In this dynamite series debut, Sharon Fiffer has introduced an engaging and enterprising heroine in Jane Wheel. Recently laid off from her adverti...
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reviews
Jan 09, 2012
Denise
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Finding her way as a picker the main lady of the book finds not only do her tastes in antiques lead to small returns, but befriending the neighbor lady turns deadly...for the neighbor. With an estranged husband working a dig with their only son, time is ripe for polishing her antique hunting. Borrowing her neighbors larger car brings her front and center to a dead body which she finds missing small details only a collector might notice, these little things lend to big leads and the plot twists
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Aug 08, 2011
I read this book for my book club, and it was chosen because the author is from my hometown, which is also where the book is set. I was pleasantly surprised by the writing, (you typically don't expect much from a small town) which was pretty good. However, the subject of the book (and the sequels, I hear), antiques, isn't really my cup of tea. I found the story line uninteresting, and when the killer was revealed, I just really didn't care. (The "reveal" was pretty convoluted as we
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Sep 04, 2009
Maryellen
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Jane, a collector of lots of stuff, gets tangled up in a murder or two. Bland cozy mystery. Main character is lifeless, as are her fellow collectors. Action takes place in Evanston, Il and Kankakee, IL. The author makes mention of several antique malls I've visited. I think this might have been better if the main character focused on a specific collectible and provided good historical background on her hobby. This is the author's first book in the series. Sometimes I'm willing to try the next on
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Apr 18, 2010
Gail
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Jane is obsessed with yard sales especially vintage ceramics, linens, and postcards. Since she got laid off from her high powered advertising job and her husband has separated from her, she's trying to make her living as a "picker" foraging for stuff and reselling it.
She returns the borrowed SUV only to find her neighbor gruesomely murdered -- and she's the main suspect because all the neighbors saw her kissing the husband. She and her childhood friend go picking and so More...
She returns the borrowed SUV only to find her neighbor gruesomely murdered -- and she's the main suspect because all the neighbors saw her kissing the husband. She and her childhood friend go picking and so More...
Oct 24, 2010
Jill
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wonderful new series. If you like to collect "stuff" or go to yard sales or antique shops - like to watch Antique Roadshow or have a soft spot for those of us who just can't get rid of our old boxes of photos and button boxes, you will enjoy this heroine. If that type of thing really gets on your nerves, well, you might want to steer clear. There are lots of loving descriptions of collectables and it all has somewhat of a part in the story. I eat it all up, so Jane Wheel and I are soul
Dec 28, 2009
Viccy
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Jane Wheel has been downsized out of her advertising job. Her husband has left her because he believes she is having an affair with a neighbor. Jane decides to start a new business as an antiques picker, going to sales and finding unique things for antiques dealers near her home in central Illinois. What a great job! She has trouble finding things for other people, though, she wants to keep everything for herself. Enjoyable start to a series. I will read more.
Feb 12, 2010
Dale
rated it:
Jane Wheeler former ad exec has a new job "picker" She goes to flea markets, estate sales and the like with a wish list from antique show owners, decorater, friends to find me a 1950 bakelite red braclet
Her and her husband aer sorta separated. Charlie an college prof is out in the field and Jane stu,bles over her neighbor dead in he rkitchen.
jane has been using the neighbors Blazer.
Her and her husband aer sorta separated. Charlie an college prof is out in the field and Jane stu,bles over her neighbor dead in he rkitchen.
jane has been using the neighbors Blazer.
Aug 02, 2010
LeeAnne
rated it:
I really enjoyed this one! Although the main character, Jane Wheel, suffers from "Heroine Does Stupid Stuff" cozy syndrome, there is enough interesting information on collectibles and the world of collecting to keep any "Antiques Roadshow" fan happy. This is pure fluff but it is fun and readable fluff. I'll be looking for more!
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Aug 05, 2011
Lisa
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I like this series -- probably more than I should. I appreciate that I'm familiar with the area. I appreciate that she appreciates stuff. I really appreciate the unabashed blue collar existence of Nellie and Don. After meeting author Sharon Fiffer, I appreciate that she is super appreciative of her readers.
Nov 16, 2009
Lois
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Very amiable mystery. Loved the rapport between Jane and her gay friend Tim. Really liked the detective who actually is supportive of our amateur sleuth. Fascinating stuff about collectibles. The "whodunit" part seemed a bit labored--but I'll definitely keep reading this series.
Feb 16, 2010
I began this series with the last book first and liked it so I decided to begin the series. I too am a collector of stuff so I figured what the heck I like a light mystery no matter how predictable the story it was a fun read and pulled me from a reading slump.
May 10, 2009
Carolyn
rated it:
Fun, escapist mystery, though the drawback to reading this series is the renewed urge to go to yard sales... The ending was a bit too Midsomer Murders melodramatic.
Jan 07, 2012
All Fiffer books: she works as a picker for antique dealers. Got tired of them. Read 1-4, skipped 5 & 6, and read 7.
Oct 20, 2008
Corky
rated it:
This was recommended to me by a friend who also likes mysteries. This is the first of three that feature Jane Wheel, a Chicago area "picker". A picker is someone who goes to garage sales, house sales, and auctions and buys "junk" for other people. Story line was a bit light but the Chicago scene kept me reading. It was fun to read about the local White Hen and the expressways that were a part of my daily life for so long, along with some other local flavor. I will read the se
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Dec 17, 2009
Jennifer
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This is an easy read from the chick lit universe. I liked it more for the references to collectibles and antiques than for the mystery itself. I thought the characters were not very deep, but it was fun just the same.
Dec 17, 2009
Georgina
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I liked this a lot, and I'm always happy to find another mystery series to read because they make great interludes between heavier books.
Nov 22, 2011
Julia
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A good mystery. I can't claim that I related to the character, but it was a well done plot.
Jan 29, 2012
Jan 26, 2012
Jan 20, 2012
