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A Book Collector Mystery #5
The Hammett Hex
The national bestselling author of The Marsh Madness takes rare book collector Jordan Bingham on a trip to San Francisco—home to Dashiell Hammett’s hard-boiled heroes—where nothing is as it seems.
On a getaway to the City by the Bay, book collector Jordan Bingham becomes entangled in a mystery with more twists than Lombard Street...
Jordan has been able to swing a romantic trip to San Francisco with Officer Tyler “Smiley” Dekker on one condition—she must return with a rare copy of Dashiell Hammett’s Red Harvest for her irascible employer, Vera Van Alst. For his own part, Smiley is full of surprises. He’s a Dashiell devotee himself—excited to be in the city of Hammett’s hard-boiled heroes like Sam Spade and the Continental Op—and also announces he plans to visit his previously unmentioned estranged grandmother, who lives in an old Victorian on Telegraph Hill.
But the trip goes downhill fast when Jordan is pushed from a cable car and barely escapes death. And when a dark sedan tries to run the couple down, it’s clear someone’s after them—but who? Just like in Hammett’s world, nothing is quite what is seems...
On a getaway to the City by the Bay, book collector Jordan Bingham becomes entangled in a mystery with more twists than Lombard Street...
Jordan has been able to swing a romantic trip to San Francisco with Officer Tyler “Smiley” Dekker on one condition—she must return with a rare copy of Dashiell Hammett’s Red Harvest for her irascible employer, Vera Van Alst. For his own part, Smiley is full of surprises. He’s a Dashiell devotee himself—excited to be in the city of Hammett’s hard-boiled heroes like Sam Spade and the Continental Op—and also announces he plans to visit his previously unmentioned estranged grandmother, who lives in an old Victorian on Telegraph Hill.
But the trip goes downhill fast when Jordan is pushed from a cable car and barely escapes death. And when a dark sedan tries to run the couple down, it’s clear someone’s after them—but who? Just like in Hammett’s world, nothing is quite what is seems...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 4, 2016
72 people are currently reading
999 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Abbott
12 books294 followersPseudonym used by Victoria Maffini and mother Mary Jane Maffini.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
August 5, 2019
The Hammett Hex (Book Collector Mystery #5) by Victoria Abbott.
Jordan Bingham and Tyler (Smiley) Dekker are off to San Fransisco. Jordan is on a book hunt for Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon. The original as requested (or should I say ordered) by her employer Vera Van Alst. Smiley is a Sam Spade enthusiast and is tickled pink to get as many pictures of Hammett's environment for his Classic Noir books as possible. They've been an on & off again item for a while and shared some narrow escapes. This trip was supposed to be a much-needed vacation (except for Vera's book collecting). That was a must. Vera is a collector of original classic books by the most famous authors usually from the golden age of mysteries.
The vacation took a turn for the worst from the very start. The problems escalated just as Smiley and Jordan were getting acquainted with Smiley's grandmother. This was a long-overdue reunion between Smiley and Gram since they were separated when he was a child.
I enjoy this series very much. The characters of Smiley & Jordan are not just realistically portrayed...they are down to earth. They both need to watch their budget which is far from plentiful. Jordan is leery of becoming too involved (or in love) with Smiley due to her last experience with a boyfriend. Her uncles are a hoot and I mean that in the most fun way.
I highly recommend this book and this series for anyone looking for a cozy with depth.
5 stars.
Jordan Bingham and Tyler (Smiley) Dekker are off to San Fransisco. Jordan is on a book hunt for Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon. The original as requested (or should I say ordered) by her employer Vera Van Alst. Smiley is a Sam Spade enthusiast and is tickled pink to get as many pictures of Hammett's environment for his Classic Noir books as possible. They've been an on & off again item for a while and shared some narrow escapes. This trip was supposed to be a much-needed vacation (except for Vera's book collecting). That was a must. Vera is a collector of original classic books by the most famous authors usually from the golden age of mysteries.
The vacation took a turn for the worst from the very start. The problems escalated just as Smiley and Jordan were getting acquainted with Smiley's grandmother. This was a long-overdue reunion between Smiley and Gram since they were separated when he was a child.
I enjoy this series very much. The characters of Smiley & Jordan are not just realistically portrayed...they are down to earth. They both need to watch their budget which is far from plentiful. Jordan is leery of becoming too involved (or in love) with Smiley due to her last experience with a boyfriend. Her uncles are a hoot and I mean that in the most fun way.
I highly recommend this book and this series for anyone looking for a cozy with depth.
5 stars.
October 16, 2016
Book Review/Giveaway Oct 16
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Disappearing book shops, murdered owners, break and entering of a senior’s home and hotel rampages in the heart of San Francisco are what awaited me when I read The Hemmett Hex. Jordan Bingham has a couchey job working for Vera Van Alst acquiring and purchasing rare mystery novels, currently she wants Jordan to fetch Dashiell Hammett’s “Red Harvest” which is a first edition.
Hammett happens to have roots in San Francisco and Jordan, to the disdain of Vera, who reminds me of Cruella De Vil of 101 Dalmatians fame lets her go for a much needed romantic getaway with her boyfriend with cop with ambitions to be a detective, Tyler “Smiley”Dekker.
Jordan starts finding herself in “accidents” all most being run down, their hotel room was ransacked and possible danger lurks for Tyler’s long lost “Gram” after he is reunited with her. Farley Tso who owns a bookshop sells Jordan A first edition copy of “Red Harvest” for Vera and soon vanishes and turns up murdered.
Jordan has gone legit in a family of criminals but finds she might have to bend the rules to save the day.
The Hammett Hex was not what I was expecting, unlike the first books in this series, this one didn't revolve around acquiring Vera's precious rare mystery books that was kind of on the back burner which was a disappointment to me. The pace started out slow but was then steady to the end.
“Gram” was a feisty new character that is very loveable and kept me turning the pages. Jordan's take charge and firey attitude are back in full form. I can’t wait to read and review the next book in the series.
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Disappearing book shops, murdered owners, break and entering of a senior’s home and hotel rampages in the heart of San Francisco are what awaited me when I read The Hemmett Hex. Jordan Bingham has a couchey job working for Vera Van Alst acquiring and purchasing rare mystery novels, currently she wants Jordan to fetch Dashiell Hammett’s “Red Harvest” which is a first edition.
Hammett happens to have roots in San Francisco and Jordan, to the disdain of Vera, who reminds me of Cruella De Vil of 101 Dalmatians fame lets her go for a much needed romantic getaway with her boyfriend with cop with ambitions to be a detective, Tyler “Smiley”Dekker.
Jordan starts finding herself in “accidents” all most being run down, their hotel room was ransacked and possible danger lurks for Tyler’s long lost “Gram” after he is reunited with her. Farley Tso who owns a bookshop sells Jordan A first edition copy of “Red Harvest” for Vera and soon vanishes and turns up murdered.
Jordan has gone legit in a family of criminals but finds she might have to bend the rules to save the day.
The Hammett Hex was not what I was expecting, unlike the first books in this series, this one didn't revolve around acquiring Vera's precious rare mystery books that was kind of on the back burner which was a disappointment to me. The pace started out slow but was then steady to the end.
“Gram” was a feisty new character that is very loveable and kept me turning the pages. Jordan's take charge and firey attitude are back in full form. I can’t wait to read and review the next book in the series.
October 14, 2022
A rather fun romp in San Francisco while seeking out a first edition Hammett and reuniting with a grandmother. Family greed is the (main) theme as is how many mishaps can our leading lady survive. Impressed with her thinking and, um, techniques. Fun family and I’ll have to go back to the beginning of this series to hear more about them.
February 10, 2017
I was so looking forward to this book and had saved it for a stormy day but was seriously disappointed. It reads like a first draft before any editing is done-connections aren't made and characters don't react to situations or each other in a logical story building way. When Jordan makes a deal for a first edition and hands over half the purchase price in advance she has only a slight reaction to the news of the book seller's death. Nothing is said about the potential loss of the book ,the money or her boss's reaction to the whole deal. Yes, eventually we get back to the book seller but by then the momentum is lost and the whole story is flat and just confusing. Sad.
December 2, 2020
With a 2016 publishing date, dare I call The Hammett Hex the last one in the Book Collector Mystery series? It wraps up satisfyingly enough, though certainly with easy room for more.
And I will surprise myself by saying...I'd take more. This was my favorite book in the series. Perhaps it is simply that Hammett is more intense than, say, Sayers or Christie, and so we actually get more life-at-risk danger instead of plots strung together by bumbling police work. It also helps to see Jordan outside of her natural environment. While I've grown somewhat attached to the side characters in this series, I still find them fairly annoying (particularly Jordan's uncles.)
It overall reminded me a bit of Remington Steele, which is sure to win my heart.
The mystery still left something to be desired and Jordan spends way too much time rehashing things the reader already knows (and we've got the inevitable, gratuitous descriptions of clothing and food), but it feels semi-toned down because the action is toned up. But maybe that's just my inner Nick and Nora fangirl speaking.
While I didn't love this series, it certainly kept me engaged until the end and I feel satisfied with the payout.
(That said, I still say Jordan has more chemistry with the librarian whose name I'm not going to try bother looking up than Officer Smiley and I think that has more to do with Officer Smiley's lack of personality than the librarian's queasy charm.)
And I will surprise myself by saying...I'd take more. This was my favorite book in the series. Perhaps it is simply that Hammett is more intense than, say, Sayers or Christie, and so we actually get more life-at-risk danger instead of plots strung together by bumbling police work. It also helps to see Jordan outside of her natural environment. While I've grown somewhat attached to the side characters in this series, I still find them fairly annoying (particularly Jordan's uncles.)
It overall reminded me a bit of Remington Steele, which is sure to win my heart.
The mystery still left something to be desired and Jordan spends way too much time rehashing things the reader already knows (and we've got the inevitable, gratuitous descriptions of clothing and food), but it feels semi-toned down because the action is toned up. But maybe that's just my inner Nick and Nora fangirl speaking.
While I didn't love this series, it certainly kept me engaged until the end and I feel satisfied with the payout.
(That said, I still say Jordan has more chemistry with the librarian whose name I'm not going to try bother looking up than Officer Smiley and I think that has more to do with Officer Smiley's lack of personality than the librarian's queasy charm.)
September 1, 2017
Being a fan of Hammett and a fan of books that incorporate significant figures in their works (for example, The Poe Shadow by Matthew Pearl), I was intrigued by the title. Sadly, the title is the only intriguing piece of the book.
Granted I have not read the previous books, however, after reading this, I will probably avoid this author forever.
1) Hammett was a hard-boiled novelist, if you were to write a mystery about Hammett, wouldn't you want to project that kind of atmosphere? Victoria Abbott failed to do so. San Francisco is such an iconic city, and Jordan is chasing an iconic figure and book, any attempt at playing with the hard-boiled atmosphere fell short.
2) None of the characters were remotely interesting. Vera sounds like an evil grandmother that no one likes and locked herself up in a castle and has a ton of money. So, she sends Jordan on a ridiculous task of finding a 1st Edition of Red Harvest for the sum of I think around 1500 dollars. I don't think Abbott did any research, most 1st editions by Hammett are in the hundred of thousands. Makes me think if Abbott did any kind of research at all. Also, since Red Harvest was the main focus of the novel, there were more references to The Maltese Falcon.
3) Jordan constantly got on my nerves, I couldn't tell if I was reading a 20 year old, or a 13 year old's thoughts. Whether it was about Smiley or thinking of herself in her situation. Smiley was a wet blanket as well. Quite frankly , I would not have been sad if it was Smiley who was pushed out of the San Francisco trolley, haha. But seriously, he just as annoying as the other characters.
4) The writing was awful. It felt as though I was reading a creative writing assignment for high school. Everything was dull, especially the dialogue. It was a B rated soap opera.
Overall, highly disappointed and extremely confused how this got 4 and 5 stars on here.
Granted I have not read the previous books, however, after reading this, I will probably avoid this author forever.
1) Hammett was a hard-boiled novelist, if you were to write a mystery about Hammett, wouldn't you want to project that kind of atmosphere? Victoria Abbott failed to do so. San Francisco is such an iconic city, and Jordan is chasing an iconic figure and book, any attempt at playing with the hard-boiled atmosphere fell short.
2) None of the characters were remotely interesting. Vera sounds like an evil grandmother that no one likes and locked herself up in a castle and has a ton of money. So, she sends Jordan on a ridiculous task of finding a 1st Edition of Red Harvest for the sum of I think around 1500 dollars. I don't think Abbott did any research, most 1st editions by Hammett are in the hundred of thousands. Makes me think if Abbott did any kind of research at all. Also, since Red Harvest was the main focus of the novel, there were more references to The Maltese Falcon.
3) Jordan constantly got on my nerves, I couldn't tell if I was reading a 20 year old, or a 13 year old's thoughts. Whether it was about Smiley or thinking of herself in her situation. Smiley was a wet blanket as well. Quite frankly , I would not have been sad if it was Smiley who was pushed out of the San Francisco trolley, haha. But seriously, he just as annoying as the other characters.
4) The writing was awful. It felt as though I was reading a creative writing assignment for high school. Everything was dull, especially the dialogue. It was a B rated soap opera.
Overall, highly disappointed and extremely confused how this got 4 and 5 stars on here.
October 12, 2016
The Hammett Hex is the fifth book in the Book Collector Series. This series is one of my favorite cozy mystery series and it is one that I pre-order. The reason I like this series is because of the characters and the subject of mystery authors books being searched for by Jordan. In this book, the location changes from Harrison Falls, New York to San Francisco. Tyler (Smiley) Dekker is going to make the trip to San Francisco to meet up with his grandmother who he has been out of touch with for a number of years and because he is a Dashiell Hammett fan. Jordan goes along with him on this trip. At first, Vera Van Alst doesn't want to give her vacation time, but Jordan promises to find a first edition copy of Red Harvest for Vera. Vera has a very fine collection of first editions books and Jordan finds them for her.
Once they arrive in San Francisco, there are many incidents that happen to Jordan. She is in real danger in this book. There is even an abducted Pug. It is a puzzle to both Jordan and Tyler why there are attacks since they are just tourists in San Francisco. Tyler and Jordan meet his grandmother and her grumpy house keeper Zola. I liked last part of the book the best when all the pieces started coming together. I do admit that I missed the location of Harrison Falls in the book. Two of my favorite characters were not featured-Vera and Signora Flammetta Pantone due to the location change. Gram and Zola while interesting characters still did not replace Vera and Signora. I liked the book but it was not my favorite of the series. I like Jordan's cozy bedroom in the turret and her encounters with good cat and bad cat in the Harrison Falls location so I missed that in this book too.
Once they arrive in San Francisco, there are many incidents that happen to Jordan. She is in real danger in this book. There is even an abducted Pug. It is a puzzle to both Jordan and Tyler why there are attacks since they are just tourists in San Francisco. Tyler and Jordan meet his grandmother and her grumpy house keeper Zola. I liked last part of the book the best when all the pieces started coming together. I do admit that I missed the location of Harrison Falls in the book. Two of my favorite characters were not featured-Vera and Signora Flammetta Pantone due to the location change. Gram and Zola while interesting characters still did not replace Vera and Signora. I liked the book but it was not my favorite of the series. I like Jordan's cozy bedroom in the turret and her encounters with good cat and bad cat in the Harrison Falls location so I missed that in this book too.
November 25, 2020
2020 Reread
I did not mean to reread this. In fact, I got a quarter of the way in before it even started to twig that I'd read it already. Not a great sign, I'm tempted to dock it a star for that alone, but I probably won't bother. Stand by the original review though.
2018
Well, this was considerably better than the last one in the series. Far less irritating. Jordan is also less insane in what she does sleuth-wise in this one. Nice to know that Officer Smiley was responsible for some of the mortal peril in this one, not all, but some.
Thing is, the world is fun. The characters are enjoyable (really enjoy Smiley's grandmother). I enjoy these books, in a not-hugely-invested-but-a-fun-light-read kind of a way, but I have to say, or two people who went on a romantic week-long vacation together, Jordan and Smiley didn't spent all that much quality time together. Not on page at least. We're briefly told about a day of sightseeing, but there haven't been that many non-case-related conversations, I feel.
Bottom line, I'm perfectly fine with the relationship, but five books in I have no strong investment because of this trend.
Also, if a random Kelly uncle needs to show up, must it always be Kev? He is by far the most annoying. Generally okay in small doses (which is how we get him in this book), but still.
I did not mean to reread this. In fact, I got a quarter of the way in before it even started to twig that I'd read it already. Not a great sign, I'm tempted to dock it a star for that alone, but I probably won't bother. Stand by the original review though.
2018
Well, this was considerably better than the last one in the series. Far less irritating. Jordan is also less insane in what she does sleuth-wise in this one. Nice to know that Officer Smiley was responsible for some of the mortal peril in this one, not all, but some.
Thing is, the world is fun. The characters are enjoyable (really enjoy Smiley's grandmother). I enjoy these books, in a not-hugely-invested-but-a-fun-light-read kind of a way, but I have to say, or two people who went on a romantic week-long vacation together, Jordan and Smiley didn't spent all that much quality time together. Not on page at least. We're briefly told about a day of sightseeing, but there haven't been that many non-case-related conversations, I feel.
Bottom line, I'm perfectly fine with the relationship, but five books in I have no strong investment because of this trend.
Also, if a random Kelly uncle needs to show up, must it always be Kev? He is by far the most annoying. Generally okay in small doses (which is how we get him in this book), but still.
November 8, 2019
Jordan asks employer Vera for a week off to go to San Francisco with Smiley, but Vera says absolutely not! Jordan then says it could be a working trip, as she can purchase a first edition of Dashiell Hammett's book "Red Harvest" while there in the author's stomping grounds.
Once in San Fran, Smiley (Tyler Dekker) tells Jordan that he is really there to see his estranged grandmother.
Their hotel room is trashed and Jordan discovers a bug under the restaurant table. Jordan is pushed off a cable car and grandmother's beautiful Victorian home in prestigious Pacific Heights. is invaded and the Russian housekeeper injured. Asta the pug is kidnapped. Is it greedy relatives who are after grandmother's money or is something else going on? The man who sold Jordan the Hammett book is found dead. Uncle Kevin mysteriously shows up in town with something important to tell jordan.
Good fun (especially having read the previous books and understanding the characters). This book brought back some nice memories of San Francisco as well.
Once in San Fran, Smiley (Tyler Dekker) tells Jordan that he is really there to see his estranged grandmother.
Their hotel room is trashed and Jordan discovers a bug under the restaurant table. Jordan is pushed off a cable car and grandmother's beautiful Victorian home in prestigious Pacific Heights. is invaded and the Russian housekeeper injured. Asta the pug is kidnapped. Is it greedy relatives who are after grandmother's money or is something else going on? The man who sold Jordan the Hammett book is found dead. Uncle Kevin mysteriously shows up in town with something important to tell jordan.
Good fun (especially having read the previous books and understanding the characters). This book brought back some nice memories of San Francisco as well.
May 23, 2017
I really adore Jordan Kelly, and loved her latest adventure - The Hammett Hex by author Victoria Abbott. Jordan and Smiley are in San Francisco for a week's vacation, during which Vera Van Alst needs Jordan to track down a first edition of a Dashiell Hammett book. Of course Jordan and Tyler can't have a relaxing vacation - someone ransacks their hotel rooms and attacks them more than once, there's a home invasion at Smiley's long-lost grandmother's house (and her dog Asta keeps disappearing!!!), a murdered shop keeper, an angry and overprotective Russian caretaker, and there may or may not be greedy relatives crawling out of the woodwork. Lots of references to Nick and Nora Charles, which I loved, Sam Spade and the golden age of San Francisco. Highly recommend this book, and all the books in this series!
March 12, 2019
3.5 stars
Another intriguing mystery. Even though, it develops slowly, I was enjoying listening to the story anyway.
But what’s up w/the separate hotel rooms on a romantic getaway? I found that interesting.
Some humor included as well. Great characters.
As someone who has read Hammett, I liked the parallels drawn b/w his books & the events in this one.
B/c things were a little slower at work, I was able to concentrate a bit more on the puzzle & figured some things out.
I didn’t see anything about another book in the series, but I would look forward to it.
i think it's b/c i've been listening to this one on audio which is a major factor of why this series has grown on me. i think if i had been reading it, i probably would have gotten bored.
the voice actor (carla mercer meyer) does a great job of making the characters come alive.
Another intriguing mystery. Even though, it develops slowly, I was enjoying listening to the story anyway.
But what’s up w/the separate hotel rooms on a romantic getaway? I found that interesting.
Some humor included as well. Great characters.
As someone who has read Hammett, I liked the parallels drawn b/w his books & the events in this one.
B/c things were a little slower at work, I was able to concentrate a bit more on the puzzle & figured some things out.
I didn’t see anything about another book in the series, but I would look forward to it.
i think it's b/c i've been listening to this one on audio which is a major factor of why this series has grown on me. i think if i had been reading it, i probably would have gotten bored.
the voice actor (carla mercer meyer) does a great job of making the characters come alive.
November 30, 2018
This time the book is set in San Francisco and is a mystery about Tyler "Smiley"Dekker as he and Jordan Bingham have gone to city by the bay for a vacation. However their time in the city is fraught with dangers with seem to center about Jordan she can't figure out a reason. There is a happy reunion for Tyler with his grandmother. The book ends on a very happy party for Jordan and Tyler. The book was an easy quick read.
October 6, 2016
I loved it! This tale takes place in San Francisco rather than where Jordan and Smiley live in New York. They are on a rare vacation from their absorbing positions. There is a reason for this location - other than San Francisco being the city of Sam Spade, Dashiell Hammett's fictional detective. Smiley's family had been fractured when his parents cut off contact with him due to his profession as a police detective, after they had cut off communication with his paternal grandmother years earlier when she remarried after the passing of her first husband. Gram had sent cards to him over the years when he was an adult; she always seemed to find his address even though he had not contacted her. It was time, however, for that to end; she wants to see him and he wants to get reacquainted with the grandmother he barely remembered. And she lives in San Francisco.
Trouble seems to follow wherever Jordan goes, and San Francisco is no exception. She is getting to know Gram even as Smiley is getting to know her as an adult, and trouble seems to be everywhere - on the sidewalk, in the hotel, at the restaurant and even at Gram's. Far away from home as they are, they have to pool their knowledge and wisdom and detecting work to discover who is causing the trouble before anyone, especially Gram, is hurt.
The plot has many layers and is executed with every last loose end tied up. There are enough twists and turns to rival the number of hills in San Francisco, and at times it seems that they have been hexed by the great Hammett himself. Each twist and turn seems to point to other suspects. I like not having all the answers when I read a mystery, so I am, of course, happy to have only part of an answer, not all of them! This tale will definitely challenge the fans of Victoria Abbott and Dashiell Hammett!
Trouble seems to follow wherever Jordan goes, and San Francisco is no exception. She is getting to know Gram even as Smiley is getting to know her as an adult, and trouble seems to be everywhere - on the sidewalk, in the hotel, at the restaurant and even at Gram's. Far away from home as they are, they have to pool their knowledge and wisdom and detecting work to discover who is causing the trouble before anyone, especially Gram, is hurt.
The plot has many layers and is executed with every last loose end tied up. There are enough twists and turns to rival the number of hills in San Francisco, and at times it seems that they have been hexed by the great Hammett himself. Each twist and turn seems to point to other suspects. I like not having all the answers when I read a mystery, so I am, of course, happy to have only part of an answer, not all of them! This tale will definitely challenge the fans of Victoria Abbott and Dashiell Hammett!
June 19, 2017
In a mystery filled with lovely San Francisco ambiance (especially if you love climbing hills), the writing team known as Victoria Abbott has hit another one out of the ballpark. Besides that setting, there's plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor, narrow escapes, and an excellent whodunit that takes time for readers to put all the pieces in the proper places. The bonus is-- like with the other books in the series-- The Hammett Hex is brushed with a bit of fairy dust reminiscent of the crime fiction great mentioned in the title. (We've already been graced with Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Rex Stout, and Ngaio Marsh.)
One thing that I particularly enjoyed, although other readers might not, is the absence of some of the secondary characters. Don't get me wrong, Vera Van Alst, Signora Panetone, and Jordan's Kelly relatives are wonderful characters, but they can be overwhelming and have the tendency to elbow their way into the action. It was nice to see how Jordan can handle herself without her usual backup, and now that I've had a little break from curmudgeons, cooks who specialize in ambrosia, and crooks with hearts of gold, I'm raring to see them again.
Quite simply, I love Victoria Abbott's Book Collector mysteries with a passion, and if the series ever ends, I will pout so hard that I'll trip over my lower lip. Haven't met Jordan and the gang? You have to do something about that, quick!
One thing that I particularly enjoyed, although other readers might not, is the absence of some of the secondary characters. Don't get me wrong, Vera Van Alst, Signora Panetone, and Jordan's Kelly relatives are wonderful characters, but they can be overwhelming and have the tendency to elbow their way into the action. It was nice to see how Jordan can handle herself without her usual backup, and now that I've had a little break from curmudgeons, cooks who specialize in ambrosia, and crooks with hearts of gold, I'm raring to see them again.
Quite simply, I love Victoria Abbott's Book Collector mysteries with a passion, and if the series ever ends, I will pout so hard that I'll trip over my lower lip. Haven't met Jordan and the gang? You have to do something about that, quick!
February 14, 2017
#5 in the Book Collector mysteries. A fun cozy featuring book acquirer Jordan Bingham in search of an autographed first edition of Dashiell Hammett's Red Harvest for her eccentric employer. She travels to San Francisco with her beau "Smiley", a Hammett fan. As Jordan thinks of shopping and sightseeing, "Smiley" has a hidden agenda to meet with his estranged grandmother. The grandmother story arc overshadows the book hunt but the book is enjoyable and populated with 'red herrings' and plot twists.
Book Collector mystery - Jordan Bingham has been able to swing a romantic trip to San Francisco with Officer Tyler "Smiley" Dekker on the condition that she return with a rare copy of Dashiell Hammett's Red Harvest for her irascible employer, Vera Van Alst. Smiley is a Dashiell devotee himself-excited to be in the city of Hammett's hard-boiled heroes and also announces he plans to visit his estranged grandmother. Jordan is pushed from a cable car and barely escapes death, and when a dark sedan tries to run the couple down, it's clear someone's after them.
Book Collector mystery - Jordan Bingham has been able to swing a romantic trip to San Francisco with Officer Tyler "Smiley" Dekker on the condition that she return with a rare copy of Dashiell Hammett's Red Harvest for her irascible employer, Vera Van Alst. Smiley is a Dashiell devotee himself-excited to be in the city of Hammett's hard-boiled heroes and also announces he plans to visit his estranged grandmother. Jordan is pushed from a cable car and barely escapes death, and when a dark sedan tries to run the couple down, it's clear someone's after them.
July 12, 2017
I have really enjoyed this series, but this installment was a serious disappointment. I loved the idea of taking our heroine, Jordan, out of Harrison Falls, NY, and sending her and boyfriend/cop Tyler to San Francisco, the setting of Dashiell Hammett's many mysteries. The setups are good. Jordan keeps being attacked. Their hotel rooms are ransacked. And then strange things start happening in the home of Tyler's grandmother.
The problem is the relationships among the characters, especially between Jordan and Tyler. I don't think there was a single scene with the two of them together in which it wasn't mentioned that Jordan's larcenous family didn't take well to her dating a cop. But worse, the authors (Victoria Abbott is a mother-daughter team) have created zero chemistry between these two. They are positively wooden with each other. They talk like they're on their first date rather than more than a year's worth. There is no romance, and a lot of the time I hate the way Jordan treats Tyler. While I think it's silly to have an adult couple stay in separate rooms in a hotel, I'd at least expect some romantic banter back and forth, a little double entendre, a few hugs and kisses. For heaven's sake, people! Instead, when they start discussing marriage, they talk about how much they like each other, and yeah, they sort of guess that's love. ?!?!?!
One part of the mystery is solved in a clever way; the other part is solved almost completely in the background and we're only told about it after the fact. We're left wondering why it was even in the book to begin with.
Although this is the fifth book in the series, it almost seems like it was written before the others and before the writers had really worked through some of their character issues. Or maybe they were under pressure to get this one out. It's just clunky. I sure hope they get it together for the next one.
The problem is the relationships among the characters, especially between Jordan and Tyler. I don't think there was a single scene with the two of them together in which it wasn't mentioned that Jordan's larcenous family didn't take well to her dating a cop. But worse, the authors (Victoria Abbott is a mother-daughter team) have created zero chemistry between these two. They are positively wooden with each other. They talk like they're on their first date rather than more than a year's worth. There is no romance, and a lot of the time I hate the way Jordan treats Tyler. While I think it's silly to have an adult couple stay in separate rooms in a hotel, I'd at least expect some romantic banter back and forth, a little double entendre, a few hugs and kisses. For heaven's sake, people! Instead, when they start discussing marriage, they talk about how much they like each other, and yeah, they sort of guess that's love. ?!?!?!
One part of the mystery is solved in a clever way; the other part is solved almost completely in the background and we're only told about it after the fact. We're left wondering why it was even in the book to begin with.
Although this is the fifth book in the series, it almost seems like it was written before the others and before the writers had really worked through some of their character issues. Or maybe they were under pressure to get this one out. It's just clunky. I sure hope they get it together for the next one.
October 18, 2016
As I sit here ready to write my review of this excellent mystery, I find myself still chuckling. When you get your hands on a novel that keeps your interest and curiosity peaked, while making you laugh (at times out loud,) you have a treasure on your hands...and I did!
Jordan, or Jordie as she is known by family and friends, Bingham has taken a vacation that is long overdue with her boyfriend, (or is he more...) Tyler (Smiley) Dekker to San Francisco, CA. Why that city? Well, it appears that Smiley is a Dashiell Hammett fan. Writer of such hits as "The Maltese Falcon" and "Red Harvest" etc. It soon becomes apparent that the destination has been chosen for another reason...Smiley's Grandmother lives there.
Smiley and his 'Gram' have been estranged for decades and he is truly excited to reconnect. For Jordie, this is amazing. She has always had the 'Kelly's' but knows nothing of the Bingham's and can imagine the thrill Smiley must be enjoying. However for her...this trip has been anything but peaceful and loving...
Our Jordie has been almost run down by a car, thrown off a cable car, hotel room slashed and tossed and....well, believe me the sundae has been thrown at her. What is going on?
Vera Van Alst, Jordie's boss had also instructed and paid for a first-edition of Hammett's 'Red Harvest, and soon after Jordie makes a payment on a copy, she learns the book seller has been murdered. Are the attacks and the murder connected?
Then, what is Jordie to make of Smiley introducing her to his beloved Gram as his Fiancées? In fact the scenes in the Victorian home of Gram are among some of the funniest moments in the book.
This book was highly entertaining and each volume is better and better. To date, in my opinion, this is the best yet. I will keep my eyes peeled for the next installment. By the Way...Uncle Kev? He's a treasure!
Jordan, or Jordie as she is known by family and friends, Bingham has taken a vacation that is long overdue with her boyfriend, (or is he more...) Tyler (Smiley) Dekker to San Francisco, CA. Why that city? Well, it appears that Smiley is a Dashiell Hammett fan. Writer of such hits as "The Maltese Falcon" and "Red Harvest" etc. It soon becomes apparent that the destination has been chosen for another reason...Smiley's Grandmother lives there.
Smiley and his 'Gram' have been estranged for decades and he is truly excited to reconnect. For Jordie, this is amazing. She has always had the 'Kelly's' but knows nothing of the Bingham's and can imagine the thrill Smiley must be enjoying. However for her...this trip has been anything but peaceful and loving...
Our Jordie has been almost run down by a car, thrown off a cable car, hotel room slashed and tossed and....well, believe me the sundae has been thrown at her. What is going on?
Vera Van Alst, Jordie's boss had also instructed and paid for a first-edition of Hammett's 'Red Harvest, and soon after Jordie makes a payment on a copy, she learns the book seller has been murdered. Are the attacks and the murder connected?
Then, what is Jordie to make of Smiley introducing her to his beloved Gram as his Fiancées? In fact the scenes in the Victorian home of Gram are among some of the funniest moments in the book.
This book was highly entertaining and each volume is better and better. To date, in my opinion, this is the best yet. I will keep my eyes peeled for the next installment. By the Way...Uncle Kev? He's a treasure!
June 9, 2017
The Hammett Hex is #5 in the book collector series and just as fun as the first four. Jordan and Smiley head to San Francisco for vacation, and the misadventures follow them. Interesting characters. Love this series!
October 4, 2016
I have been a fan of the mother-daughter writing team, Victoria Abbott, for quite some time. I was thrilled when I heard that not only were they coming out with a new book in their Book Collector Mystery series, but it was going to be set in San Francisco! I just love that city and spent some time there when I lived up in the wine country for a couple of years. Victoria Abbott expertly captures the flavor and feel of San Francisco while delivering their best story yet with THE HAMMETT HEX.
The story pulled me in from the very start and I became so engrossed in the book that I forgot to take notes for my review! The plot has lots of exciting twists and turns that had me turning pages late into the night. I love the characters surrounding Jordan in Harrison Falls but the new addition of Smiley’s grandmother and her helper in San Francisco adds a whole new dimension to the series. Smiley’s Gram has a spunkiness and zest for life that compliments Jordan’s adventurous spirit. I also enjoyed “The Kelly Rules” that started each chapter, shared by Jordan’s uncles. It gives some insight in to how Jordan was raised and her outlook on life, while providing a bit of humor.
Victoria Abbott also shares several recipes, all of them sound oh so yummy! I made the Chocolate Chip Meringue Kisses which are naturally gluten-free. These delicately delicious cookies had me nibbling the delectable treats often over several days…and they stayed just as fresh as the first day I made them.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story pulled me in from the very start and I became so engrossed in the book that I forgot to take notes for my review! The plot has lots of exciting twists and turns that had me turning pages late into the night. I love the characters surrounding Jordan in Harrison Falls but the new addition of Smiley’s grandmother and her helper in San Francisco adds a whole new dimension to the series. Smiley’s Gram has a spunkiness and zest for life that compliments Jordan’s adventurous spirit. I also enjoyed “The Kelly Rules” that started each chapter, shared by Jordan’s uncles. It gives some insight in to how Jordan was raised and her outlook on life, while providing a bit of humor.
Victoria Abbott also shares several recipes, all of them sound oh so yummy! I made the Chocolate Chip Meringue Kisses which are naturally gluten-free. These delicately delicious cookies had me nibbling the delectable treats often over several days…and they stayed just as fresh as the first day I made them.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 5, 2017
The Hammett Hex by Victoria Abbott
paperback purchase price 7.99 USA
ISBN 978-0-425-28035-5
Mystery Series
Jordan Bingham is on her first vacation in years. She had to promise her employer "Vera Van Alst" that she would purchase Dashiell Hammett's "Red Harvest" a hard to find mystery book that Hammett wrote.
The reason for this getaway is that Smiley Dekker is a huge Sam Spade Fan and he wants to soak up all thing Sam Spade, which of course is another Dashiell Hammett reason to be there.
The first things to happen seemed like a few coincidences but then the deeds become deadlier, soon there are much more concerns to worry about than books.
Smiley also reveals a secret reason for his visit. He has a grandmother he hasn't seen since he was a boy and she has summoned him to her mansion.
The next things to happen to everyone reveal a sinister nature of killers, characters and people who are not what they seem and several close calls on many lives. one of which is an adorable pug who is kidnapped.
Here are a few highlights, a bookstore that disappears, a trashed hotel room, bugged restaurants,
a few questionable police officers, a neighbor or two that love adventure. I won't say much about the jar of marbles, the photographs, and relatives on both sides.
If this doesn't pique your interest all the puzzles will or maybe the recipes in the books will be just the ticket to purchase this don't miss a word mystery.
paperback purchase price 7.99 USA
ISBN 978-0-425-28035-5
Mystery Series
Jordan Bingham is on her first vacation in years. She had to promise her employer "Vera Van Alst" that she would purchase Dashiell Hammett's "Red Harvest" a hard to find mystery book that Hammett wrote.
The reason for this getaway is that Smiley Dekker is a huge Sam Spade Fan and he wants to soak up all thing Sam Spade, which of course is another Dashiell Hammett reason to be there.
The first things to happen seemed like a few coincidences but then the deeds become deadlier, soon there are much more concerns to worry about than books.
Smiley also reveals a secret reason for his visit. He has a grandmother he hasn't seen since he was a boy and she has summoned him to her mansion.
The next things to happen to everyone reveal a sinister nature of killers, characters and people who are not what they seem and several close calls on many lives. one of which is an adorable pug who is kidnapped.
Here are a few highlights, a bookstore that disappears, a trashed hotel room, bugged restaurants,
a few questionable police officers, a neighbor or two that love adventure. I won't say much about the jar of marbles, the photographs, and relatives on both sides.
If this doesn't pique your interest all the puzzles will or maybe the recipes in the books will be just the ticket to purchase this don't miss a word mystery.
November 16, 2016
Book 5 might just be the best one in this excellent series! That is saying a lot, because several regular characters, Vera and Signora only appear at the beginning. Jordan is on a trip to San Francisco to buy a special Hammett book while on a vacation with her boyfriend. A clever mystery that disrupts the vacation and entertains the reader! More fun characters have been added! After reading this, I will be adding at least 2 Hammett books to my TBR list. One will be a Nick and Nora mystery (I have only seen the movies with their dog Asta) and the other might be the Continental Op, since I had never heard of that and Jordan had been reading that. I like the idea of featuring the works and style of a famous mystery author in each entry in this series a lot. So far, the authors have been classic writers whose books are famous. The Book Collectors series have sent me to new authors to read!
October 4, 2016
No one can write a mystery quite like Victoria Abbott!
Calling all traditional cozy fans! If you like your mysteries with a pinch of Christie, a drizzle of Stout, and a Dash of Hammett, look no further than the Book Collector Mysteries. Author Victoria Abbott aka mother and daughter writing team, Victoria and Mary Jane Maffini, are powerful writers who outdo themselves with every new book.
THE HAMMETT HEX, the fifth installment of this excellent series, was a wonderful combination of mystery, mayhem, and eccentric characters. With a brilliant plot that kept me guessing, and grew more exciting with every chapter, I found it hard to sit this book down for long.
Fans of this series are indeed in for a great read. You’re going to love THE HAMMETT HEX!
Make sure to check out the back of your copy for some tasty recipes!
Calling all traditional cozy fans! If you like your mysteries with a pinch of Christie, a drizzle of Stout, and a Dash of Hammett, look no further than the Book Collector Mysteries. Author Victoria Abbott aka mother and daughter writing team, Victoria and Mary Jane Maffini, are powerful writers who outdo themselves with every new book.
THE HAMMETT HEX, the fifth installment of this excellent series, was a wonderful combination of mystery, mayhem, and eccentric characters. With a brilliant plot that kept me guessing, and grew more exciting with every chapter, I found it hard to sit this book down for long.
Fans of this series are indeed in for a great read. You’re going to love THE HAMMETT HEX!
Make sure to check out the back of your copy for some tasty recipes!
October 11, 2016
I found this book to be... Just meh. The San Francisco setting was okay. It didn't add or detract from the story. I did not enjoy the grandmother as a character. I liked the pug the most. The engagement at the end and her "best friends'" reactions were typical for thus series. They are such good friends, but never present. Its a frustrating plot device. Why even have the characters if they are never really present? Officer Smiley is also an irritating character. I had hoped that he would get written out. The uncles and Vera I typically like most and they were absent in this story. It was... Meh.
December 7, 2016
Love this series! I loved that this one was set in a different state. Not all the usual characters are the main people in this one and it was a nice change. In this one, Jordan and Smiley go to San Francisco for vacation (and so she can get a book for Vera, of course). While there, he meets up with a long, estranged grandmother and introduces Jordan to her. Soon after they step foot, things start happening to them. Some life threatening, some not. Then starts their adventure in trying to solve the mystery. Great story that will keep you reading until the very end! Next please!!
July 20, 2017
I have been ambivalent about this series almost from the beginning. With this book, I have HAD IT! I won't be reading any more in this series.
A large part of my issue with this series has centred around Jordan, and her drama-queen whiny angst about her family and their criminality when she wants to go straight. It was a bit much in the first book, and instead of easing off as the series has continued, it has continued to be something included that adds very little to the plot development in the subsequent books. At book number 5, it is just irritating to me.
But Jordan's drama about her family was small potatoes compared to the utterly PREPOSTEROUS plot of this book! It was beyond ridiculously implausible, and went into "what-on-earth-possessed-you-to-come-up-with-such-an-unbelieveable-story?!" territory. The story in this book was just completely eye-rollingly ridiculous. Every new thing that happened made me say: "you have GOT to be kidding me!!" louder, which is bad as I listened to this on audio book, and was doing my daily walk while listening to most of it, so the people in my neighbourhood probably now think I'm a bit loony. There was literally nothing that went on in this book that I found plausible or believable on any level.
Aside from the fact that the plot is completely out of left-field, there is nothing whatsoever in this book, aside from Jordan and Tyler, that connects to any of the aspects of this series that kept me reading through the other books. I honestly have no idea what the author was thinking to change everything about this book. I am all for a change of venue to freshen up an ongoing series, but when the entire book is in a different location, with almost none of the regular characters or settings or aspects included, you are taking a big risk with committed readers, and in this case, at least for me, it did not work at all, and I did not enjoy this book. The only reason I even finished this book was that the library didn't have any of my other audio book holds available yet to replace it, and I needed something to listen to on my walks. I am done with this series.
A large part of my issue with this series has centred around Jordan, and her drama-queen whiny angst about her family and their criminality when she wants to go straight. It was a bit much in the first book, and instead of easing off as the series has continued, it has continued to be something included that adds very little to the plot development in the subsequent books. At book number 5, it is just irritating to me.
But Jordan's drama about her family was small potatoes compared to the utterly PREPOSTEROUS plot of this book! It was beyond ridiculously implausible, and went into "what-on-earth-possessed-you-to-come-up-with-such-an-unbelieveable-story?!" territory. The story in this book was just completely eye-rollingly ridiculous. Every new thing that happened made me say: "you have GOT to be kidding me!!" louder, which is bad as I listened to this on audio book, and was doing my daily walk while listening to most of it, so the people in my neighbourhood probably now think I'm a bit loony. There was literally nothing that went on in this book that I found plausible or believable on any level.
Aside from the fact that the plot is completely out of left-field, there is nothing whatsoever in this book, aside from Jordan and Tyler, that connects to any of the aspects of this series that kept me reading through the other books. I honestly have no idea what the author was thinking to change everything about this book. I am all for a change of venue to freshen up an ongoing series, but when the entire book is in a different location, with almost none of the regular characters or settings or aspects included, you are taking a big risk with committed readers, and in this case, at least for me, it did not work at all, and I did not enjoy this book. The only reason I even finished this book was that the library didn't have any of my other audio book holds available yet to replace it, and I needed something to listen to on my walks. I am done with this series.
April 17, 2022
Jordan Bingham and Tyler “Smiley” Dekker are on holiday together in San Francisco; Jordan has been ordered by her employer to find a copy of a Dashiell Hammett novel and Smiley is back in touch with his grandmother, from whom he was forcibly estranged by his parents when he was young and who now lives in a lovely Victorian house in San Francisco. They plan to just have fun in the City By the Bay, but others have other plans in mind, including burglary, threats and, perhaps, murder…. I read the earlier four novels in the Book Collector Mystery series quite a few years ago and then forgot about them for some time - not because I didn’t like them, because I did, but simply because I had so much else to read. However, I finally ran across this, the fifth book in the series, published in 2016, and I was pleased to be reacquainted with Jordan and her family; although most of her uncles are back home in small-town New York, we at least run into Uncle Kevin who mysteriously appears in San Francisco, and of course her family ties are of the utmost help in fulfilling her duty. It is Tyler’s grandmother and his relationship to her that are at the heart of the story, however, and the mystery to be solved takes more or less a back seat until close to the end of the novel. Having lived in San Francisco for over 15 years, I enjoyed pinpointing some of the places described in the book, but overall it was just the lightness and near-absurdity of the story that I liked the most. I don’t think there are any more books in this series, at least not yet, but it was very pleasant to spend some time with Jordan once again; recommended.
July 29, 2018
The fifth installment of Jordan's adventures in book collecting takes her and her kind-of boyfriend to San Francisco, California for a much needed vacation and to find a copy of a Dashiell Hammett book for Vera. This installment lagged in the middle but had a spectacular finish and as always with a party at the end of the book. I never suspected that the culprits behind everything would be two-fold: Tyler's unknown-to-him-until-recently family and some thugs from way back when connected to Jordan's family. I really enjoyed Uncle Kevin's scenes and learning about Uncle Seamus.
Like I said, I enjoyed the events and details but some scenarios and wording made it lacking, for example: Tyler just deciding himself that Jordan was his fiancée before even asking her, the hasty marriage proposal from Tyler, in fact all of the dialogue on page 269. I think I like Jordan and Tyler together but they barely know each other so why rush things? Jordan's sleuthing was ridiculous as always lol her antics made me laugh but it gets the job done I guess. You think after five mysteries she would have been more cautious or have learned from previous experiences but she always leaves so many traces. Also, in future books (please tell me there will be more books in this series) can we know more about Uncle Seamus? And maybe find out more about the Kelly side of the family?
Like I said, I enjoyed the events and details but some scenarios and wording made it lacking, for example: Tyler just deciding himself that Jordan was his fiancée before even asking her, the hasty marriage proposal from Tyler, in fact all of the dialogue on page 269. I think I like Jordan and Tyler together but they barely know each other so why rush things? Jordan's sleuthing was ridiculous as always lol her antics made me laugh but it gets the job done I guess. You think after five mysteries she would have been more cautious or have learned from previous experiences but she always leaves so many traces. Also, in future books (please tell me there will be more books in this series) can we know more about Uncle Seamus? And maybe find out more about the Kelly side of the family?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2018
‘As for me, I hunkered down and pondered how my lovely world of golden age mysteries, priceless first editions and days surrounded by family and friends (and Vera, of course) had morphed into a nightmare with guns and fear.”
Jordan Bingham and Tyler Dekker, The on again off again couple and hero’s of our latest mystery are in San Francisco: He to see his grandmother and visit his favorite sleuth’s base of operations ; she in part, to pick up a signed first of Dashill Hammitt’s Red Harvest. Who would have thought “Smiley” was a Hammett fan?
However, there is more to this trip than meets the eye as Jordan seems to have brought some trouble upon the family reunion starting with ransacked rooms to stolen jewelry. Can Jordan and Tyler unravel the mystery before something unheard of could bring more trouble down on their heads?
This, the fifth in the series, is a little different than the others as it happens outside of Harrison Falls, and the book that is being sought is not really the focus. Reading at times like the worst farce imaginable starring the keystone cops, it morphs into a he said, she said, who said that will pull you along until the glorious ending. A finely developed story that will remain in my memory long after the book is returned. Highly recommended 5/5
Jordan Bingham and Tyler Dekker, The on again off again couple and hero’s of our latest mystery are in San Francisco: He to see his grandmother and visit his favorite sleuth’s base of operations ; she in part, to pick up a signed first of Dashill Hammitt’s Red Harvest. Who would have thought “Smiley” was a Hammett fan?
However, there is more to this trip than meets the eye as Jordan seems to have brought some trouble upon the family reunion starting with ransacked rooms to stolen jewelry. Can Jordan and Tyler unravel the mystery before something unheard of could bring more trouble down on their heads?
This, the fifth in the series, is a little different than the others as it happens outside of Harrison Falls, and the book that is being sought is not really the focus. Reading at times like the worst farce imaginable starring the keystone cops, it morphs into a he said, she said, who said that will pull you along until the glorious ending. A finely developed story that will remain in my memory long after the book is returned. Highly recommended 5/5
July 13, 2018
Jordan and Smiley are together and they have gone to San Francisco, CA to see his long-lost grandmother. While they are there, she is tasked with finding a book for her employer and just have a vacation after all the mysteries they had solved together. Smiley is so taken with Jordan, he left his job and sold his house so that there would be no problems between him and her family. He bought a new house to renovate, he got a new job that was better in another district. So he offered to take her on a trip to San Francisco. While they are there, they are attacked several times, once by a car, once on a trolley and their rooms are torn apart. They even think they have made a friend in a neighbor of his grandmother. When Jordan gets to Smiley's grandmother's house one night to stop a violent break-in, she and the grandmother have bonded. She and Smiley start staying with the grandmother, just to keep her and her maid/cook safe. As all this happens, they begin to wonder who is behind all the attacks on them and his grandmother.
Fun story and lots of ups and downs and great description of San Francisco and telling information about Hammett's stories that are set in that area. I have never read any of Hammett's books, but I know that I have now put some of them on my TBR list.
Fun story and lots of ups and downs and great description of San Francisco and telling information about Hammett's stories that are set in that area. I have never read any of Hammett's books, but I know that I have now put some of them on my TBR list.
October 21, 2016
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
The Hammett Hex
A Book Collector Mystery, Book #5
By Victoria Abbott
ISBN 9780425280355
Author’s website: www.victoria-abbott.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
The national bestselling author of The Marsh Madness takes rare book collector Jordan Bingham on a trip to San Francisco—home to Dashiell Hammett’s hard-boiled heroes—where nothing is as it seems.
On a getaway to the City by the Bay, book collector Jordan Bingham becomes entangled in a mystery with more twists than Lombard Street…
Jordan has been able to swing a romantic trip to San Francisco with Officer Tyler “Smiley” Dekker on one condition—she must return with a rare copy of Dashiell Hammett’s Red Harvest for her irascible employer, Vera Van Alst. For his own part, Smiley is full of surprises. He’s a Dashiell devotee himself—excited to be in the city of Hammett’s hard-boiled heroes like Sam Spade and the Continental Op—and also announces he plans to visit his previously unmentioned estranged grandmother, who lives in an old Victorian on Telegraph Hill.
But the trip goes downhill fast when Jordan is pushed from a cable car and barely escapes death. And when a dark sedan tries to run the couple down, it’s clear someone’s after them—but who? Just like in Hammett’s world, nothing is quite what is seems.
Review:
When it comes to in-depth plotting, Victoria Abbott is a master of learning from techniques of earlier great mystery writers. She then stirs in unique, eccentric characters and seasons it liberally with seemingly unrelated events. The result is a full-flavored series, in which The Hammett Hex is the 5th offering.
The Hammett Hex takes place in San Francisco, where Tyler (Officer “Smiley” Dekker) has taken Jordan for a week’s vacation from their engrossing jobs in Harrison Falls, New York. Fans of Jordan’s boss, Vera Van Alst, will miss the tart drama she brings to Jordan’s days as we only see Vera briefly when she tries to deny Jordan a week away. Vera finally ‘allowed’ her to leave if Jordan will return with a rare copy of Hammett’s ‘Red Harvest’. Jordan and Tyler seem to attract drama wherever they go, however, as there is no end of unusual events while they are there.
After they arrived, Tyler tells Jordan one of the reasons why they are in San Francisco – other than that it is the stomping grounds of his favorite writer, Dashiell Hammett. Tyler has been in contact with his paternal grandmother who has always regretted the rift in their family that kept her away from him for decades, especially now that her second husband passed away. His father remained stubborn and refused to allow contact between Tyler and Gram…at least until his parents cut off contact with Tyler.
Gram has a live-in housekeeper, Zoya. Think of a Russian version of Vera without the huge home, literary collection, or cash. Gram also has nieces from her 2nd husband’s side, Clara and Janet and their adult children, Jessica and Josh. During their stay, she hopes to get them together with Tyler and Jordan so they could meet. She also obtained a sweet pug, Asta, due to Tyler’s sharing with her about Walter, the pup belonging to Jordan’s Uncle Lucky and his bride Karen; Gram even named Asta after the dog in another Hammett classic that was one of Tyler’s grandfather’s favorites. One thing Tyler did that Jordan was totally unprepared for was introduce her as his fiancee to Gram; Jordan diligently attempted to deflect any questions about when they planned to wed and how she felt about children.
There are several unsettling, seemingly unrelated occurrences that challenge their carefree days. One was that Tyler and Jordan almost were hit by a wildly-driven Prius, another when Jordan was pushed off of a moving cable car by an unseen person. Others include their hotel suite was vandalized, a home invasion occurred at Gram’s home, a dognapped pup, and a disappearing bookseller. There were even more before Jordan uncovered some interesting family background and thought through who could be responsible for the situations.
Even though I missed the Signora at the Van Alst home in this novel, the new characters in The Hammett Hex were unique and interesting. Thankfully, while missing the good cat/ bad cat pair and Walter the Pug, the author provided us with Asta the Pug who seemed to adore Zoya, but Jordan quickly won over the adorable pup. Jordan is as sharply intuitive wherever she is, whether at Vera’s or in San Francisco. For the first time the reader is treated with a rare, relaxed Tyler who is not in the midst of cases in which his friendship with Jordan could be seen as a conflict of interest. I enjoyed getting to know Tyler while he was ‘on vacation’, for as much as a cop could ever be on vacation…especially when bullets begin to fly.
The plot is exciting, with enough twists, turns, a red herring or two and even a visit from one of the uncles to keep things interesting! The Hammett Hex definitely grabbed and kept my attention; I was barely a step ahead of Jordan – only briefly – and quickly got lost again. One thing I am convinced of is that Grams is the kind of person that makes facing Vera Van Alst to request an unpaid vacation from worth the battle. The denouement was classic fun seasoned with suspense and excitement which I enjoyed tremendously! The end was satisfying with all loose ends tied up; I am already looking forward to the next in series. I highly recommend The Hammett Hex to fans of Victoria Abbott’s, cozy mystery aficionados who like well-written novels with layers of mystery and fun.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
The Hammett Hex
A Book Collector Mystery, Book #5
By Victoria Abbott
ISBN 9780425280355
Author’s website: www.victoria-abbott.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
The national bestselling author of The Marsh Madness takes rare book collector Jordan Bingham on a trip to San Francisco—home to Dashiell Hammett’s hard-boiled heroes—where nothing is as it seems.
On a getaway to the City by the Bay, book collector Jordan Bingham becomes entangled in a mystery with more twists than Lombard Street…
Jordan has been able to swing a romantic trip to San Francisco with Officer Tyler “Smiley” Dekker on one condition—she must return with a rare copy of Dashiell Hammett’s Red Harvest for her irascible employer, Vera Van Alst. For his own part, Smiley is full of surprises. He’s a Dashiell devotee himself—excited to be in the city of Hammett’s hard-boiled heroes like Sam Spade and the Continental Op—and also announces he plans to visit his previously unmentioned estranged grandmother, who lives in an old Victorian on Telegraph Hill.
But the trip goes downhill fast when Jordan is pushed from a cable car and barely escapes death. And when a dark sedan tries to run the couple down, it’s clear someone’s after them—but who? Just like in Hammett’s world, nothing is quite what is seems.
Review:
When it comes to in-depth plotting, Victoria Abbott is a master of learning from techniques of earlier great mystery writers. She then stirs in unique, eccentric characters and seasons it liberally with seemingly unrelated events. The result is a full-flavored series, in which The Hammett Hex is the 5th offering.
The Hammett Hex takes place in San Francisco, where Tyler (Officer “Smiley” Dekker) has taken Jordan for a week’s vacation from their engrossing jobs in Harrison Falls, New York. Fans of Jordan’s boss, Vera Van Alst, will miss the tart drama she brings to Jordan’s days as we only see Vera briefly when she tries to deny Jordan a week away. Vera finally ‘allowed’ her to leave if Jordan will return with a rare copy of Hammett’s ‘Red Harvest’. Jordan and Tyler seem to attract drama wherever they go, however, as there is no end of unusual events while they are there.
After they arrived, Tyler tells Jordan one of the reasons why they are in San Francisco – other than that it is the stomping grounds of his favorite writer, Dashiell Hammett. Tyler has been in contact with his paternal grandmother who has always regretted the rift in their family that kept her away from him for decades, especially now that her second husband passed away. His father remained stubborn and refused to allow contact between Tyler and Gram…at least until his parents cut off contact with Tyler.
Gram has a live-in housekeeper, Zoya. Think of a Russian version of Vera without the huge home, literary collection, or cash. Gram also has nieces from her 2nd husband’s side, Clara and Janet and their adult children, Jessica and Josh. During their stay, she hopes to get them together with Tyler and Jordan so they could meet. She also obtained a sweet pug, Asta, due to Tyler’s sharing with her about Walter, the pup belonging to Jordan’s Uncle Lucky and his bride Karen; Gram even named Asta after the dog in another Hammett classic that was one of Tyler’s grandfather’s favorites. One thing Tyler did that Jordan was totally unprepared for was introduce her as his fiancee to Gram; Jordan diligently attempted to deflect any questions about when they planned to wed and how she felt about children.
There are several unsettling, seemingly unrelated occurrences that challenge their carefree days. One was that Tyler and Jordan almost were hit by a wildly-driven Prius, another when Jordan was pushed off of a moving cable car by an unseen person. Others include their hotel suite was vandalized, a home invasion occurred at Gram’s home, a dognapped pup, and a disappearing bookseller. There were even more before Jordan uncovered some interesting family background and thought through who could be responsible for the situations.
Even though I missed the Signora at the Van Alst home in this novel, the new characters in The Hammett Hex were unique and interesting. Thankfully, while missing the good cat/ bad cat pair and Walter the Pug, the author provided us with Asta the Pug who seemed to adore Zoya, but Jordan quickly won over the adorable pup. Jordan is as sharply intuitive wherever she is, whether at Vera’s or in San Francisco. For the first time the reader is treated with a rare, relaxed Tyler who is not in the midst of cases in which his friendship with Jordan could be seen as a conflict of interest. I enjoyed getting to know Tyler while he was ‘on vacation’, for as much as a cop could ever be on vacation…especially when bullets begin to fly.
The plot is exciting, with enough twists, turns, a red herring or two and even a visit from one of the uncles to keep things interesting! The Hammett Hex definitely grabbed and kept my attention; I was barely a step ahead of Jordan – only briefly – and quickly got lost again. One thing I am convinced of is that Grams is the kind of person that makes facing Vera Van Alst to request an unpaid vacation from worth the battle. The denouement was classic fun seasoned with suspense and excitement which I enjoyed tremendously! The end was satisfying with all loose ends tied up; I am already looking forward to the next in series. I highly recommend The Hammett Hex to fans of Victoria Abbott’s, cozy mystery aficionados who like well-written novels with layers of mystery and fun.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
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