If you like cozy mysteries, here’s a series to put on your to-be-read list!
Hidden Treasure by Jane K. Cleland
Josie Prescott series #13
Genre: Cozy mystery
Publication: 8 December 2020, St. Martin’s/Minotaur
The discovery of a mysterious antique trunk leads to a disappearance—and murder—in the latest in this beloved cozy series set on the rugged New Hampshire coast, Jane K. Cleland’s Hidden Treasure.
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. (blurb from Netgalley)
My thoughts
I’ve mentioned before that cozy mysteries aren’t my favorite subgenre in the suspense/mystery category. But after reading several in the past year or so, I think they’re growing on me!
I had not read any of Jane K. Cleland’s Josie Prescott series, but it didn’t take long for Josie to win me over. There are a lot of characters introduced, but Cleland does a good job establishing who’s who without unnecessary backstory fluff.
Josie’s profession as an antiques dealer means she observes many complex family dynamics as relatives deal with possessions, etc. She has some great insights into why Maudie Wilson’s nieces, Celia and Stacy, are bickering and vying for dominance in the family, and as she mentions to her husband Ty, it’s sad. The only thing to do, she says, is to stay out of it. As someone who’s watched this dynamic play out in extended family, her insights ring true to me.
But will Josie be able to stay clear of Celia and Stacy and Maud’s drama? The answer: nope. We wouldn’t get this charming mystery if she minded her own business!
Josie is warm-hearted and immensely likable. She’s a winning heroine: thorough, professionally knowledgeable, curious, and sympathetic to other people. While she’s a bit of a busybody, she has a kind heart. It’s a great combination.
The story flows forward easily, tugging me into its power, but not like a thriller would, with heart stopping moments of action. But in true cozy fashion, it embraces the reader with a warm tone, interesting details, and keen insights into the human heart.
A few quibbles . . .
A few of the plot points didn’t quite make sense. The method (or rather the reasoning behind using this method) that the police use to capture a suspect is illogical. It also doesn’t make sense that Ellie, the police chief, asks Josie to help question a person of interest, even if she is the expert in an area he wants that person to discuss. Nor does it make sense for her to share any investigative information with a pesky reporter.
As with all cozy mysteries, I have to suspend my disbelief in certain aspects, such as people being willing to talk about a friend to a non-law enforcement stranger. At least in this book, a few people push back and refuse to talk to Josie. After all, she is not law enforcement, and as the police chief Ellis reminds her, she has no business investigating.
4 stars
All in all, though, the book is well-written. I enjoyed wiling away the hours with Josie Prescott. The ending is a sweet one that scores points for being heart-warming without being sentimental and sappy. A solid four stars.
One favorite thing . . .
I felt that the author is quite knowledgeable about the antique business. Though I’m not terribly interested in antiques per se, her descriptions are beautiful. It’s fascinating to watch Josie and her colleagues assess pieces and what makes one piece valuable and others not-so-valuable. I felt Josie’s excitement over the old pieces that others might not see as impressive.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Like this? Read that!
If you enjoy the cozy subgenre, check out The Clutter Corpse by Simon Brett, about a professional organizer/hoarding expert who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Also check out the indie cozy/quirky mystery Survival Can Be Deadly by Charlotte Stuart.
[…] When the finding of an old trunk leads to murder, antiques appraiser/dealer Josie Prescott investigates. While I don’t have any particular interest in antiques, it’s fascinating to watch Josie go about her work. She’s an endearing busybody with a loving husband, a new house, and quirky friends. And a cat. It seems like a prerequisite that all cozy heroines must have a cat (or two). Link to my review: Hidden Treasure by Jane K. Cleland […]