Antiques to Die For

April 14, 2008
In Cleland's engaging third Josie Prescott mystery to feature the New Hampshire antiques dealer (after 2007's Deadly Appraisal), Josie is stunned to learn that her fun-loving friend, Rosalie Chaffee, has been found, drowned, on the Rocky Point shore. When it becomes clear Rosalie was a victim of foul play, suspicion falls on Rosalie's boss at Heyer's Modular Furniture, his scheming wife and Rosalie's gorgeous volunteer fireman boyfriend. The warm, endearing Josie decides not only to investigate but also to take care of Rosalie's 12-year-old sister, Paige. Aided by a large support group of well-drawn characters headed by her police chief boyfriend, Josie follows such clues as an old diary, an artist's palette and a misplaced tote bag. Among other antique lore, readers will learn the difference between a highboy and a tallboy in this cleverly crafted cozy. Author tour.

March 1, 2008
In her third adventure, antiques appraiser and business owner Josie Prescott investigates when her good friend, Rosalie Chaffee, is found washed up on the local beach in Rocky Point, New Hampshire. There are numerous motives for her murder: Rosalie was being bothered by a persistent secret admirer, and she was having an affair with a married man. Paige, Rosalies younger sister, hires Josie to appraise Rosalies estate and to identify the valuable object Rosalie had told Paige the familyowned. Soon Josie starts receiving unwanted attention from her own secret admirer (or has Rosalies lover transferred his attentions?), prompting Josies boyfriend, police chief Ty Alverez, to offer police protection. The engaging Josie does her best to help Paige both personally and professionally while expanding her business, furthering her romance with Ty. A subplot involving Whistlers palette is entwined through the main story, allowing the author to delve into the antiques authentication process. Anyone who collects antiques will enjoy this satisfying cozy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)