The Madison Picker

by Mark Clay Grove

Antiques dealers, Charles and Emma Dawes, search for anything that they can buy low and sell high. A second generation antiques picker, seller, collector, and recently a certified appraiser, Charles leads the way through the marketplace engaging dealers and collectors, from rookies to experienced cronies, and in the process he reveals details about the business and their formula for success, while his Peruvian-born wife s corporate marketing experience adds a broader perspective to his narrow field of expertise. Ah, but there is trouble in antique paradise. Charles sixth sense portends coming new trends and seismic demographical shifts in the business of antiques. He wonders if he should make the hard decisions that surely will shock his parents and colleagues, or ignore the early warning signs and push on. This is not the first time this complex man has refocused his life. As a child he learned to accept his Old Soul past, one in which his English incarnation perished in the Coventry blitz. And later, after his retirement from the U.S. Marines, he s learned to cope with his PTSD and visions of earlier times. But in spite of his travails, Charles is determined to conduct himself ethically which has advantages and drawbacks. The Madison Picker is a witty story of personal encounters within the world of antiques filled with all sorts of treasures and historical artifacts that Dawes carefully explains. It is actually a semi-autobiographical novel that reflects the author s own experiences as a certified antiques and art appraiser over the past four decades. ::::::::::::::: First title in The Picker Series. ::: First paperback edition ©2014 ISBN 13: 978-1494786670 $13.95 5x8 paperback 290pp. ::: First large print edition ©2014 ISBN 13: 978-1495433214 $20.00 6x9 paperback 334pp. ::: First Spanish edition ©2014 ISBN 13: 978-1495461071 $13.95 5x8 paperback TBD. eBook English $4.99 eBook Spanish $4.99 ::: Library of Congress Control Number: 2014902355

Genres: Fiction

290 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2014

About the author

Writing fiction is Mark Clay Grove's final professional incarnation, but for assurance he maintains a day job as an appraiser. Always an avid reader, restless writer, and a reasonable gentleman with dual nationality (US/UK), he strives for perfection and insists on living by a code of honor that values integrity, fidelity, and fairness for all. Mark divides his time between homes in Fairfax and Charlottesville, Virginia, with his Peruvian wife, Chany.

What I read: Anything that does NOT have explicit sex and streams of foul language. Why? Because it's repugnant.

Reviews

[Benjamin Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Madison Picker is an entertaining and provocatively informative travelogue. The tale begins with a description of the previous life of the main character--a perfect literary ploy for an antique dealer. Charles, an appraiser, retired Marine with PTSD, tingling fingers which let him know when he is approaching a great antique opportunity is married to the provocative Emma, a woman who lusts for antique jewelry and other fine antiques. Their marital dance is a delicious tango to be enjoyed and envied as they cruise in and out of the lives of eccentric, entertaining and delightful dealers. The author uses his deep knowledge of fine artisans to educate the reader about a wide range of antiques. I'm grateful for the fast paced, well written travelogue which introduced me to a world I've known only marginally.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming semi-autobiographical story of an antiques dealer in the Charlottesville, Virginia area. We follow him and his Peruvian-born wife as they go from shop to shop, yard sale to yard sale, looking for “sleepers” (antiques that are undervalued) for resale. I enjoyed the characters, many of whom are based on real people (there’s a list at the end) and the insights into the Virginia towns, some of which I know. It sounds like a good life!

Incidentally, I’d be very interested to know whether the first chapter, which deals with Charles’s life in a previous incarnation, is true. I’ve read a bit about Dr. Stevenson and his researches into reincarnation, and it’s fascinating.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful & Educational
What a wonderful tale filled with facts, fun and adventure! Join Charles and Emma as they travel and pick along the way. Surely you’ll want to quit your day job and start gathering treasures so you can bump into this pair and make a deal that both of you feel was the best! Filled with highbrow antidotes and sheer joy moments. Ethics are involved and Charles is the top notch dealer we all hope to encounter. I promise you will have to remind yourself that this is a novel and not an autobiography! Enjoy! NetGalley and Spitfire Publishing LLC provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given To Me For An Honest Review


The Madison Picker (The Picker Series) by Mark Clay Grove is a great book for both antique dealers and collectors. You will learn about Virginia history. The author also shares events and adventures of his life. By the end of the book you'll have experienced many feelings ...... pleased, confused, annoyed, intrigued and most of all touched by all of the lives that he has portrayed. I recommend this book to everyone. I look for the next book in this series by Mark Clay Grove.

[Katarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmmm....still a bit unsure what to think of this one.

First, I love the cover. I find I pick most of my books by cover first. Usually that's been working out really well for me.

But in this case, the cover doesn't match the plot at all.

The story was ok, and I did read the whole book, meaning I liked it enough to finish it. There were lots of interesting parts, esp about antiques.