Antiques

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After her mom makes a counterfeit confession, an antiques dealer must find the real murderer: “A sure-fire winner.”—Publishers Weekly Brandy Borne is pretty sure her “charmingly eccentric” (a.k.a. “off her meds”) mother, Vivian, didn't kill that viperous mousy-haired busybody Connie Grimes. But there's the small matter of her guilty plea. . ..While Mother blithely adapts to life behind bars by organizing a jailhouse theater troupe, seven-months-pregnant Brandy and her intrepid shih tzu, Sushi, trundle into a morass of fake antiques and faux collectibles. In the dog days of summer, they'd better not bark up the wrong tree—or a scheming killer just may put the bite on them… “An often amusing tale complete with lots of antiques-buying tips and an ending that may surprise you.”—Kirkus Reviews "If you like laugh-out-loud mysteries, this one will make your day." --Romantic Times (4.5 stars) Praise for Barbara Allan and the Trash ‘n' Treasures Mystery Series. . . "You'll laugh out loud as Brandy and Vivian bumble their way through murder investigations in far-from-serene Serenity, Iowa." --Mystery Scene "One of the funniest cozy series going." --Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine

“Sixteen dealers, sixteen keys. What a nightmare!” exclaimed the detective. A body has been discovered in a blanket chest at Cider Run Antiques. Could there be a murderer among the dealers at the popular and picturesque shop? Marv, retired history professor and founding partner, doesn’t think so, even though these are people with strong passions about antiques – and occasionally each other. Things had gone so well the first two years, the historic 18th-century stone building a perfect backdrop to showcase antiques. Everyone was enthusiastic, antiques-savvy, and caught up in their new venture. The shop was a stunning success. Yet there must have been something beneath the surface of high-spirited banter and good times, something unseen that would culminate in tragedy. The dealers decide to hold a marathon talk session to help solve the murder, but will the answer destroy Cider Run? Antiques To Die For is both a mystery and a glimpse into the dynamics of a thriving antiques business. Set in the Appalachians of central Pennsylvania, the story combines history, antiques lore, lively shop interplay, and collectors’ obsessions to tell its tale.

A broken engagement prompts Julia Morgan to move to San Francisco in search of a new life. The first letter at her new address is from her Aunt Ada of Pensacola, Florida, pleading for help. She believes there is a conspiracy afoot to deprive her of her antique collection. Out of work and low on funds Julia wonders how to respond. Over the years Aunt Ada has gifted her with a few ancient items. An appraisal proves them to be valuable and a source of funding for a trip to Pensacola. Julia enters the world of antiques expecting boredom. She encounters excitement, danger, and romance.

The lure of antiques, an unfolding love affair, mystery and malice, set in an achingly beautiful remote location. It’s said that Cross County keeps its secrets. The detective spread out his hands in a gesture of defeat. “They didn’t want our report; they’d do their own investigation. My chief told me to leave things alone, given Cross County’s reputation for insularity and truculence.” Deep in the Appalachians of southern Pennsylvania lies Cross County, its coal mines closed decades ago, leaving it poor and struggling. Until now. Thanks to the rich Marcellus Shale gas deposits, the county is having an economic boom, and the financially strapped Colton Area School District is starting to recover. Then someone sets fire to one of the elementary schools, and among the ashes are found the charred remains of the district Superintendent. Jerry noted the frenetic activity as he drove into Colton to take the job of Acting Superintendent. This wasn’t your usual down-at-the-heels rural school district, he thought, his interest growing. Things were buzzing, and as Superintendent he’d get to harness that buzz to make real improvements in education. And, astonishingly, find himself in love. But he’d also have to deal with old resentments, new opportunism, entrenched loyalties, and a long tradition of … arson. By the author of Antiques To Die For, the first book in a series on antiques and murder.

Antiques maintain a fascinating and magical allure. The business attracts creative, sometimes larger-than-life colourful characters. And although the boom years of the 1990s have passed, most rogues and fly-by-night dealers have fallen by the wayside. It is imperative today that a professional air is exercised to make a living. Even though involvement in the industry may be as small or large as one likes - a part-time hobbyist, collector, enthusiast, or professional dealer - various rules and regulations have emerged to help provide fair trading and credibility in this industry that sets it apart from any other retail business. The subject is so diverse that it has no beginning and no end. It can stretch one's expertise, knowledge, and entrepreneurship in every direction, which is why it so often appeals to retired professionals and ex-business people with a proven track record. Having been involved with the high-end antiques industry for 25 years, starting as a hobby and working through all the various stages, including owning/co-directing two professional businesses, the author thought it would be interesting to look back and analyse the process for others. A Beginner's Guide to Becoming an Antiques Dealer describes in concise, easy-to-read, fun terms a beginner's entry point. Most everyone will someday inherit antique or collector's items, and popular television series show the vast interest in the topic. Isn't it time you learned from the professionals?

Past meets present in this stylish guide to decorating modern homes with heirlooms and antiques. Designer and antiques dealer Tara Shaw is a respected supplier of French and European antiques for a host of AD100 and Elle Decor A-listers, including Bobby McAlpine, Mary McDonald, and Bunny Williams. In her first book, she helps readers understand how to select the best antiques and how to use them in a variety of decor schemes. The book presents never-before-published spaces from Shaw’s portfolio and reveals her favorite antique-hunting spots throughout Europe. Anecdotes from years of treasure hunting are accompanied by images of rare and precious finds, with text that decodes just how to choose the right pieces and display them in a contemporary interior. Readers will be able to look at each space and take away ideas they can apply to their own homes, to create personalized rooms full of provenance and beauty.

A former antique hunter investigates the suspicious death of her estranged mentor at an isolated English manor and is drawn back into the dangerous world of repatriating stolen artifacts in this irresistible mystery debut for fans of Richard Osman. Freya, it’s up to you to finish what I started… Freya Lockwood has avoided the quaint English village where she grew up for the last twenty years. That is, until her eccentric Aunt Carole breaks the news that Arthur Crockleford, antiques dealer and Freya’s estranged mentor, has unexpectedly died. Then Freya receives a letter from Arthur, sent just days before his death, warning her that she is in danger. Suspecting he may have been murdered, she and Carole begin to investigate. When they discover Arthur’s journals and an invitation to an antiques enthusiasts’ weekend, Freya finds herself pulled back into a life she swore to leave behind. Once more Freya is on the hunt. Following the clues and her rusty antique hunting instincts, she and Carole attend the retreat at an old manor where all is not as it seems. The antiques are bad reproductions, and the other guests are menacing and secretive. Can Freya and Carole solve the mystery before the killer strikes again?