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Curiosity Shop #1
The Curious Case of the Cursed Spectacles
Cursed Antiques, Secret Societies, and a Scatter Brained Ghost
When Cecilia Parish is summoned to her hometown of Destiny Point to aid her sick uncle and his antique curiosity shop, she has no idea that her life is about to change in magical and dangerous ways. An antique and curiosity shop is a mystical place. The items held within have their own story, sometimes centuries old. But there are other more sinister curiosities held within certain antique shops throughout the world. These antiquities are cursed and can cause ill effects to the owner and even death. Cecilia's uncle is one such collector who searches for cursed antiques to hide them away from unsuspecting souls and those who want to use their power for nefarious reasons. Join Cecilia and her companions as they delve into the unknown and discover mysteries within mysteries in this first book in the Curiosity Shop Cozy Mysteries Series.
When Cecilia Parish is summoned to her hometown of Destiny Point to aid her sick uncle and his antique curiosity shop, she has no idea that her life is about to change in magical and dangerous ways. An antique and curiosity shop is a mystical place. The items held within have their own story, sometimes centuries old. But there are other more sinister curiosities held within certain antique shops throughout the world. These antiquities are cursed and can cause ill effects to the owner and even death. Cecilia's uncle is one such collector who searches for cursed antiques to hide them away from unsuspecting souls and those who want to use their power for nefarious reasons. Join Cecilia and her companions as they delve into the unknown and discover mysteries within mysteries in this first book in the Curiosity Shop Cozy Mysteries Series.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2017
679 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Constance Barker
279 books203 followersConstance Barker lives in the Midwest with her husband and two Akitas where she can look out from her screened porch onto a wooded area brimming with activity. Since she was a young girl she read mysteries, often given to her by her grandmother. She loved figuring out who the culprit was and sometimes she was right and other times startled at who the author picked as the assailant. Now she enjoys writing mysteries herself. When she isn't writing stories, she can be found in her favorite vacation spot, Las Vegas or shopping for bargains.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 21, 2019
If I want to spend my time with a self absorbed nitwit, I'll go visit my sister-in-law.
October 24, 2020
Cecilia Parish is summoned to her hometown of Destiny Point to aid her terminally sick uncle and his antique curiosity shop, unaware that the shop is no ordinary antique shop, but her uncle is a collector who searches for cursed antiques to hide them away from unsuspecting souls and those who want to use their power for nefarious reasons.
This is first in the Curiosity Shop Cozy Mysteries series which consists of five books. I found it surprisingly well-written, considering this is a genre I don't normally read. The dialogue did get a bit tedious at times, but was in keeping with the setting and characters.
The plot was fairly predictable, but done well just the same.
This is first in the Curiosity Shop Cozy Mysteries series which consists of five books. I found it surprisingly well-written, considering this is a genre I don't normally read. The dialogue did get a bit tedious at times, but was in keeping with the setting and characters.
The plot was fairly predictable, but done well just the same.
August 14, 2020
Most enjoyable.
‘The Curious Case of the Cursed Spectacles‘ is a very entertaining cozy mystery read that keeps the reader guessing right until the end. It is the first book in Constance Barker’s Curiosity Shop Cozy Mysteries series.
Populated by a seemingly mismatched but delightful cast of characters, the story is intriguing and suspenseful but also lightened by humour and some genuinely endearing moments. The premise of the story is original and, although fantastic, is made to be quite believable through the author’s talented writing and clever story development.
This book definitely captures the reader’s imagination and provides a great escape from reality for a few enjoyable hours.
‘The Curious Case of the Cursed Spectacles‘ is a very entertaining cozy mystery read that keeps the reader guessing right until the end. It is the first book in Constance Barker’s Curiosity Shop Cozy Mysteries series.
Populated by a seemingly mismatched but delightful cast of characters, the story is intriguing and suspenseful but also lightened by humour and some genuinely endearing moments. The premise of the story is original and, although fantastic, is made to be quite believable through the author’s talented writing and clever story development.
This book definitely captures the reader’s imagination and provides a great escape from reality for a few enjoyable hours.
July 1, 2019
Streampunk Cozy
A fun approach to the world of antiquity. A different type of cozy where the characters are searching for objects instead of murder suspects.
A fun approach to the world of antiquity. A different type of cozy where the characters are searching for objects instead of murder suspects.
March 27, 2024
Cecilia 👎🏾👎🏾 talk about vain
July 18, 2017
I enjoyed this more for the premise than anything. It's an amalgamation of the old Friday the 13th TV series and the Sci-Fi channel's series Warehouse 13. I wasn't wild about the h--she didn't seem like a strong character to be the forefront of the series to me. There was promise in the premise and the set-up, so maybe she'll grow up and be less annoying in future books--she does step up at the end of this one, so there's hope. The writing is more suited to cotton candy fic-lets than what this tries to be, which does detract somewhat but it shows promise.
September 4, 2018
The Curious Cae of the Cursed Spectacles, Curiosity Shop Mysteries #1
by Constance Barker
I originally picked this book up because the title made me think it would be a Steampunk novel. It isn't. First of all, it's set in modern times and I think that is a definite out-of-the-steampunk-era hint! However, it was a fun read. It did take me a while to get into it, but I'm not sure if that is because it wasn't what I was expecting or if it had to do with the author's style.
The proofreading could have been better and I noted a few problems there, which, of course, also means the editing could have been better, too. But the characters were easy to either identify with or dislike, there was a good amount of action, the characters were reasonably well-fleshed out for a first in the series book, the plotting and pacing was excellent, and it was just a fun fantasy.
The main character inherits a curiosity shop, and the apartment above it, from her uncle with whom she lived as a teenager. She returns to her hometown to see her uncle, who is still alive at that point, and stays to settle up the estate. In the meantime, she discovers that the curiosity shop is more or less a front for her uncle's real job, which was collecting cursed artifacts and storing them where they could not interact with humanity. However, there are others who want those artifacts and would stop at nothing, including murder, to obtain not only those stored in the locked room at the curiosity shop, but in a fantastical storehouse one can only access and navigate if in possession of an enchanted key. Can she keep herself and her uncle's shop assistant safe, or will those who would use the artifacts for evil prevail?
It was a fun read and I enjoyed it. I don't think there are other books in the series yet. Will I read them if they are published? I don't really know. I enjoyed the book, but whether I follow this particular series may depend on the pricing of future books.
by Constance Barker
I originally picked this book up because the title made me think it would be a Steampunk novel. It isn't. First of all, it's set in modern times and I think that is a definite out-of-the-steampunk-era hint! However, it was a fun read. It did take me a while to get into it, but I'm not sure if that is because it wasn't what I was expecting or if it had to do with the author's style.
The proofreading could have been better and I noted a few problems there, which, of course, also means the editing could have been better, too. But the characters were easy to either identify with or dislike, there was a good amount of action, the characters were reasonably well-fleshed out for a first in the series book, the plotting and pacing was excellent, and it was just a fun fantasy.
The main character inherits a curiosity shop, and the apartment above it, from her uncle with whom she lived as a teenager. She returns to her hometown to see her uncle, who is still alive at that point, and stays to settle up the estate. In the meantime, she discovers that the curiosity shop is more or less a front for her uncle's real job, which was collecting cursed artifacts and storing them where they could not interact with humanity. However, there are others who want those artifacts and would stop at nothing, including murder, to obtain not only those stored in the locked room at the curiosity shop, but in a fantastical storehouse one can only access and navigate if in possession of an enchanted key. Can she keep herself and her uncle's shop assistant safe, or will those who would use the artifacts for evil prevail?
It was a fun read and I enjoyed it. I don't think there are other books in the series yet. Will I read them if they are published? I don't really know. I enjoyed the book, but whether I follow this particular series may depend on the pricing of future books.
November 21, 2018
I had high hopes for this, when I saw other reviewers describe it as similar to the tv show Warehouse 13, which I adored! I did not find that to be the case.
First off, as some other reviewers have noted, there is an odd cadence to the writing in this book. It doesn't flow the way the best books do, where the words are almost invisible, the story seems to just absorb into your brain. This book told the story, but the writing felt a bit choppy to me, and it distracted me enough to make my brain stutter, and have to go back and re-read passages a lot.
I also found this story to be very slow moving. I read to about the 1/3 mark [hard to be sure, since the book - self-published, I assume - has no page numbers] and by that time very little of import had taken place.
The characters here are okay, but they come across as flat and rather one-dimensional. Not unlikable or unpleasant, just not the kind of characters that burrow under your skin and take up permanent residence in your brain to the point where you can't get enough of them. That is what makes a really great book, and that was missing here for me.
This isn't a bad book, and the premise is clever and engaging. The execution was what was somewhat lackluster for me. Again, not a bad book, just not the kind of book I couldn't put down and was dying to read. When I have piles of titles that I'm dying to get to, a "meh" book isn't going to be allowed to take up my time. Moving on.
First off, as some other reviewers have noted, there is an odd cadence to the writing in this book. It doesn't flow the way the best books do, where the words are almost invisible, the story seems to just absorb into your brain. This book told the story, but the writing felt a bit choppy to me, and it distracted me enough to make my brain stutter, and have to go back and re-read passages a lot.
I also found this story to be very slow moving. I read to about the 1/3 mark [hard to be sure, since the book - self-published, I assume - has no page numbers] and by that time very little of import had taken place.
The characters here are okay, but they come across as flat and rather one-dimensional. Not unlikable or unpleasant, just not the kind of characters that burrow under your skin and take up permanent residence in your brain to the point where you can't get enough of them. That is what makes a really great book, and that was missing here for me.
This isn't a bad book, and the premise is clever and engaging. The execution was what was somewhat lackluster for me. Again, not a bad book, just not the kind of book I couldn't put down and was dying to read. When I have piles of titles that I'm dying to get to, a "meh" book isn't going to be allowed to take up my time. Moving on.
June 23, 2017
A brand new series by author Constance Barker has caught my attention in a good way, It is a story about an antique shop and the owner (Morris Parish or Uncle Morris) who has a niece (Cecilia) who has just been terminated at her job in the city. When Morris has a sudden heart attack, Cecilia comes at once to sign papers for the hospital and help with the shop. There she meets Uncle Morris's assistant Clarence. At first Cecilia is determined to give the business to Clarence and return to the city as soon as possible to get on with her life. Then there is a break-in to the shop and a mysterious locked storage room is cleaned out. Cecilia and Clarence discover that strange artifacts that are cursed have been stolen from the room. The only thing found remaining was hidden behind a shelf. It was a small leather box containing a pen. Cecilia felt compelled to open it and remove the pen. Once she did, a ghost named Edgar appeared to her. He is magically tied to the pen, and Edgar can be seen by those who Cecilia chooses to share him with. Of course soon Clarence can see and talk to ghost Edgar as well.
The mysterious missing objects are not catalogued or listed anywhere that Cecilia and Clarence can find. They begin a quest to recover the stolen goods and stop the use of the artifacts for evil. This arduous task seems daunting, but the two are determined and soon are searching for a pair of spectacles they believe to be one of the artifacts.
I loved the characters in this book! Cecilia is witty and unflappable. The opening segment about being terminated from her job was particularly funny. She is also willing to give people a chance and avoids snap judgements. Good thing, because she runs into an odd variety of hospital personnel that would make a lesser person completely frustrated. I admired her acceptance to do whatever was needed to help her uncle.
I also liked Clarence because of his loyalty to Morris and the business even when things got tough-or he got shot! Edgar, the ghost, was a delightful addition to the sleuthing, although not always helpful.
From start to finish the story was fun and interesting. There were twists and turns that kept the reader guessing until the end as to what would happen. All I can say for sure is there will be more stories about these cursed artifacts, and I can't wait to read them!
The mysterious missing objects are not catalogued or listed anywhere that Cecilia and Clarence can find. They begin a quest to recover the stolen goods and stop the use of the artifacts for evil. This arduous task seems daunting, but the two are determined and soon are searching for a pair of spectacles they believe to be one of the artifacts.
I loved the characters in this book! Cecilia is witty and unflappable. The opening segment about being terminated from her job was particularly funny. She is also willing to give people a chance and avoids snap judgements. Good thing, because she runs into an odd variety of hospital personnel that would make a lesser person completely frustrated. I admired her acceptance to do whatever was needed to help her uncle.
I also liked Clarence because of his loyalty to Morris and the business even when things got tough-or he got shot! Edgar, the ghost, was a delightful addition to the sleuthing, although not always helpful.
From start to finish the story was fun and interesting. There were twists and turns that kept the reader guessing until the end as to what would happen. All I can say for sure is there will be more stories about these cursed artifacts, and I can't wait to read them!
February 15, 2020
First book in a series but a good start for a long series to come. Big city success as a journalist for Cecilia Parrish is a five year and boring stint in the mailroom of a newspaper business. Nothing to seek out and write as a breakthrough piece comes her way and slowly she plods alone and along that dingy path called routine. Suddenly informed that the business is shutting down, all employees rush for new jobs, however Cecilia is not so lucky. Listed as an incorrect name and a job title of cleaning lady she knows her path only leads in one direction. Doom and destitute! Cecilia returns home after learning from her Uncle Morris Parrish's lawyer that he is gravely ill. Now blessed with a mysterious inheritance she vaguely remembers from childhood, a shop manager Clarence, and unknown items everywhere, she accepts it on a temporary basis. A break-in that night to a locked storeroom in her Uncle's shop and a mysterious pen case she opens after finding it left behind begins the tale of seek and fetch. Enter the characters of Enid, a former partner and friend of Morris, Edgar, a misguided essence of something with Victorian manners, strange secrets of the Storehouse contents and Cecilia is hooked. First on the list is finding clues for obvious mis-occurrences, and that leads to the tale of the cursed spectacles. Good story for middle to young adult readers. As the series progresses more hints will be reviled and hopefully a new set of readers hot on their tails.
June 28, 2017
The Curious Case of the Cursed Spectacles is book 1 in Constance Barker's new and WONDEROUS series. Her creative weave of unintended consequences should make for many fun and mystical adventures. A world where illogical things can be irrefutably real and tangible and very ordinary objects, cursed. Cecilia Parish is a wannabe jr. reporter. On the unexpected last day of her 'not a reporter' job she reads an article about a missing antique dealer. And then learns she must return to Destiny's Point. Her Uncle Mason, an antique dealer, has taken ill. 'The game is afoot', she just doesn't know it. Once in Destiny's Point she becomes linked with Clarence Copperfield, Uncle Mason's shop manager, and Edgar, a ghost in Victorian dress who needs permission to be seen. What is behind the heavy, mahogany and Locked door in Uncle Max's shop. And who is Edna? Is it in this 'reporter's' nature to let go of a mystery? The author has surrounded the main characters with a band of interesting cohorts and a group of evil doers that hints of expansion for both sides in future books. I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. Honestly excited to see what unintended consequences CB shares next and where those lead to.
January 26, 2018
Sometimes the reading is cursed
I enjoyed the premise of this book. However, Constance Barker's writing style left me confused. There were times I couldn't understand who she was speaking to, if anyone. She didn't flesh out her characters well. Hopefully we'll learn more about her compatriots in future books. She seemed to repeat the same thoughts, just changing the words. Whether it was redundancy or trying to get a larger word count, I couldn't tell. It was irritating, however. I found myself skimming over parts, because it didn't add anything to the storyline, and was a rather consistent problem. Cecilia seemed to be arguing with herself a lot, much more than enough to get the point across that she was conflicted. I wanted to tell her, "Enough already." I will read the next book in the series in the hope that some of these issues will be resolved. If not, the few parts of the book I found interesting won't be enough to hold my attention through a third round.
I enjoyed the premise of this book. However, Constance Barker's writing style left me confused. There were times I couldn't understand who she was speaking to, if anyone. She didn't flesh out her characters well. Hopefully we'll learn more about her compatriots in future books. She seemed to repeat the same thoughts, just changing the words. Whether it was redundancy or trying to get a larger word count, I couldn't tell. It was irritating, however. I found myself skimming over parts, because it didn't add anything to the storyline, and was a rather consistent problem. Cecilia seemed to be arguing with herself a lot, much more than enough to get the point across that she was conflicted. I wanted to tell her, "Enough already." I will read the next book in the series in the hope that some of these issues will be resolved. If not, the few parts of the book I found interesting won't be enough to hold my attention through a third round.
July 6, 2017
A new series by Constance Barker and it was quite entertaining. Cecelia gets a call about her Uncle Morris in the hospital and she needs to come to town and sign some papers for his care and to run his antique shop until he can get well. She meets his assistant Clarence who was always quiet when she would visit before. She awakes the next morning to find the store had been broken into and several items were taken. As they are trying to figure out all the items that went missing they meet a ghost named Edgar. As the trio set out to try to track down and recover the missing items they never expected the adventures that they encounter. I thoroughly enjoyed the coven grove books by the same author and thought I'd try another series of hers. I'm glad I did. It was a fun read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book and enjoyed it.
August 7, 2018
News clipping catches her eye, antique dealer missing, reading on it tells of a missing antique item also. Relieved it wasn’t her uncle, a dealer, but, curious what he would say. A call later for her to come, he was in hospital, and his helper Clarence was at the shop. Next morning a break in, at her uncles shop, and a mysterious storage room, holding curse items was gone, The adventure start finding one remaining item in the empty room, and opening reveals a delightful twist to this story. Amusing, and a different plot, to read.
July 16, 2017
Great read - nice light mystery.
After losing her job, Cecelia gets a call that her Uncle is in the hospital. He asks her to look after his antique shop for him. She and his employee, Clarence find that the "antiques" are more than they seem. Cecelia and Clarence go on the hunt for cursed objects and find that everything isn't as it seems. This was a really good, light read. Really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read the next one.
After losing her job, Cecelia gets a call that her Uncle is in the hospital. He asks her to look after his antique shop for him. She and his employee, Clarence find that the "antiques" are more than they seem. Cecelia and Clarence go on the hunt for cursed objects and find that everything isn't as it seems. This was a really good, light read. Really enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read the next one.
July 20, 2017
Good story.
A dying antique dealer, his niece coming to the hospital, an antique shop, what in the world is going on? One night in the apartment and the store is broken into. Who did it and why. How many items gone? What do the have to do with her uncle? Full of intrigue, mystery, and crazy things that people are doing to harm other people. Is this a coincidence or an evil plan? Have to read to find out.
A dying antique dealer, his niece coming to the hospital, an antique shop, what in the world is going on? One night in the apartment and the store is broken into. Who did it and why. How many items gone? What do the have to do with her uncle? Full of intrigue, mystery, and crazy things that people are doing to harm other people. Is this a coincidence or an evil plan? Have to read to find out.
August 21, 2017
A very strange and confusing book.
I had trouble following the plot of this book. From the beginning nothing was explained, especially when Uncle Mason was in the hospital. I kept thinking that the nurses were trying to kill him. Then the entire part with Enid and the types of artifacts being stored away didn't make sense. I know there are at least two more books in this series: I may buy the next one to see if it is less confusing.
I had trouble following the plot of this book. From the beginning nothing was explained, especially when Uncle Mason was in the hospital. I kept thinking that the nurses were trying to kill him. Then the entire part with Enid and the types of artifacts being stored away didn't make sense. I know there are at least two more books in this series: I may buy the next one to see if it is less confusing.
September 30, 2023
I enjoyed this first in the series. Cecilia comes home to help her sick uncle with his antique shop. She finds more than she expected when his cursed items are stolen. She is led into a different way of life that she's not sure she wants.
This was an entertaining read with what some of the cursed items cause. The characters are likable and the mystery was good. I will continue on with this series.
This was an entertaining read with what some of the cursed items cause. The characters are likable and the mystery was good. I will continue on with this series.
July 24, 2017
Sorry.
You know this is one person's opinion. The premise is clever and some of the writing is amusing. However, there are way too many words, too many lost periods and commas, and I never felt connected to any of the characters. Perhaps another revision or two would make the story more believable.
You know this is one person's opinion. The premise is clever and some of the writing is amusing. However, there are way too many words, too many lost periods and commas, and I never felt connected to any of the characters. Perhaps another revision or two would make the story more believable.
September 7, 2017
Great mystery novel!
I bought this book because it was only $.99. I'm happy I did. The pace is fast and furious and that made for an enjoyable read. The main characters are well fleshed out and the book had a surprise ending that I liked. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I bought this book because it was only $.99. I'm happy I did. The pace is fast and furious and that made for an enjoyable read. The main characters are well fleshed out and the book had a surprise ending that I liked. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
August 24, 2017
Imaginative story
What a delightful read! I'm glad I stumbled on this book. It was a bit slow in the beginning, but picked up quickly. I liked the plot, finding it so imaginative and engaging. The writing was smooth, and the chapters were a good length. I have recommended this book to anyone who likes a nice and fun book.
What a delightful read! I'm glad I stumbled on this book. It was a bit slow in the beginning, but picked up quickly. I liked the plot, finding it so imaginative and engaging. The writing was smooth, and the chapters were a good length. I have recommended this book to anyone who likes a nice and fun book.
March 4, 2018
This is a very different kind of mystery
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was exciting and enjoyable from the beginning to the end. Nothing like the murder mysteries that I usually read, but as mysterious as a story can be. A great read and now on to the next book in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was exciting and enjoyable from the beginning to the end. Nothing like the murder mysteries that I usually read, but as mysterious as a story can be. A great read and now on to the next book in this series.
October 24, 2018
If you were a fan of the SciFi show Warehouse 13 you will see this book as a parallel to that series with a few differences. They are not federally funded and the warehouse is only accessible via a special key. I kept comparing the story to the show and it proved to be a distraction for me. If, however, you have not seen Warehouse 13 you may find this book interesting.
July 6, 2017
Interesting read
I must say that this book is an interesting departure from the other books I've read by this author. I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters and how they interact with the objects they are looking for. I can't wait for the next book.
I must say that this book is an interesting departure from the other books I've read by this author. I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters and how they interact with the objects they are looking for. I can't wait for the next book.
September 3, 2017
The curious case of curiosity shop
This was great.. First time with this author and it will not be the last. Going to get second book right now. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who loves something magical and different. Diana Romano
This was great.. First time with this author and it will not be the last. Going to get second book right now. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who loves something magical and different. Diana Romano
October 9, 2017
Enchanting book
The was fun block to read. Interesting antiques with disturbing powers. The three main characters are cute together, one being a ghost. The book kept my interest all The way through. Very creative story.
The was fun block to read. Interesting antiques with disturbing powers. The three main characters are cute together, one being a ghost. The book kept my interest all The way through. Very creative story.
October 22, 2017
Lukewarm Fantasy
I like the premise of the book, but it sounds as if it's trying to be more suited for adults- yet it reads more like going adult fiction. Interesting elements within and it absolutely allows for a series.
I like the premise of the book, but it sounds as if it's trying to be more suited for adults- yet it reads more like going adult fiction. Interesting elements within and it absolutely allows for a series.
November 12, 2017
A good read
I enjoyed the story, the feminine perspective, I thought the character development was pretty good, I enjoyed the humor and wonder of the ghost and mysticism. The one thing that bothered me I think I saw the story in a bad TV movie.
I enjoyed the story, the feminine perspective, I thought the character development was pretty good, I enjoyed the humor and wonder of the ghost and mysticism. The one thing that bothered me I think I saw the story in a bad TV movie.
December 21, 2017
Yay! A good cozy mystery with a fantasy/ ghostly premise of cursed artifacts. It has brought me out of my reading slump! I have purchased the rest of the series for my Kindle and can’t wait to start #2 in the series, The Curious Case of The Cursed Dice.
February 25, 2018
Fun Read!
I liked that this book constantly changed so I didn’t know what was going to happen. The concept feels fresh. All the characters are cool. Cecelia, Clarence, Edgar and Edith make a good team. I am looking forward to reading more of their adventures.
I liked that this book constantly changed so I didn’t know what was going to happen. The concept feels fresh. All the characters are cool. Cecelia, Clarence, Edgar and Edith make a good team. I am looking forward to reading more of their adventures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews