Antiques Slay Belles - (Trash 'n' Treasures Mystery) by Barbara Allan

Book Synopsis

Former sheriff, talented thespian and delightfully eccentric true-crime author Vivian Borne hunts down a Christmas killer in the new Trash 'n' Treasures cozy mystery - "one of the funniest cozy series going" (Ellery Queen Magazine)

It's five days before Christmas, and Vivian Borne - septuagenarian antiques dealer, true-crime writer and enthusiastic amateur sleuth - and her long-suffering daughter Brandy are preparing a presentation of holiday antiques at the local country club's annual Christmas luncheon.

Distracted by their secret Santa gifts, the ladies of the club, to Vivian's dismay, are not giving her and her antique sleigh bells the attention they deserve. But when Norma Crumley, socialite and world-class gossip, falls face first into her plum pudding, it seems Santa has also delivered the sleuthing mother and daughter a present: a cracker of a case!

Christmas in small-town Serenity is (usually) a magical time. Can Vivian and Brandy - not forgetting Shih Tzu sidekick Sushi - make a killing from their holiday antiques, catch a devious murderer, and wrap up the case in time to eat their festive microwave turkey dinners?

Review Quotes

Delightfully quirky . . . For those fond of feel-good cozies, Allan delivers-- "Publishers Weekly on Antiques Fire Sale"

This humorous cozy with its multiple plot twists is framed by close family relationships, a lovingly detailed setting, and information about antiques-- "Booklist on Antiques Carry On"

Vivian and Brandy share narrative duties, and their amusing commentary provides much of the book's appeal. Allan consistently entertains-- "Publishers Weekly on Antiques Carry On"

A mystery that has it all: humor, zany characters, antiquing tips, and recipes to brighten your day-- "Kirkus Reviews on Antiques Foe"

Amusing escapades and tips on antique buying-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Amusing mystery chockablock with antiques lore-- "Kirkus Review on Antiques Liquidation"

Best for readers of cozy mysteries who enjoy small-town living, humor with a side of murder, and cute canine companions-- "Library Journal on Antiques Liquidation"

Framed by small-town life in Iowa, with interesting details on antiques, this fun cozy includes recipes and tips on collecting sports memorabilia-- "Booklist on Antiques Foe"

Humorous asides and loads of antique lore . . . Allan delivers the cozy goods-- "Publishers Weekly on Antiques Liquidation"

This humorous, conversational cozy, lovingly set in the Mississippi River town of Serenity, is framed with details about antiques and tips for collecting Christmas collectibles-- "Booklist"