Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed Collecting Can Be Murder (Carmen de Luca Art Sleuth, Bk 1) on + 649 more book reviews
Dollycas's Thoughts
Following the death of her husband Carmen De Luca retired from being a fine arts and antique recovery specialist but lately her life has become stagnant so when her former partner, Lady Sophie asks her to help with a few cases Carmen quickly agrees.
The first assignment is in rural France and they are searching for a rare medieval prayer book that had disappeared several years ago and was recently purchased by a collector. Lady Sophia was able to get an invite to a party the man is hosting to show off a large collection of valuable books. Using the cover of being a reporter Carmen has persuaded the man to give her an interview but before it can be completed the collector is dead and Carmen was almost killed too. With a storm raging outside all the attendees of the party are forbidden to leave until the authorities arrive. This gives Carmen time to find the book to fulfill their quest and maybe even find the killer.
_____
What a great debut for this series!
I really like Carmen. She can think on her feet and strives to complete the mission. Lady Sophie wasn't as open with Carmen as I thought she should be. Carmen takes a few wrong steps that wouldn't have happened if Sophie had given her all the details and changes that had occurred since Carmen retired. Our victim was a dastardly character. He manipulated everyone with his money and his treasured books. The author did an excellent job fleshing out all the characters and gave enough of a backstory for each to understand their motives and situations.
The mystery was like a classic closed-room mystery. The killer had to be among the attendees of the party or part of the staff. A key piece of evidence reveals a twist but there are plenty more twists and turns following that. I had a great time trying to fit the clues together right along with Carmen.
I really enjoy getting to know about the different antique prayer books. The author's descriptions really piqued my interest so I had to hit the internet to see them with my own eyes. I always enjoy learning new things when I am reading.
Collecting Can Be Murder was an interesting and entertaining cozy mystery. I am excited to see what Ms. Alderson has in store for her characters next. We do know where they are headed and I am sure it will be quite an adventure.
Following the death of her husband Carmen De Luca retired from being a fine arts and antique recovery specialist but lately her life has become stagnant so when her former partner, Lady Sophie asks her to help with a few cases Carmen quickly agrees.
The first assignment is in rural France and they are searching for a rare medieval prayer book that had disappeared several years ago and was recently purchased by a collector. Lady Sophia was able to get an invite to a party the man is hosting to show off a large collection of valuable books. Using the cover of being a reporter Carmen has persuaded the man to give her an interview but before it can be completed the collector is dead and Carmen was almost killed too. With a storm raging outside all the attendees of the party are forbidden to leave until the authorities arrive. This gives Carmen time to find the book to fulfill their quest and maybe even find the killer.
_____
What a great debut for this series!
I really like Carmen. She can think on her feet and strives to complete the mission. Lady Sophie wasn't as open with Carmen as I thought she should be. Carmen takes a few wrong steps that wouldn't have happened if Sophie had given her all the details and changes that had occurred since Carmen retired. Our victim was a dastardly character. He manipulated everyone with his money and his treasured books. The author did an excellent job fleshing out all the characters and gave enough of a backstory for each to understand their motives and situations.
The mystery was like a classic closed-room mystery. The killer had to be among the attendees of the party or part of the staff. A key piece of evidence reveals a twist but there are plenty more twists and turns following that. I had a great time trying to fit the clues together right along with Carmen.
I really enjoy getting to know about the different antique prayer books. The author's descriptions really piqued my interest so I had to hit the internet to see them with my own eyes. I always enjoy learning new things when I am reading.
Collecting Can Be Murder was an interesting and entertaining cozy mystery. I am excited to see what Ms. Alderson has in store for her characters next. We do know where they are headed and I am sure it will be quite an adventure.
