A Devious Lot

Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries #5

by Ellery Adams, Parker Riggs, Andi Arndt (Narrator)

Molly Appleby has promised her new husband that their honeymoon will be trouble-free-specifically, no sleuthing. Unfortunately, trouble seems to follow Molly wherever she goes, even to England. After a glorious week in London, the newlyweds have escaped the city to visit Molly's great-aunt in the quaint English village of Marlow Crossing. The setting is idyllic, as beautiful and serene as Molly could hope for, but as the senior staff writer for Collector's Weekly knows, appearances can be deceiving. And when a local woman turns up poisoned to death, Molly's convinced there's more to the story than meets the eye. Putting her honeymoon on hold, Molly agrees to help local inspector Devon Boyle with the case, especially since the sleepy village presents such a small number of suspects. But when two of them go missing and the tragic death of another woman comes to light, Molly realizes she's up against a much more sinister criminal than she thought. Untangling a web of lies and deceit as she searches for a motive and a murderer won't be easy, but Molly's determined to put all of her detective skills to use to catch a killer before her trip, and her life, are brought to a sudden end.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller

8 pages, Audiobook

First published February 19, 2016

About the author

USA Today and New York Times bestseller author Ellery Adams has written over forty novels and can’t imagine spending a day away from the keyboard. Ms. Adams, a Native New Yorker, has had a lifelong love affair with stories, food, and rescue animals. She likes to spend her free time rearranging the bookshelves in her home in central North Carolina.

Ellery's Series Include: Secret, Book, & Scone Society (Kensington) Book Retreat Mysteries (Kensington) Books By the Bay Mysteries (Berkley Prime Crime), Charmed Pie Shoppe Mysteries ((Berkley Prime Crime), Molly Appleby Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries (Beyond the Page), and Hope Street Mysteries (Beyond the Page).

Ellery also writes genre-blending fiction focusing on women and their inner monsters. Her first release in this exciting new direction is Invasive Species, which hits the shelves 4/14/206.

For book club guides, bibliotherapy lists, and recipes, please visit www.elleryadamsbooks.com

Reviews

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the improvement in personality that the main character continues to show in this book. She does still make some seriously stupid choices, but the arrogance and overblown ego seem to have really mellowed out. The mother also seems to have mellowed her diva like personality out so now all the characters are well developed and likeable unless they are actually supposed to be surly and unlikeable. The plot is well crafted and definitely keeps you entertained. I did see the big twist coming fairly blatantly, but it didn't bother me that I knew something that the other characters didn't. While I still think that other series written by this author are much better, this one is definitely improving.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly and Matt are on their honeymoon and are visiting her Great-Aunt Tessa in the small village of Marlow Crossing, England. Molly is introduced to her aunt’s neighbour, Tiffany, through her cat that spends as much time at Tessa’s house as Tiffany’s. When the Molly finds Tiffany dead, she wants to help find the murderer. Inspector Devon Boyle, who is nearing retirement, asks her to help, as he does not have the time or money to interview some of the friends and acquaintances who might have some information. With Matt heading home and Clara, Molly’s mom joining her, the investigation heats up.
I really enjoy the dual storylines in these books. The origin of the eye miniature was very well integrated into the story and I was very intrigued with this part of the story. The mystery was also interesting and fast paced and I read this book very quickly. Molly again shows her intelligence and the wonderful way she interacts with others, especially when getting information out of them. I loved the setting of a small English Village and the characters that lived there. Another very solid mystery with a historical storyline as well. I am really enjoying this series and the turn it has taken with the addition of co-author Parker Riggs. I am looking forward to the next adventure in the life of Molly Applebee. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Just when you think Molly is maturing, BAMMMM she has those old TSTL moments, actively ignores advice from EVERYONE to not put herself in danger and stupidly goes right on in, then one minute late “oh no, maybe I should have listened” 🙄🙄🙄🙄 I swear Ms. Adams wants us to hate Molly.

Molly on honeymoon, visits aunt, woman in village killed, molly investigates, acts like an idiot, luckily survives, finds killer, the end

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reader was a poor choice. Can’t do English accents. Heroine makes stupid choices. Found myself yelling at her. She’s a nosey Parker and having the police ask for her help is a ludicrous plot device.

[Jacqueline Benincasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

The story was a little hard to follow, yet enjoyable. I was disappointed with the ending and lack of completion. Otherwise, I did enjoy the book.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Molly & her new husband Matt are honeymooning in England. After a week spent enjoying England, they head off to visit Molly’s great-aunt in the quaint English village of Marlow Crossing. While this is a time to visit and enjoy the beautiful, serene village, Molly stumbles across a body, a young woman who was friends with her great-aunt. Saddened by the discovery, Molly is soon asked to assist local inspector Devon Boyle with the case. Before long Molly is wrapped up in murder, deceit, greediness and so much more.
I loved how the book went back and forth between time, showing the history of the eye miniature, or Lover's Eye, as it is also known.

I think it's wonderful when I am so intrigued by something that I have to stop and use Google to find out more about something that is prominent in the story. I was intrigued with the eye miniature and had to read more about it. It's those small things that I love about Ms. Adams and her writing style. All the research and dedication she puts into her stories maker her one of my favorite authors.

I hope everyone enjoys the story as much as I did.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Ellery Adams, but I have to say I never had a chance to read this series. However, when I was provided a copy of A Devious Lot for review I was disappointed I hadn't read this series sooner. This is the 5th book in the series and I will definitely be going back to read the rest. Ms. Adams is a wonderful write and this book does not disappoint. The mystery is strong and I enjoyed the historical aspect to it as well. The setting is charming and she has created endearing and likable characters. This is what readers of this author have come to expect and she never lets us down. If you are a fan of this author and have not had a chance to read this series, I would recommend you pick up the first in the series and read it. You won't be disappointed.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinion and the thoughts expressed are my own.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one bugged me more than most of the rest in the series. It is supposed to be set in the UK but you really couldn't even tell that it wasn't set in America. Plus she didn't even really try to include anything antique in this one. A minor mention of an eye portrait and that's about it. And I really don't believe the policeman in England would have been so willing to let her in on the case and solving it. Plus at times she was saying things that made me believe she had a crush on Lombardy even though SHE JUST GOT MARRIED AND WAS ON HER HONEYMOON. Seriously. And who stays behind to solve a crime when they just got married and their spouse returns home? Not to mention wasn't she suppose to write an article about antiques in England to placate her boss? Well there is no mention of her even doing any research or work in regards to that. Oh well. I'm caught up on where the audiobooks are for now. So I can give this series a break.

[Carylanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave up on Molly and co. 3 years ago, But, as usual, I was in need of something to listen to, that wasn't going to get lost during my sewing. Had to stop and rewind many times, I just couldn't believe how stupid this book was. Did I really hear that? What? oh heck!
Where can a stranger vacation and be invited to help solve a murder? Really??? Much to much unnecessary added characters, just who needs it? I read Ms. Adams cozy mysteries for the fun fast pace, however, this series has been too unbelievable even for this genre, I'm not going to say I will Not read any others, I'll just say it might be another 3 years between books.

[Annalee Hoover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. I was loving this series until this book. It really seems detached from the rest. The flashback seemed much more long and involved than in the rest of the books. And most of all I hate that there's a set up for a love triangle.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is almost like these are completely different characters.

[Katie Storer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Devious Lot. Book 5 of the Antiques and Collectibles Mystery Series.

The 4th book in this series was definitely my favorite. Therefore, it is hard to voice as much enthusiasm for book 5. While I enjoyed the story, this book seemed to repeat several plot points from previous books in the series. In other words, it was a bit formulaic. But it was still a quick read and mostly enjoyable.

There are two timelines that we switch between. Part way through the book you will run into a possible trigger in the oldest storyline. I carefully read through it and the plot recovered without needing to skip any of the story.

Yes, the two timelines have a crossover that made the older storyline necessary. The book was a quick read and I do recommend this to you.

3.75 stars
Audible owned
Trigger warning
Recommend

[Hope Smash · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this series it's starting to get to the point where I'm enjoying the flashback story more than the core mystery. Not that the mystery of bad per se, but they are getting a bit formulaic. I actually guessed one of the twists in this before it was revealed, which hasn't happened with this series before. I guessed the murder too, oops. I still enjoyed the plot overall, it was nice to have Molly in a different country as well. Makes the fact she keeps stumbling into murder cases a bit more believable. I enjoy Molly as a main character, although she can be incredibly headstrong to the point of stupidity at times. She just wants to be helpful. I enjoyed the addition of her aunt as a character and I hope she comes back in the future. Overall just a nice quick cozy read.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Devious Lot, #5 in Ellery Adams’ Antiques & Collectibles series, is hands down fabulous! I could not put it down!

This time, Molly really got into it, and in a foreign country! She and her new husband, Matt, were in England for their honeymoon and a visit with her great-aunt Tessa.

Needless to say, there was body and lots of interesting, yet mysterious characters, as well as, a few hateful ones. And that’s just Chapter One! LOL

Molly really had her sleuthing work cut out for her, trying to solve a murder, complicated by another mystery or two. She had help, of course, including the local detective inspector. Then add an intriguing dual story taking place in 1851 London and you’ve got a winner!

A must read!

[Sarah Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I was not all that impressed with this series. However, this book and the previous one are more akin to Ellery Adams' typical style.

Although the antique highlighted in this book was not as interesting as a wedding dress/tiara, the lover's eye was something I learned about and found fascinating.

I did find it a little silly that Molly was on her honeymoon in another country and still managed to find herself in the middle of a murder mystery and that local police, once again, let her play detective. I get this is the whole point of cozy mysteries, but I still find it a bit funny.

This book had a case of stolen identities, dead roommates from the past, and a whole bunch of suspense.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly and Matt were married (none of us were invited) and are honeymooning in England. While there, they are visiting her aunt Tessa in a lovely little scenic village. Naturally there's a body for Molly to find and the mystery solving begins. The soon-to-retire detective is smart enough to use Molly's skills to help him solve the crime, but Molly gets carried away and puts herself in danger. The item of antique interest in this book was a "lover's eye." This oddity, when viewed in a group online, is a bit creepy, but a well-executed miniature portrait of a loved one's eye could be a lovely memento. The historical back story was very interesting; I was rooting for Lillian and Julius.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly and Matt are in England on their honeymoon. After some time in London, they go stay with Molly’s aunt in a small village. A friend of aunt Tessa’s is poisoned and Molly gets involved with investigating with the blessing of the local police detective.
There is a historical story that is interwoven. It has to do with the girl who had an eye brooch miniature made. The brooch has bearing on the present as it was in the possession of the murdered woman.
The narrator did a good job. I liked the book.

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good plot and characters development.
Not too many people of which to keep track.
Molly and Matt visit Tessa in the Cotswolds on their honeymoon.
Of course Molly finds a body, Tiffany. She is the jilted girlfriend of Giles who has now taken up with very wealthy, Penelope. Giles and his motherBrenda,need the funds to repair and maintain Channing Hall because Brenda’s husband gambled away their funds.
Penelope decides that Giles isn’t worth it. She falls down the stairs and breaks her neck. Her close friend Dora steps in to impersonate Penelope.
Molly figures this all out reasonably.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A fun change of scenery, this book followed Molly to England. I really liked the additional storyline in this book, set in Victorian England. I wish there had been more of that story but at least the reader got a bit of an ending.

I do like this series and will continue to read it. As other reviews have mentioned, the main characters, Molly and her mother Clara, are growing and improving from the early books, becoming more likable.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one started off feeling like a Victorian romance, and I nearly didn’t keep going — but I’m glad I did. The story moves between two timelines, which became more engaging as the connections unfolded. While there were parts that stretched believability (such as foreign police asking an American tourist to help solve a murder), the plot and pacing kept me interested enough to see it through. Overall, an intriguing read that turned out better than I expected.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly and Matt are in London visiting Tessa, Molly's aunt. While visiting, one of the neighbors is murdered and of course Molly helps figure out who did it.

This was another good one and I love the historical part that goes along with the antique that is usually found in these stories. Clara even gets a small part in this one but I always enjoy her too.

[Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't guess this one

I was way off on who the killer was this time around and so it gets all the stars for that 😂
It very much read like a historical fiction mystery though, what with the gold diggers, fortunes etc that the characters sought after. I was a bit disconnected to that but it sure made for drama haha
Fun read!

[Carol Greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to spin your head.

Molly has come to England on her honeymoon. She and Matt speed a week in London before going to the country to visit her great aunt. Before they can leave for home, Tessa's neighbor is found dead in her living room by her cat and Molly.

[Elizabeth Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked

I just hate I missed the wedding! Loved another sleuthing tale for molly though. Lombardi sounds nice and getting deeper into his character , getting to be more involved in the story! Keep up the good work!!!

[Karen Matlack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Elbert Adams writes an incredible mystery! Lots of new characters and setting (Cotswolds in England) but the ever present evil and murder are there. I believe each new book is better than the last one. Thank you!!!

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed more research, for a book set in the UK, there was just too many US terminology by the UK characters. Proms did not become a thing in the UK till the last 5 years or so, being blackmailed in US dollars rather than UK pounds, just made no sense to me.

[BookSweetie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable Cozy mystery series. Molly is abroad in a lovely, small English village visiting her aunt two weeks after her wedding to Matt. Features a couple chapters from a 19 th century love story tied to the featured antique/ collectible: lover’s eye. Listened on audio.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful adventure!

I now believe that if there were enough Ellery Adams mysteries to last another 40 years, I might only read her books. She is very talented and I love the adventures her books take me on and the characters I meet along the way!

[Julie Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best in the series so far. I don’t know why I didn’t see it coming. Good ending. Still a lot of emphasis on what they eat at every meal. But I’m glad the wedding was a success and they’re happy!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great plot! Relatable main character. Loved this book!