Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries #1-3

The Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries Boxed Set: Books 1-3

Rate this book
The first three books in the Antiques & Collectibles Mystery Series by New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams!

A Killer Collection

Molly Appleby is a young writer for Collector’s Weekly, and when the reporter isn’t covering auctions and antique shows all over the South, she’s trying to get her new relationship with a coworker off the ground. When her latest assignment takes her to North Carolina pottery country to cover an exclusive kiln opening, she’s certain the show promises surprising offerings and rare finds. What she doesn’t expect to find is a dead body.


A Fatal Appraisal

Molly Appleby loves her job at Collector’s Weekly covering auctions and estate sales all over the South. When her latest assignment takes her to Richmond, Virginia, to interview the staff of the hit TV show Hidden Treasures, she’s expecting a quick, fun trip. But when one of the show’s appraisers is found murdered, Molly realizes that once again she’ll have to put on her detective’s cap until the culprit is captured.


A Deadly Dealer

Molly Appleby’s career as a reporter for Collector’s Weekly is finally taking off, as is her relationship with coworker Matt Harrison. But the more time she spends covering Southern antiques and collectibles, the more times she finds herself face-to-face with a new mystery. And when she’s sent to Nashville to cover the famous Heart of Dixie auction, where all the major players in the world of collectibles gather, her hopes of steering clear of foul play are quickly dashed when a renowned and well-respected dealer is found murdered.


About the Author:

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her husband, two children, and three cats. She’s written multiple series including the Supper Club Mysteries, the Book Retreat Mysteries, the Secret, Book, and Scone Society Mysteries, and more.

454 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2019

35 people are currently reading
123 people want to read

About the author

Ellery Adams

66 books5,251 followers
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

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
17 (42%)
4 stars
16 (40%)
3 stars
6 (15%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Taryn.
1,114 reviews32 followers
May 18, 2019
This is the first three books in this fun series about Antiques and Collectibles. In the first book we are introduce to our main character Molly who is a writer for a magazine called Collector's Weekly. She is covering a story about pottery and goes along with her mother to a kiln opening. She hopes to find a good story and looks forward to not only interviewing some of the collector's that are there but also to buying a few pieces herself. All is going well until a rude man who is known for his collection ends up dead. The question is was he murdered or did he accidentally take to much insulin for his diabetes? Follow along with Molly as she searches for clues while she continues to do interviews. Will she figure out what happen to him in the end or will it be case closed? In the second book of the series she is off to Virginia to write an article on a television show about finding hidden treasures. During her stay one of the appraisers is found dead and a new mystery has been put forth to Molly. Molly wonders if she should dig in and figure out who killed the man and why? Will she stay and try to figure out what happened to the man or will she leave the mystery behind? In the third book of the series Molly is off to Nashville to cover a famous auction called the Heart of Dixie. When a well known dealer is found dead Molly knows that she must put forth the effort to figure out just what happened and why. The only problem is the amount of people she must go through to find her answers. Which one of the many collectors at the auction had it it out for the man and what brought them to murder? This is an interesting series that will have you looking at collecting in a different way.
Profile Image for Annie.
4,736 reviews89 followers
August 1, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries Boxed Set is a collection containing the first 3 books of the eponymous cozy series by Ellery Adams. Released 24th April 2019, the three full length novels included are: A Killer Collection , A Fatal Appraisal , and A Deadly Dealer . The collection is available in ebook format.

This will definitely appeal to cozy series lovers. This particular series has a distinctly southern American slant with an amateur sleuth Molly, who's a magazine writer, and her antiques dealer mother going on buying and trading trips, auctions, and other gatherings. There are 7 books at the moment in the series which gives wide range for binge reading. The author is quite prolific with at least 5 other series current or past.

I was somewhat uncomfortable with Molly's mom nagging about grandkids and mentioning Molly's size (14) what felt like constantly. The books are written in 3rd person omniscient and even Molly herself "... wished for the millionth time that she was a slim size six instead of a full-figured size fourteen. Her cheeks grew warm and she felt as though every staff member was staring at her curvy hips, full breasts, and thick legs as she hastened around the cubicles and out to the lobby. The sensation made her long for the comfort of an iced cappuccino and a plate of shortbread cookies". There are a number of archetypal supporting characters (hunky is-he-or-isn't-he boyfriend Matt and flamboyant gay pal Clayton).

The plotting and story arc for all three books are well paced and the characters (if a bit formulaic) are fleshed out and believable. Ms. Adams has a good grasp of the technical aspects of writing. I never found myself yanked out of the story and the dialogue wasn't clunky or cringe-worthy.

The books are well written and the background information concerning regional primitive and folk art and antiques seems accurate and gives the series verisimilitude.

The books are a pleasant diverting read. They'd be perfect for summer reading or a book club selection.

Three - four stars for the individual books, four for the collection.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Profile Image for Bobbie Kirkland.
647 reviews14 followers
May 9, 2019
I received a free copy of THE ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES MYSTERIES BOXED SET (Books 1-3) by Ellery Adams in Exchange for an honest review. In A KILLER COLLECTION (Book 1) we meet Molly Appleby who accompanies her mother to a Southern Pottery event. Molly attends in her capacity as a writer for Collector’s Weekly while her mother attends both as a collector and as an agent for an auction house. During the event, a renown collector dies quite suddenly. Though the police rule the death an accident caused by over medication, Molly saw something that makes her think it was murder, so she investigates.

In A FATAL APPRAISAL (Book 2), Collector’s Weekly sends Molly out of town to cover a traveling appraisal show called Hidden Treasures. When one of the show’s appraisers dies under mysterious circumstances, Molly is certain it was murder. Is this simply a murder for one of the usual motives or is it part of a larger plot?

In A DEADLY DEALER (Book 3), Molly and her mother travel together, in their respective professional personas, to the Heart of Dixie auction in Nashville. When one of her mother’s longtime acquaintances, a respected antiques dealer, is murdered, Molly is determined to find this killer, too. Can law enforcement figure out the mystery before the end of the event, or will a murderer walk free?

This is another fantastic cozy murder mystery series by Ellery Adams! I recommend these books and this series to fans of Ellery Adams and to fans of antique or auction themed cozy mysteries. Each book contains a little lagniappe. The first book contains snippets from the life of a piece of pottery, the second book contains helpful information about antiques, and the third contains some gruesome tales about gadget canes.

#TheAntiquesCollectiblesMysteriesBoxedSet #NetGalley
Profile Image for Marty Tool.
617 reviews7 followers
May 18, 2019
Collection of the first three stories in this series. Cozy mysteries of antiques and collectables. The first is concerned with southeastern pottery, the second furniture with hidden compartments and the third is walking sticks, all have good information that is entertaining without interruption into the story. Some of the chapter introductions were a little confusing as to what those had to do with the story, but didn't interrupt the story flow. All in all good mysteries, but as each book progressed the main character and her mother were becoming less kind, rude, fat shaming, and conniving to get glory or their way. Molly the main character got more and more self important with the police by withholding information, putting forth her theories without facts to back it up. The first book I liked the characters but by the third I didn't care for Molly or her mother. Molly's boss was increasingly obnoxious which unless he's the owner of the journal I'd think would be fired for his actions.
These were a pleasant way to learn about some antiques and collectables while engaging mysteries and murders unfold. Thanks to NetGalley for a chance to read this collection for an honest opinion. I noticed on some older reviews people complained of editing, spelling, and proof reading, however it appears these have all been addressed in this collection
Profile Image for nukie19.
582 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2019
I picked this up because I've really enjoyed other books from Ellery Adams (writing under a pseudonym here). I wasn't disappointed - she still definitely delivers on the cozy mystery front, with a fun side of information about Southern antiques and the market for them. But I also can see that this is an earlier series from what I've been reading of her's more recently, as the writing isn't quite as polished. One example is the descriptions of the main character, Molly, with constant references to the fact that she isn't a slim woman and her obsessions with food. I appreciate that but I felt like there were just too many times it came up, including with men and their "surprise" attraction to her as opposed to a more classicly beautiful woman. It was a distraction from the storyline that felt forced. All-in-all, a decent read but I'd recommend a her newer works before these.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mandy.
129 reviews4 followers
May 20, 2019
Description: The first three books in the Antiques & Collectibles Mystery Series by New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams.

I had not read any previous works by this author so was pleased to have an opportunity to read the first three books in this new series. As a cozy mystery lover, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Molly, her mother Clara and the handsome Matt. These are well researched stories with some lovely descriptions of antique furniture and collectibles and I particularly enjoyed the historical background that is well integrated and not dominant or detracting. If you enjoy a good cozy, want something easy and enjoyable to read, then I would recommend this trilogy as perfect for your summer reading list.
With thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,846 reviews9 followers
September 4, 2019
I enjoyed a few of Ms. Adams’ Supper Club series and thus jumped at the chance to read the first three in this series.

Overall, I enjoyed this set of three well-written stories. I learned about antiques and collectables. There is a lot of variety. The first book is concerned with southeastern pottery, the second book deals with furniture with hidden compartments and the third discusses walking sticks. I suggest reading the chapter introductions separately from the book itself. I found it all interesting.

Too bad Molly’s mother can’t be more accepting of her daughter – size 14 stature, being single & childless. I believe the world needs to be more accepting of people and their individualism.

This was a good start to the series & I thank Netgalley for allowing me to read it after the publication date. I am not required to leave a positive review.
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,583 reviews47 followers
May 8, 2019
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

This box set features the first three books in the series about a reporter, Molly Appleby who covers antique shows and auctions. She has a penchant for solving dead bodies’ cases.

We get to read A Killer Collection which involves North Carolina pottery and a discovery of a dead body at a kiln. In A Fatal Appraisal a show interview turns deadly and A Deadly Dealer an acclaim dealer turns up murder.

We watch as this new heroine finds the answers. Cozy readers will enjoy this series.
Profile Image for Laurie Dolph.
48 reviews2 followers
May 11, 2019
This was definitely a disappointment. I love antiques and the antiques information was fantastic ( which is why the book got 2stars). The only thing I really know about the main character Molly after reading 3 books is that she’s and her mother are obsessed with the fact she is a size 14 and she isn’t married. I loved that each antique in the book had a life of its own and a history. Ms. Adams is an amazing writer and I have loved her other series, suggest reading a different series this one fell flat for me. I highly recommend her other series though!!

I was provided with an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Ann.
6,025 reviews83 followers
August 23, 2019
Ellery Adams has several great cozy series and this one is very enjoyable. This is a boxed set of the first 3 books in the series. A killer collection, A fatal appraisal and A deadly dealer. All three feature Molly and her mother, Clara. They make a good team for solving murders connected to the antique world. There is also Matt for the romance aspect. Very sweet and clean. Always some good info about antiques and tips about collecting. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
September 25, 2020
I have reviewed the books individually so please take a look at those. Molly Appleby and her mother are wonderful characters. As you read this series you will learn much about the collectibles world.
There are good friends, a bit of romance, great mysteries to solve.
What I like about this series most is that Molly seems to have ethical dilemmas as well. She tries to always do "the right thing" even when consequences must be considered. There are no clear cut decisions, as is often the case in life.
A fun and exciting cozy mystery series.
Profile Image for Cherry London.
Author 1 book83 followers
June 26, 2019
An entertaining package filled with Molly and her mom Clara exploits in amateur sleuthing. A wonderful three book package that takes you on a tour of the most amazing antique dealer shows. The storylines are similar but vastly different, giving the books their own identity. The romance between Molly and Matt continues to grow and had a bit of a hiccup in the third book, but Matt refuses to let such bumps in the road stop a good thing. A lovely intriguing set.
Profile Image for Destiny Bridwell.
1,719 reviews36 followers
August 27, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. These are the first three books in this series. I am always up for a little bit of mysterious. I got the impression that these are cozy mysteries. They are centered around Molly Appleby who is a report and an amateur sleuth. I enjoyed the series up to this point. I understand that there are 7 books in this series so far. 
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.