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St. Michaels Silver Mysteries #1
Tarnished Silver
“Tarnished Silver” combines the elegance of sterling silver with violent emotions that lead to murder. Abby receives an inheritance of eight shipping cartons filled with sterling silver – everything from teapots and creamers to fish forks and ice cream spoons. But there is one particular piece – an antique cake server – that leads to murder and brings the police to Abby’s door. Lured to the scene of the murder in Saint Michaels, a sailing destination, she finds a different way of life only 90 minutes from the Nation’s Capital, filled with quirky characters, boat races, a handsome guy that gets tangled in a web of wealth, greed and family secrets.
“Tarnished Silver” is the first in a new murder mystery series set in Saint Michaels and the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay.
Susan Reiss trained as a concert pianist then moved into television as a writer/producer for many years. Her work has received a Silver Medal, New York International Film Festival, the Cine Golden Eagle, three Tellys and numerous Emmy nominations. She started collecting sterling silver pieces decades ago and blogs about sterling silver, sailing, Eastern Shore life at www.SilverMystery.com. A native of Washington, D.C., she spent wonderful years with her husband, Joey in the Midwest and now makes her home in St. Michaels, Maryland.
“Tarnished Silver” is the first in a new murder mystery series set in Saint Michaels and the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay.
Susan Reiss trained as a concert pianist then moved into television as a writer/producer for many years. Her work has received a Silver Medal, New York International Film Festival, the Cine Golden Eagle, three Tellys and numerous Emmy nominations. She started collecting sterling silver pieces decades ago and blogs about sterling silver, sailing, Eastern Shore life at www.SilverMystery.com. A native of Washington, D.C., she spent wonderful years with her husband, Joey in the Midwest and now makes her home in St. Michaels, Maryland.
300 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2013
157 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Susan Reiss
13 books26 followersSusan Reiss trained as a concert pianist then moved into television as a writer/producer for many years. Her work has received a Silver Medal, New York International Film Festival, the Cine Golden Eagle, three Tellys and numerous Emmy nominations. Reiss has been named a Scribe of the Shore. She delved into the mysteries of plot and character creation as a featured speaker in the Sheldon Goldgeiger Lecture Series. She started collecting sterling silver pieces decades ago and blogs about sterling silver, Eastern Shore life and writing at www.SusanReiss.com.
The complete Silver Mystery series:
1. TARNISHED SILVER
1.5 DEATHLY SILVER
2. SACRED SILVER
3. PAINTED SILVER
4. HAMMERED SILVER
5. FOILED SILVER
The complete Silver Mystery series:
1. TARNISHED SILVER
1.5 DEATHLY SILVER
2. SACRED SILVER
3. PAINTED SILVER
4. HAMMERED SILVER
5. FOILED SILVER
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 19, 2021
When an item Abby sold on eBay is used as a murder weapon, she's drawn into an affluent world of sterling silver dinnerware and diamonds.
Abby is at a crossroads in her life and that's always when the most interesting things happen. She's had loss after loss and the reader finds themselves rooting for her in circumstances that are really quite insufferable. I really think she needs to reconsider how and with whom she makes friends. Additionally, Abby's skills as a detective leave a little to be desired. Perhaps she'll smooth out those rough points with more practice.
There were many plot twists and it was a bumpy ride. Recommended.
Abby is at a crossroads in her life and that's always when the most interesting things happen. She's had loss after loss and the reader finds themselves rooting for her in circumstances that are really quite insufferable. I really think she needs to reconsider how and with whom she makes friends. Additionally, Abby's skills as a detective leave a little to be desired. Perhaps she'll smooth out those rough points with more practice.
There were many plot twists and it was a bumpy ride. Recommended.
January 14, 2017
A thoroughly delightful mystery set on Maryland's Eastern Shore, wrapped around the story of a young woman whose life has taken several unexpected turns--a lost job, a cumbersome inheritance, an unanticipated pet--and then things really start happening! Really loved the characters of Abby, Lorraine, and Simon, and was easily able to insert myself into both the physical setting and the mindset of the local residents. I read with interest all the bits and pieces at the beginning of each chapter about caring for silver in the 1800s. Nice touch and I can easily see this taking off as a series. Loved how the book ended in an uplifting way, and I can't wait to see what happens to the characters next as the author made me care about them.
A truly enjoyable read and I will happily read any future books in this series.
A truly enjoyable read and I will happily read any future books in this series.
August 4, 2014
Can't Wait for the next STERLING SILVER MYSTERY!
To say the least, I loved this book!!! I was on the edge of my seat and could not put the book down.
The author, Susan Reiss, has a knack of making the reader feel like (he or she) is right there alongside the heroine Abby. As she drove fast, I was in the passenger's seat next to her. If Abby gave someone a look, so did I. I adored those she adored and found despicable those who she despised.
Kudos!! I am ready for more.
-PJ
To say the least, I loved this book!!! I was on the edge of my seat and could not put the book down.
The author, Susan Reiss, has a knack of making the reader feel like (he or she) is right there alongside the heroine Abby. As she drove fast, I was in the passenger's seat next to her. If Abby gave someone a look, so did I. I adored those she adored and found despicable those who she despised.
Kudos!! I am ready for more.
-PJ
May 8, 2015
3.5/5.0
A diabolical mystery, which could easily be a made-for-TV movie, “Tarnished Silver” is the first book of a new series.
Read full review in the 2015 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
A diabolical mystery, which could easily be a made-for-TV movie, “Tarnished Silver” is the first book of a new series.
Read full review in the 2015 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 3, 2020
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Abby receives an inheritance of eight shipping cartons filled with sterling silver – everything from teapots and creamers to fish forks and ice cream spoons. But there is one particular piece – an antique cake server – that leads to murder and brings the police to Abby’s door. Lured to the scene of the murder in Saint Michaels, a sailing destination, she finds a different way of life only 90 minutes from the Nation’s Capital, filled with quirky characters, boat races, a handsome guy that gets tangled in a web of wealth, greed and family secrets.
MY TAKE
This was my first Reiss book, but it won't be my last. I was suspicious of the true murderder but there were enough other possibilities that she kept me guessing for a while.
Reiss has a gift for describing the setting without going overboard. She made me fall in love with the little town and its interesting residents. It can be difficult for some authors not to give away too much. Many characters are introduced that I assume will play larger roles later. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
4 1/2 stars
Abby receives an inheritance of eight shipping cartons filled with sterling silver – everything from teapots and creamers to fish forks and ice cream spoons. But there is one particular piece – an antique cake server – that leads to murder and brings the police to Abby’s door. Lured to the scene of the murder in Saint Michaels, a sailing destination, she finds a different way of life only 90 minutes from the Nation’s Capital, filled with quirky characters, boat races, a handsome guy that gets tangled in a web of wealth, greed and family secrets.
MY TAKE
This was my first Reiss book, but it won't be my last. I was suspicious of the true murderder but there were enough other possibilities that she kept me guessing for a while.
Reiss has a gift for describing the setting without going overboard. She made me fall in love with the little town and its interesting residents. It can be difficult for some authors not to give away too much. Many characters are introduced that I assume will play larger roles later. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
4 1/2 stars
September 9, 2025
Review.
I read a previous series by this author which w Read a previous series by this author Read a previous series by this author which was sort of interesting though not great, so decided to read this silver series by her as well. Well that's not going to happen. I couldn't even get through the 1st book. It was so boring, and I absolutely loathe that protagonist Abby. I cannot stand an absolutely annoying person who sticks her nose into everybody's business and thinks she's a detective when she's nothing. I don't know. I just Couldn't even get halfway through the book. It was so irritating that I had to close it and I don't believe I will read any more books by this author. This Abby person Was somebody that I couldn't even begin to stand; minding every bodies business but her own.
I read a previous series by this author which w Read a previous series by this author Read a previous series by this author which was sort of interesting though not great, so decided to read this silver series by her as well. Well that's not going to happen. I couldn't even get through the 1st book. It was so boring, and I absolutely loathe that protagonist Abby. I cannot stand an absolutely annoying person who sticks her nose into everybody's business and thinks she's a detective when she's nothing. I don't know. I just Couldn't even get halfway through the book. It was so irritating that I had to close it and I don't believe I will read any more books by this author. This Abby person Was somebody that I couldn't even begin to stand; minding every bodies business but her own.
May 7, 2020
A mystery of depth filled with charm as much intreage and humor as well as the draw toward the finding of the who done it before the dramatic reveal. Bold,caracters full of life, passion, torment and loss.So much more than expected from i'ts title and yet so to the point. It brought out from within me so much raw emotion anger, the call for justice, frustration, pitty, contempt, sadness and laughter.The type of mystery that draws you in not letting you go until the story has come to a close. Kat
December 10, 2020
It's funny how a book can give you a question and the more you think about the more you understand. Well, this did that for me at the beginning but then I realized I had missed some things and had to go back and change my perspective. I enjoyed this story for the most part. It feels like a walk through town picking up clues, except at the beginning, with the prime suspect (who of course didn't commit the crime). It all started with a piece of silver. Actually, the story picks up as it goes until the clues come together to surprise us with the real killer and unexpected motive.
April 24, 2020
i think i am new to this author, i found it in an author's email, a party where you go and full your kindle with free reads ...this was one of the mysteries. totally was pulled in by the boat. great book cover. good mystery. had me curious. setting of the Maryland coastlines ... gorgeous area of the world. i will read more from Susan. this is a series read.
August 17, 2020
Entertaining book. Behind the curtan Look at ups and downs of wealthy family privilege and charity. Characters are strong and believable. A young woman software designer changes career direction when she sells a unique silver cake server to a woman which later becomes a murder weapon and seals the fate of the two women.
January 29, 2022
Well now this was a good book
I so enjoyed the details of the Silver pieces felt I could see how they looked. The twist of who could have killed Eve kept you on your toes and loved the details
Of the location could smell the sea air. Got to admit fell in lov e with Simon now on to Sacred Silver enjoyed this book a lot. 😃 now on tl
I so enjoyed the details of the Silver pieces felt I could see how they looked. The twist of who could have killed Eve kept you on your toes and loved the details
Of the location could smell the sea air. Got to admit fell in lov e with Simon now on to Sacred Silver enjoyed this book a lot. 😃 now on tl
February 8, 2026
A polished mystery
This is such a great book. It just flows and the premise is so unusual Antique silver. It’s a fast read because she get so ingrained in the plot and getting to know the characters that is an easy read and a fun read. Onto book 2. I’m so glad I discovered this Author.
This is such a great book. It just flows and the premise is so unusual Antique silver. It’s a fast read because she get so ingrained in the plot and getting to know the characters that is an easy read and a fun read. Onto book 2. I’m so glad I discovered this Author.
April 16, 2020
Found on a free site,this was a great introduction to this writer and I will be reading more by her. This book had a great story line, with strong characters, and kept my interest. Added bonus, I learned quite a lot about silver!
July 21, 2022
3.5 stars
I've knocked of points for missing or added words i n paragraphs, causing one to go back and reread for clarification.
The Story line was good with lots of characters and suspects. (although I did suspect the culprit) Simon was delightful as well.
I've knocked of points for missing or added words i n paragraphs, causing one to go back and reread for clarification.
The Story line was good with lots of characters and suspects. (although I did suspect the culprit) Simon was delightful as well.
June 1, 2024
Stunning
Good characters and stunning settings on the Maryland coast. Details of the different boats used on the waterfront and used in craning for blue crabs. Simon you grew to love.
Good characters and stunning settings on the Maryland coast. Details of the different boats used on the waterfront and used in craning for blue crabs. Simon you grew to love.
September 14, 2024
Tarnished Silver book 1
Abby sold a piece of silver that turned into a murder weapon. Abby couldn’t live with that so she went into the investigation and almost got herself killed. Susan Reiss is an accomplished writer and I’m sure you will love her books.
Abby sold a piece of silver that turned into a murder weapon. Abby couldn’t live with that so she went into the investigation and almost got herself killed. Susan Reiss is an accomplished writer and I’m sure you will love her books.
November 6, 2018
Great plot line with some twists and turns - especially loved the dynamic the puppy added :)
July 6, 2020
Great story. Likeable characters and good plot.
January 14, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book with all the twists and turns and a nice ending. Read the preview of the next book "Sacred Silver" and will look for it now.
February 17, 2021
Really needed an editor.
March 11, 2022
Excellent! Well written, the story kept me engaged, and I loved reading about taking care of silver at the beginning of each chapter.
January 22, 2023
I thought that this was a good read. Engaging with reasonable pace.
April 20, 2023
Clever! Intriguing! Can't put it down. Great read! Well written and fun to see how the author unravels the twists and turns of the plot!
October 18, 2023
Fabulously Written
Details were not lost when intertwined with the Intricacies Of the ultimate direction Of the book. Kept your interest With a hard to put down book.
Details were not lost when intertwined with the Intricacies Of the ultimate direction Of the book. Kept your interest With a hard to put down book.
November 2, 2023
Enjoyed this book! Recently visited St.Michael’s and enjoyed reading about based on the area I was in.
November 21, 2024
ZZZZZZZZZ!
June 16, 2025
A Great Story….
This was a great story. It had twist and turns. I was able to figure some parts out yet there were a few surprises. I’m looking forward to the next book.
This was a great story. It had twist and turns. I was able to figure some parts out yet there were a few surprises. I’m looking forward to the next book.
August 11, 2014
This is a fabulous debut novel! Abby Strickland is someone I can relate to, my kind of heroine. Laid off when the technology start-up company she worked for is closed, she’s using her ingenuity and a windfall of antique silver from her aunt to keep her head above water as she hunts for a new job. A fairly typical young woman dealing with an all-too-typical-these-days life situation – but things are about to get a lot more complicated when the silver serving piece she sells on eBay ends up as a murder weapon!
I admire the way Abby rises to the challenges thrown in her path. She’s a brave and loyal person whom I would love to call a friend (if she were real, of course). Susan Reiss is a great storyteller, and I’m really looking forward to more stories in the Silver Mystery Series.
I admire the way Abby rises to the challenges thrown in her path. She’s a brave and loyal person whom I would love to call a friend (if she were real, of course). Susan Reiss is a great storyteller, and I’m really looking forward to more stories in the Silver Mystery Series.
June 19, 2015
I visited St. Michael's once, so I grabbed this book when I could. It brought back great memories of the town, and well as a pretty solid mystery. I liked Abby, a newcomer to town who has a load of her aunt's silver dumped on her. LOVE Simon the puppy! And while I pegged the murderer about two-thirds of the way through (not unusual for me at all), the actual climax gave me some surprises. Not sure I'd it re-read it like I do some of my Women's Fiction, but I'm certainly looking forward to the next in the series.
August 11, 2019
Great little book about the Eastern Shore with a neat little silver twist; a silver angle food cake cutter as a murder weapon. Be sure to read the quotes from "The Butler's Guide to Fine Silver at the beginning of each chapter. And Abby and Simon are great characters. If you have visited St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, you will notice how well the spirit of the town is captured. If you haven't been here, it will make you want to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews