Antiques Fate

Barbara Allan

Apr 2016 · A Trash ‘n’ Treasures Mystery Book 10 · Kensington Cozies

About this ebook

A village festival offers a Shakespeare play, an antiques sale—and a murder: “Surely one of the funniest cozy series going.”—Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine
 
Brandy Borne’s exceedingly eccentric mother, Vivian, has been invited to perform her one-woman interpretation of “the Scottish play” (sometimes called Macbeth)—with different hats for different characters—at the neighboring town of Old York's annual fête. The weekend festival celebrates the quaint village's English flavor. Brandy, sensing a possible theatrical disaster, and savvy shih tzu Sushi, sensing possible doggy treats, tag along with the scene-stealing septuagenarian.

As soon as they arrive in the cozy hamlet, tragedy strikes: the theater owner drops dead onstage while giving Vivian the grand tour. That wasn't in the script and before they know it, Brandy and Vivian are entangled in a progressively perilous murder plot. Besides the cream teas and Chippendale chairs, it seems there are skeletons lurking among Old York's charming pubs and enticing antiques stalls …

When a second victim turns up mysteriously murdered, the dynamic duo knows they've got to step into the spotlight. But the remorseless killer seems to be well rehearsed for the Borne girls…and won't leave even the smallest detail of their demise to fête!
 
“Brandy and her eccentric mother make a hilarious team of snoops.”—Joan Hess

Includes Brandy Borne's tips on antiques fairs!

Ratings and reviews

Antiques Fate by Barbara Allan is the tenth book in the Trash n’ Treasure Mystery series. Brandy Borne is enjoying some quiet time with her boyfriend, Tony Cassato (Chief of Police in Serenity) when they are interrupted by Brandy’s mother, Vivian. Vivian is excited because she was just hired to perform her one woman MacBeth (with hats) at the Old York annual fete (the play is as ridiculous as it sounds). Vivian will perform at the New Vic Theater (replica of Old Victorian Theater in England) in Old York. Of course, this means that Brandy will be going to Old York with her mother. Brandy is the one who hands her mother the various hats and her designated driver (Vivian had her license taken away). They arrive in Old York and meet with the New Vic Theater owner, Millicent Marlowe (prefers Millie). Millie gives them a tour of the theater and they meet her grandson, Chad Marlow (Artistic Director for theater). Then Millie drops dead. Vivian uses her phone to contact Sheriff Rudder (who Vivian has on speed dial). Was Millie’s death accidental or intentional? Turns out that there is a controversy in the town. Millie was on the Boards of Trustees for the town which has six members. Half are for keeping the town quaint and old-fashioned (which draws in tourists). The other three members want to allow changes (modernization) to the town. With the vote always 3 to 3 nothing gets done. Is someone trying to change that outcome? Unfortunately, Millie’s death is just the first (three more to follow). Vivian decides she must investigate and insists that Brandy help her. Can they find the killer in time? Will people enjoy Vivian’s rendition of MacBeth? Antiques Fate was just too ridiculous (daffy) for me to enjoy. Vivian’s character is extremely over-the-top (daft) and annoying. It is her way or the highway. The book is told from a first-person perspective mostly from Brandy’s point-of-view, but Vivian is allowed a few chapters to rant (mostly about herself and how she is right). Brandy comes across as a lackey doing her mother’s bidding. The mystery was the best part of the novel. It was complex with twists and turns (I loved it). It is a shame that the rest of the novel was not of the same standard. I just did not enjoy the ridiculousness (it just seemed farfetched). I give Antiques Fate 3 out of 5 stars (because of the mystery). I have tried to like this series, but it is just not for me (other people will love it). Antiques Fate can be read alone. The author does a good job of filling in the readers on the characters and what has happened previously (the main details). The ending leaves us with a clue on the sparks that will fly in the next novel. I received a complimentary copy of Antiques Fate from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

Another cute story and a very easy, quick read.

About the author

BARBARA ALLAN is the joint pseudonym of acclaimed short story writer Barbara Collins (Too Many Tomcats) and her husband, New York Times bestselling novelist and Mystery Writers of America Grandmaster Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition). Their previous collaborations have included one son, a short story collection, and eleven novels. They live in Iowa in a house filled with trash and treasures. Learn more about them at www.maxallancollins.com and at www.barbaraallan.com.