Stealing with Style

Sterling Glass #1

by Emyl Jenkins

"Sterling Glass has built a nice appraisal business in her small Virginia town. She's sought after to examine antiques, research their history, present her clients with approximate values, and help them distinguish good antiques from not so good ones. And when family skeletons are unearthed among the heirlooms, she is the soul of discretion. It's a world she navigates with ease." "But that's before she's called in to examine a diamond brooch found tucked inside an oven mitt over at the Salvation Army thrift store. And before the appraisal of an extremely modest estate turns up a tea urn - hidden inside a blanket - worth at least fifty grand." Things aren't adding up, and Sterling, never one to let go of loose ends, starts asking questions. It's not long before she uncovers an intricate plot involving a slew of antique pieces, the oldest families of Leemont, some sophisticated scammers, crooked antiques dealers, and shifty people at the best New York auction houses. Add to that one elderly man who's just trying to preserve his family's treasured collection of bronze and ivory Art Deco sculptures, and suddenly Sterling finds herself ensnared in a mystery laced with greed, deceit, and danger.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Ebooks, Contemporary

Audiobook

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Emyl Jenkins of Richmond, Virginia, born Mary Louise Joslin, was an internationally known antiques appraiser, prolific writer and author, and engaging speaker. She was a graduate of Mary Washington College and held a Masters in English from the University of Virginia. She was involved with many arts and cultural activities including the Library of Virginia, Virginia Governor's Mansion Citizen Advisory Committee, Garden Club of Virginia, James River Writers, Virginia Press Women, North Carolina Ballet, and the Arts Council of North Carolina State University.

She worked at two auction houses and wrote numerous books and articles on antiques, as well as a syndicated column. Jenkins's first antiques book, Why You're Richer Than You Think (later reissued as Emyl Jenkins' Appraisal Book) landed her a 3-day stint on Good Morning, America. She was the author of Emyl Jenkins’ Southern Christmas, The Book of American Traditions, and From Storebought to Homemade, among others.

A lady of superior accomplishments, Emyl brought happiness to the many people she encountered throughout her distinguished career. Emyl requested that her friends "think happy thoughts."

Reviews

[Martin Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's never easy--or perhaps fair to other Goodreaders--to review a friend's book. The late Emyl Jenkins was a Southern legend, a warm, witty woman, who introduced me to the term "gracious living." There's much of just that kind of living detailed on the pages of STEALING WITH STYLE, great riffs about food and furniture and antiques and high-end auction houses. Better yet, the plot's solid, the writing's darn good and Emyl can be both sly and funny. This is a "cozy mystery"--a genre label I'm embarrassed to admit I've just discovered after my arrival on Goodreads--that flawlessly travels from depression glass to back-alley intrigue and never misses a beat.

[La Crosse County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally published August 2005

What happens when an antique appraiser becomes an author and an author becomes a junk picker? The results are two wonderful new books which will appeal to collectors and shoppers of all kinds.

Stealing With Style, written by long-time antique appraiser Emyl Jenkins, is the first in a series of mysteries featuring the lovable, smart, and interesting middle-aged heroine, Sterling Glass. Appraiser-turned-author Jenkins weaves likable characters with expert information about antiques and the world behind them to create this wonderful novel.

“The antiques market is a lot like the stock market. Glamorous on the surface. Sizzling and seething just one layer down.” -Pg. 2

This is one of those books that will leave you anxiously awaiting the next mystery in the series!

See also:

That Might Be Useful resulted from author Naton Leslie’s decision to buy only used necessities whenever possible. Leslie’s odd quest takes him from well-heeled auction houses to flea markets, antique shops, and garage sales, with never a guarantee of finding what he needs.

The book is full of entertaining stories about the people he meets and the passion behind America’s second-hand culture. Leslie concludes that once you have opened up the door to the world of castoffs, nothing you find on the shelves of a department store will ever fulfill you again!

These entertaining reads and many more books involving antiquities are available at any La Crosse County Library branch. Come visit us soon!

Find these books and other titles within our catalog.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first cozy mystery I have had the pleasure of reading for a while. I really enjoyed it! The subject matter was unique and it is obvious from the detailed descriptions of the antiques shows the authors knowledge and makes it easy to picture the objects that are described (even to a complete novice). The characters are loveable (except those that aren't supposed to be) and complex (not flat). I think I have stumbled upon another author to follow for something light and fun. And Sterling Glass is the perfect name for the protagonist!

Cute idea, well conceived and executed. I would definitely recommend it, and here is my favorite quote:

"...when you know antiques, you know everything - history, technology, culture. Ah, Sterling, people who think objects are only things have missed a beautiful part of life. Antiques are a reflection, a mirror of our lives and the lives of those who have gone before us. I know." -p. 74

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

We’re told “you can’t judge a book by its cover”.

Oh yes, you often can! In the case of this novel, with its deplorable digital design house, ‘50s “Vanity Faire, Atlantic or mainstream Southern society mag knockoff, middle-aged glam cover”, it is clear that the publisher had little hope for success beyond a modest second tier author run and thus, spent little on book jacket design.

And/or, this purposeful but cheap cover is aimed at a small cohort of middle-aged women readers who like cozy mysteries with a society twist. In any case a cover like this almost invariably drives me off! (and a lot of others, l’ll warrant, men and women alike).

However, like Poppy Brite’s funny, quirky, delightful “struggling New Orleans restauranteur” series - and a number of “old, eccentric but well respected bookseller“ mysteries, this novel has tremendous value-added to speak for it.

Like Ms. (Mr?) Brite’s great New Orleans “newcomers to the dirty, cutthroat, often politicized (restaurant) business” trio (or quartet?) of murder mysteries, this book tutors the reader in the arcane arts of finding, evaluating, *avoiding a ripoff*, and finally getting rid of a piece one has come to love (at least temporarily) at a reasonable (read “business sustaining”) profit.

Most of the old bookseller novels are just as good at drawing the reader, likely a bit of a book lover themselves, into the eccentric, secretive, closed world of old and rare (and simply, junk) book dealers.

Sorry, too much, lol. The foregoing is to say that I usually wouldn’t touch this kind of cozy mystery with its newly-divorced, middle-aged (but likeable) hero, who gets in over her head but deftly extracts herself from danger, solving crimes along the way, with the help of attractive male friends (who she isn’t sure how she feels about) - with a barge pole! Whew. Where’s an editor when you need one!

But, lo and behold, this is worth reading if you are at all interested in the prestigious, sometimes corrupt auction houses, often sleazy ma & pa antiques businesses, the carney-like antique malls and the rare experts in their coveted, specialized fields.

Oh yeah - and it’s surprisingly well written. Maybe 3.5 stars. I’m going to read number 2!

[Bill Glose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modeled after Jenkins’ own life, the protagonist is a happy-go-lucky antique appraiser named Sterling Glass. Each chapter begins with the Q&A portion from her syndicated column, providing helpful information for antiquing neophytes. One example: “To accurately value an antique remember this tip: age + condition + quality + rarity = value. Truly valuable antiques must meet all four criteria. For example, a poor-quality, commonly found piece in bad condition will not be valuable, regardless of its age. And even a fine antique in excellent condition won’t be extremely valuable unless it’s rare.”

Though the Q&A columns are aimed at the general public, antique connoisseurs will appreciate the inside scoop on auction houses and behind-the-scenes dealings with banks and insurance companies. The book is a fast, fun read. It’s mystery lite (i.e. no one gets murdered) with plenty of antiquing information thrown in. Perfect read for a lazy afternoon.

[Kwoomac · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have rarely met a mystery I didn't enjoy, but this was definitely one. Yuck. I should've liked the book since it was about antiques, which I'm interested in. I just didn't like the protagonist, Sterling Glass, or her friends (except Sol, I did like him). Also, there were lots of descriptions of antiques and I had a hard time visualizing them. Then there was the protagonist's mother, who was dead. frequently,Sterling would quote some poet her mother was fond of. okay one meaningful quote, okay. But filling up your story with someone else's poetry, not good. Then, her mother started giving advise from beyond the grave. This bumped the story from 2 stars to 1.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gentle and interesting mystery. The author managed to share a lot of information about antiques without being boring or interfering with the story. This is her only novel so far, but the story ended with the possibility of more with this character. Let's hope so!

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

simple and predictable plot, interesting information about antiques, i actually did learn something reading this book. I didn't really engage with the main character.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you admire antiques or intelligent women or adventure and subterfuge, then you need to check out Stealing with Style. Emly Jenkins first mystery book introduces a smart, capable and adventurous woman who works as an appraiser of antiques. Sterling Glass practices her craft in small town Virginia but her newest find takes her to New York City. There she becomes embroiled in much more than just getting an item to auction. What follows includes threats, scams, danger, twists and turns and lots of antiques. I loved the question and answer on antiques at the beginning of each chapter but equally I also loved the storyline and the eclectic cast of characters that the reader meets in the book. Sterling is a wonderful example of a thoroughly likeable character. This book was both entertaining and engaging and I am looking forward to reading the second, and unfortunately only, book that follows the adventures of Sterling Glass.

[Kshydog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise of an antique appraiser getting into crime solving. Enjoyed the little info question and answer about antiques at beginning of each chapter then using that info. Sterling is finding a way to live without her actual mother but keeps hearing her quotes in her head. The old man Sol with his figurines and molds from his ancestors starts and ends the story. In between is a mystery of antiques being claimed for insurance yet are finding there way to a NY action house. Sterling is realizing that she has an interest in her friend partner, Peter.

[Annmbray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed learning a bit about antiques more than the story. The characters are thinly drawn and the situations were confusing. A bit too many side stories all going on at the same time.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio

[Lawanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A primer on antiques, how auctions work and the wisdom of Sterling Glass’s dead mother: “It’s a shame people don’t read Samuel Johnson anymore.” Audiobook performed by Linda Stephens.

[Jenn Estepp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this one very slow reading. And there was a bit too much going on plot-wise. And I got really tired of Sterling quoting her mama, every other page. But ultimately it came to a very satisfying conclusion.

[Carrie Cantalupo-Sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick fun read.

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly good read about an antiques appraiser who gets caught up with two seemingly unconnected crimes.

[L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Someone else's antique cup of tea, for sure.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An antique dealer helps solve several cases of stolen antiques.

[GERALDINE KLUIBER · Rating 5 out of 5]

stealing with style

A very interesting change of pace and no one was murdered. I will look forward to reading more different mysteries

[Tiffany E-P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavy on details and descriptions of antiques. Didn’t like all the quotes and imaginary conversations with her dead mom.

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting cozy mystery with lots of information about antiques and the world of auction houses. I am always ready to learn something new in the course of reading the story!!!

[Kayleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice cozy mystery. Lots of information on antiques. A mystery that isn't easy to solve on the first page.

[Lizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent cozy with antique appraiser classes built in. I ended up learning some valuable things while enjoying the story. Looking forward to reading the second installment, although I am sad that there were only two books in the series due to the untimely death of the author.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stealing with Style is a "who-stole-it" mystery. It's not really a "puzzle it out before the heroine" mystery since the heroine has more knowledge about antiques (which is why she's involved) than the reader probably does. It's only because of her knowledge that anyone realizes what's wrong. But the mystery was fascinating, convincing, and complex. And I learned a lot about antiques.

The characters were enjoyable and fairly complex. The details about the antiques business were nicely woven into the story and made the story feel realistic.

My only problem was that the author sometimes assumed that the reader knew why an antiques appraiser like Sterling had been consulted--what the insurance agent, for example, wanted her to do. Often, this became clear as Sterling did the job, but I still would have enjoyed a stronger hint from the beginning about why she was called in rather than being left to puzzle it out. And I never did figure out what the insurance agent had expected her to do versus what she ended up doing. This didn't really matter to understanding the story, but I was interested in knowing nonetheless.

There was a very minor amount of bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this as a well-written and enjoyable mystery.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This literate, well-written mystery rises above the mysteries-with-gimmick genre with its complex characters and intricate and believable plot. Sterling Glass is a fifty something antiques appraiser living in Virgina. Her knowlege of eighteenth century antiques and her ability to kindly explain why things are or are not valuable make her an amiable and interesting narrator. She writes a column for a local paper.

She's called to evaluate a silver coffee pot of a recently deceased widow living modestly. It turns out to be an extremely valuable heiloom quality piece that can't quite be explained as a possession of the elderly widow. Sterling's friend who runs the local charity thrift store also finds a brooch stuffed in an oven mitt which also turns out to be a diamond and pearls exquisite piece. This sets Sterling off into an investigation of murder and theft.

There are good books and really good books. This is a really good book!

[Michelle L · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although a light and easy read with a moderate amount of enjoyment and information, it needed not only a bit more energy, but - even for a mind-takes-the-bus book, which is a style with much to recommend it - it had a resounding lack of reality.

Less than half way through I began to realize that the only people I was encountering were invariably good, rich white folk. The only 'ethnic' characters in Sterling's 21st Century USA were a poor (but noble) elderly Jewish man and the equally poor son of some of his acquaintances, hundreds of miles north from Sterling's home, up in Brooklyn, where for years you're more likely to encounter Hispanics, African-Americans and hipsters under 30. All the criminals were poor white folks, plus a couple of auction house members whose antecedents were mixed.

So while it has some pleasant, relaxing and informative aspects, I didn't really enjoy finding myself thrown into sociological musings.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for several reasons. I've heard the author speak about antiques and she was fascinating and this book can be used to fulfill another state (Virginia) in the cozy mystery challenge in which I am now involved. Sterling Glass is an antiques appraiser in a small town in Virginia and she gets involved in uncovering a plot to steal valuable antiques from old and confused people--and I'm getting more like that every day. A really interesting read and I learning a lot about antiques and the world of antique dealers and appraisers. I will definitely read the next book in this series.

[Cynthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to say that I was not terribly impressed with this audiobook. The premise was promising: an antiques appraiser inadvertently drawn into not one but two mysteries involving valuable silver pieces, jewelry, figurines, etc. Unfortunately, it meandered all over the place and by the time the "mystery" was solved, I couldn't possibly have cared any less. I found the most interesting part of the book to be the little "Dear Antiques Expert" questions at the beginning of each chapter. The narrator was quite annoying and I am certain her reading did not help. She. Was. Dramatic. With. Pauses. So. Pregnant. I. Smelled. Baby. Poop... Ack. Get on it already.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first in the series, and as delightful as the second (which I read first). The author has obviously read many mysteries (the protagonist makes side references to some during the story). I still like the factual information about antiques incorporated into the story. The best part? After completing this one, I realized that everyone stays fully clothed throughout! So though Sterling Glass (the appraiser in the story) has romantic inclinations toward 2 characters (one of them an ex-minister), there is no bed-hopping. Very unusual....

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a different book than what I usually read which made it refreshing. I don't know if I have ever read a book centered around antiques. I liked how each chapter started with a letter to the antique expert with the expert's answer. Not only did I learn a little about antiques but the topics were always woven into that chapter in some way so that when the reference was made, I understood the relevance of the information. Very nice. The main character is likeable and there is a lot of potential for making this into a series - very different than any mystery series out there.