29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another great mystery from Elaine Flinn, October 21, 2005
Elaine Flinn, one of today's best writers of traditional mysteries, returns this month with "Deadly Collection," the latest installment in her charming series about Molly Doyle, an antiques dealer in Carmel, Calif.
Molly is hired to auction the contents of a grand estate that once belonged to a pair of Hollywood set designers. She discovers that the house holds some dark secrets, including possible blackmail, kidnapping and even murder.
As always, Flinn's sly wit, skillful plotting and gift for character raise her work above the norm.
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19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
What a Collection!, April 28, 2006
In the 3rd book in the Molly Doyle Mystery series, what begins like an antique lovers dream turns into a nightmare for Molly.
Molly has worked very hard to improve her life and increase her bank account. She has moved away from the forgery scandal that caused her to flee to Carmel, California and has been able to save some money from managing the small antiques store, Treasures. She has made some good friends in town, including police chief Randall, restaurant owner, Daria, and District Attorney, Lucero. She has taken on the responsibility of raising her niece, Emma and is teaching her the business. However, money has been tight since she had to repay two clients for forgeries she unwittingly sold them, and garage sales have produced little items of value. When Molly is asked to broker an estate sale in the former home of Hollywood set designers, she feels she has no choice but to take on this huge undertaking. Her efforts are thwarted, however, with the arrogance of the heir to the estate, and when a mummy is found in a hidden room, Molly is once again put in the "murder business". Was the mummy authentic, or does it really just hide more family secrets?
Having read both of the previous 2 books, I have to admit that I liked this book the least. I agree with previous reviews that Emma has become annoying, and I am waiting for her to go away to school in future installments. It is a bit unbelievable to me the way that Emma conducts herself...and the way she is constantly butting into conversations becomes distracting. I don't agree that she is spoiled, and she has endured a lot from her mother. However, I believe it is time for Emma to go back to school and go back to being more of a "kid".
I also would like to see Molly's sister return, and for Molly to somehow find the miniatures that were stolen. It seems as though there are quite a few unresolved issues in Molly's life...and I am looking forward to seeing these resolved in future installments.
The 1st book in the series is called "Dealing in Murder". Enjoy!
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I want MORE, please..., September 29, 2005
I've been waiting a year for Elaine Flinn's third Molly Doyle mystery to come out - it was worth it! She just gets better and better with each book.
Thanks for keeping your writing fresh, and making the plots a little more complex with each book. I love it. When's that 4th book coming out??
And congratulations on winning the Barrie Award for Best Paperback Original for 2004! That's so damn cool! (for those who might not know it - these awards are voted on by the readers of Deadly Pleasures magazine...kinda like getting an Emmy!)
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