Stars: 2 / 5
My Recommendation: Although it was a decent book, it disappointed me a lot. Perhaps I was expecting it to be on the lines of Garage Sale Mystery Books. Specially with one of the character being manipulative and abusive and taking advantage. Some things need to be ethically written to be enjoyable.
Antiques Frame is the eleventh book in the A Trash “n” Treasures Mystery series by Barbara Allan first published on April 25, 2017. Barbara Allan is the joint pseudonym of acclaimed short story writer Barbara Collins and New York Times bestselling mystery novelist Max Allan Collins.
While Barbara Borne and her mother Vivian Borne run a successful reality TV series Antique Sleuths in the town of Serenity, Iowa, they get embroiled in a mystery. However this time around Brandy Borne is put in a frame for a murder no less. And now its up to her kooky mother to help her out of the jam, else they will be the next victims of this clever murderer.
I found this at a recent book sale in my local library. The title and the fact that it is a Trash “n” Treasures mystery pulled me towards it to add it to my book bag. I have watched all the movies that were made under the “Garage Sale Mysteries” umbrella by Hallmark Mysteries and Movies which has a similar concept of antiques and treasures and trash. Well, here is my take on the book.
The book is written in first person narration – some chapters by Barbara Borne and some by Vivian Borne. In between the lines, author Allan includes bits and pieces of past books that have been released in the series, and their connection to what currently is happening in this book. We get to read snippets about these – Antiques Knock-off (#5); Antiques Con (#8); Antiques Swap (#9); Antiques Fate (#10) and Antiques St. Nicked (third e-book).
Author Allan’s characters digress a lot – some are humorous; some relevant; and some way off the path of the plot. Apart from sharing tips on antiquing, author also provides recipes for some delicious food. In this book we see recipes for Kartoffelsuppe (Potato Soup); Bacon and Egg Omelet (Flaeskeaeggekage).
Amateur detectives normally have their quirks and special detective skills that helps them, and in some cases saves them, and eventually they come out on top and solving cases even before the law enforcement. So I tend to accept their quirks and their odd skills when an author uses them to boost their amateur detectives.
However, in this case Vivian Borne has more than her share of quirks that actually irked me. She doesn’t hesitate to blackmail a person to get information even though she uses flattery and pleading as generously as possible. It bothered me that Vivian’s character is no heroine, but close to a villain or a heroine with a dark side. And she takes great pleasure in seeing others cringe and squirm when she blackmails them.
She also abuses her daughter a lot, in the name of giving her the support that she needs. But in reality Vivian has her own mind, and doesn’t care if she hurts her daughter in the process. I didn’t understand how Brandy tolerated her mother. That didn’t sit well with me. Aren’t these amateur detectives supposed to be doing good? Or are they exempted because of the greater good?
And who would want to get arrested themselves to get into the jail to help their daughter? Prudent thing to do would be to work with the law enforcement to help clear her name and get her out of jail. I didn’t understand why Author Allan even got that scene into their plot…and a total wastage of a good chapter in trying to get their character arrested. It didn’t make sense to me at all.
Being the first book that I am reading in the series, perhaps I am giving benefit of doubt to Tony Cassato. However being the Chief of Police, and being the lover of one the leads, Brandy, it surprised me how much spineless was his character.
Author Allan did put considerable humor to offset the irritating quirks of Vivian. A bunch of retired men call themselves as ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out); and Vivian forms her own group JULIETS (Just Us Ladies into Eating Together). Very funny indeed.
The rest of the characters created by Allan including the other half of the amateur sleuths Barbara are actually pretty good and their portrayal is realistic, and appealing to the readers. I believe that was the saving grace for this book. Oh, along with mentioning my favorite cop Columbo. 😛 The concept of showing that the main characters are writing this a journal or a novel for their reality show was definitely unique and different.
Although it was a decent book, it disappointed me a lot. Perhaps I was expecting it to be on the lines of Garage Sale Mystery Books which have an amateur sleuth in the form of a married woman with two kids and a plethora of supporting friends. However, there is no Vivian Borne in there to cause the irritation.
Spoiler Alerts:
Book Trivia and Plot Reveals:
- The book has a page at the opening that shows a map of the town the lead characters live in.
2. Barbara’s friends and family – Anthony “Tony” Cassato, Serenity’s Chief of Police; Sushi, a Shih Tzu dog owned by Vivian; Rocky, Tony’s dog; Jake, her 14 yr old son living with her ex in Chicago.
3. Staff of the reality show Antique Sleuths – Phillip “Phil” Dean, producer / director; Jamal Jeffers, camera assistant; Steve Ballad, soundman; Jena Hernandez, assistant director.
4. Other characters – Gerald and Loretta Klein, antique store and auction house owners; Dexter Klein, works for the Kleins; Officer Mia Cordona; Heather, forensic tech; Officer Munson; Wayne Ekhardt, Vivian’s longtime attorney; Officer Kelly; Officer Schultz.
5. Barbara and Tony are in an relationship but is marred by the arrival of his estranged wife Camilla Cassato. Tony also has a daughter who is in a private school somewhere.
6. Barbara’s birth mother was Peggy Sue married to Senator Edward Clark, who was her father too. I wonder which book that story was revealed.
Grammatical / Character / Plot / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
- On pg. 1 (the page that has Tinseltown Reporter), Line 10 from bottom, it should be “…nowhere to be seen…”
- On Pg. 40 Line 15, it should be “…I could do was lower…”
- The shih tzu dog that the Bornes own is named Sushi. However in two occasions it is called as Soosh – once on Pg. 103; second time on Pg. 189 – Is that an endearment or mistake?
- On Pg. 146, Vivian is supposed to be near the book 812.08. But On Pg. 147, she is shown to be beside 813.08.
Galavant Reflections 