of characters makes me want to stop by and check out the goods at Prescott's. Josie's love for her job comes across in this book and I didn't want to put it down.
Josie grows with each book and her relationship with Ty keeps it real. They don't have a storybook romance, they have ups and downs and because the author keeps it real, it makes it very easy to relate to.
Anyone who loves a good cozy mystery is bound to love this one. This is a series that most cozy mystery fans will love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
December 9, 2016
Josie Prescott receives a phone call to come and appraise a Tiffany lamp. She is thrilled after doing the necessary research to determine the lamp is, indeed, made by Louis Comfort Tiffany, one of his sublime wisteria series. But then the wife of the lamp's owner is murdered and it is not the woman who consigned the lamp for appraisal and now, the lamp has been replaced by a forgery. Who stands to gain from smearing Josie's antique business? Another charming read containing excellent information on antiques. Jane Cleland knows her business.
January 16, 2017
I've been re-reading Anne Morice lately, which may be unfair to other authors I read, as Morice is so much better as a writer and plotter than most of them. So--apologies to Cleland. Josie Prescott is asked to appraise a Tiffany lamp found in an old trunk. This simple job gets her involved in a complex plot to steal the lamp by impersonating the owner's wife, who is then found dead. Or was the dead woman part of the plot? Or was the owner himself involved in getting rid of an unwanted spouse? And is the whole thing going to harm the reputation of Josie and her auction house?
January 5, 2017
In this book Josie gets scammed plus finds two bodies involved in the scamming. The main antique is a Tiffany lamp but information is also provided about marbles. The story was fast paced. The book was a quick easy read.
July 25, 2017
3.5 stars for this "Josie Prescott" outing from author Jane Cleland. Josie is called to appraise a Tiffany lamp belonging to Edwin and Ava Belcher. She is thrilled to discover it's the real thing! Shortly after the visit however, Josie gets word that Ava has been murdered. In the absence of Ava's husband, Josie is asked to identify the body. To her shock, the dead woman is not the woman she met with earlier, although she is, in fact, Ava. In addition, the Tiffany lamp has disappeared, replaced by a very good reproduction. Who killed Ava? Who was the mystery woman? And where is the real lamp?
The plot is this book is better, and more complex than most. The character of Josie, while still outspoken and somewhat pushy, has been reigned in a bit and is actually working with the police, instead of behind their backs. There are plenty of suspects, and the plot is not that easy to unravel. I did feel however that the resolution was a bit awkward. It felt like the story jumped from "follow the clues", to "here's how to smoke out the killer" very quickly, followed by a lengthy description of what really happened. I also felt like the killer wasn't a very realistic character - which is why I deducted stars. Well that, and the fact that Josie's boyfriend Ty isn't around much. I'd really love to see them team up more on cases!
This series has had its ups and downs for me, but does feel like it's on an upswing. Ms Cleland does her homework, and the antiques world Josie lives in is well developed and interesting. I'm looking forward to the next edition.
The plot is this book is better, and more complex than most. The character of Josie, while still outspoken and somewhat pushy, has been reigned in a bit and is actually working with the police, instead of behind their backs. There are plenty of suspects, and the plot is not that easy to unravel. I did feel however that the resolution was a bit awkward. It felt like the story jumped from "follow the clues", to "here's how to smoke out the killer" very quickly, followed by a lengthy description of what really happened. I also felt like the killer wasn't a very realistic character - which is why I deducted stars. Well that, and the fact that Josie's boyfriend Ty isn't around much. I'd really love to see them team up more on cases!
This series has had its ups and downs for me, but does feel like it's on an upswing. Ms Cleland does her homework, and the antiques world Josie lives in is well developed and interesting. I'm looking forward to the next edition.
July 5, 2022
This is my first foray into this cozy mystery series. The book can be a stand-alone, but perhaps reading the rest of the series would add richness to the book. Cleland does not summarize backstories or events for new readers.
An unavoidable problem with amateur sleuths, working with police or not, is that they cross ethical, if not legal, lines. In this case, Cleland does a fair job of Josie's extrajudicial work, but there would still be problems for trial.
Rocky Point High School is large enough to have a librarian and assistant librarian, but I question why a high school library would have "archives" in a storage container (which they can't access readily). Yet the public library having a full set of yearbooks suggests the town is somewhat small. Having not been to New Hampshire, perhaps high schools are typically spacious enough to have room for archives.
The cliche expository chapter in which Josie explains everything is necessary because the thread of the criminal enterprise gets lost.
An unavoidable problem with amateur sleuths, working with police or not, is that they cross ethical, if not legal, lines. In this case, Cleland does a fair job of Josie's extrajudicial work, but there would still be problems for trial.
Rocky Point High School is large enough to have a librarian and assistant librarian, but I question why a high school library would have "archives" in a storage container (which they can't access readily). Yet the public library having a full set of yearbooks suggests the town is somewhat small. Having not been to New Hampshire, perhaps high schools are typically spacious enough to have room for archives.
The cliche expository chapter in which Josie explains everything is necessary because the thread of the criminal enterprise gets lost.
April 29, 2018
I like this series because I learn about antiques. This book introduces the reader to rare and unusual marbles - who knew they could garner tens of thousands of dollars?! The main focus and reason for the mystery was a Tiffany wisteria lamp. In between appraisals and investigation Josie and her team also acquired another cat. Angela, a kitten, walks right in and lies down in Hank's bed, making herself at home. Hank, a Maine Coon, allows the kitten to play with his tail, as long as Josie continues to give him loving. Josie and Ty continue their distance & weekends relationship while Josie continues to keep Wes informed about the investigation. Fans of the series will be happy with some of the standard characters and with the actions that take place. A good cozy mystery in keeping with the rest of the series.
July 3, 2020
I found this little gem at the dollar store. My mom and I were there to look at cards, candles, and…books. We both have a book-buying problem. It’s not really a problem, though, is it?
Anyway, on to the book. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this. The story was different and fascinating. There were twists and turns. Suspense. Likable characters. Apparently this is the 11th one in this series which kind of annoys me as I like to start with the first one…but I got this book for $1 so I can’t really complain, and now I can find the rest at the library (when it reopens post-COVID).
The main character and her staff were all interesting characters I look forward to learning more about as I read more in the series. The work they do as antiques appraisers is also rather enthralling and seems well-researched.
Anyway, on to the book. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this. The story was different and fascinating. There were twists and turns. Suspense. Likable characters. Apparently this is the 11th one in this series which kind of annoys me as I like to start with the first one…but I got this book for $1 so I can’t really complain, and now I can find the rest at the library (when it reopens post-COVID).
The main character and her staff were all interesting characters I look forward to learning more about as I read more in the series. The work they do as antiques appraisers is also rather enthralling and seems well-researched.
July 5, 2024
Rocky Point, New Hampshire. July 4. (Present day). Janet Cleland’s Glow of Death (Josie Prescott
Antiques Mysteries, #11) is the first book I have read in this series, and i liked it very much. I also happen to like New Hampshire both in the summer and the winter. The antique subject in this story is a genuine Tiffany-style wisteria-patterned lamp, but, of course, Josie must authenticate it first. Having little knowledge of antiques, I found all the information about antiques fascinating. At her July 4th preparation get-together, Josie and Ellis are cutting vegetables when Ellis, the police chief, is called as there has been a murder. The victim is not who Josie knew as Ana. All kinds of events take place, and in a mystery most are not only not good, but are really nasty. Author does a good job describing all. 4.5 stars.
Antiques Mysteries, #11) is the first book I have read in this series, and i liked it very much. I also happen to like New Hampshire both in the summer and the winter. The antique subject in this story is a genuine Tiffany-style wisteria-patterned lamp, but, of course, Josie must authenticate it first. Having little knowledge of antiques, I found all the information about antiques fascinating. At her July 4th preparation get-together, Josie and Ellis are cutting vegetables when Ellis, the police chief, is called as there has been a murder. The victim is not who Josie knew as Ana. All kinds of events take place, and in a mystery most are not only not good, but are really nasty. Author does a good job describing all. 4.5 stars.
July 26, 2020
Josie Prescott thoroughly entertains with her knowledge of antiques, art, and cooking. What a relationship with Ty, her boyfriend who is always “out-of-town”. The characters, especially Josie’s staff present multi-facets. What excitement as Josie works her way through the crime? In this story Josie must find the imposter that had a Tiffany lamp appraised by Josie. Jane K. Cleland displays the rules and regulations of antiques in layman’s terms. And the many layers of an appraisal. A person must keep all proof of ownership for those pricey trinkets. Do people really spend millions on art and furniture? Jane K. Cleland always presents a fun story void of sex and violence.
March 18, 2017
The book cover states heroine of the story, Josie Prescott, visits Edwin and Ava Belcher to appraise their Tiffany lamp. The scene of the book is supposed to be Rocky Point New Hampshire.
On page one of the story it is Edwin Towson who says his Grandma Ruby never mentioned a lamp, that Edwin is leaving for Europe but Ava will be there. "Ava exuded wealth and assurance from the tips of her Gucci horsebit loafers..., Paloma Picasso original silver cuff, Chanel glass frames." (page 6).
This work is oriented to the 2% already living in gated communities. Nary a single favela but waterfront mansions at the end of cul-de-sacs. "A similar lamp sold for one a half million not long ago." (page 8.) The item is authenticated on video with measurements, assets and blemishes listed and is found to be a true Tiffany Lamp. All the way through Josie sees art and is reminded of obscure artists.
Sylvia Campbell lives next door to Edwin and/or Ava. She raises tomatoes and appealed to me as a character. Eva says she grew up poor and it does leave a mark. (page 15) After the lamp has been returned the police chief is visiting Josie and gets a phone call that Ava has been murdered. (page 16) Wouldn'tyaknow she is not the Ava Towson met by Josie Prescott.
complications ensue.
On page one of the story it is Edwin Towson who says his Grandma Ruby never mentioned a lamp, that Edwin is leaving for Europe but Ava will be there. "Ava exuded wealth and assurance from the tips of her Gucci horsebit loafers..., Paloma Picasso original silver cuff, Chanel glass frames." (page 6).
This work is oriented to the 2% already living in gated communities. Nary a single favela but waterfront mansions at the end of cul-de-sacs. "A similar lamp sold for one a half million not long ago." (page 8.) The item is authenticated on video with measurements, assets and blemishes listed and is found to be a true Tiffany Lamp. All the way through Josie sees art and is reminded of obscure artists.
Sylvia Campbell lives next door to Edwin and/or Ava. She raises tomatoes and appealed to me as a character. Eva says she grew up poor and it does leave a mark. (page 15) After the lamp has been returned the police chief is visiting Josie and gets a phone call that Ava has been murdered. (page 16) Wouldn'tyaknow she is not the Ava Towson met by Josie Prescott.
complications ensue.
December 2, 2016
This story/book was close to magnificent! I sometimes find the history of the "involved" antiques to be over-powering and wayyyy about my reader's pay grade [causing the book to be a difficult read] but this page-turner was intriguing and I found the "motives & suspects" added to the thrill! I continually love the "history factor" on this and past stories...thank-you Ms. Cleland
February 5, 2017
3.6 I rounded up as a 3 looked too low. This is a Josie Prescott Antiques Cozy Mystery and I do love cozy mysteries :)
I am not into antiques but like mysteries and found this interesting. Had more twists and turns than my usually cozy reads.
Loved the cover. The look in Hank's eyes shows how he feels about new kitty :)
I am not into antiques but like mysteries and found this interesting. Had more twists and turns than my usually cozy reads.
Loved the cover. The look in Hank's eyes shows how he feels about new kitty :)
April 23, 2018
Interesting mystery set in a ritzy New Hampshire town, with lots of luxury and the rhythms of the rich. Although this is definitely me jumping into the middle of a series, it was easy to keep up with both old and new characters and the protagonist's drive to solve the mystery to make up for the con in the first few chapters was believable.
March 21, 2017
Princess Fuzzypants here:
When Josie is called in to evaluate a Tiffany lamp, she is thrilled to discover that it is genuine. Her excitement is dulled when the woman who called her in is found murdered. However things get really complicated when the woman who called her in isn't the dead woman but someone passing herself off as the lady. Complicated enough for you?
Nothing is quite as it appears and no one is really whom they seem and Josie has her work cut out for her to figure out what is what and who is whom. Her expertise as an evaluator brings her into the mystery. Her curiosity keeps her there.
It is an easy read, light and enjoyable. It would be a good holiday book for when the reader wants something that entertains.
I give it four purrs and two paws up.
When Josie is called in to evaluate a Tiffany lamp, she is thrilled to discover that it is genuine. Her excitement is dulled when the woman who called her in is found murdered. However things get really complicated when the woman who called her in isn't the dead woman but someone passing herself off as the lady. Complicated enough for you?
Nothing is quite as it appears and no one is really whom they seem and Josie has her work cut out for her to figure out what is what and who is whom. Her expertise as an evaluator brings her into the mystery. Her curiosity keeps her there.
It is an easy read, light and enjoyable. It would be a good holiday book for when the reader wants something that entertains.
I give it four purrs and two paws up.
June 3, 2017
I enjoyed all the background on Tiffany lamps. This series is very well written with beautiful imagery and use of language. It also has believable and endearing characters. The plot for this one kept me guessing until the end.
September 13, 2023
Josie has a chance to appraise a Tiffany lamp; of course, millions of problems interfere: a replica lamp, the death of the seller and her sister. Thanks to the fabulous structure, the resolution is a masterful surprise with an out-of-the blue villain.
January 12, 2026
A fun read, I like antiques so right up my alley. But I can see where others may not appreciate those details. Josie runs an antique business and gets involved in a murder or two, and is friends w/ the local sheriff.
May 29, 2017
another interesting adventure with Josie and staff
July 25, 2017
Very cozy murder mystery. Very pat, everything's cute. Perfect for the beach. :)
July 29, 2017
I love this series but this book just didn't do it for me. It took me forever to get into the story which wasn't as fast paced as previous books.
August 26, 2017
This is a good mystery with enjoyable characters.
September 25, 2017
This book was more of a 3.5 star read. The plot was clever & different, but the book was a bit too "cosy" for my tastes at times.
October 25, 2017
This is a very dry series but I find the antique angle very interesting.
January 22, 2018
A 2017 staff favorite recommended by Susie. Check our catalog: https://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore...
August 4, 2018
Always fun reading a Josie Prescott mystery. You get a good story, learn something about antiques, and usually don't figure out "who done it" until the very end.
August 19, 2018
like the ones with Hank the best :-)
August 22, 2018
I do like Tiffany lamps and the New Hampshire coast.
September 10, 2018
I learned more about Tiffany lamps.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews