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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The work of a fine writer, January 8, 2004
By A Customer
A friend of mine in the publishing business, an editor at one of the big houses who knows I'm a great admirer of the well-turned sentence, recommended this series to me last year and it was the nicest thing anyone has done for me in a long time. In THE WRONG STUFF and its two predecessor books Mrs. Fiffer has done to the "picking" subculture what was done to dog shows by Guest and Levy in the movie "Best in Show" (but in a nice way). This third installment, like the previous two, has a cast of compelling characters and a plot that keeps the reader turning the pages and thoroughly engaged with Jane Wheel and Bruce Oh as they puzzle their way to the very satisfying conclusion. And those would be reasons enough to recommend this book to anyone who loves to read. But they are not the main reason. The main reason you ought not to leave this page before mousing over and adding this book to your shopping cart is, in a word, the writing. It's the kind of writing that can make you laugh out loud. And think hard about your own life, if you're of a certain age. It can make you hurt for characters you know exist only in your imagination and that of those others who have been fortunate enough to stumble across this wonderful series. It is, frankly, the kind of writing that many of the big names at the top of the best seller list wouldn't recognize if it bit them on the leg. Sharon Fiffer is the best writer nobody ever heard of. Please keep 'em coming, ma'am.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Converted to a Mystery Fan, January 7, 2004
Sharon Fiffer has done it. I didn't used to be a mystery fan, but she has converted me. I've read all three books in her Jane Wheel series, 'Dead Guy's Stuff,' 'Killer Stuff,' and now 'The Wrong Stuff.' I can only hope that there will be a fourth volume soon. I read the current release, 'The Wrong Stuff,' in two days (I often spend a couple of weeks getting through a book). It was a terrific mix of mystery, humor, and character development. The main character, Jane Wheel, is molded true to life. She struggles to solve intriguing crimes, maintain her interest in collectable antiques, and devote time to family and friends. She finds it a difficult balance, and that's part of the charm of the books. Jane's mother is a hoot! Her friends, Detective Oh, and Tim, are cleverly drawn characters, and quite believable. Most readers will readily identify with the entries at the beginning of each chapter, excerpts from an imaginary advice book called 'Overstuffed,' - about ridding clutter from your life. The quotes were so well done that, after I had read the first 200 pages of 'The Wrong Stuff,' I went online - I thought that perhaps 'Overstruffed' actually existed - and, if so, I might order a copy (I think Fiffer could develop a story line around the imaginary author). But we'll have to wait a while for that. In the meantime I hope you enjoy 'The Wrong Stuff' as much as I did.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cute and charming, February 27, 2004
When her friend's wife is accused of murder, part-time antique picker, part time private detective, and part time bad-mom Jane Wheeler and her gay friend Tim set off for a fine furniture comune. Jane quickly finds another victim and an even bigger mystery. Nobody in the comune seems completely happy, but there certainly don't seem to be any reason why someone would kill. Still, two people are dead now and Jane knows that her friend's wife is innocent. Jane's investigation turns up plenty of problems, and puts her in danger of being killed herself, but it is cryptic clues from her distant mother and strange vibes from the local residents that finally give her the intuitive leap to solving the mystery. Author Sharon Fiffer does an excellent job portraying Jane Wheeler's troubles with stuff--she is so intent on buying stuff that her house and garage overflow and she gets so distracted she forgets to sign her son's permission slip for a field trip--and integrating it into the story. The plot line about antique furniture and faked antiques is intriguing and Sharon's research adds to the story without drawing the reader out of it. Fiffer's writing is fresh and funny. Jane is a charming character whose problems create reader identification (who hasn't been overwhelmed by too much of the Wrong Stuff), and her concerns over reaching middle age, being a good mother, and balancing her careers all ring true. THE WRONG STUFF is the right stuff as far as light-hearted mysteries go. Recommended.
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