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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Even better than the first of the series!, October 18, 2006
JB Stanley has found even greater success than in her first book of the series: "A Killer Collection." The best part of the book is the characters and their continued development, both the original cast from the first book and the new entrants. The quirks and variety of fun, yet very realistic, personalities has the reader quickly flipping the pages to see how they resolve the latest mystery and the murder amongst them. A true pleasure to read, I can't wait for the next one!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A quaint romp through the world of antiques!, March 15, 2007
Thirty-something, plus-sized collectible queen, Molly Appleby, has always had a soft spot for the antique world. So when she lands a job as a writer for Collector's Weekly, she knows that it's her chance to showcase her knowledge of the collectible's world. And, while she must contend with an oft-times nicotine-crazed boss, the fact that she's constantly on the road covering different collector's stories takes the edge off. This time, however, as Molly heads to Richmond, Virginia to cover the taping of Hidden Treasures, an antiques show, she finds herself wanting nothing more than to stay behind and cozy up with her would-be boyfriend, and co-worker, Mark, attempting to get their relationship off the ground. However, that's not the way things are going at the moment, and Molly instead finds herself tango-ing with a Brit named Garrett, who just happens to be affiliated with Hidden Treasures. As Molly digs into the world of TV, she learns more and more about the world of Hidden Treasures - including some dark-rooted secrets about the cast. However, it's the Civil War exhibit that interests her more than anything else. Molly finds herself salivating over old coins, antique desks, and even a few stranger items. Now, however, people have begun arriving for the show - hoping to make a killing with their so-called antique items. But Molly finds herself torn away from looking over the loot that some of these people own, when she stumbles upon the body of Frank Sterling, the main appraiser for Hidden Treasures. Frank is hunched over in his car on a steaming summer day, dead as an antique door. This is, of course, right after Frank has inspected an eighteenth-century desk complete with secret compartments - which were filled with a strange black, inky substance. Molly is sure that Frank's inspection of the antique desk has something to do with his untimely demise. Yet everyone surrounding her seems to think that her idea is absolutely ludicrous. Still, Molly is not quick to back down. And, with the help of her darling mother, Clara, Molly begins digging around for clues. When another murder takes place, however, Molly believes that something more sinister is at work, and knows that, if she doesn't act soon, her body may be the next one on ice. Of course, in the world of antiques, working on one mystery at a time is not an option, and when Molly realizes that a nosy little twerp named Brittani has taken the position as the new receptionist at Collector's Weekly, she comes to the conclusion that she's purposely sabotaging any messages that Mark leaves for her and vice versa. Now, Molly must figure out a way to fix the jealous-ridden Brittani, while at the same time saving her own hide from an untimely demise - before it's too late.
While the most I have ever collected are comic books, mystery novels, and, in the past, pogs, I found myself instantly drawn in to J.B. Stanley's A FATAL APPRAISAL. Stanley makes the antique/collectibles world interesting with her explanations of secret compartments, and the rarity of certain items. Her information is widespread, covering everything from matchbox cars to old furniture, and, while the reader comes away having learned something about the collectibles world, they in no way feel that they have been spoken down to, or forced to suffer through textbook-like explanations. Molly is an enchanting character. Her ability to get along with just about anyone is admirable, while her observations of everyone around her really make it hard for the reader to figure out who, exactly, the true culprit is. As a food lover, I was also happy to note that Stanley placed some expertise on describing fancy restaurants, and the food Molly consumed, which made me feel as if I were reading a collectible/food mystery; while the backdrop of a quaint Bed & Breakfast really drew me in, and certainly gives readers the opportunity to get a feel for the wonderful town of Richmond. While she is very scarcely featured within the pages, I also must admit that I enjoyed Brittani's character, and hope that we will see Molly face off against her in the future. Brittani's snippy attitude, and condescending voice is entertaining; while her jealousy makes her come off as vicious. I think that Molly and Brittani will certainly have much to discuss about their relationship in the future; and, personally, I can't wait to see how their relationship grows from here. A quaint romp through the world of antiques!
Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Barb Radmore, January 24, 2007
As the writer for the magazine Collector's Weekly Molly Applegate travels to cover all things collectible. In her latest assignment Molly is to cover the hit tv show Hidden Treasures (a fictional Antiques Roadshow). Although she is reluctant to leave her budding office romance with Mark, the magazine's Marketing Director, she is anxious for the chance to see the behind the scenes workings of the popular tv show. After settling into the lovely and cozy bed and breakfast run by the friendly Mrs. Hewell, she goes to the Museum at which the show is being filmed. Many of the cast prove to be nice, open people who are eager to share their knowledge and expertise. But not everyone is so forthcoming and anxious to help. Frank Sterling, the star appraiser, and his wife, who is also the host of the show, are not the friendly type, not with cast members, strangers or even each other. But it is still a surprise when Frank goes missing, only to be found by Molly dead in his car. The police are not sure it is murder until the second body appears.
The setting of the book and the series in the world of collectibles is a brilliant one with limitless potential for story lines. The addition of a story from the past woven into the story in the present is a wonderful glimpse into history. Even in this work of fiction, it highlights the importance of preserving pieces of our heritage. The last chapter "A Brief Note on Hiding Places in Antique Furniture" with pictures of examples of hidden compartments is informative and interesting.
This book can stand alone as a mystery but it would be interesting to see if some of the characters were introduced more thoroughly in the previous book, especially Clara, Molly's mother. It will be fun to see the character of Molly grow as the stories continue. It is not difficult to figure out who dun it but finding out why is an entertaining search.
Molly Appleby was first introduced in A Killer Collection. This is the second in J.B. Stanley's A Collectible Mystery series. She is also the author Carbs and Cadavers, the first in the Supper Club Series.
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