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A Trash 'n' Treasures Mystery #12
Antiques Wanted
Spring lassos small-town Serenity, as Brandy Borne's crime-bustin' mama Vivian hatches a harebrained scheme to run for county sheriff--ropin' in her daughter to join the rodeo as campaign manager. As the two-woman posse tracks down voters at a local assisted-living home, Brandy's attempts at corralling Mother's impractical whims make her feel like a tinhorn on a bucking bronco. But sure as shootin', unhappy trails lie ahead. . . . Shortly after the Borne gals receive a valuable signed photo of an old-timey cowboy actor from the elderly aunt of Vivian's political opponent, a massive explosion sends Brandy to the ER and auntie to the grave. With a string of unexplained deaths turning Sunny Meadow into Boot Hill, the ditzy duo--aided by their clever shih tzu Sushi--must lay down the law on a deadly outlaw . . . before someone's elected the next victim, with the Bornes headin' toward their last round-up! Don't miss Brandy Borne's tips on white elephant sales!
407 pages, Library Binding
First published April 24, 2018
62 people are currently reading
228 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 37 reviews
May 17, 2018
A wonderful cozy.
Vivian has decided to run for sheriff. She's sure to lose, but she makes Brandy her campaign manager anyway. While gathering donations for a white elephant sale at an old age home, a friend of Vivian's, not to mention a local gossip, and an advocate for the inhabitants of the home, is killed in an explosion that almost kills the Borne Girls.
Vivian decides the best thing to do is to infiltrate the old age home and find the killer. She has her bunions removed, and puts herself into the danger zone.
Don't miss it!
Vivian has decided to run for sheriff. She's sure to lose, but she makes Brandy her campaign manager anyway. While gathering donations for a white elephant sale at an old age home, a friend of Vivian's, not to mention a local gossip, and an advocate for the inhabitants of the home, is killed in an explosion that almost kills the Borne Girls.
Vivian decides the best thing to do is to infiltrate the old age home and find the killer. She has her bunions removed, and puts herself into the danger zone.
Don't miss it!
March 22, 2018
I'm feeling a bit torn with this book. I'm a huge fan of this series by the amazingly talented Barbara Allan.
Normally my review would be 5 stars and overflowing with praise.
We all know the mother and daughter team of this series will leave you laughing long after you've finished the book. Brandy and Vivian are two of my favorite protagonists. The colorful personalities and quirkiness make the series a winner.
I didn't find this story as good as all the others.
I found the story to be disjointed and I found myself confused about what was going on.
This will not impact my love for the series. While the story was well written, I had a hard time following along. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Normally my review would be 5 stars and overflowing with praise.
We all know the mother and daughter team of this series will leave you laughing long after you've finished the book. Brandy and Vivian are two of my favorite protagonists. The colorful personalities and quirkiness make the series a winner.
I didn't find this story as good as all the others.
I found the story to be disjointed and I found myself confused about what was going on.
This will not impact my love for the series. While the story was well written, I had a hard time following along. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
March 11, 2019
A fun cozy mystery featuring mother and daughter antique dealers turned amateur sleuths. The characters are interesting and a bit wacky, and the dialogue and narration can be pretty funny. Part of a series.
May 16, 2018
Brandy and her mother Vivian run an antique store. Vivian decides to run for sheriff and ropes Brandy into helping with the campaign. They go to an assisted living home to get donations for a fund raiser. Right after they are given a valuable photo a bomb goes off sending Brandy to the hospital and the donater dies. Several unexplained deaths at the assisted living home sends them on a chase for the killer. This book has an interesting way of notes from the editor and is written in a humorous way.
February 22, 2023
This is a good series with some humor. Will there be a new sheriff in town?
April 14, 2018
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I used to love this series of books but this one seems to have a great deal of extraneous material in it. I had a difficult time following what the story line was even supposed to be. Vivian running for sheriff, Harriet getting blown up, Brandy not wanting Vivian to run for sheriff.........there was so much jumping around that I finally stopped reading it.
April 24, 2018
**I voluntarily read this ARC**
A fun story with an unsatisfying mystery. I honestly love the unique way the series is written. It is quirky and feels like how someone would actually tell a story. The mystery was just weird. It was hard to follow at times and the ending didn't make a whole lot of sense.
A fun story with an unsatisfying mystery. I honestly love the unique way the series is written. It is quirky and feels like how someone would actually tell a story. The mystery was just weird. It was hard to follow at times and the ending didn't make a whole lot of sense.
March 24, 2018
Vivian and Brandy, that mother-er grandmother/daughter-no, granddaughter team that blunder their way around town seemingly without a plan, are back. This time Vivian is planning to run for Sheriff against a well liked deputy. To raise campaign funds, they seek donations for a white elephant sale. Surprisingly they get a lot of good items donated, especially after visiting residents in a local nursing home. After one visit, Brandy goes out to the car with Vi, and gets a copy of their latest book to take to the lady who is related to the deputy and won't be voting for Vivian, but still gave them a nce donation and a picture of Gabby Hayes for Vivian to keep. Just as Brandy was approaching the apartment there was an explosion inside and the door blew off as smoke and flames rolled out of the room. Guess she won't be reading that book after all! The question is, did the woman blow herself up by lighting up a cigarette while connected to her oxygen, or was she "helped" by someone?
The book continues with one Vivian plot after another to sniff out the possible murder and run a successful campaign simultaneously. Along the way Vivian and Brandy solve a cold murder case as well as the explosion/"murder" while Vivian recuperates from surgery and an attempt on her life while campaigning.
The madcap fun is accented by the way the author switches the perspective from Brandy to Vivian, especially when Vivian takes over writing. She is likely to go on a tirade about something totally unrelated to the "case" or discussion at hand. I especially like the threats by the editor!
I also like the hints at the end of chapters on how to run a white elephant sale. Just one more way the author gives the illusion that Vivian and Brandy actually know something about antiques.
There is a reason this series has more than a dozen books in it, and that is good characters and twisted but funny plots. Vivian may be wacky and Brandy may frequently viewed as an enabler, but you will chuckle, laugh, and possibly do a face plant while enjoying the latest saga. Good clean entertainment with one foot planted in the past that can be enjoyed by anyone.
The book continues with one Vivian plot after another to sniff out the possible murder and run a successful campaign simultaneously. Along the way Vivian and Brandy solve a cold murder case as well as the explosion/"murder" while Vivian recuperates from surgery and an attempt on her life while campaigning.
The madcap fun is accented by the way the author switches the perspective from Brandy to Vivian, especially when Vivian takes over writing. She is likely to go on a tirade about something totally unrelated to the "case" or discussion at hand. I especially like the threats by the editor!
I also like the hints at the end of chapters on how to run a white elephant sale. Just one more way the author gives the illusion that Vivian and Brandy actually know something about antiques.
There is a reason this series has more than a dozen books in it, and that is good characters and twisted but funny plots. Vivian may be wacky and Brandy may frequently viewed as an enabler, but you will chuckle, laugh, and possibly do a face plant while enjoying the latest saga. Good clean entertainment with one foot planted in the past that can be enjoyed by anyone.
September 27, 2020
Whether you consider yourself a “cozy mystery” fan or not, as long as you love a mystery, I believe you will enjoy Antiques Wanted by Barbara Collins. Though set up in “cozy” style, with a requisite recipe at the book’s conclusion, and garage/estate/white elephant sale tips at the conclusion of each chapter, the mystery, as well as all of the characters make this novel a fun read.
Part of an ongoing series the story continues the adentures of mother and adult daughter sleuthing team. Vivian and Brandy Borne, along with requisite in a “cozy mystery” pet, Sushi the dog. This entry (the twelfth in the Trash ‘n Treasures series) was my first read from the collection, and I did not need to read any of the others to be up to date with the lives of the protagonist.
Brandy and Vivian run an antique store and solve mysteries in their spare time. If that is not enough, a retired actress is also running for sheriff. When a mysterious and tragic death occurs during a pick-up of some auction items the duo begins to follow the clues. Those, strange circumstances, and more killings, along with a good dose of humor, keep the story moving and in my hands, the pages turning.
Humor is used well, both within the story and in my favorite use throughout of comments to and from the editor and each of the protagonists. This is a fun mystery, and lifts it above the trappings of “cozy,” which it also wears so well.
The author, Barbara Allan,is really a pseudonym for a duo made up of one of my favorites, Max Allan Collins, along with his wife Barbara Collins. After this first entry for me I look forward to reading others and anticipate laughing out loud some more. I was gifted this book by the authors and invited to leave my honest review of the same, which I have done here, and only add my recommendations to the prospective reader!
Part of an ongoing series the story continues the adentures of mother and adult daughter sleuthing team. Vivian and Brandy Borne, along with requisite in a “cozy mystery” pet, Sushi the dog. This entry (the twelfth in the Trash ‘n Treasures series) was my first read from the collection, and I did not need to read any of the others to be up to date with the lives of the protagonist.
Brandy and Vivian run an antique store and solve mysteries in their spare time. If that is not enough, a retired actress is also running for sheriff. When a mysterious and tragic death occurs during a pick-up of some auction items the duo begins to follow the clues. Those, strange circumstances, and more killings, along with a good dose of humor, keep the story moving and in my hands, the pages turning.
Humor is used well, both within the story and in my favorite use throughout of comments to and from the editor and each of the protagonists. This is a fun mystery, and lifts it above the trappings of “cozy,” which it also wears so well.
The author, Barbara Allan,is really a pseudonym for a duo made up of one of my favorites, Max Allan Collins, along with his wife Barbara Collins. After this first entry for me I look forward to reading others and anticipate laughing out loud some more. I was gifted this book by the authors and invited to leave my honest review of the same, which I have done here, and only add my recommendations to the prospective reader!
April 25, 2018
First off, be prepared to be confused, at least a little bit....or a lot? Such is the wacky world of Vivian and Brandy. Their relationship alone is enough to confuse anybody. Add to that, Vivian decides to run for county sheriff, a job she is in no way qualified for. To raise money for her election, they decide to gather items for a white elephant sale and head on over to the local nursing home. One lady says she won't vote for Vivian but does give her a few nice things as donations. Then her apartment blows up - accident? or murder? Vivian and Brandy dive in with gusto to investigate, no surprise there. After eleven books, this entry carries on with the unusual relationship between Vivian and Brandy with Brandy trying to corral Vivian and Vivian running free and more than a bit wild.
The mystery may not be the strongest but, if you are a long time fan of the series, that's okay because, really, if you are like me, you are here for a visit with a great cast of characters and get your fill of laughter and it sure does deliver.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The mystery may not be the strongest but, if you are a long time fan of the series, that's okay because, really, if you are like me, you are here for a visit with a great cast of characters and get your fill of laughter and it sure does deliver.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 30, 2018
This is a great book; this is the twelfth book in the Trash n Treasures Mystery series written by Barbara Allan. Brandy Borne’s mom Vivian, decides to run for County Sheriff and roped Brandy to join as the campaign manager. Shortly after the Borne gals receive a valuable signed photo of an old-timey cowboy actor from the elderly aunt of Vivian's political opponent, a massive explosion sends Brandy to the ER and auntie to the grave. With a string of unexplained deaths turning Sunny Meadow into Boot Hill, the ditzy duo--aided by their clever shih tzu Sushi--must lay down the law on a deadly outlaw before someone's elected the next victim, with the Bornes headin' toward their last round-up! This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. If you are looking for a fun book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.
February 15, 2022
A fun twist on cozy mysteries, with Vivian and Brandy as surprisingly talented crime solvers. Vivian is an extraordinary seventy-something lady who not only knows how to pick locks, but can still see well enough to do that. I thought breaking the fourth wall and talking to the editor was fun and I liked that the romance was truly a sub-plot, and not the fail-safe savior for when the villain tries to kill the amateur detectives. Nice twist at the ending. Two flaws for me in this book were: 1. Vivian being able to get around within a day of double bunionectomy. Even claiming the least invasive method, the doctors have you totally off your feet for 7 days. 2. A nursing home flushing unused medications (particularly opioids) down the toilet. The FDA has a list of what you can and cannot flush, and most places would have a locked disposal box. But setting reality aside for the sake of plot pacing, it was a fun story.
May 21, 2018
Vivian Borne is running for sheriff, much to her daughter Brandy's dismay. The two women--one widowed, one divorced--live together in an old house and run an antique store in another one, and both narrate the book, often in alternating chapters. I've enjoyed some of the earlier books, but while this was better than okay, it didn't engage my interest. Vivian has bunion surgery in order to be installed in the rehab/senior home where some strange events, including a lethal explosion, have taken place, and solves several murders using Brandy as her Archie Goodwin.
October 3, 2018
I think I enjoyed this book more than usual because Brandy (and more her mother's) over the top antics get less appealing to me as the series goes on and this story had less craziness. Despite the sheer insanity of Vivian running for sheriff, it makes sense that she would.
One really knows who the thief is right from the start, but the rest of the story has some satisfying twists and turns.
I'm definitely interested to see where the next book picks up.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
One really knows who the thief is right from the start, but the rest of the story has some satisfying twists and turns.
I'm definitely interested to see where the next book picks up.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
March 22, 2023
I read a hardback from the library.
Olay, I'm totally smitten with this series. The humor is witty, snarky, and occasionally slapstick (bad wheelchair) and I chuckle at every bit of it. The characters are zany, savvy, and ultimately caring of each other and their friends. There's never a dull moment in the fast pace of the story, and I enjoy being along for the ride.
I've been behind on this series (and on many other books by authors I love), but I'm catching up as fast as I can! You can start the series anywhere, but I always suggest starting at the beginning. Why miss out on any fun?
Olay, I'm totally smitten with this series. The humor is witty, snarky, and occasionally slapstick (bad wheelchair) and I chuckle at every bit of it. The characters are zany, savvy, and ultimately caring of each other and their friends. There's never a dull moment in the fast pace of the story, and I enjoy being along for the ride.
I've been behind on this series (and on many other books by authors I love), but I'm catching up as fast as I can! You can start the series anywhere, but I always suggest starting at the beginning. Why miss out on any fun?
June 4, 2018
I'm glad I continued with this series. This episode of shenanigans between daughter and mom, Brandy and Vivian, starts with the political campaign aspirations of Vivian for Sheriff! While at the old folks home, collecting items for a fundraiser to fund their campaign, one of the residents is caught in a great explosion. With Brandy and Vivian on the case, you are promised to have a leg-slapping, outrageously, fun time. #netgalley
September 13, 2018
A cozy mystery with Brandy Borne and her mother Vivian, who's running for county sheriff. They are looking for "white elephant" items for a fund raiser when a blast in a nursing home sends Brandy to a hospital and kills the aunt of Vivian's political opponent. Vivian and Brandy bicker, the editor tells them to stop, Vivian breaks in to offer her take on what's happening. The book is mildly humorous and entertaining.
May 29, 2018
I liked the story, as usual. Vivian takes the lead in this one by jumping in it with both feet. Foot surgery; landing her in a rehab facility while she snoops out the one responsible for a murder that occurred there. Also, Vivian is running for Sheriff. Just you wait 'til you see what happens along the way in her running for that office.
August 25, 2018
I love this series. This wasn't my favorite one but it was a fun read. Short and a bit light on the mystery but a fun trip to Serenity with possibly the craziest main characters any mystery series has to offer.
October 26, 2025
The story style didn't grab me so much as usual. It tried too hard to infuse humour with side chatter. Normally, I feel I would enjoy this but it just didn't grab me. I kept reading to solve the mystery though!
May 26, 2018
I have enjoyed the mother and daughter antics of Viven and Brandi.
May 30, 2018
This series is extremely fun! I am going to start the series again! I am excited for the next book!
June 13, 2018
A real page turner with lots of twists and turns and lots of mystery and action to the very end of the book.
January 17, 2019
Funny and love recipes win win!
January 23, 2019
Tony and Brandy's romance is back on track. Vivian's decision to run for Sheriff is surprising and amusing! But, their investigation at Sunny Meadow causes a great deal of danger to Vivian.
June 24, 2019
Just an all-around fun series.
February 22, 2020
Hilarious and very character-driven. Read my full review here- https://kimberliauthor.blog/2020/02/2...
March 28, 2020
Great series
June 3, 2020
Love these mysteries!
September 8, 2020
Not high on my list
Too many typos. Needs a thorough edit. Formulaic even for this series. Will read the next edition, but not hopeful.
Too many typos. Needs a thorough edit. Formulaic even for this series. Will read the next edition, but not hopeful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews