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A Trash 'n' Treasures Mystery #11
Antiques Frame
An auction house becomes a crime scene in this rollicking mystery starring an “amusingly ditzy duo” (Kirkus Reviews). With their reality TV series, Antiques Sleuths, Brandy Borne and her quaintly kooky mother, Vivian, have a real hit on their hands. But when the bidding turns deadly, Brandy finds herself ornately framed for murder. Aided only by Sushi, their loyal shih tzu, and police dog Rocky, the wacky mother-and-daughter sleuthing team races to determine how an empty antique frame can hold a deadly portrait, before they become the subjects of another masterpiece of murder. Includes Brandy Borne’s tips on investing in antiques! Praise for Barbara Allan and the Trash ‘n’ Treasures Mysteries! “If you delight in the absurd and enjoy manic humor, you’ll treasure the Trash ‘n’ Treasure mysteries.” —Mystery Scene “The characters, both primary and secondary, shine with brassy humor.”—Publishers Weekly
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2017
108 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Allan
54 books187 followersBarbara Allan is a pseudonym used by Barbara Collins and Max Allan Collins
Max Allan Collins is a writer of mystery novels, screenplays, comics and historical fiction. Collins has collaborated on numerous short stories with his wife writer Barbara Collins. Together they also write the successful “Trash ‘n’ Treasures” mysteries – their Antiques Flee Market (2008) won the Romantic Times Best Humorous Mystery Novel award in 2009.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Max Allan Collins is a writer of mystery novels, screenplays, comics and historical fiction. Collins has collaborated on numerous short stories with his wife writer Barbara Collins. Together they also write the successful “Trash ‘n’ Treasures” mysteries – their Antiques Flee Market (2008) won the Romantic Times Best Humorous Mystery Novel award in 2009.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 3, 2022
Vivian and Brandy Borne are finishing up the first season of their new reality show. It seems the ex-wife of Brandy's police chief boyfriend has showed up in town, opened her own antique shop, and is now bidding against the Bornes at auctions.
Of course, the ex, winds up dead, murdered with an item that Brandy vied for at an auction. Brandy is the prime suspect, and even does a little jail time.
The Borne girls get to the bottom of things in their inimitable fashion.
Well done!
Of course, the ex, winds up dead, murdered with an item that Brandy vied for at an auction. Brandy is the prime suspect, and even does a little jail time.
The Borne girls get to the bottom of things in their inimitable fashion.
Well done!
July 20, 2017
Usually really enjoy these but was very disappointed in the ending.
July 30, 2023
Stars: 2 / 5
My Recommendation: Although it was a decent book, it disappointed me a lot. Perhaps I was expecting it to be on the lines of Garage Sale Mystery Books. Specially with one of the character being manipulative and abusive and taking advantage. Some things need to be ethically written to be enjoyable.
Antiques Frame is the eleventh book in the A Trash "n" Treasures Mystery series by Barbara Allan first published on April 25, 2017. Barbara Allan is the joint pseudonym of acclaimed short story writer Barbara Collins and New York Times bestselling mystery novelist Max Allan Collins.
While Barbara Borne and her mother Vivian Borne run a successful reality TV series Antique Sleuths in the town of Serenity, Iowa, they get embroiled in a mystery. However this time around Brandy Borne is put in a frame for a murder no less. And now its up to her kooky mother to help her out of the jam, else they will be the next victims of this clever murderer.
I found this at a recent book sale in my local library. The title and the fact that it is a Trash "n" Treasures mystery pulled me towards it to add it to my book bag. I have watched all the movies that were made under the "Garage Sale Mysteries" umbrella by Hallmark Mysteries and Movies which has a similar concept of antiques and treasures and trash. Well, here is my take on the book.
The book is written in first person narration - some chapters by Barbara Borne and some by Vivian Borne. In between the lines, author Allan includes bits and pieces of past books that have been released in the series, and their connection to what currently is happening in this book. We get to read snippets about these - Antiques Knock-off (#5); Antiques Con (#8); Antiques Swap (#9); Antiques Fate (#10) and Antiques St. Nicked (third e-book).
Author Allan's characters digress a lot - some are humorous; some relevant; and some way off the path of the plot. Apart from sharing tips on antiquing, author also provides recipes for some delicious food. In this book we see recipes for Kartoffelsuppe (Potato Soup); Bacon and Egg Omelet (Flaeskeaeggekage).
Amateur detectives normally have their quirks and special detective skills that helps them, and in some cases saves them, and eventually they come out on top and solving cases even before the law enforcement. So I tend to accept their quirks and their odd skills when an author uses them to boost their amateur detectives.
However, in this case Vivian Borne has more than her share of quirks that actually irked me. She doesn’t hesitate to blackmail a person to get information even though she uses flattery and pleading as generously as possible. It bothered me that Vivian's character is no heroine, but close to a villain or a heroine with a dark side. And she takes great pleasure in seeing others cringe and squirm when she blackmails them.
She also abuses her daughter a lot, in the name of giving her the support that she needs. But in reality Vivian has her own mind, and doesn’t care if she hurts her daughter in the process. I didn’t understand how Brandy tolerated her mother. That didn’t sit well with me. Aren't these amateur detectives supposed to be doing good? Or are they exempted because of the greater good?
And who would want to get arrested themselves to get into the jail to help their daughter? Prudent thing to do would be to work with the law enforcement to help clear her name and get her out of jail. I didn’t understand why Author Allan even got that scene into their plot…and a total wastage of a good chapter in trying to get their character arrested. It didn’t make sense to me at all.
Being the first book that I am reading in the series, perhaps I am giving benefit of doubt to Tony Cassato. However being the Chief of Police, and being the lover of one the leads, Brandy, it surprised me how much spineless was his character.
Author Allan did put considerable humor to offset the irritating quirks of Vivian. A bunch of retired men call themselves as ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out); and Vivian forms her own group JULIETS (Just Us Ladies into Eating Together). Very funny indeed.
The rest of the characters created by Allan including the other half of the amateur sleuths Barbara are actually pretty good and their portrayal is realistic, and appealing to the readers. I believe that was the saving grace for this book. Oh, along with mentioning my favorite cop Columbo. :P The concept of showing that the main characters are writing this a journal or a novel for their reality show was definitely unique and different.
Although it was a decent book, it disappointed me a lot. Perhaps I was expecting it to be on the lines of Garage Sale Mystery Books which have an amateur sleuth in the form of a married woman with two kids and a plethora of supporting friends. However, there is no Vivian Borne in there to cause the irritation.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Book Trivia and Plot Reveals:
a. The book has a page at the opening that shows a map of the town the lead characters live in.
b. Barbara's friends and family - Anthony "Tony" Cassato, Serenity's Chief of Police; Sushi, a Shih Tzu dog owned by Vivian; Rocky, Tony's dog; Jake, her 14 yr old son living with her ex in Chicago.
c. Staff of the reality show Antique Sleuths - Phillip "Phil" Dean, producer / director; Jamal Jeffers, camera assistant; Steve Ballad, soundman; Jena Hernandez, assistant director.
d. Other characters - Gerald and Loretta Klein, antique store and auction house owners; Dexter Klein, works for the Kleins; Officer Mia Cordona; Heather, forensic tech; Officer Munson; Wayne Ekhardt, Vivian's longtime attorney; Officer Kelly; Officer Schultz.
e. Barbara and Tony are in an relationship but is marred by the arrival of his estranged wife Camilla Cassato. Tony also has a daughter who is in a private school somewhere.
f. Barbara's birth mother was Peggy Sue married to Senator Edward Clark, who was her father too. I wonder which book that story was revealed.
2. Grammatical / Character / Plot / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
a. On pg. 1 (the page that has Tinseltown Reporter), Line 10 from bottom, it should be "…nowhere to be seen…"
b. On Pg. 40 Line 15, it should be "…I could do was lower…"
c. The shih tzu dog that the Bornes own is named Sushi. However in two occasions it is called as Soosh - once on Pg. 103; second time on Pg. 189 - Is that an endearment or mistake?
d. On Pg. 146, Vivian is supposed to be near the book 812.08. But On Pg. 147, she is shown to be beside 813.08.
My Recommendation: Although it was a decent book, it disappointed me a lot. Perhaps I was expecting it to be on the lines of Garage Sale Mystery Books. Specially with one of the character being manipulative and abusive and taking advantage. Some things need to be ethically written to be enjoyable.
Antiques Frame is the eleventh book in the A Trash "n" Treasures Mystery series by Barbara Allan first published on April 25, 2017. Barbara Allan is the joint pseudonym of acclaimed short story writer Barbara Collins and New York Times bestselling mystery novelist Max Allan Collins.
While Barbara Borne and her mother Vivian Borne run a successful reality TV series Antique Sleuths in the town of Serenity, Iowa, they get embroiled in a mystery. However this time around Brandy Borne is put in a frame for a murder no less. And now its up to her kooky mother to help her out of the jam, else they will be the next victims of this clever murderer.
I found this at a recent book sale in my local library. The title and the fact that it is a Trash "n" Treasures mystery pulled me towards it to add it to my book bag. I have watched all the movies that were made under the "Garage Sale Mysteries" umbrella by Hallmark Mysteries and Movies which has a similar concept of antiques and treasures and trash. Well, here is my take on the book.
The book is written in first person narration - some chapters by Barbara Borne and some by Vivian Borne. In between the lines, author Allan includes bits and pieces of past books that have been released in the series, and their connection to what currently is happening in this book. We get to read snippets about these - Antiques Knock-off (#5); Antiques Con (#8); Antiques Swap (#9); Antiques Fate (#10) and Antiques St. Nicked (third e-book).
Author Allan's characters digress a lot - some are humorous; some relevant; and some way off the path of the plot. Apart from sharing tips on antiquing, author also provides recipes for some delicious food. In this book we see recipes for Kartoffelsuppe (Potato Soup); Bacon and Egg Omelet (Flaeskeaeggekage).
Amateur detectives normally have their quirks and special detective skills that helps them, and in some cases saves them, and eventually they come out on top and solving cases even before the law enforcement. So I tend to accept their quirks and their odd skills when an author uses them to boost their amateur detectives.
However, in this case Vivian Borne has more than her share of quirks that actually irked me. She doesn’t hesitate to blackmail a person to get information even though she uses flattery and pleading as generously as possible. It bothered me that Vivian's character is no heroine, but close to a villain or a heroine with a dark side. And she takes great pleasure in seeing others cringe and squirm when she blackmails them.
She also abuses her daughter a lot, in the name of giving her the support that she needs. But in reality Vivian has her own mind, and doesn’t care if she hurts her daughter in the process. I didn’t understand how Brandy tolerated her mother. That didn’t sit well with me. Aren't these amateur detectives supposed to be doing good? Or are they exempted because of the greater good?
And who would want to get arrested themselves to get into the jail to help their daughter? Prudent thing to do would be to work with the law enforcement to help clear her name and get her out of jail. I didn’t understand why Author Allan even got that scene into their plot…and a total wastage of a good chapter in trying to get their character arrested. It didn’t make sense to me at all.
Being the first book that I am reading in the series, perhaps I am giving benefit of doubt to Tony Cassato. However being the Chief of Police, and being the lover of one the leads, Brandy, it surprised me how much spineless was his character.
Author Allan did put considerable humor to offset the irritating quirks of Vivian. A bunch of retired men call themselves as ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out); and Vivian forms her own group JULIETS (Just Us Ladies into Eating Together). Very funny indeed.
The rest of the characters created by Allan including the other half of the amateur sleuths Barbara are actually pretty good and their portrayal is realistic, and appealing to the readers. I believe that was the saving grace for this book. Oh, along with mentioning my favorite cop Columbo. :P The concept of showing that the main characters are writing this a journal or a novel for their reality show was definitely unique and different.
Although it was a decent book, it disappointed me a lot. Perhaps I was expecting it to be on the lines of Garage Sale Mystery Books which have an amateur sleuth in the form of a married woman with two kids and a plethora of supporting friends. However, there is no Vivian Borne in there to cause the irritation.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Book Trivia and Plot Reveals:
a. The book has a page at the opening that shows a map of the town the lead characters live in.
b. Barbara's friends and family - Anthony "Tony" Cassato, Serenity's Chief of Police; Sushi, a Shih Tzu dog owned by Vivian; Rocky, Tony's dog; Jake, her 14 yr old son living with her ex in Chicago.
c. Staff of the reality show Antique Sleuths - Phillip "Phil" Dean, producer / director; Jamal Jeffers, camera assistant; Steve Ballad, soundman; Jena Hernandez, assistant director.
d. Other characters - Gerald and Loretta Klein, antique store and auction house owners; Dexter Klein, works for the Kleins; Officer Mia Cordona; Heather, forensic tech; Officer Munson; Wayne Ekhardt, Vivian's longtime attorney; Officer Kelly; Officer Schultz.
e. Barbara and Tony are in an relationship but is marred by the arrival of his estranged wife Camilla Cassato. Tony also has a daughter who is in a private school somewhere.
f. Barbara's birth mother was Peggy Sue married to Senator Edward Clark, who was her father too. I wonder which book that story was revealed.
2. Grammatical / Character / Plot / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
a. On pg. 1 (the page that has Tinseltown Reporter), Line 10 from bottom, it should be "…nowhere to be seen…"
b. On Pg. 40 Line 15, it should be "…I could do was lower…"
c. The shih tzu dog that the Bornes own is named Sushi. However in two occasions it is called as Soosh - once on Pg. 103; second time on Pg. 189 - Is that an endearment or mistake?
d. On Pg. 146, Vivian is supposed to be near the book 812.08. But On Pg. 147, she is shown to be beside 813.08.
February 17, 2022
“Improbable” would be a euphemism for describing the always satisfying Trash ‘n Treasures series of cozy mysteries. “Risible” would be an understatement for the series and, particularly, for Antiques Frame. Somehow, one knew that these stories would only get stranger as “reality television” became involved. I’m surprised the series starring the grandmother/mother and granddaughter/daughter (explained earlier in the series) wasn’t called “Murder Pickers” or “Homicide Roadshow.” “Antique Sleuths” has better verisimilitude, even if it could have been something even more over-the-top. Of course, how do you go more over-the-top than talking an East Coast “godfather” into calling off a mafia hit? I liked that adventure, too.
This series not only gives me a kick when the narrator changes from “Mother” (Vivian) to “Daughter” (Brandy), but I enjoy the breaking of the fourth wall when the supposed narrators insert notes to their editor. Of course, there are also some lines that just grab me, such as: “…a bottled blonde somewhere in the thirties range, whose attractiveness was sabotaged by an abundance of make-up.” (p. 139) Vivian’s regression antics and dreams like the one where she is warned off marrying an army veteran by means of a dream where Sgt. Bilko (of ‘50s television fame with Phil Silvers of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” fame) is pushing her to finish peeling a pile of potatoes. I even love Brandy’s inimitable rhetorical questions such as: “Why am I always the last stooge in line, with no one left to slap?” (p. 179) Fair warning to those readers who are annoyed by Vivian’s posturing: this one has more than usual.
The cast of suspects is interesting and I wasn’t expecting the actual perpetrator until the end. There is some foreshadowing in an unlikely scene and even though it threw up a red flag in the back of my mind, I quickly dismissed it because of something else that happened in the scene. Yet, I was completely satisfied when the truth came out. It seemed like Vivian and Brandy were a little slow on the uptake regarding the significance of a particular antique, but we all have had experiences where we had tunnel vision and missed a connection.
And yes, I know that I’m picky, but if I were “grading” this novel, it would get five (5) stars for the mystery itself, three (3) stars for the pacing, and four (4) stars for the humor. So, I ended up rating this higher than many of the novels in this series that I liked a lot. Remember, though, I’m rating this compared to other “cozy” mysteries. It isn’t “literary” beyond some delightful literary references used to balance out the jaded “cultural” references, and it is neither procedural nor thriller. So, it shouldn’t be compared PBS to Showtime or Twitter to Truth Social.
This series not only gives me a kick when the narrator changes from “Mother” (Vivian) to “Daughter” (Brandy), but I enjoy the breaking of the fourth wall when the supposed narrators insert notes to their editor. Of course, there are also some lines that just grab me, such as: “…a bottled blonde somewhere in the thirties range, whose attractiveness was sabotaged by an abundance of make-up.” (p. 139) Vivian’s regression antics and dreams like the one where she is warned off marrying an army veteran by means of a dream where Sgt. Bilko (of ‘50s television fame with Phil Silvers of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” fame) is pushing her to finish peeling a pile of potatoes. I even love Brandy’s inimitable rhetorical questions such as: “Why am I always the last stooge in line, with no one left to slap?” (p. 179) Fair warning to those readers who are annoyed by Vivian’s posturing: this one has more than usual.
The cast of suspects is interesting and I wasn’t expecting the actual perpetrator until the end. There is some foreshadowing in an unlikely scene and even though it threw up a red flag in the back of my mind, I quickly dismissed it because of something else that happened in the scene. Yet, I was completely satisfied when the truth came out. It seemed like Vivian and Brandy were a little slow on the uptake regarding the significance of a particular antique, but we all have had experiences where we had tunnel vision and missed a connection.
And yes, I know that I’m picky, but if I were “grading” this novel, it would get five (5) stars for the mystery itself, three (3) stars for the pacing, and four (4) stars for the humor. So, I ended up rating this higher than many of the novels in this series that I liked a lot. Remember, though, I’m rating this compared to other “cozy” mysteries. It isn’t “literary” beyond some delightful literary references used to balance out the jaded “cultural” references, and it is neither procedural nor thriller. So, it shouldn’t be compared PBS to Showtime or Twitter to Truth Social.
June 23, 2017
Title: Anitques Frame - Trash to Treasure Mystery Book 11
Author: Barbara Allan
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 4-25-2017
Pages: 256
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuth; Private Investigators; Animals; Cozy Mystery
ISBN: 9780758293121
ASIN: B01JEJC8I4
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars
The eleventh offering in her Trash to Treasure series Barbara Allan gives a humourous cozy-style mystery. The main characters, Brandy and Vivian (who have a rather complex history themselves), become involved in an investigation. Camilla, the ex-wife of her boyfriend Tony Cassato, the local police chief becomes Brandy's biggest rival as she goes about searching out finds for her reality show, Antique Sleuths. When Camilla is found murdered Brandy is the number one suspect. Soon Vivian and Brandy are rushing to find a killer before the killer has a chance to silence the duo for good.
This well told story is filled with hidden clues and a few red herrings. Add in a touch of humor and this light mystery is a joy to read. Even if you have never read any of the previous books you will be able to follow the storyline easily. Warm characters that soon become close friends and descriptive writing you are drawn in and become part of the story. My rating is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JEJC8I4/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/anti...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Barbara Allan
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 4-25-2017
Pages: 256
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Amateur Sleuth; Private Investigators; Animals; Cozy Mystery
ISBN: 9780758293121
ASIN: B01JEJC8I4
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars
The eleventh offering in her Trash to Treasure series Barbara Allan gives a humourous cozy-style mystery. The main characters, Brandy and Vivian (who have a rather complex history themselves), become involved in an investigation. Camilla, the ex-wife of her boyfriend Tony Cassato, the local police chief becomes Brandy's biggest rival as she goes about searching out finds for her reality show, Antique Sleuths. When Camilla is found murdered Brandy is the number one suspect. Soon Vivian and Brandy are rushing to find a killer before the killer has a chance to silence the duo for good.
This well told story is filled with hidden clues and a few red herrings. Add in a touch of humor and this light mystery is a joy to read. Even if you have never read any of the previous books you will be able to follow the storyline easily. Warm characters that soon become close friends and descriptive writing you are drawn in and become part of the story. My rating is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JEJC8I4/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/anti...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
March 20, 2018
Now HERE'S the cozy I'd been hankering for!
The cover hooked me immediately. So cute and gruesome at the same time. I was almost put off by the featured review on the front, though: "Nonstop humor..." I've been told that before. I've found it on books that don't even let me crack a smile.
This was different.
There actually WAS nonstop humor. Some of it did make me chuckle to myself. As flamboyant and irritating as the character Vivian could be, I loved her. And I loved her daughter for putting up with her and for getting sucked into situations that could have been hair-raising, but managed to float on that cushion of nonstop humor anyway. I didn't even mind the references to TV shows, songs, or social constructs (like Harvey Girls) that I didn't understand, but googled at the authors' behest. And I enjoyed the disjointed back-and-forth as Vivian and Brandy seemed to jostle each other for the honor of being the narrator. It was just plain fun. Very well-crafted fun. Effortless, which means it took a lot of work and talent to accomplish.
I ate the whole improbable story up and wanted more. Not for a steady diet, but as that treat you allow yourself every once in a while. Very glad I found this team of writers. They feel like that rare breed: people you'd like to meet.
The cover hooked me immediately. So cute and gruesome at the same time. I was almost put off by the featured review on the front, though: "Nonstop humor..." I've been told that before. I've found it on books that don't even let me crack a smile.
This was different.
There actually WAS nonstop humor. Some of it did make me chuckle to myself. As flamboyant and irritating as the character Vivian could be, I loved her. And I loved her daughter for putting up with her and for getting sucked into situations that could have been hair-raising, but managed to float on that cushion of nonstop humor anyway. I didn't even mind the references to TV shows, songs, or social constructs (like Harvey Girls) that I didn't understand, but googled at the authors' behest. And I enjoyed the disjointed back-and-forth as Vivian and Brandy seemed to jostle each other for the honor of being the narrator. It was just plain fun. Very well-crafted fun. Effortless, which means it took a lot of work and talent to accomplish.
I ate the whole improbable story up and wanted more. Not for a steady diet, but as that treat you allow yourself every once in a while. Very glad I found this team of writers. They feel like that rare breed: people you'd like to meet.
April 10, 2023
I've never read any of the books in this series before. This book was just okay. I really didn't like the way the chapters were written as if each of the two main protagonists, Brandy and her mother Vivian, were supposedly writing this as if it were a journal for their reality show. Also, for me the characters were not well defined. Considering it was my first forage into this series, there were many things that I did not understand: like Brandy and Vivian's true relationship since somewhere it's mentioned that Paula is her biological mother and she thought she was her much older sister? It was referred to so quickly that I didn't truly even catch it. Considering that they had both been married before, Brandy's relationship with her colorless policeman was insipid, to say the least. I'm sorry but I won't seek out any more of this series.
Read
August 1, 2019Picking up a random book in a series seems to be my MO of late. Turns out this is #11 in the series. Clearly, the reader is expected to be familiar with Brandy and Vivian, who trade off writing chapters and who have very different tones. Brandy and Vivian host an antiques show and also own and operate an antique store. Vivian has spent a spell in jail earlier in the series, and now it's Brandy's turn...but her mom's rep precedes her, so she's safe (not to mention Brandy's dating the chief of police). She's in there after their rival ends up dead. They have a shih tzu, Sushi, but it's not charming enough to save them.
I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read earlier entries in the series. I may just do that.
I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read earlier entries in the series. I may just do that.
March 27, 2023
I read a library book.
Brandy's in the slammer? With Vivian's "girls??" And the play choices are what???
With this series, I come for the crime and stay for the laughs. Okay, and the story as a whole. Brandy and Vivian are at it again, solving crime in their small Iowa town. There's no shortage of suspects - including Brandy, since the victim is her boyfriend's nasty ex-wife.
Because of the writing style, I always feel like I'm right there in the action snickering at the quips that fly between Vivian and Brandy. The action never lags, and the plots are intricate enough to keep me guessing (most of the time.) And, in Vivian's various asides to the reader, I always learn at least one new fact.
I'm off to find the next books in the series!
Brandy's in the slammer? With Vivian's "girls??" And the play choices are what???
With this series, I come for the crime and stay for the laughs. Okay, and the story as a whole. Brandy and Vivian are at it again, solving crime in their small Iowa town. There's no shortage of suspects - including Brandy, since the victim is her boyfriend's nasty ex-wife.
Because of the writing style, I always feel like I'm right there in the action snickering at the quips that fly between Vivian and Brandy. The action never lags, and the plots are intricate enough to keep me guessing (most of the time.) And, in Vivian's various asides to the reader, I always learn at least one new fact.
I'm off to find the next books in the series!
February 17, 2019
First, I just read one of the Barbara Allan books, and for me, a lapse between them is helpful or I get tired of too much whimsey. Second, I dislike books in which leading characters are framed and imprisoned. Someone without those quiddities would probably enjoy this one more than I did. Brandy discovers the body, and her fingerprints are on the murder weapon. Besides, she had reason to dislike the police chief's estranged wife--before she reappeared, Brandy was his main squeeze, and he'd still like to divorce his reluctant wife. What's more, the wife started an antiques shop in competition with Brandy and her mother Vivian. But of course Vivian jumps right in to try to clear Brandy.
January 8, 2020
The storyline earns 3 stars, but Brandy and Vivian provide reasons for deducting stars.
Vivian is abusive to her daughter, treating her like a dog (come, Brandy) and coercing her to take part in dangerous, illegal, and stupid acts.
Brandy apparently has a son, although he is mentioned only briefly. It's a good thing he's not being raised by Brandy, who takes abuse from her mother and does whatever her mother wants.
Oh yes, and the lame chief of police, who tells Vivian everything about the investigation of his case, although it's not professional to do so and it's none of Vivian's business.
Vivian is abusive to her daughter, treating her like a dog (come, Brandy) and coercing her to take part in dangerous, illegal, and stupid acts.
Brandy apparently has a son, although he is mentioned only briefly. It's a good thing he's not being raised by Brandy, who takes abuse from her mother and does whatever her mother wants.
Oh yes, and the lame chief of police, who tells Vivian everything about the investigation of his case, although it's not professional to do so and it's none of Vivian's business.
May 16, 2017
This book IS fun, but I'd prefer to give it a solid 2 1/2 stars than 3. Antiques Frame, written by a husband and wife team has everything you'd want for a rainy-day, or in my case, sick-in-bed mystery story: cute pets, easy puzzle plot, recipes and humor. But there's often something a little off when a man writes in the voice of a female protagonist and I think I could detect that here. Too stave this off I cast the mother and daughter team as Agnes Moorehead and Elizabeth Montgomery and reset the entire thing into the early 1970s. This helped somehow.
October 3, 2017
was ok...I try to pick up new authors and while it kept my interest overall there were times I just was...ok...I can't read anymore of this...they break it into two points of view and the mothers...is just tedious...every ...single..time...I almost started skipping her chapters but knew it would come back to bite me by not knowing things...but those chapters were horrid...would read another but not specifically looking for one
May 10, 2017
What can the downfall of being with the Chief of Police be? For Brandy Borne, that would be one estranged wife; Camilla Cossato, and possibly being framed for murder. Be careful what you try to do to a daughter-mother team. Don’t piss off Momma!
This is an interesting, humorous cozy mystery. My first experience with this series, but it will not be my last. Fun characters and fun read!
This is an interesting, humorous cozy mystery. My first experience with this series, but it will not be my last. Fun characters and fun read!
July 8, 2017
I love this series! The characters are hilarious and the mysteries are complex enough to be interesting but not so convoluted that it's impossible to figure out who the killer is. Though I almost never reread a series I'm thinking about doing that with these to tide me over until the next one comes out!
August 8, 2017
Brandy and her mother Vivian have a reality show about Antiques Sleuths. A rival bidder has been outbidding them on antiques and she is the ex-wife of Brandy's boyfriend. She is Lester found dead and Brandy is taken to jail after she gets released she decides to find the real killer.This book is written with alternating chapters by the mother and daughter with side notes to the editor.
June 8, 2017
Mother /Daughter owners of a Antique store have a nose for mysteries and solve them in unusual ways. A bit too much on the gags in the writing but a cute story. If you like a fun who done it this book can fill that bill!
December 12, 2018
This book, like the other ones in the series, is light-hearted, entertaining, and easy to read. However, the main character’s mother (actually her biological grandmother) is over the top sometimes. Three and a half stars.
January 23, 2019
This complex story continues with Tony's wife overbidding Brandy at antique auctions and being generally nasty. Latter in the story, the reason for this behavior was extremely surprising. The little town of Serenity has many hidden financial vices that are presented in this book.
November 12, 2019
Brandy and Vivian are at it again, someone keeps out bidding them during the filming of their show "Antiques Sleuths". When that person turns up dead with Brandy finding the body, only chaos will follow the two as they try to solve the murder.
March 3, 2023
Another series where I've started in the middle, with Book 11. This time, however, the author does a great job of catching me up (and continues to do so throughout the book). This is a cute book, and I like the two leads.
May 9, 2017
I really like this series. Brandy and Viv are so funny! I actually LOL while reading.
May 19, 2017
Not bad. This is the first book that I have read in the series. It's a little unusual in that the two main characters speak directly to the reader but it's a fun book.
May 16, 2017
I really enjoy these two ladies. I understand the difficulties dealing with an older person and since I'm not the one dealing with her it's funny.
May 31, 2017
Another fun read from local Muscatine authors.
June 9, 2017
Brandy, Vivian and the group are fun, smart, interesting and caring. The way Vivian seems to unintentionally create a whirlwind is a blast. Easy read without violence or sex.
August 7, 2017
I love this series. It's fun. I'm ready for the next adventure!!!
August 8, 2017
Such a great read! The story drew me in right away. I'm looking forward to reading other Trash 'n' Treasures Mysteries
August 11, 2017
Another rip roaring romp!
January 2, 2018
Always a delight, and a laugh out loud mystery! Happy to see additional writings and an ending from dear Vivian!
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