Rating: Really Liked It!
Source: Publisher
Description: When antiques expert Josie Prescott finds a mysterious trunk, no one thinks it could lead to murder. Josie, the owner of Prescott’s Antiques & Auctions, and her new husband, Ty, have finally found their dream home, a Victorian beauty on the beach known in the town of Rocky Point as the “Gingerbread House.” It was recently vacated by Maudie Wilson, an aging widow, whose concerned nieces have moved her into a nearby assisted living facility. Josie befriends Maudie, who seems surprisingly sharp, considering her family’s doubts about her soundness of mind.
As Josie and Ty joyfully begin renovations on the Gingerbread House, the nieces report that Maudie, in her forgetfulness, may have left behind an old trunk, which she’s desperate to get back. Sure enough, Josie finds the trunk inside a hidden compartment, and within it a jewel-encrusted box holding a sculpture of a cat. Josie can understand the sense of urgency about getting the objects back—they look valuable, and not just in the sentimental sense.
But when Josie goes to return the box to Maudie, the woman has vanished. And on the floor of her empty apartment lies a corpse, a woman bludgeoned to death. Sick with worry for Maudie’s safety, Josie begins to piece together the clues to the murder. Everyone around her seems to want to pitch in, from Maudie’s family, to the receptionist at the facility, to the young couple helping Josie with her renovations, but with the killer so close to home, Josie has to be on her guard.
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: I love antiques and have enjoyed earlier books in this series.
My Impression: This is one of my favorite series though I will admit it can be a little bit hit or miss. Luckily, in my opinion, this one is very much one of the hits. It was a bit of a complex plot with a murder, stolen valuables, and a missing person who may or may not be missing voluntarily. There's also a subplot involving Josie's neighbor and best friend Zoe. But despite all the goings on this book didn't feel to jumbled and the mystery never felt like it was hiding in the background.
The antique business is one of my very favorite things about this series and while that was a bit lighter in this book I did enjoy that very much. As well, I'm hoping that Josie and Ty's new home is explored in more detail in future books as I wanted more about it!
This was a solid mystery and while I did guess the who and the what on the main issue there were a few side mysteries I was anxiously awaiting the outcome of and the guessing didn't dampen my enjoyment in the slightest. The last couple of cozies I've read have really had a rushed ending where I was left wanting more but that was definitely not the case here. It wasn't too contrived but I was left with all the answers I wanted and got to see a bit of the aftermath.
If you enjoy a light mystery with a touch of history this series is a good one to pick up and this book might just be my favorite yet.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely! I can't wait to see what comes next with Josie, Ty, Zoe, and Ellis.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy cozies and really love a bit of digging into past secrets this is a great series to try.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Love the cover! I think I'd like this series but I "need" to read them in order and with so many books I think I'll pass.
ReplyDeleteWhen you said "hit or miss" this made me think of the Hannah Swensen series which is good in general but once in a while, the whodunit factor isn't that wowing.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear Hidden Treasure was a hit for you. This series is on my list to try.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this series yet, but it sounds like a good one.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great series! I love that there is more going on in this one than the mystery but the mystery doesn't feel pushed aside.
ReplyDeleteTaking note of this one, I don't mind if some in the series are a bit on the miss side, I'm guessing still okay. Will look it up.
ReplyDelete