Today, Hartford Books Examiner reviews Deadly Threads (Minotaur Books, $24.99) by Jane K. Cleland-- the sixth installment of the Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries.
Josie Prescott in an antiques appraiser who owns her own business (Prescott’s Antiques & Auctions) in Rocky Point, New Hampshire—a quiet coastal town that could potentially rival Jessica Fletcher’s beloved Cabot Cove for the highest body count per capita. Josie is a transplant from New York, where she worked for a major auction house before blowing the whistle on a price-fixing scandal and being run out of the city.
Cleland’s protagonist uses her knowledge of antiques to solve crimes, and Deadly Threads introduces the world of vintage clothing into the fray. Prescott’s has recently opened a boutique, and it is during a topical workshop that guest lecturer Riley Jordan is found dead. Josie’s friendship with the victim coupled with the fact that one of her employees becomes embroiled in the subsequent police investigation creates ensure that she will never be far from the action.
Interests of both a personal and professional nature motivate Josie to explore Riley’s marriage (which may have suffered a philandering husband) and acquaintanceships, and surprising revelations and red herrings abound. Along the way, she imparts wisdom of the appraisal process as it pertains to the world of aged clothing and jewelry--Cleland once owned an antiques & rare books business, and her simple but informative explanations lend authenticity to the plot--which ultimately serves as a reminder that knowledge may be power but it can also prove deadly…
Of course, Cleland writes traditional (or “cozy”) mysteries, and so the opportunity to rejoin old friends—including Josie’s enigmatic receptionist-turned-chief cashier/administrative manager Gretchen, Police Chief Ellis Hunter and kind-hearted boyfriend Ty—is as compelling a draw as the crime itself. In fact, the people who populate Prescott’s are portrayed with such warmth and reverie that you can’t help but embrace them. (The author also introduces a new four-legged friend—the silvery faced Hank—that cat lovers will adore).
Deadly Threads is an intelligent and intricately plotted mystery that is written with uncommon grace. Cleland delivers all the familiar elements that fans have come to expect while also expanding her repertoire of collectibles and continuing to reveal layers of her characters, who become more complex with each entry. While the book may not qualify as an antique just yet, one could make the argument that it’s a modern classic…
***
In celebration of the release of Deadly Threads, Jane K. Cleland will be giving away a vintage Pucci purse. Those interested in participating need to fill out a form that is available on the author’s web site. The contest is open to residents living in the United States only, and the deadline for entry is May 31, 2011.
Comments