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Palmyrton Estate Sale Mystery #5
Treasure Built of Sand
Any risk is worth taking when you have this much to lose.
Estate sale organizer Audrey Nealon combines business with pleasure as she plans a sale at the exquisite beach home of the Gardner family. But the romantic getaway weekend with her husband is shattered when the body of a teenage boy washes up on the sand.
The death soon proves to be more than an unpleasant distraction from Audrey’s work. Sophia, the troubled young woman who lives next door to the Gardners, is wracked with guilt over the death of her friend. When Audrey rescues Sophia from a rash action, she is pulled into the vortex of lies and cover-ups swirling through the exclusive community of Sea Chapel, NJ. Where should Audrey place her trust—with the client who hired her or with the melodramatic Sophia, who reminds her of her teenage self.
Someone in this enclave knows how and why the boy died, but these families will close ranks to protect their own.
And they won’t hesitate to destroy an outsider like Audrey who threatens their way of life.
Audrey’s curiosity and compassion pull her into danger. Will her wit and determination be enough to restore justice? Or has Audrey met her match in this killer who has everything to lose?
Estate sale organizer Audrey Nealon combines business with pleasure as she plans a sale at the exquisite beach home of the Gardner family. But the romantic getaway weekend with her husband is shattered when the body of a teenage boy washes up on the sand.
The death soon proves to be more than an unpleasant distraction from Audrey’s work. Sophia, the troubled young woman who lives next door to the Gardners, is wracked with guilt over the death of her friend. When Audrey rescues Sophia from a rash action, she is pulled into the vortex of lies and cover-ups swirling through the exclusive community of Sea Chapel, NJ. Where should Audrey place her trust—with the client who hired her or with the melodramatic Sophia, who reminds her of her teenage self.
Someone in this enclave knows how and why the boy died, but these families will close ranks to protect their own.
And they won’t hesitate to destroy an outsider like Audrey who threatens their way of life.
Audrey’s curiosity and compassion pull her into danger. Will her wit and determination be enough to restore justice? Or has Audrey met her match in this killer who has everything to lose?
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2019
792 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
S.W. Hubbard
32 books453 followersS.W. Hubbard writes the kinds of books she loves to read: twisty, believable, full of complex characters, and highlighted with sly humor. She is the author of the Palmyrton Estate Sale Mystery Series and the Frank Bennett Adirondack Mountain Mystery Series, as well as the Life in Palmyrton Women's Friendship Fiction Series. Her short stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and the anthologiesDead Drift, Crimes by Moonlight, The Mystery Box, andAdirondack Mysteries. When not writing, she hikes with her rescue dog, Libby, and her husband. She lives in Morristown, NJ.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 20, 2019
First I have to thank Ms. Hubbard for offering me an advance copy of her newest Treasures book. I have so enjoyed every one of them. The latest is no exception! This was at the top of my list of her books. I don't try to recap stories, rather I prefer to let others know how I feel after finishing a book. About 80% or so into this one, she threw in a very novel twist that really gave the book a unique turn. Most of the same characters are in this book, but if you haven't read previous books in the series, you won't be lost.
I really recommend this series to all who enjoy good stories with very careful editing and no bad language or grammatical errors that many reviewers remark on. This author doesn't need to throw in uncalled for language and the books are always quality all around.
I really recommend this series to all who enjoy good stories with very careful editing and no bad language or grammatical errors that many reviewers remark on. This author doesn't need to throw in uncalled for language and the books are always quality all around.
May 28, 2019
Another excellent book in this series
I’m a huge fan of this suspense/thriller series and enjoy every book that comes out. Audrey gets a really rich client and that’s where things get weird. It was such a good mystery, definitely full of intrigue and drama that is very realistic.
I’m a huge fan of this suspense/thriller series and enjoy every book that comes out. Audrey gets a really rich client and that’s where things get weird. It was such a good mystery, definitely full of intrigue and drama that is very realistic.
November 27, 2020
Loved it. I love all her books so far I have bought more to start reading. They are good clean mysteries. I would recommend to anyone who like good clean mysteries
I love her books they are good clean mysteries. I have bought more of another series she has written .
I love her books they are good clean mysteries. I have bought more of another series she has written .
May 25, 2019
Wow! A real twisty, turning mystery
This series has the human, flawed characters we all know and love. Trying to make the best of their world. Audrey has a lot (and I really mean A LOT) on her plate. Slower than the previous Palmyrton Estate mysteries to get to the meat of the dramatic story, but well worth the wait. I’m so happy that I found this author. I’ve read all of S.W. Hubbard’s series and find them to be well written and interesting story telling, whether in New Jersey or in the Adirondack Mountains. 👏👏👏
This series has the human, flawed characters we all know and love. Trying to make the best of their world. Audrey has a lot (and I really mean A LOT) on her plate. Slower than the previous Palmyrton Estate mysteries to get to the meat of the dramatic story, but well worth the wait. I’m so happy that I found this author. I’ve read all of S.W. Hubbard’s series and find them to be well written and interesting story telling, whether in New Jersey or in the Adirondack Mountains. 👏👏👏
May 26, 2019
Twisty Murder, Wrought Gently
In the author’s unique style, we have a body washed up on the beach, and the threads binding all the players together slowly and meticulously weave themselves into a tapestry of lies, loss and regret when the final picture clarifies. 👍👍
In the author’s unique style, we have a body washed up on the beach, and the threads binding all the players together slowly and meticulously weave themselves into a tapestry of lies, loss and regret when the final picture clarifies. 👍👍
June 22, 2019
I Love This Series! Audrey has a wonderful business, great associates and interesting clients. Audrey and her police officer husband Sean are trying to have a child. While she is excited about motherhood, she worries how it will effect her business. This story begins with her being hired to sell all the high end furnishings in a summer beach home. If you’ve read the other wonderful books you know that nothing ever goes smoothly. While she is cataloging the contents of this impeccably furnished home a body washes up on the beach and the mystery begins. Her new employee Donna has a crisis, her grandfather in law requires round the clock care, as usual things are crazy in her world. It is engaging and will grab your attention will past bedtime. Thank You Ms Hubbard for a wonderfully spun tale.
November 8, 2020
I enjoyed the plot and the overall tone of this novel! I really enjoyed enjoyed the characters, especially their voices and accents in the audiobook. Audrey has a business where she handles estate sales. On one assignment she gets more than she bargains for. She meets some new people and after a young man is found dead, she realizes that one of the people she knows could have been involved.
November 7, 2020
This was a very good book in this series. I enjoy that there’s a murder mystery developing as well as stories behind the characters ( the ongoing issues of getting pregnant and the issues with Donna and her abusive husband). Well written and enjoyable. I’m looking forward to the next book.
October 6, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"Trevor was my friend."
Treasure Bui!t on Sand, brings to the reader the next stage in the life of Audrey and her assistants, Ty and Donna, at Another Man's Treasure. Audrey and Sean have decided it is time to start a family, but this will mean letting go of the business a bit when a baby is born and placing greater trust in the competence of her employees. Not an easy task for perfectionist Audrey even though she knows that they, too, love their jobs. But with a rushed sale demanding her full attention, and with it a bonus beach break for her and her husband, - time to trust is rapidly approaching, just when Donna's home life starts to become problematic.
And another death pulls hard at Audrey to get involved yet again!
Whilst the mysteries within each story are exciting and suspenseful, the real joy of the Treasure books lies in the characters involved. Every protagonist, even the minor ones, is so well drawn that they become real people to like, or not, according to the reader's own subjective view. But each is very human, with their own foibles, ambitions and prejudices. Even though the book always adheres closely to the plot line, the reader nevertheless cannot help but be drawn into a tentative relationship with the people as well as the mystery.
Enhancing the entire experience, narrator Janelle Tedesco returns again to become Audrey, owner of the Estates Sale company, Another Mans Treasure. Her pace and intonation beautifully capture the excitements, fears and general care for her agency and friends. The other protagonists are not ignored either, each being skillfully and separately voiced. Her fine performance turns an already excellent book into a delight.
Although this is the sixth book in the series, Treasure built of Sand, like it's predecessors, is entirely stand alone. Without graphic violence, sex scenes or swearing, but still packing a considerable punch in the thrills department, it is suitable for everyone. And highly recommended.
"Trevor was my friend."
Treasure Bui!t on Sand, brings to the reader the next stage in the life of Audrey and her assistants, Ty and Donna, at Another Man's Treasure. Audrey and Sean have decided it is time to start a family, but this will mean letting go of the business a bit when a baby is born and placing greater trust in the competence of her employees. Not an easy task for perfectionist Audrey even though she knows that they, too, love their jobs. But with a rushed sale demanding her full attention, and with it a bonus beach break for her and her husband, - time to trust is rapidly approaching, just when Donna's home life starts to become problematic.
And another death pulls hard at Audrey to get involved yet again!
Whilst the mysteries within each story are exciting and suspenseful, the real joy of the Treasure books lies in the characters involved. Every protagonist, even the minor ones, is so well drawn that they become real people to like, or not, according to the reader's own subjective view. But each is very human, with their own foibles, ambitions and prejudices. Even though the book always adheres closely to the plot line, the reader nevertheless cannot help but be drawn into a tentative relationship with the people as well as the mystery.
Enhancing the entire experience, narrator Janelle Tedesco returns again to become Audrey, owner of the Estates Sale company, Another Mans Treasure. Her pace and intonation beautifully capture the excitements, fears and general care for her agency and friends. The other protagonists are not ignored either, each being skillfully and separately voiced. Her fine performance turns an already excellent book into a delight.
Although this is the sixth book in the series, Treasure built of Sand, like it's predecessors, is entirely stand alone. Without graphic violence, sex scenes or swearing, but still packing a considerable punch in the thrills department, it is suitable for everyone. And highly recommended.
February 28, 2020
Treasure Built of Sand:(Palmyrton Estate Sale Mystery Series Book 6) - a review by Rosemary Kenny
S.W.Hubbard's character is so believable, engaging, inspiring and willing to go the extra mile to help whenever possible, etc, that Audrey Nealon seems like my sister from another mother.
Owner and manager of Another Man's Treasure, (a house sale/clearance business) Audrey's fortunate to have reliable and willing staff - assistant Donna and trainee Ty - who make her more willing to consider her husband Sean's, (a homicide detective) desire to have a baby, knowing the pair could take care of business when necessary.
The title - Treasure Built of Sand - refers to events at an exclusive beach resort where Audrey's been hired to auction the contents from Brielle's lovely home, so that a trendy Japanese house 'stylist' can transform it anew. Unfortunately for Audrey, she's quickly embroiled in a murder mystery, after a young man's body is found on the beach by his vulnerable ex-girlfriend Sophia, who lives with her Mom, Jane, in the neighbouring house.
What secrets, old and new, are hidden among the community members?
What is the link between the victim and others with ties to Audrey's home at the Palmyrton Estate?
Skulduggery is definitely afoot and the action is non-stop, while the plot has more twists than a sidewinder snake in a tumble-drier, in S.W.Hubbard's Book 6 of the A Palmyrton Estate Mystery series, Treasure Built of Sand. Open the covers with care, because once this story has you in its grip you won't be able to put it down - guaranteed!
S.W.Hubbard's character is so believable, engaging, inspiring and willing to go the extra mile to help whenever possible, etc, that Audrey Nealon seems like my sister from another mother.
Owner and manager of Another Man's Treasure, (a house sale/clearance business) Audrey's fortunate to have reliable and willing staff - assistant Donna and trainee Ty - who make her more willing to consider her husband Sean's, (a homicide detective) desire to have a baby, knowing the pair could take care of business when necessary.
The title - Treasure Built of Sand - refers to events at an exclusive beach resort where Audrey's been hired to auction the contents from Brielle's lovely home, so that a trendy Japanese house 'stylist' can transform it anew. Unfortunately for Audrey, she's quickly embroiled in a murder mystery, after a young man's body is found on the beach by his vulnerable ex-girlfriend Sophia, who lives with her Mom, Jane, in the neighbouring house.
What secrets, old and new, are hidden among the community members?
What is the link between the victim and others with ties to Audrey's home at the Palmyrton Estate?
Skulduggery is definitely afoot and the action is non-stop, while the plot has more twists than a sidewinder snake in a tumble-drier, in S.W.Hubbard's Book 6 of the A Palmyrton Estate Mystery series, Treasure Built of Sand. Open the covers with care, because once this story has you in its grip you won't be able to put it down - guaranteed!
August 11, 2019
I greatly enjoy both of this authors' series and Treasure Built of Sand is an excellent addition to the Palmyrton series. The usual great characters all play roles in this book, but especially Donna who is finally beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel in her marriage to Anthony.
This book really focuses on families in all their different varieties. Those that love each other, the dysfunctional families, single parent families and several others. The point really is that it doesn't matter who makes up your family or how you get there (remarriage, adoption, AI or whatever) but the love and care you have for each other. This point is shown in many ways in this story, leaving me laughing in some places (Granda is a great character) and feeling terrible for some others like Sophia.
As always in stories by this author, the plotting is great, descriptions make you feel as if you are there experiencing the settings and the characters, both good and not so good, are believable. No one is "too good" to be real and or so evil as to be unbelievable. I love S. W. Hubbard's books and while I wish she would write faster, I'm always reading to plunge into the latest Palmyrton or Frank Bennett story.
This book really focuses on families in all their different varieties. Those that love each other, the dysfunctional families, single parent families and several others. The point really is that it doesn't matter who makes up your family or how you get there (remarriage, adoption, AI or whatever) but the love and care you have for each other. This point is shown in many ways in this story, leaving me laughing in some places (Granda is a great character) and feeling terrible for some others like Sophia.
As always in stories by this author, the plotting is great, descriptions make you feel as if you are there experiencing the settings and the characters, both good and not so good, are believable. No one is "too good" to be real and or so evil as to be unbelievable. I love S. W. Hubbard's books and while I wish she would write faster, I'm always reading to plunge into the latest Palmyrton or Frank Bennett story.
November 26, 2019
Audrey plans a small getaway with her husband as she catalogs an estate for its sale. When a body washes up on the shore, everything changes. As Audrey becomes her own detective, she uncovers much more than just the prices on the items she originally set out to do. As Audrey untangles the webs, all of the characters seem to have ties to each other. I loved the suspense and mystery in this book. This is the first in this series that I have read, and I did not feel like I was missing any information, but I cannot wait to read the rest in this series.
Janelle Tedesco had a wonderful performance in this narration. This is the first time I have heard Ms. Tedesco and I really enjoyed her narration. Ms. Tedesco has an easy to listen to voice and a good speed to read at. She brought out all of the suspense and made me feel as if I was right there within the story. I enjoyed this narration.
Janelle Tedesco had a wonderful performance in this narration. This is the first time I have heard Ms. Tedesco and I really enjoyed her narration. Ms. Tedesco has an easy to listen to voice and a good speed to read at. She brought out all of the suspense and made me feel as if I was right there within the story. I enjoyed this narration.
January 12, 2021
I was loving the book, having a hard time putting it down. I was sicker into the mystery in this one but then bam it got ridiculous. Why are these kids so upset about this DNA? I felt like the reason for everything fell flat and honestly didn't make a lot of sense. When the comment was made, from a cop, that's why people shouldn't have guns in the house because when they get angry it's easy to shoot made no sense to me. What cop would say that?? I'm a cop wife and that made no sense to me. I have really enjoyed the series but I struggled between a 3 or 4 stars because sometimes the writing is hard to understand. The build up is always great I just feel like when we find out the why it feels like a let down. So this is probably a 3.5 star book for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2019
Consequences
So many choices! Audrey's life as wife, friend, daughter and owner of Another Man's Treasure is off the charts exciting! Audrey and Sean are nearby when the body of a murdered teen is found on the beach. A story emerges that involves a lot of suspects but I never saw the original motive for murder coming. Audrey deals with her stalker, an employees abusive husband, a lonely teenage girl, Granda, and the rich and crazy. It's another great story involving AMT!
So many choices! Audrey's life as wife, friend, daughter and owner of Another Man's Treasure is off the charts exciting! Audrey and Sean are nearby when the body of a murdered teen is found on the beach. A story emerges that involves a lot of suspects but I never saw the original motive for murder coming. Audrey deals with her stalker, an employees abusive husband, a lonely teenage girl, Granda, and the rich and crazy. It's another great story involving AMT!
October 16, 2019
Treasure Built of Sand by S.W. Hubbard pulled me in immediately. I love the premise of a business going to auctions/estate sales to get things for their shops. The author does an incredible job with the twists in this book. I loved the imagery, the staff of Palmyrton Estate Sale shop, and thought the narration was perfect. Janelle Tedesco was perfect bringing the characters to life. She gave them distinguishable voices, which is key for me. This book is both a standalone listen and part of a series. I highly recommend it!
September 10, 2019
This is a very enjoyable listen. The characters are well thought out and developed. Our central character, Audrey, is wonderful, having to cope with her own life decisions as the crime mystery develops. The writing is excellent with a brilliant plot. I didn't see the conclusion coming, a surprise but very well executed. The narration is first class adding to the atmosphere and pleasure. Highly recommended.
May 29, 2020
Another great book in the series!!
Wow! I would never have guessed the ending of this story. S.W.Hubbard is a master at plotting her books, but this one came out of the blue. I loved it!! I am happy that Audrey and Sean are doing find, trying to start a family. Another Man's Treasure is doing well, but there is always some drama around those estate sales. Trust me, this one is a doozy! Great reading!
Wow! I would never have guessed the ending of this story. S.W.Hubbard is a master at plotting her books, but this one came out of the blue. I loved it!! I am happy that Audrey and Sean are doing find, trying to start a family. Another Man's Treasure is doing well, but there is always some drama around those estate sales. Trust me, this one is a doozy! Great reading!
September 13, 2021
Another excellent installment in the S.W. Hubbard’s Palmyrton’s Mystery Series. Audrey Nealon gets a job to sell the contents of a gorgeous upscale beach house. The mystery tangles and weaves around a group of teenagers and the body of one of their friends. I love the continuity of the core group of characters, the ways they grow and develop, and the real-ness of the relationship between Audrey and Sean.
May 28, 2019
I love these books, they are twisty.
Normally I have a fair idea on who and why, but this one has me, even with the tells there in my face. I like that they usually end up with a satisfying conclusion, if not a truly happy ending. Though I won't say what happens in this one. Enjoy!
Normally I have a fair idea on who and why, but this one has me, even with the tells there in my face. I like that they usually end up with a satisfying conclusion, if not a truly happy ending. Though I won't say what happens in this one. Enjoy!
July 19, 2019
I really like this series, especially since the setting is based upon the town I work in as well as the greater New Jersey area so I can visualize the scenes in my mind. Ms. Hubbard always keeps me guessing, on at least one story line, up until the end. The characters are so believable from my personal experiences.
October 7, 2019
Another hit!
I love this series and it's characters. This one has twists and turns like the others but not the suspense and mystery of the earlier books. Perhaps that was because of the more contemporary feel and not a story from the past. Regardless, I await the next volume anxiously.
I love this series and it's characters. This one has twists and turns like the others but not the suspense and mystery of the earlier books. Perhaps that was because of the more contemporary feel and not a story from the past. Regardless, I await the next volume anxiously.
March 3, 2020
Palmyrton Estate Sale Mysteries
Have now read the first six books in this series and am seriously hooked by Audrey and her life. She has a job she loves but still manages to get herself embroiled in the problems of others. A relaxing series with excellent, unexpected twists and turns to the plots to keep one reading into the early hours. Recommend highly.
Have now read the first six books in this series and am seriously hooked by Audrey and her life. She has a job she loves but still manages to get herself embroiled in the problems of others. A relaxing series with excellent, unexpected twists and turns to the plots to keep one reading into the early hours. Recommend highly.
January 28, 2021
And then, with the previous one (Treasure in Exile) being so good, I got Treasure Built of Sand almost immediately. It was maybe not as twisty and convoluted as the other plots--I felt like some of the complexities "fell out" in a more obvious manner than her usual. But I still loved it and savored every word.
March 12, 2022
I love this series'.One Mans treasure' is hired to completely empty a house in 2 weeks.The owner says she is having it redecorated,then a teenagers body washes up on the beach.How related are these things?Maybe not at all.Read the book! Janell Tedesco was a wonderful narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 12, 2024
I think this is my favorite book in the series - so far. Maybe I watch the ID channel too much, but this book has all the things I see in the ID channel: teen angst, love, greed, jealousy, action, domestic violence, and murder, all explored when a young man's body washes up on the beach. If you enjoy a well developed mystery, this book is for you.
June 5, 2019
Very enjoyable and not to mention that I can get some of the best part read in only one hour.
I will try to make sure to check back soon for more information about the same thing as soon,as it comes out.
I will try to make sure to check back soon for more information about the same thing as soon,as it comes out.
August 5, 2019
Good storyline
I suspected something, but was far from the truth. Mental health issues, fertility issues and spousal abuse were weaved into an interesting story. Enjoyed the ride .
I suspected something, but was far from the truth. Mental health issues, fertility issues and spousal abuse were weaved into an interesting story. Enjoyed the ride .
October 18, 2019
Treasure Built of Sand by S. W. Hubbard
I read all of the Palmyrton Estate Sale books by this author and have enjoyed them. They each have unusual twists and turns but it's nice that the main characters are in each book.
I read all of the Palmyrton Estate Sale books by this author and have enjoyed them. They each have unusual twists and turns but it's nice that the main characters are in each book.
November 21, 2019
Another winner!
Another adventure some out of control for all my friends! Silly, happy, sad, heart wrenching. Can't wait for the next adventure! Starting the Adirondack series next! Yay! More new friends and adventures!
Another adventure some out of control for all my friends! Silly, happy, sad, heart wrenching. Can't wait for the next adventure! Starting the Adirondack series next! Yay! More new friends and adventures!
December 24, 2019
Great mystery book
I think anyone who enjoys a great mystery will love this book. The whole series is fantastic. Audrey is so interesting and so much happens at her estate sales. This is an edge of your seat book. Love it.
I think anyone who enjoys a great mystery will love this book. The whole series is fantastic. Audrey is so interesting and so much happens at her estate sales. This is an edge of your seat book. Love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews