What do you think?
Rate this book
Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries #9
Mint Condition Murder
A new book in the Antiques & Collectibles mystery series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs!
In the world of antiques and collectibles, it helps to have a sharp eye for quality, a good ear for gossip, and a nose for murder.
When the female antiques dealer she was meant to interview turns up dead, Collector’s Weekly reporter Molly Appleby can’t help but wonder why anyone would kill a woman so new to the area. Before she can spend much time pondering means or motive, Molly discovers that the father she never knew is keen on a reconciliation. And while it seems unlikely that his sudden interest and the death of the dealer are connected, Molly soon learns otherwise.
As she begins digging into the past of the victim, Molly realizes that the woman was not at all what she seemed. Not only did she possess a stash of rare coins linked to an unsolved murder, but she also engaged in illicit affairs with multiple married men. With suspects galore and a reunion with her long-lost father looming, Molly will have to uncover crimes both old and new before the secrets that refuse to stay buried turn fatal . . .
In the world of antiques and collectibles, it helps to have a sharp eye for quality, a good ear for gossip, and a nose for murder.
When the female antiques dealer she was meant to interview turns up dead, Collector’s Weekly reporter Molly Appleby can’t help but wonder why anyone would kill a woman so new to the area. Before she can spend much time pondering means or motive, Molly discovers that the father she never knew is keen on a reconciliation. And while it seems unlikely that his sudden interest and the death of the dealer are connected, Molly soon learns otherwise.
As she begins digging into the past of the victim, Molly realizes that the woman was not at all what she seemed. Not only did she possess a stash of rare coins linked to an unsolved murder, but she also engaged in illicit affairs with multiple married men. With suspects galore and a reunion with her long-lost father looming, Molly will have to uncover crimes both old and new before the secrets that refuse to stay buried turn fatal . . .
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2021
69 people are currently reading
506 people want to read
About the author
Ellery Adams
66 books5,248 followersUSA 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
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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 9, 2024
It appears this is the end of this series. It certainly feels that way. If so a nice ending to the series
December 21, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much. The story line had three parts to it. Molly Appleby is a reporter for a magazine, Collector's Writer Weekly. She and her mother go to interview Charlotte Blair, an antique dealer new to the area. They find her dead. in her shop. This is where the story starts introducing the characters as Molly starts to investigate the cause of her death and a discovery of five coins and an antique pistol. She finds out from her mother that her father who has not been in her life wants to meet with her. The reader goes through the ups and downs of their meeting and getting to know each other. Following her leads into Charlotte's death she discovers an old murder which pertains to the coins and the pistol that Mollie finds in an antique desk in the store. .The reader goes back and forth between the stories with twists and turns on who finally murdered Charlotte Blair.
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for this ARC.
April 17, 2021
Mint Condition Murder by Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs is the 9th An Antiques & Collectibles Mystery. This cozy mystery can be read on its own if you are new to the series or if you have missed a book. I enjoyed reading this story. Molly Appleby is a strong female protagonist who is friendly and tenacious. She reminds me of my dog, Doozy when he has a bone. Once he gets it, he is not giving it up. That is Molly with a case. She was unable to interview Charlotte Blair for her column in Collector’s Weekly, but there is a story. Molly also wants to get justice for the victim. We get to catch up with Matt, Clara, Starling, Detective Lombardi, and little Tyler. Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs have a good writing style (conversational). I was instantly engaged, and my attention held until the end of the book. The whodunit was clever the way it all tied together. There was misdirection plus multiple suspects. I had a good time solving this mystery. We also got to learn more about Molly and her mother as well as meet her father. I loved the descriptions of the antiques. There were some wonderful pieces mentioned as well as rare coins. Mint Condition Murder combines family, friends, antiques, and mysteries into one charming cozy mystery.
April 12, 2021
I’m always excited to see a new book in this series. Molly is a great character, and her knowledge of antiques is always fun to read about.
In this book, Molly is getting ready to write another story for the magazine she works for, unfortunately, that story is dead, and so is the woman she was supposed to interview.
Unable to leave the investigating to the police, Molly jumps in feet first, and what she finds out sends her world into a tailspin.
I highly recommend this series to any reader who enjoys a good story.
#MintConditionMurder #NetGalley
In this book, Molly is getting ready to write another story for the magazine she works for, unfortunately, that story is dead, and so is the woman she was supposed to interview.
Unable to leave the investigating to the police, Molly jumps in feet first, and what she finds out sends her world into a tailspin.
I highly recommend this series to any reader who enjoys a good story.
#MintConditionMurder #NetGalley
March 3, 2022
Antiques, murder, and a family reunion.
Molly, an authority on antiques, stumbles upon a body where she was supposed to be conducting an interview for her magazine. But many things about her would be interviewee don't ring true, and what does it have to do with her estranged father?
A fast paced cozy mystery set in a small town with wonderful characters. Though 9th in a series I felt like it was easy for me to just jump in without having read any of the previous books. Molly is an intelligent woman, skilled in antiques and piecing together mysteries. I liked that she is surrounded by supportive people like her husband Matt.
Overall, a engaging read with a twisting plot that kept me guessing how it would all come together. A clean read with a fun setting and great characters. Definitely worth checking out if you love cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Molly, an authority on antiques, stumbles upon a body where she was supposed to be conducting an interview for her magazine. But many things about her would be interviewee don't ring true, and what does it have to do with her estranged father?
A fast paced cozy mystery set in a small town with wonderful characters. Though 9th in a series I felt like it was easy for me to just jump in without having read any of the previous books. Molly is an intelligent woman, skilled in antiques and piecing together mysteries. I liked that she is surrounded by supportive people like her husband Matt.
Overall, a engaging read with a twisting plot that kept me guessing how it would all come together. A clean read with a fun setting and great characters. Definitely worth checking out if you love cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 14, 2021
Molly is getting ready to interview a new to the area antiques dealer but the interview is a bust when the woman is found murdered. Molly wonders who could have wanted to murder the woman who had only been living in the area a short time. Meanwhile a father she has never known has decided to enter Molly's life and wants to get to know her. She soon begins to wonder if the two events are intertwined and decides she must dig deeper to find out how. Suspect after suspect begin to pop up as Molly investigates and she begins to wonder if she'll ever figure out who the killer is. Follow along as Molly looks into who the culprit could be and why they wanted this woman dead.
April 12, 2021
Molly is off to interview a new arrival to the area, an antiques dealer who moved up from Boston. When she and her mother arrive, they find the woman dead, setting off another mystery article for Collector’s Weekly. Add to this that Molly’s father, who walked out on her and her mother when she was a baby, has asked to meet Molly and see if they can salvage a relationship. So much to handle, but one keeps her mind off the other.
When Molly finds a hidden compartment in a desk, the find leaves her and the police with more questions than answers. With a link to a cold case, the question becomes who killed the dealer and how does this tie into a murder from years ago?
Ellery Adams is one of my favorite authors. I love not only this series, but also her Secret Book and Scone Society and Book Retreat series. She has smart, solid, protagonists that make the whodunit pure delight and enough red herrings to keep you guessing and changing your mind until close to the end. A MUST READ AUTHOR for the cozy enthusiast.
When Molly finds a hidden compartment in a desk, the find leaves her and the police with more questions than answers. With a link to a cold case, the question becomes who killed the dealer and how does this tie into a murder from years ago?
Ellery Adams is one of my favorite authors. I love not only this series, but also her Secret Book and Scone Society and Book Retreat series. She has smart, solid, protagonists that make the whodunit pure delight and enough red herrings to keep you guessing and changing your mind until close to the end. A MUST READ AUTHOR for the cozy enthusiast.
February 5, 2022
Great addition to this series! Molly is still a strong lead and I liked her sleuthing and working skills. I hope we get more books in this series!
May 20, 2021
Mint Condition Murder by Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs is the ninth instalment in their Antiques and Collectibles series. Although I have not read the entire series, I was able to easily follow the characters and plot.
In Mint Condition Murder, the reader catches up with the courageous protagonist Molly Appleby in Vermont, a place wonderfully and vividly brought to life by Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs. Collector’s Weekly reporter and antique lover Molly along with her mum, Clara are on their way to interview the owner of a new antique shop, 'A Checkered Past'. The woman, Charlotte Blair is from Boston but when Molly and her mum arrive, they find her dead under a glass-topped table with a pool of blood spread around her head.
As the mystery deepens, suspects and clues abound. Molly is a terrific character: clever, outgoing, loving, and thoughtful. However, her intrepid sense of curiosity frequently gets her in trouble. She has a supportive and considerate husband, as well as the respect of Detective Tony Lombardi. As well as the murder, Molly has other issues to deal with including something that is troubling Clara.
Mint Condition Murder, is a compelling, twisted little mystery, and this is a very enjoyable series: one that I confidently recommend to cozy readers.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel, at my request, from Beyond The Page Publishing via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
In Mint Condition Murder, the reader catches up with the courageous protagonist Molly Appleby in Vermont, a place wonderfully and vividly brought to life by Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs. Collector’s Weekly reporter and antique lover Molly along with her mum, Clara are on their way to interview the owner of a new antique shop, 'A Checkered Past'. The woman, Charlotte Blair is from Boston but when Molly and her mum arrive, they find her dead under a glass-topped table with a pool of blood spread around her head.
As the mystery deepens, suspects and clues abound. Molly is a terrific character: clever, outgoing, loving, and thoughtful. However, her intrepid sense of curiosity frequently gets her in trouble. She has a supportive and considerate husband, as well as the respect of Detective Tony Lombardi. As well as the murder, Molly has other issues to deal with including something that is troubling Clara.
Mint Condition Murder, is a compelling, twisted little mystery, and this is a very enjoyable series: one that I confidently recommend to cozy readers.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel, at my request, from Beyond The Page Publishing via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 18, 2024
Nice cozy mystery in the antiques' world. This book is (probably) the last in the series. If so a nice ending.
Only read once.
Only read once.
May 25, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond The Page Publishing.
Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs team up to bring us another book in this series, where the antique trade can be murder. The storyline is set up in Vermont, with a transplanted southerner from North Carolina. Molly Appleby is a reporter/writer for Collector's Weekly with a skill for solving murders.
"When the female antique dealer she was meant to interview turns up dead, Collector’s Weekly reporter Molly Appleby can’t help but wonder why anyone would kill a woman so new to the area. Before she can spend much time pondering the means or motive, Molly discovers that the father she never knew is keen on reconciliation. And while it seems unlikely that his sudden interest and the death of the dealer are connected, Molly soon learns otherwise."
This is the second book by this pair that I read, although not my first Ellery Adams. In this story, Molly has to deal with reconnecting with a father she never knew while solving the murder of an antiques dealer with a "Checkered Past" which coincidently is the name of her store in Vermont. As Molly delves into the murder, more suspects appear, including ties to her father.
I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to lovers of cozy mysteries.
Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs team up to bring us another book in this series, where the antique trade can be murder. The storyline is set up in Vermont, with a transplanted southerner from North Carolina. Molly Appleby is a reporter/writer for Collector's Weekly with a skill for solving murders.
"When the female antique dealer she was meant to interview turns up dead, Collector’s Weekly reporter Molly Appleby can’t help but wonder why anyone would kill a woman so new to the area. Before she can spend much time pondering the means or motive, Molly discovers that the father she never knew is keen on reconciliation. And while it seems unlikely that his sudden interest and the death of the dealer are connected, Molly soon learns otherwise."
This is the second book by this pair that I read, although not my first Ellery Adams. In this story, Molly has to deal with reconnecting with a father she never knew while solving the murder of an antiques dealer with a "Checkered Past" which coincidently is the name of her store in Vermont. As Molly delves into the murder, more suspects appear, including ties to her father.
I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to lovers of cozy mysteries.
April 20, 2021
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of MINT CONDITION MURDER (Book 9 of the Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries) by Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs in exchange for an honest review. Writer Molly Appleby invites her mother to accompany her on an interview with the owner of a new antiques store. When they arrive, they find the woman’s body. Soon, Molly’s embroiled in a case involving stolen coins, adultery, real estate deals, and a historic murder. Molly chooses to focus on her investigation in order to distract herself from her personal drama. Molly’s absentee father is in town and wants to meet her.
I like this book and enjoy the series. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, cold cases, antiques, coin collecting, and writing.
#MintConditionMurder #NetGalley
I like this book and enjoy the series. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, cold cases, antiques, coin collecting, and writing.
#MintConditionMurder #NetGalley
April 27, 2021
I had my suspicions on who did it. But I had no idea why or how, so that made for an enjoyable read. I liked the characters and their relationships.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2021
The antiques trade can be murder. Molly finds another body and works with her familiar local police detective to investigate the woman's murder. She also works with another detective on a cold case that is definitely related. And related to Molly's absentee father's wife. What a tangle!
The publisher's blurb is well done and so is the story, so no spoilers here.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
The publisher's blurb is well done and so is the story, so no spoilers here.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
April 24, 2021
Mint Condition Murder by Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs is the newest in a series, Antiques and Collectibles Mysteries, book nine. It centers around Molly Appleby who is a report for a magazine called Collector's Weekly wherein she focuses on antique stores and antique deals. Unfortunately, may of her articles are about murders of antique dealers. The readers eat it up. Molly lives New England with her husband and her toddler son, was well as her mother and her stepfather. She and her mother were driving to a new antique store for the newest interview and the normally sunny Clara was definitely in a mood. Denying it multiple times did not put Molly's mind at ease, nor did the fact that the closed sign showed in the door and the place was silent when they entered. It wasn't too long before they discovered the body of the owner, lying in a puddle of blood. Great, another murder. As Molly and Clara sat on the porch after the police had arrived, Clara finally broke her silence and confessed that not only had she been in touch with Molly's father (who had left them when Molly was eight days old) but that she had been regularly, keeping him updated on Molly and her life, including photos, for all these years. Now he wanted to meet Molly. Molly was outraged.
This is such a fun series. It has the most endearing characters: Molly and her mother, for beginners. They have the ideal mother/daughter relationship. Molly's husband, Matt, is a doctor and a darling, always with Molly's best interests at heart and always sensible and kind. They had a nanny for their son, Tyler: Starling, Matt's niece. She lived above the garage and had been seeing Tony Lombardi, Molly's friend and the police detective with whom she worked. That relationship had folded because of Lombardi's fear of commitment. Molly had been saddened by this, as they were perfect together. As are all cozies, this one is definitely character driven, and the new character is Nathan, Molly's long lost father. The reader has a ringside seat for their reunion. The mystery reaches into the past for its origins and, as always, antiques for clues. It was a clever story and well as kind of heart breaking. I recommend this endearing series.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Mint Condition Murder by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #mintconditionmurder
This is such a fun series. It has the most endearing characters: Molly and her mother, for beginners. They have the ideal mother/daughter relationship. Molly's husband, Matt, is a doctor and a darling, always with Molly's best interests at heart and always sensible and kind. They had a nanny for their son, Tyler: Starling, Matt's niece. She lived above the garage and had been seeing Tony Lombardi, Molly's friend and the police detective with whom she worked. That relationship had folded because of Lombardi's fear of commitment. Molly had been saddened by this, as they were perfect together. As are all cozies, this one is definitely character driven, and the new character is Nathan, Molly's long lost father. The reader has a ringside seat for their reunion. The mystery reaches into the past for its origins and, as always, antiques for clues. It was a clever story and well as kind of heart breaking. I recommend this endearing series.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Mint Condition Murder by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #mintconditionmurder
April 21, 2021
Molly is all set to interview the owner of a new antiques store, A Checkered Past. The owner, Charlotte Blair and her business partner also had a more upscale antiques store in Boston. This store is housed in an old farm house at the end of a charming country road, a far cry from the post Boston location of the other store. When Molly and her mother arrive for their appointment the place is deathly silent. With good reason. Charlotte has had a previous guest who turned out to be a killer. They are dismayed to discover Charlotte dead having been bashed over the head. It takes Molly no time at all to switch from magazine journalist to investigator and to team up with Detective Lombardi, a friend who respects her intelligence and often asks for her assistance. It takes no time for the next puzzle to reveal itself. The antique secretaire soon shows its treasure. As the cash box for the store still contained $10K plain robbery wasn't the motive. Was it, instead the Civil War era coins hidden inside?
The desire to catch Charlotte's killer takes over and Molly starts to dig into the victim's life and the history of the coins. At the same time Molly deals with her mother's sudden revelation that Molly's estranged father has stayed in touch with her mother her whole life and, to Molly's shock, now wants to meet her. He walked away from his wife and child when Moly was only 8 days old. Not exactly something that makes for warm and fuzzy feelings. On top of that, it turns out that he knows all about her (including photos of her, her husband and her little boy) and Molly wouldn't know him if they met in an elevator. It's a lot to deal with but Molly is up to the challenge.
This is the 9th book in the series but works fine as a stand alone. The characters are well developed and the puzzle complex with enough twists, turns and red herrings to keep the reader engaged.
My thanks to Beyond the Page publishing and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The desire to catch Charlotte's killer takes over and Molly starts to dig into the victim's life and the history of the coins. At the same time Molly deals with her mother's sudden revelation that Molly's estranged father has stayed in touch with her mother her whole life and, to Molly's shock, now wants to meet her. He walked away from his wife and child when Moly was only 8 days old. Not exactly something that makes for warm and fuzzy feelings. On top of that, it turns out that he knows all about her (including photos of her, her husband and her little boy) and Molly wouldn't know him if they met in an elevator. It's a lot to deal with but Molly is up to the challenge.
This is the 9th book in the series but works fine as a stand alone. The characters are well developed and the puzzle complex with enough twists, turns and red herrings to keep the reader engaged.
My thanks to Beyond the Page publishing and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 31, 2021
I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have not read anything by either author, so I found this novel to be a well written introduction. This is book nine in the series, but I did not necessarily feel lost. There were mentions of previous cases, but they were brief and had no bearing on the current settings.
Molly Appleby is preparing to write an article about Charlotte Blair, and arrives at Charlotte's antiques store only to discover her body instead. Knowing that there is still a story about Charlotte, and wanting to get justice for her, Molly decides to investigate alongside Detective Lombardi. However, Molly soon has more trouble than she realized when her estranged father comes to town wanting to finally meet her, and his new wife is linked to Charlotte. Dealing with her own personal issues and wanting to discover the truth, Molly has quite a balancing act on her hands.
I enjoyed this novel. I loved the support Molly had with her husband Matt, as well as her mother and stepfather. I also really enjoyed the camaraderie between her and Detective Lombardi. I feel too many amateur detective novels don't allow their written police force an opportunity for growth towards the amateur. It was refreshing to see a change in style for once. I also liked that Lombardi wasn't arrogant about his own failings, and maintained a healthy friendship with Molly.
I also liked the description of the antiques. I liked the fact that this was a world that Molly knew about, but she grew from it. She isn't fully knowledgeable and brings other, more experienced individuals around. Molly's personality is down to earth and curious. I really liked and related to her.
The ending was a bit off to me. I had an idea of the murderer, but the way it went about felt abrupt. I was hoping for a bit more flow.
Overall I rate this novel 4 out 5 (I wish the system could do half, 4.5 out 5) and will follow both Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs.
I have not read anything by either author, so I found this novel to be a well written introduction. This is book nine in the series, but I did not necessarily feel lost. There were mentions of previous cases, but they were brief and had no bearing on the current settings.
Molly Appleby is preparing to write an article about Charlotte Blair, and arrives at Charlotte's antiques store only to discover her body instead. Knowing that there is still a story about Charlotte, and wanting to get justice for her, Molly decides to investigate alongside Detective Lombardi. However, Molly soon has more trouble than she realized when her estranged father comes to town wanting to finally meet her, and his new wife is linked to Charlotte. Dealing with her own personal issues and wanting to discover the truth, Molly has quite a balancing act on her hands.
I enjoyed this novel. I loved the support Molly had with her husband Matt, as well as her mother and stepfather. I also really enjoyed the camaraderie between her and Detective Lombardi. I feel too many amateur detective novels don't allow their written police force an opportunity for growth towards the amateur. It was refreshing to see a change in style for once. I also liked that Lombardi wasn't arrogant about his own failings, and maintained a healthy friendship with Molly.
I also liked the description of the antiques. I liked the fact that this was a world that Molly knew about, but she grew from it. She isn't fully knowledgeable and brings other, more experienced individuals around. Molly's personality is down to earth and curious. I really liked and related to her.
The ending was a bit off to me. I had an idea of the murderer, but the way it went about felt abrupt. I was hoping for a bit more flow.
Overall I rate this novel 4 out 5 (I wish the system could do half, 4.5 out 5) and will follow both Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs.
May 3, 2021
When Molly Appleby and her mother Clara visit A Checkered Past, a new antique shop, they discover owner Charlotte Blair's dead body, effectively canceling Molly's scheduled interview. While waiting for the police to arrive, Clara informs Molly that her father wants to meet her. When Molly was eight days old, her father left, and Molly has never met him.
The Collector's Weekly staff writer and amateur sleuth juggles two stories that quickly merge into a single mystery. Meeting her father for the first time proves difficult for Molly, especially when there seems to be a connection with friends of her father's new family and friends of the deceased Charlotte Blair.
Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs are a creative team, and they concoct a well-done and intriguing mystery. The ninth Antiques & Collectibles Mystery, Mint Condition Murder, takes readers to the Vermont community to visit familiar characters as they deal with gathering clues and meeting lots of new characters. A complex story, this tale includes unexpected twists, a connection to an unsolved murder, and reuniting with a long-lost father.
The Collector's Weekly staff writer and amateur sleuth juggles two stories that quickly merge into a single mystery. Meeting her father for the first time proves difficult for Molly, especially when there seems to be a connection with friends of her father's new family and friends of the deceased Charlotte Blair.
Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs are a creative team, and they concoct a well-done and intriguing mystery. The ninth Antiques & Collectibles Mystery, Mint Condition Murder, takes readers to the Vermont community to visit familiar characters as they deal with gathering clues and meeting lots of new characters. A complex story, this tale includes unexpected twists, a connection to an unsolved murder, and reuniting with a long-lost father.
June 28, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: Molly is set to interview the owner of a new antique business in town but instead discovers her body. She is not only a good journalist but she also has skills as an investigator which is why her friend, the cop in charge, asks for her help in solving the murder. The more she finds out, the more questions she has. There is a very intricate web around this woman and some of it goes back to a cold case. Just how the old murder fits into the new one is the biggest question. But it does not compare with the personal question that Molly must answer.
The father that deserted her when she was eight weeks old suddenly wants to connect with her. She is torn whether she wants to meet him and perhaps get answers or tell him to go on his way. But once she makes contact, she discovers her father’s new wife and step-son might be knee deep in her investigation. And once Molly gets embroiled, there is really only one direction she can go. She must solve the murder and bring the killer to justice.
Another good story in an enjoyable series. Four purrs and two paws up.
The father that deserted her when she was eight weeks old suddenly wants to connect with her. She is torn whether she wants to meet him and perhaps get answers or tell him to go on his way. But once she makes contact, she discovers her father’s new wife and step-son might be knee deep in her investigation. And once Molly gets embroiled, there is really only one direction she can go. She must solve the murder and bring the killer to justice.
Another good story in an enjoyable series. Four purrs and two paws up.
May 8, 2021
Molly Appleby is a New England reporter for an antique collector’s magazine. But when she finds her next interview subject dead, she’s once again plunged into a whodunit. Now, solving a murder mystery is enough of a challenge, but she’s about to be hit with the reappearance of the dad that abandoned her and her mom when Molly was still a newborn. And then, a long-cold unsolved case starts to weave its way into the mystery. Complicated? You bet. Heaps of suspects? Absolutely. Family drama? Loads of it!
I found the story’s convoluted path led to to a satisfying conclusion. And I have to give a special round of applause for the classic ending scenario. I won’t give it away, but it’s one of those tropes that should be executed perfectly or not at all. I found it done to perfection—much like all the yummy food, especially baked goods, enjoyed by the characters.
My thanks to authors Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs, NetGalley, and Beyond the Page Publishing for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I found the story’s convoluted path led to to a satisfying conclusion. And I have to give a special round of applause for the classic ending scenario. I won’t give it away, but it’s one of those tropes that should be executed perfectly or not at all. I found it done to perfection—much like all the yummy food, especially baked goods, enjoyed by the characters.
My thanks to authors Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs, NetGalley, and Beyond the Page Publishing for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 27, 2021
Mint Condition Murder by Ellery Adams and Parker Riggs is book #9 in the Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries. It can be read as a stand alone.
Molly, the protaganist, has an interview scheduled with the owner of newly opened antique store. Unfortunately, she finds the owner murdered, her head bashed in. When antique coins and a pistol is found in a hidden compartment in an antique desk, Molly dives into the investigation. Throw in Molly's father wanting to meet her after abandoning her and her mother when she was a baby. Molly has her hands full.
This well written Cozy has many twists keeping you guessing to the end. The main characters are relatable and likeable, as are most of the secondary characters. There is family, friendship, and romance. I love that Molly is married and has a child.
You will not want to put this book down.
I was given an ARC by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
Molly, the protaganist, has an interview scheduled with the owner of newly opened antique store. Unfortunately, she finds the owner murdered, her head bashed in. When antique coins and a pistol is found in a hidden compartment in an antique desk, Molly dives into the investigation. Throw in Molly's father wanting to meet her after abandoning her and her mother when she was a baby. Molly has her hands full.
This well written Cozy has many twists keeping you guessing to the end. The main characters are relatable and likeable, as are most of the secondary characters. There is family, friendship, and romance. I love that Molly is married and has a child.
You will not want to put this book down.
I was given an ARC by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
May 4, 2021
Molly Applegate goes to interview Charlotte, an antique dealer who has opened a new store in Vermont. Instead of getting an interview, Molly and her mother find Charlotte dead.
The unraveling of this mystery was very interesting. Molly had to travel into the past to find the motives for what happened in the present day. Along the way she helps to solve a cold case.
This is book 9 in the series. I haven't read the previous books but I was able to read this as a standalone with the backstory that is given as the book progresses. Some of the events mentioned may inspire me to read previous books.
Molly is an engaging character. She is lucky to have a police detective who is willing to take her ideas and theories seriously. I like all the supporting characters in the book as well.
If you like antiques and mysteries, this will be a fun read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read a pre-release copy of the book.
The unraveling of this mystery was very interesting. Molly had to travel into the past to find the motives for what happened in the present day. Along the way she helps to solve a cold case.
This is book 9 in the series. I haven't read the previous books but I was able to read this as a standalone with the backstory that is given as the book progresses. Some of the events mentioned may inspire me to read previous books.
Molly is an engaging character. She is lucky to have a police detective who is willing to take her ideas and theories seriously. I like all the supporting characters in the book as well.
If you like antiques and mysteries, this will be a fun read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read a pre-release copy of the book.
May 5, 2021
I received this book as part of the Netgalley program but this review is entirely voluntary.I love all Ellery Adams' books but the Antiques and Collectibles Mystery series is a sentimental favorite because it was the series that introduced me to Ellery Adams. Molly Appleby and her mother are traveling to a new antique shop to interview the owner who has moved from Boston to open a store in Vermont. Unfortunately, Molly doesn't get her interview because she finds the woman's body. Old coins, vintage jewelry and murder lead Molly into another investigation with Detective Lombardi. This series is wonderfully written with characters the reader can't wait to learn more about, good and bad. The mystery always keeps me guessing I always enjoy each new installment and eagerly await the next book. I highly recommend Mind Condition Murder and the whole Antiques and Collectible mystery series to all mystery lovers.
August 13, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded down.
I keep wanting to like this series but it just doesn’t capture my attention the way some of Adams’ others do. Maybe my lack of interest in antiques is the problem. I can’t say there is anything wrong with the story - it was a classic cozy mystery with our protagonist Molly stumbling across a dead body and the game is afoot. There are some twists in the investigation but it all turns out about as expected. Not a bad story or writing, just nothing all that exciting either.
I did feel like this novel in the series requires a little more history with the characters to really care about a few parts of the novel, which is why I rounded down.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I keep wanting to like this series but it just doesn’t capture my attention the way some of Adams’ others do. Maybe my lack of interest in antiques is the problem. I can’t say there is anything wrong with the story - it was a classic cozy mystery with our protagonist Molly stumbling across a dead body and the game is afoot. There are some twists in the investigation but it all turns out about as expected. Not a bad story or writing, just nothing all that exciting either.
I did feel like this novel in the series requires a little more history with the characters to really care about a few parts of the novel, which is why I rounded down.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2021
I'm sad as I have officially read every Ellery Adams book currently in print. For nine years I have been reading her books and have loved knowing there were more. Now I must (im)patiently wait for a new one.
I love Molly's character and learning about antiques and collectibles. This story was very interesting and learning it was loosely based on a true story from the co-author, Parker Riggs. Could you imagine finding rare coins in your house as you renovate?
I'm wondering if there will be additional books to this series as the ending seemed so final. Guess I'll have to wait and see.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Beyond the Page Publishing, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
I love Molly's character and learning about antiques and collectibles. This story was very interesting and learning it was loosely based on a true story from the co-author, Parker Riggs. Could you imagine finding rare coins in your house as you renovate?
I'm wondering if there will be additional books to this series as the ending seemed so final. Guess I'll have to wait and see.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Beyond the Page Publishing, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
August 1, 2022
More like 3.5 but I am feeling generous. Not sure if this one was much of a mystery, I kind of guessed what happened pretty early on, but there were a few little "twists" thrown in. Honestly it was mostly just a heartwarming installment for people who have read this series from the start. I love Molly as a main character and I was happy to learn that her childhood hurts were being resolved. Everything with Lombardi and Starling was great too. I think I keep coming back to this series, even though it isn't my favourite by Ellery Adams, because it is so wholesome. It really is the height of Cozy Mystery vibes. Nice light summer read.
May 5, 2023
A penny saved…
Molly and Clara head out to the new shop an antique dealer is opening in their area, with Molly planning to interview her; when they arrive, however, they’re shocked to discover her body, dead of apparent blunt force trauma. As Lombardi begins looking into her life, he enlists Molly’s help in finding people who knew the woman and might have had a motive for killing her. Molly comes across a cold case from fifteen years before, which ties into the current investigation somehow - discovering just how the two are connected will endanger her relationship with her father, who has recently wanted to be reconciled after having been absent for most of her life.
Molly and Clara head out to the new shop an antique dealer is opening in their area, with Molly planning to interview her; when they arrive, however, they’re shocked to discover her body, dead of apparent blunt force trauma. As Lombardi begins looking into her life, he enlists Molly’s help in finding people who knew the woman and might have had a motive for killing her. Molly comes across a cold case from fifteen years before, which ties into the current investigation somehow - discovering just how the two are connected will endanger her relationship with her father, who has recently wanted to be reconciled after having been absent for most of her life.
June 29, 2025
This was my favorite book from the entire series. A shop owner is found dead in the office of her business. Of course, Molly & and her mother found the woman. When the police arrived and searched the premises they found a box with ten thousand dollars, a hand gun, and five Civil War coins in near mint condition. The ballistic report finds the gun to be a weapon used to kill a local man ten years ago.
On top of that, Molly learns that her father has married a woman with a home in the town where she lives. He wants to meet her and his grandson.
And this is where the story gets even better!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
4.75 stars
Narration - excellent
Audible owned.
END OF SERIES?
On top of that, Molly learns that her father has married a woman with a home in the town where she lives. He wants to meet her and his grandson.
And this is where the story gets even better!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
4.75 stars
Narration - excellent
Audible owned.
END OF SERIES?
April 12, 2021
I don’t miss Eller Adams’ mysteries, but somehow this series slipped my notice. Molly is a writer and has a knack for discovering dead bodies. I liked the mystery angle, especially this history behind it. Molly has a interesting past which she has to face directly, since her father is back. I thought she was rightfully cautious around her father. The action was fairly paced and the chapters brief. All in all, a good mystery to read and solve. Thanks to Beyond the Page and NetGalley for the early read.
April 15, 2021
Kindle Copy from Net Galley and Beyond the Page Publishing.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Molly is about to interview a female antique dealer but the person ends up dead. She was new to the area and did not have enemies except for an estranged father who suddenly keen on reconciliation as she possesses some mint coins.
Digging into her past will lead to many suspects and those who might want some of her possession. A delightful cozy read in book 23 in the series.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Molly is about to interview a female antique dealer but the person ends up dead. She was new to the area and did not have enemies except for an estranged father who suddenly keen on reconciliation as she possesses some mint coins.
Digging into her past will lead to many suspects and those who might want some of her possession. A delightful cozy read in book 23 in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews