Hidden Riches

July 4, 1994
There are many riddles to unravel in Nora Roberts's latest novel before the chain of seemingly random murders and robberies swirling around a lovely Philadelphia antiques dealer can be resolved. There's no mystery, however, about why Roberts is a bestselling author of romances and mainstream novels: she delivers the goods with panache and wit. This time out, she skillfully blends a stirring love story with nonstop suspense, effortlessly shifting from melodrama to light comedy. Antiques dealer Dora Conroy's hidden riches start with the painting she bids for at a local auction, unaware of the treasure it conceals. Then there's her new tenant, handsome, brooding Jed Skimmerhorn, who moves into the apartment above her shop. Though the ex-cop and scion of a wealthy Philadelphia family first appears rude and rough, he surprises Dora with acts of tenderness. And Dora needs plenty of TLC after her shop is broken into, she's nearly raped and she learns that others who purchased goods from a particular shipment at the auction are turning up dead. Joining forces with Dora to track down the culprits behind the thefts and murders, Jed is drawn into the life of the effervescent Dora and her endearingly eccentric theatrical family. Readers will be too. Reader's Digest Condensed Book; Literary Guild and Doub le day Book Club alternate .