Hidden Riches [Mass Market Paperback]

Nora Roberts (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1995

In Hidden Riches, Nora Roberts unveils the intriguing world of antiques dealing, where a independent woman discovers the price of breathless desire--and the schemes of an obsessed killer.

Dora Conroy has a passion for antiques—and any other rarities she can acquire for her quaint Philadelphia shop. A seasoned dealer, she knows all the tricks of the trade. But she is unprepared for the deadly consequences when she purchases a few curiosities at an auction—and unknowingly brings home a priceless cache that makes her the target of an international criminal. Entwined in a reckless chase, Dora turns to her new neighbor, Jed Skimmerhorn, a cop who’s turned in his badge—and whose desire for lovely Dora puts him back in the line of fire. Fighting their attraction while falling in love, they find that hidden riches can have a most ordinary façade. And that possession can be a lethal obsession…

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

There are many riddles to unravel in Nora Roberts's latest novel before the chain of seemingly random murders and robberies swirling around a lovely Philadelphia antiques dealer can be resolved. There's no mystery, however, about why Roberts is a bestselling author of romances and mainstream novels: she delivers the goods with panache and wit. This time out, she skillfully blends a stirring love story with nonstop suspense, effortlessly shifting from melodrama to light comedy. Antiques dealer Dora Conroy's hidden riches start with the painting she bids for at a local auction, unaware of the treasure it conceals. Then there's her new tenant, handsome, brooding Jed Skimmerhorn, who moves into the apartment above her shop. Though the ex-cop and scion of a wealthy Philadelphia family first appears rude and rough, he surprises Dora with acts of tenderness. And Dora needs plenty of TLC after her shop is broken into, she's nearly raped and she learns that others who purchased goods from a particular shipment at the auction are turning up dead. Joining forces with Dora to track down the culprits behind the thefts and murders, Jed is drawn into the life of the effervescent Dora and her endearingly eccentric theatrical family. Readers will be too. Reader's Digest Condensed Book; Literary Guild and Doub le day Book Club alternate .
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Dora, a dealer of antiques, purchases a new selection of curios to sell in her shop. The shipment she receives, however, is intended for a ruthless smuggler of priceless treasures who will do anything-even kill-for the return of the items. Robbery and death surround the curios, and Dora and former cop Jed probe the mystery, touched by their growing attraction for each other. This is a fine story with a well-paced plot and interesting scenery. The relationship between Jed and Dora is often humorous and occasionally steamy as the two protagonists grow closer. Although some of the characters are stereotypical, this latest from the author of Honest Illusions (Audio Reviews, LJ 6/1/93) is a satisfying, comfortable listening experience. Narrator Sandra Burr brings the story to life with a creative assortment of voices. This is an excellent addition to any fiction collection.
Susan B. Lamphier, Somerville P.L., Mass.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Jove (May 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0515116068
• ISBN-13: 978-0515116069
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (68 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #857,387 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hidden Riches is one of Nora's greatest treasures, May 15, 2000

By 

Jennifer N. Germanotta (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hidden Riches (Mass Market Paperback)

Hidden Riches, set in modern-day Philadelphia, brings together Jed Skimmerhorn, a discontented police captain and Dora Conway, an antiques dealer. Captain Skimmerhorn is the new tenant in the apartment located above Dora's antique shop and across from her own living quarters. No doubt that their feeling definite attraction toward each other, Skimmerhorn fights against his feelings for Dora and the loving, overwhelming Conway family. Forces change however when he is pulled in by Dora, who unwittingly stumbles into the evil world of art and antique smuggling valuable and finds her very existence threatened. Hidden Riches is quite a suspenseful story with a love story happening along the way. Skimmerhorn, a strong, brooding man has that some demons from his past to conquer. Dora is a strong character-a woman who is independent, intelligent, beautiful, and determined. Drawn together by forces greater than themselves, they are forced to face his past and the future neither had planned for. This book is one of my favorite that Ms. Roberts' has written - strong characters, excellent setting. One of Nora Roberts' greatest stories!

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nora Roberts Fans Will Enjoy This One, May 25, 2000

By 

Ashley (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hidden Riches (Audio Cassette)

First, let me say that I am a HUGE Nora Roberts fan! I have read nearly ever book she's written, including the chilling series penned as J.D. Robb. I have been reading her books for years, and she rarely lets me down. This is one of her earlier novels.

HIDDEN RICHES is a story about Dora Conroy, a feisty, beautiful woman who owns an antiques store in Philadelphia. Dora's store is broken into after she makes the winning bid on a painting at auction, which is really a priceless masterpiece disguised. Once the painting's real owner realizes a mistake has been made and someone else has his precious painting, it becomes the focus of much criminal attention, placing Dora in danger.

Jed Skimmerhorn is Dora's love interest in the novel. He is handsome, rich, socially prominent...except he is also miserably unhappy after the death of his sister, which he feels responsible for. He has gone into early retirement from the police force and is renting a room from Dora when she becomes a target for the criminals. The novel details their growing romance, Jed's internal battles as he tries to come to grips with his sister's death, and of course the battle between Jed and Dora vs. the criminals!

HIDDEN RICHES, in traditional Nora Roberts style, features great writing and witty dialogue that flows and feels natural for the two characters. As a few other reviewers have noticed, Jed's character was a little dark at times, in part because of the shadow of grief and guilt that seemed to hang over him. Dora was very light-hearted and quirky. Her family was especially loveable, as Jed soon found out--a troupe of actors with larger-than-life personas and huge hearts!

While I did enjoy the novel, I had to take off a few points because of the suspense-romance aspect. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres...it's usually a lot of fun, because you have two great characters who fall in love while trying to solve some kind of mystery together. However, the thing I didn't like about HIDDEN RICHES was that there really was no suspense. From the get-go, readers know who the bag guy is, and personally, I enjoy trying to figure out who the bad guy is! The only thing that built up as far as the suspense part of the novel goes is the ultimate confrontation between Jed & Dora and the villain.

Of course, Nora Roberts is a force to be reckoned with, and she has a very devoted following of fans. Her clever writing and strongly-drawn characters make her a favorite of mine. Anyone who has read the earlier romantic suspense novels Roberts is so popular for will have to add this book to their collection. I also recommend TRUE BETRAYALS and SWEET REVENGE.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful and Entertaining Read!, February 12, 2002

By 

Sophie (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hidden Riches (Mass Market Paperback)

"Hidden Riches" by Nora Roberts is a fresh, intriguing and exciting tale. The characters will grab your attention and make you care about them right from the start, as Roberts once again proves why she is the queen of romantic suspense.
Antique dealer Dora Conroy buys a lot of items, including an abstract painting and some porcelain figures, at an auction in Virginia. Unfortunately, Dora's new acquisitions actually belong to a cold-blooded criminal who will stop at nothing to get them back.
Dora's new tenant, Jed Skimmerhorn, a prematurely retired police captain, is dealing with the guilt of his sister's death and doesn't need a woman like Dora complicating his life. However, Jed and Dora are undeniably drawn to each other, and their tentative friendship blooms into a lovely romance.
A break-in at Dora's shop starts Dora and Jed on a trail that leads to the truth about Dora's auction items, and on a collision course with the intended recipient of her items, an obsessed and unbalanced killer.
Dora is in extreme danger, but Jed is determined to protect her and get to the bottom of the mystery. Roberts skilfully builds the suspense and excitement in this novel, leading up to Jed and Dora's inevitable confrontation with the culprit.
"Hidden Riches" kept me enthralled from start to finish. Roberts' interesting and vivid characters compelled me to read their story, and the plot itself was original and lots of fun. I guarantee that this book will entertain and satisfy you, so buy it today!