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Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery #1
Consigned to Death
After a price-fixing scandal at her prestigious New York auction house, Josie Prescott moves to the New Hampshire coast to restore her reputation--and perhaps a few antiques along the way.
As an antiques dealer, Josie knows how to make an honest assessment, and she's about to land her largest account. But when the owner of the collection is found stabbed to death, Josie's fingerprints are all over his possessions…and the murder weapon. Suddenly Josie's innocence appears as tarnished as an old relic. Everybody's got their eyes on her, especially the local police chief who may or may not be in love with her. Now it's just a matter of time before Josie can produce enough evidence to clear her name--or fall into the clutches of the real killer and find herself
CONSIGNED TO DEATH
As an antiques dealer, Josie knows how to make an honest assessment, and she's about to land her largest account. But when the owner of the collection is found stabbed to death, Josie's fingerprints are all over his possessions…and the murder weapon. Suddenly Josie's innocence appears as tarnished as an old relic. Everybody's got their eyes on her, especially the local police chief who may or may not be in love with her. Now it's just a matter of time before Josie can produce enough evidence to clear her name--or fall into the clutches of the real killer and find herself
CONSIGNED TO DEATH
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
67 people are currently reading
1738 people want to read
About the author
Jane K. Cleland
32 books352 followersJane K. Cleland writes the multiple award-winning and bestselling Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries. Her short stories are published by Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine. She’s also written the bestselling and Agatha Award-winning how-to books,
Mastering Plot Twists
and
Mastering Suspense, Structure & Plot
, both from Writer’s Digest Books.
Her latest release is the craft of writing book, Beat the Bots: A Writer's Guide to Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI from Regalo Press.
In addition, Jane presents a free monthly webinar series on the craft of writing as well as the Mystery Mastermind series—her small-group virtual writing workshops. She is also a Contributing Editor for Writer’s Digest Magazine, chairs the Wolfe Pack’s Black Orchid Novella Award, in partnership with AHMM, and is the Vice President of the Florida chapter of Mystery Writers of America.
Jane has an MFA (in professional and creative writing) and an MBA (in marketing and management). Jane is a lecturer at Lehman College where she is also the director of the Program for Professional Communications, and a frequent workshop facilitator and guest author at writing conferences and university programs.
For more on Jane, visit www.janecleland.com.
Her latest release is the craft of writing book, Beat the Bots: A Writer's Guide to Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI from Regalo Press.
In addition, Jane presents a free monthly webinar series on the craft of writing as well as the Mystery Mastermind series—her small-group virtual writing workshops. She is also a Contributing Editor for Writer’s Digest Magazine, chairs the Wolfe Pack’s Black Orchid Novella Award, in partnership with AHMM, and is the Vice President of the Florida chapter of Mystery Writers of America.
Jane has an MFA (in professional and creative writing) and an MBA (in marketing and management). Jane is a lecturer at Lehman College where she is also the director of the Program for Professional Communications, and a frequent workshop facilitator and guest author at writing conferences and university programs.
For more on Jane, visit www.janecleland.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
December 5, 2008
This was a series and a writer that I had never heard of until I joined my local mysteries discussion group at the library. The third book in her series was the chosen book for reading in November. I joined the group late and didn't get a chance to read it before the meeting, but after hearing the discussion, I decided the series might be one that I would enjoy, so I picked up the first book, "Consigned to Death."
The material here had a lot of interest for me because I do love antiques or untiques and tag sales. Many items in my house have been purchased at such sales. It was fascinating to get a sort of back stage glimpse of how these things work.
Josie Prescott has an antique business on the coast of New Hampshire, having moved there after a traumatic experience in the business in New York. She is just getting her business established and still dealing with issues of grief over the death of her father (6 years ago) when she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery where it looks like she may be the prime suspect.
She meets the local police chief in the midst of the investigation and is immediately drawn to him. (The reader just knows that this relationship is going to blossom!) In the end, of course, Josie is vindicated and comes out stronger than ever.
While I enjoyed the book, I must admit there were a couple of things that irritated me. First and foremost: What's with the constant weeping???! Okay, I understand she's sad and she's in a stressful situation, but she's a grown-up person who runs a moderately successful business. You would think that she would have her emotions somewhat under control. You would be wrong. It seems that every crisis finds Josie weeping.
Secondly, not to quibble nor to belittle grief - I have lost both my parents so I do have some understanding of that - but Josie's father died six years ago. I find myself in sympathy, almost against my will, with Josie's former boyfriend who thought she should move on. While the death of someone you dearly love is not something that you ever get over or put behind you, you do learn to deal with it. You pack it away in some corner of your heart to be taken out and examined at times. But in Josie's case, the death seems ever foremost on her mind. It just didn't ring true to me.
Will I read the rest of the series? Absolutely! I've already started the second book.
The material here had a lot of interest for me because I do love antiques or untiques and tag sales. Many items in my house have been purchased at such sales. It was fascinating to get a sort of back stage glimpse of how these things work.
Josie Prescott has an antique business on the coast of New Hampshire, having moved there after a traumatic experience in the business in New York. She is just getting her business established and still dealing with issues of grief over the death of her father (6 years ago) when she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery where it looks like she may be the prime suspect.
She meets the local police chief in the midst of the investigation and is immediately drawn to him. (The reader just knows that this relationship is going to blossom!) In the end, of course, Josie is vindicated and comes out stronger than ever.
While I enjoyed the book, I must admit there were a couple of things that irritated me. First and foremost: What's with the constant weeping???! Okay, I understand she's sad and she's in a stressful situation, but she's a grown-up person who runs a moderately successful business. You would think that she would have her emotions somewhat under control. You would be wrong. It seems that every crisis finds Josie weeping.
Secondly, not to quibble nor to belittle grief - I have lost both my parents so I do have some understanding of that - but Josie's father died six years ago. I find myself in sympathy, almost against my will, with Josie's former boyfriend who thought she should move on. While the death of someone you dearly love is not something that you ever get over or put behind you, you do learn to deal with it. You pack it away in some corner of your heart to be taken out and examined at times. But in Josie's case, the death seems ever foremost on her mind. It just didn't ring true to me.
Will I read the rest of the series? Absolutely! I've already started the second book.
February 5, 2014
3.5*s I vacillated a bit on what to rate this one, between 3 & 4 stars, but in the end what I enjoyed outweighed the petty annoyances. Josie moved to New Hampshire from NYC a couple of years ago but in true New Hampshire fashion she's still a new person in town, a bit of an outsider. Her business is her bright spot and the bit and pieces about antiques were interesting to me. I never though about the research required to price things.
In general, I liked Josie but man, she cries a lot. I was able to overlook it but if that's the kind of thing that bugs you, there it is. In contrast to her seemingly out of control emotions when she's questioned by the police and it's apparent that she may be a suspect, she contacts a lawyer. And keeps him in the loop throughout. Don't believe what they tell you on Law & Order, even if you're innocent (probably especially if you're innocent) exercise your right to an attorney. Public service message aside it showed some good common sense that is sometimes missing from a cozy.
In fact, the book has a bit of a different feel from many cozies. Josie still misses her father and she's a bit lonely in New Hampshire. In some ways, the book is kind of somber. There are budding friendship (and maybe a budding romance) but no wacky sidekicks. Sometimes I like a wacky sidekick but I think this may be a good series for when I'm not in the mood for that type of cozy.
In general, I liked Josie but man, she cries a lot. I was able to overlook it but if that's the kind of thing that bugs you, there it is. In contrast to her seemingly out of control emotions when she's questioned by the police and it's apparent that she may be a suspect, she contacts a lawyer. And keeps him in the loop throughout. Don't believe what they tell you on Law & Order, even if you're innocent (probably especially if you're innocent) exercise your right to an attorney. Public service message aside it showed some good common sense that is sometimes missing from a cozy.
In fact, the book has a bit of a different feel from many cozies. Josie still misses her father and she's a bit lonely in New Hampshire. In some ways, the book is kind of somber. There are budding friendship (and maybe a budding romance) but no wacky sidekicks. Sometimes I like a wacky sidekick but I think this may be a good series for when I'm not in the mood for that type of cozy.
November 8, 2014
★★★½✩ Finished this late last night/early this morning. KarenF.'s review is spot on...as she is
so
right. I liked Josie, too, but there were a few too many tears for me. I'll give her another chance, though.
December 6, 2019
Nothing special. If you are interested in antiques, New Hampshire, and a behind the scenes look at an antiques dealer, well...then it has some appeal. But I found the main character (and in first person no less), with her random weeping and too-clever-by-half sleuthing quite tedious. The relationship with Alvarez was as subtle as a bowling ball dropped on your foot. On the plus side, it's a quick read.
June 29, 2012
Cleland's books are a pleasant diversion. I like that they are set in Portsmouth, NH and tell something about the business of antiques. The plot of this book was a bit more interesting than the last I read because it seemed more believable.
February 20, 2023
I really wanted to love this book, instead I barely liked it, Every other dang babe, Josie was crying. She’s like a waterfall, “tearing up” tears flowed down her cheeks”, “a tear or two of relief slipped down her cheek” “ she cried with relief”. “ she cried and cried and cried and cried and cried, I don’t think she had time run her business or investigate the murder because she was to busy CRYING!!
Anyway, she’s a suspect in the murder of a prospective client. With all clues pointing to her, including the location of a stolen painting. Josie needs to dry her tears and find the killer before she drowns in a sea of her tears. 😑😑😒😒
Anyway, she’s a suspect in the murder of a prospective client. With all clues pointing to her, including the location of a stolen painting. Josie needs to dry her tears and find the killer before she drowns in a sea of her tears. 😑😑😒😒
July 5, 2021
4 Stars
I read the 3rd book Antiques to Die For first (book was given to me.) and liked it enough to go back and start with book #1.
This was a decent read. Not 5 stars, to me, but it did keep me engaged. JKC gave us several possible murder suspects and I narrowed down who I thought the villain was before the ending. It was still a fun read. One thing that did annoy me a little was Josie's crying jags, but what I did like is she didn't have TSTL moments and she loves her job. Not just the business end, but she understands the personal stories behind the antiques and the memories people attach to them.
A nice cozy with likable characters....
I read the 3rd book Antiques to Die For first (book was given to me.) and liked it enough to go back and start with book #1.
This was a decent read. Not 5 stars, to me, but it did keep me engaged. JKC gave us several possible murder suspects and I narrowed down who I thought the villain was before the ending. It was still a fun read. One thing that did annoy me a little was Josie's crying jags, but what I did like is she didn't have TSTL moments and she loves her job. Not just the business end, but she understands the personal stories behind the antiques and the memories people attach to them.
A nice cozy with likable characters....
dnf
May 1, 2017not my book
March 4, 2015
I liked this, I think...Josie was cool and looked like she would be great to work for. But beyond the workplace, I don't know if I could deal with all the crying. Luckily I wasn't alone regarding the crying based on feedback from others. The story dragged in spots. *yawn*With exception of Josie, Max and Chief Alvarez, I was suspicious of the rest of the characters. I really thought some of the staff were involved with the murder and theft. Even the well placed red herring with Sasha threw me for a fool.Thank gawd Max was married. If not, I would have thought there was some sort of love Geometry a'brewing with him, Josie and Alvarez. Too bad. That means I have no math related issues to bitch about.I'm not sure if I will read the rest of the series. Maybe Josie and her gang will grow on me if I do.
August 9, 2023
Josie Prescott is the employer at Prescott Antiques in Rocky Point, New Hampshire, instead of an employee at someone else’s auction house. Josie needed a new beginning, distancing herself from New York for multiple reasons. However, as Josie’s life becomes more manageable with employees becoming a trusted and cohesive team, she becomes a prime suspect in a murder investigation in the eyes of a local police chief.
I enjoyed this mystery! By the end of the cozy, I had learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes business of an auction house as information was seamlessly woven into the storyline, not lecture/teaching sentences, as I call them, in-between forward movements of the storyline. I loved learning of the creative hiding places in antiques, wonders of days gone by, which also added possibilities to solving the investigation clues. As Josie needed a confidence boost, she’d remember her father’s advice, and I liked the format of his counsel in italics. Although I had my suspicion about the arrest, the twists had me second-guessing myself, taking me back to the reminder to stick with your 1st choice in multiple choice questions.
I’m curious about the new developments as Josie continues implementing her business ideas and moves forward, hopefully with more self-esteem and confidence. I look forward to reading more of the series.
I enjoyed this mystery! By the end of the cozy, I had learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes business of an auction house as information was seamlessly woven into the storyline, not lecture/teaching sentences, as I call them, in-between forward movements of the storyline. I loved learning of the creative hiding places in antiques, wonders of days gone by, which also added possibilities to solving the investigation clues. As Josie needed a confidence boost, she’d remember her father’s advice, and I liked the format of his counsel in italics. Although I had my suspicion about the arrest, the twists had me second-guessing myself, taking me back to the reminder to stick with your 1st choice in multiple choice questions.
I’m curious about the new developments as Josie continues implementing her business ideas and moves forward, hopefully with more self-esteem and confidence. I look forward to reading more of the series.
March 22, 2024
Writing style isn't bad but this one required a lot of patience. For one thing, so much with the police interaction and involvement and procedure is unrealistic and rushed feeling. Second, so much with the attorney was false feeling. Even the reporter interactions got unconvincing. The MC would remind herself of being unemotional during business exchanges but was strangely weepy easily throughout most of the book. Had trouble investing in this one.
January 26, 2019
Great first book in a series! I'd read another book in the series (Ornament of Death, which was my first) over the holidays and enjoyed it so much I decided to read the rest of the Josie Prescott books. Nice mystery which kept me guessing along with Josie. A+
June 23, 2017
1st in the series involving selling antiques on consignment. I learned some things I did not know and look forward to the rest of this series.
March 20, 2019
I liked this one, the characters were pretty good, and I liked how she didn’t rush into danger. Though, the amount of times she started crying...
March 16, 2022
Having worked as a picker in antiques during a lull in employment this was an interesting take on the a different side of the business. I felt the mystery was strong and I liked the characters. This was also one of the many 2013 adds to my want to read list. It seemed huge until lockdown. I am still trying to lower clear out the older titles. If you like cozy mysteries and want to learn about antiques this is a good book. At some point I will continue the series.
April 26, 2012
Cozy books are great fun when you are 'into' their subject lines, or if the author convinces you that you want to get into these things because of what they wrote in their books. Would have loved to have heard more about some great treasure finds in the antique/second hand store and less about how the business was run. Also, one of my favorite parts of cozies is meeting new friends--or enemies---through getting to know the characters. Unfortunately, for me, this story was action driven rather than character driven. Having said that, I would have loved a greater explanation, background story, and involvement with the acquisition of the three pictures taken from Jewish families around WW2. How were they acquired? Who were these Jews more than just names. I think there was a great idea in this book but it was not really developed to my tasts. I think there is a real potential for better future reads from our author because of her ideas---- just develop those characters more, and use emotional story lines more.
December 21, 2016
An antiques appraiser and dealer finds herself under suspicion for murder when a potential seller is found dead. Josie, in an effort to clear her name, becomes an amateur sleuth who not only must solve a murder but also discover the provenance of three major works of art that were surely stolen from Jewish families during World War II.
People who love antiques will certainly like the inside look at how deals are made and prices determined. There is one specific annoying feature to this story. Josie comes off as strong and determined, but then on just about every other page, makes references to her deceased father along the lines of 'my father always said' or 'that's what my father would say' and so forth. It was like she didn't have any of her own thoughts that weren't channeled through her dad. Excessive.
The story concludes nicely with a suggestion of budding romance between Josie and the police detective who has been questioning her, and also between a shy employee of Josie and a recently hired antiques expert. This is a decent cozy mystery set in New Hampshire. Not bad.
People who love antiques will certainly like the inside look at how deals are made and prices determined. There is one specific annoying feature to this story. Josie comes off as strong and determined, but then on just about every other page, makes references to her deceased father along the lines of 'my father always said' or 'that's what my father would say' and so forth. It was like she didn't have any of her own thoughts that weren't channeled through her dad. Excessive.
The story concludes nicely with a suggestion of budding romance between Josie and the police detective who has been questioning her, and also between a shy employee of Josie and a recently hired antiques expert. This is a decent cozy mystery set in New Hampshire. Not bad.
September 2, 2008
If you enjoy the world of antiques this is the mystery for you. Josie Prescott is a year into her new antiques business along the New Hampshire coastline when a major setback comes her way. She thought she was going to be the auction house for the household goods of a Mr. Grant. He has a house full of wonderful antiques. So nice they are to die for. Mr. Grant is found stabbed to death and Josie is the prime suspect. Now she will have to put all her antique sleuthing skills to work to clear her name before her business and reputation is ruined. I really enjoyed learning about the appraisal process for antiques and what goes into running an antiques business. Consigned to Death is the first in the Josie Prescott mystery series.
April 28, 2018
Best Cozy I've Read Lately
Great protagonist, plot, depth of story and twists. What seemed to me as unique and so refreshing that Josie actually is honest to and working with her lawyer and police. (I get annoyed with all the average citizen protagonists that decide they should become the investigators. I wonder if it subliminally encourages the stereotype that women are stupid and not team players.) I loved that she was smart enough to work with the the professionals. Again, refreshing.
Great protagonist, plot, depth of story and twists. What seemed to me as unique and so refreshing that Josie actually is honest to and working with her lawyer and police. (I get annoyed with all the average citizen protagonists that decide they should become the investigators. I wonder if it subliminally encourages the stereotype that women are stupid and not team players.) I loved that she was smart enough to work with the the professionals. Again, refreshing.
October 1, 2015
Josie Prescott is an antiques dealer, she knows how to make an honest assessement . She is about to land her largest account yet. But when the owner is found stabbed to death and Josie's finger prints are on the murder weapon. Her innocence appaears as tarnished as an old relic. Everyone has their eyes on her. Now its just a matter of time before she can find enough evidence to clear her name- or find herself consigned to death by the real killer.
October 30, 2018
Josie Prescott has her own Antiques business and if you like reading about antiques, you'll probably like this series. Josie is a serious businesswoman who is forced to investigate a murder since she's suspected of killing a possible client! Cleland creates an entertaining world where people are willing to kill to get their hands on valuable art and antiques. The author has laid the foundation for a romance with Chief Alvarez in future books.
July 17, 2016
I really liked this book and the more main character Josie. Josie is an antiques dealer and lands one of her biggest jobs. When her largest account owner is murdered, who guess who the prime suspect.
July 16, 2007
Terrible book, awful
November 24, 2013
This was one of those "nice" reads -- nothing to write home about but an enjoyable read. I tend to love antique-themed books
September 6, 2016
Great read. Nice to read a new author who is entertaining and makes enduring characters.
December 18, 2019
I just didn't care for this. Josie comes across as spineless, and sometimes stupid. The only reason I finished it is the weather was too bad to go outside.
March 17, 2021
Oh my word, cry me a river...oh wait she did, constantly.
March 6, 2024
CONSIGNED TO DEATH, the first book in author Jane K. Cleland's Josie Prescott Antiques mystery series, has been on a list of mine to read for a good long while now.
That list is the list of title suggestions for the mystery book club I'm part of at my local library. The woman who co-runs the group with me is a big fan of the series and has been recommending it since the club was re-started after the pandemic.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect going into the book, but as Cleland introduces readers to the world of Josie Prescott, I found myself quite easily swept up into the story.
After losing her New York dream job for being honest, Josie has retreated to New Hampshire. Still licking her wounds and also grieving the passing of her father, she has her own antiques auction/sales business and is working to make it a success.
Unfortunately for Josie, she soon learns that a big account that she's been chasing my just go by the wayside when the client turns up murdered. Worse yet, the evidence seems to point directly at Josie herself. Simultaneously horrified and angered, Josie has to figure out how to clear her name before the suspicion affects her business.
With the aid of her lawyer, she has to find the clues to who killed the old man she was trying to work with. In doing so, she learns that competitors are saying bad things about her in the business world and has to fend off the man's granddaughter who is out to make a quick buck.
As she digs deeper, the murder soon turns on some "found" art that has a controversial past. The stakes are raised because someone is stalking Josie. With pretty much everyone a suspect, Josie has to race to reveal the killer before she becomes a relic of the past herself.
Since this is my first exposure to Josie Prescott, I was very pleased to find myself rather enjoying "being" in her company. I do think she tends to cry just a bit too much for my liking but hey, who's to say I wouldn't be emotional if I found myself in her shoes, right?
The cast of characters working for Josie is interesting from the starting gun too. You've got the young man Eric who is pretty good at his job, even though he's raw and dealing with a less than splendid home life. Sasha is the hard nosed pro that nothing seems to phase while Gretchen is darn good at her job too but lacks anything resembling self confidence. These traits leave plenty of room for growth opportunities in the books that come after this debut.
I liked Police Chief Alverez. No-nonsense professional demeanor but the sparks with Josie are clearly there even if neither can act upon them while Josie is under investigation.
What really got me hooked into the book was how smoothly the narrative flowed. Once I started the book, I kept turning pages and really didn't notice how many chapters I read at a time. Better yet, as pointed out by one of the characters in the final part of the book, the killer is staring you in the face the entire time and yet I never truly decided that this particular character was THE ONE until that reveal. Even as the explanation was given, there was enough of a red herring that I really thought it might just be someone I really didn't want it to be. For me, that's a pretty good indicator a being a damn fine mystery.
It may have taken me a good long while to get around to reading CONSIGNED TO DEATH but I'm sure glad that I have finally accomplished that goal. I'm sure to be reading more books in the series after liking this first book in the series so much. CONSIGNED TO DEATH gets a big thumbs up from me.
(BTW, when we have the book club discussion meeting, author Jane K. Cleland will be joining the meeting via Zoom so that should be a great time for our group.)
That list is the list of title suggestions for the mystery book club I'm part of at my local library. The woman who co-runs the group with me is a big fan of the series and has been recommending it since the club was re-started after the pandemic.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect going into the book, but as Cleland introduces readers to the world of Josie Prescott, I found myself quite easily swept up into the story.
After losing her New York dream job for being honest, Josie has retreated to New Hampshire. Still licking her wounds and also grieving the passing of her father, she has her own antiques auction/sales business and is working to make it a success.
Unfortunately for Josie, she soon learns that a big account that she's been chasing my just go by the wayside when the client turns up murdered. Worse yet, the evidence seems to point directly at Josie herself. Simultaneously horrified and angered, Josie has to figure out how to clear her name before the suspicion affects her business.
With the aid of her lawyer, she has to find the clues to who killed the old man she was trying to work with. In doing so, she learns that competitors are saying bad things about her in the business world and has to fend off the man's granddaughter who is out to make a quick buck.
As she digs deeper, the murder soon turns on some "found" art that has a controversial past. The stakes are raised because someone is stalking Josie. With pretty much everyone a suspect, Josie has to race to reveal the killer before she becomes a relic of the past herself.
Since this is my first exposure to Josie Prescott, I was very pleased to find myself rather enjoying "being" in her company. I do think she tends to cry just a bit too much for my liking but hey, who's to say I wouldn't be emotional if I found myself in her shoes, right?
The cast of characters working for Josie is interesting from the starting gun too. You've got the young man Eric who is pretty good at his job, even though he's raw and dealing with a less than splendid home life. Sasha is the hard nosed pro that nothing seems to phase while Gretchen is darn good at her job too but lacks anything resembling self confidence. These traits leave plenty of room for growth opportunities in the books that come after this debut.
I liked Police Chief Alverez. No-nonsense professional demeanor but the sparks with Josie are clearly there even if neither can act upon them while Josie is under investigation.
What really got me hooked into the book was how smoothly the narrative flowed. Once I started the book, I kept turning pages and really didn't notice how many chapters I read at a time. Better yet, as pointed out by one of the characters in the final part of the book, the killer is staring you in the face the entire time and yet I never truly decided that this particular character was THE ONE until that reveal. Even as the explanation was given, there was enough of a red herring that I really thought it might just be someone I really didn't want it to be. For me, that's a pretty good indicator a being a damn fine mystery.
It may have taken me a good long while to get around to reading CONSIGNED TO DEATH but I'm sure glad that I have finally accomplished that goal. I'm sure to be reading more books in the series after liking this first book in the series so much. CONSIGNED TO DEATH gets a big thumbs up from me.
(BTW, when we have the book club discussion meeting, author Jane K. Cleland will be joining the meeting via Zoom so that should be a great time for our group.)
January 20, 2021
Josie Prescott, an antique dealer building her business in New Hampshire, is suspected of murder when her fingerprint is found on a murder weapon. Josie needs to clear her name while simultaneously managing her fledgling business.
Josie is a likable, and relatively believable character. She is a flawed hero, prone to emotional outbursts at inopportune times. The outbursts, though, are always understandable within the context of the events going on around her. She spends time reminiscing about her past, which helps to learn more about her. Personally, I didn't find her to be a living, breathing person within the pages. I suspect, though, that's because she's very far away from me as an individual. I'm personally not all that interested in antiques, much less a dealer; and this is one of her driving passions. Josie is well written and well conceived. I just didn't feel like, on some level, I could pick up a phone and call her. There was still a disconnect because I was unable to relate. There are also more driving factors to Josie than antiques, I just don't want to go into them to avoid spoiling anything.
The mystery was interesting. I found the ending to be relatively predictable, but not in the "I saw it coming from a mile away" category. There were only a handful of reasonable suspects, and two of them were so blindingly obvious that I discounted them immediately (it would have made for a boring mystery if it was either one of them). There were some clues peppered throughout the book, but no 'smoking gun,' per se.
I think the book was worth reading, but not necessarily for everyone. I was not filled with a sense of suspense. At no point did I feel like I HAD to know who the killer was. I was curious, but if I never found out, it's not something that would eat at me like some other mysteries I've read. For example, Magpie Murders had me riveted. I needed to find out the ending. This one was an interesting ride, relaxing and I truly wanted to finish it. But if I got distracted from reading it for a long time, I'd have been okay with not seeing the ending. Mildly disappointed, but okay.
In short, recommended for some fans of murder mysteries. Some readers will be left disappointed, but most, I imagine, would enjoy it.
Josie is a likable, and relatively believable character. She is a flawed hero, prone to emotional outbursts at inopportune times. The outbursts, though, are always understandable within the context of the events going on around her. She spends time reminiscing about her past, which helps to learn more about her. Personally, I didn't find her to be a living, breathing person within the pages. I suspect, though, that's because she's very far away from me as an individual. I'm personally not all that interested in antiques, much less a dealer; and this is one of her driving passions. Josie is well written and well conceived. I just didn't feel like, on some level, I could pick up a phone and call her. There was still a disconnect because I was unable to relate. There are also more driving factors to Josie than antiques, I just don't want to go into them to avoid spoiling anything.
The mystery was interesting. I found the ending to be relatively predictable, but not in the "I saw it coming from a mile away" category. There were only a handful of reasonable suspects, and two of them were so blindingly obvious that I discounted them immediately (it would have made for a boring mystery if it was either one of them). There were some clues peppered throughout the book, but no 'smoking gun,' per se.
I think the book was worth reading, but not necessarily for everyone. I was not filled with a sense of suspense. At no point did I feel like I HAD to know who the killer was. I was curious, but if I never found out, it's not something that would eat at me like some other mysteries I've read. For example, Magpie Murders had me riveted. I needed to find out the ending. This one was an interesting ride, relaxing and I truly wanted to finish it. But if I got distracted from reading it for a long time, I'd have been okay with not seeing the ending. Mildly disappointed, but okay.
In short, recommended for some fans of murder mysteries. Some readers will be left disappointed, but most, I imagine, would enjoy it.
November 16, 2019
Cozy mystery plus antiques? yep, count me in.
I enjoyed the story line very much and did learn a lot about the antiquing world along the way which is always a bonus when you can glean from a well researched topic especially one you are interested in.
I did get invested in the characters and wanted to support Josie being wrongfully suspected especially after she was trying to recover from a similar incident in the past where she used to work. I can understand the toll it would take on her being questioned by the police again and it would be hard to hold back emotional feelings and tears. But, the rest of the time it seemed like she would either fall apart too easily or flare up in anger. The death of a client or something reminding her of her fathers death 6 years ago made her character seem unstable and at one point she even says she's doing better or didn't get upset when something happened and I thought it may have put her lawyer or police investigator in the position to humor her. They seemed awfully understanding of her breakdowns. The emotional part of her character was overdone. Who she was and business Josie was best.
I would of like to hear more dialog than her thoughts about what she was doing. It was almost like you were in her head and it got to be a little obsessive. Okay, then make the chicken stop thinking about it! I make it a point not to read other reviews until I post my own but this time I did and it seems others thought her character was a bit too weepy as well. Hope not so much in the next books because I did like her character very much.
One thing that makes the experience less enjoyable of a good read is the use of foul language. Reading is a good escape from the ugliness of the real world we are sometimes exposed to. If an author chooses to include the crude language that we may be exposed to daily then where is the escape? it is much more enjoyable when an author will state something like "they cursed profusely" to get the point across then I don't have to read the same crudeness I may be exposed to in reality.
I enjoyed the story line very much and did learn a lot about the antiquing world along the way which is always a bonus when you can glean from a well researched topic especially one you are interested in.
I did get invested in the characters and wanted to support Josie being wrongfully suspected especially after she was trying to recover from a similar incident in the past where she used to work. I can understand the toll it would take on her being questioned by the police again and it would be hard to hold back emotional feelings and tears. But, the rest of the time it seemed like she would either fall apart too easily or flare up in anger. The death of a client or something reminding her of her fathers death 6 years ago made her character seem unstable and at one point she even says she's doing better or didn't get upset when something happened and I thought it may have put her lawyer or police investigator in the position to humor her. They seemed awfully understanding of her breakdowns. The emotional part of her character was overdone. Who she was and business Josie was best.
I would of like to hear more dialog than her thoughts about what she was doing. It was almost like you were in her head and it got to be a little obsessive. Okay, then make the chicken stop thinking about it! I make it a point not to read other reviews until I post my own but this time I did and it seems others thought her character was a bit too weepy as well. Hope not so much in the next books because I did like her character very much.
One thing that makes the experience less enjoyable of a good read is the use of foul language. Reading is a good escape from the ugliness of the real world we are sometimes exposed to. If an author chooses to include the crude language that we may be exposed to daily then where is the escape? it is much more enjoyable when an author will state something like "they cursed profusely" to get the point across then I don't have to read the same crudeness I may be exposed to in reality.
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