The Marsh Madness

A Book Collector Mystery #4

by Victoria Abbott

The national bestselling author of The Wolfe Widow presents another spine-tingling mystery featuring rare book collector Jordan Bingham and some Ngaio Marsh first editions worth killing for…

Jordan works hard to improve Vera Van Alst’s collection of classic detective stories. So when Chadwick Kauffman—heir to the Kauffman fortune—offers a very good price on a fine collection of Ngaio Marsh first editions owned by his recently deceased stepfather, she is thrilled to meet with him at his fabled summer estate, Summerlea.

The next day, Jordan and Vera are shocked to read that Chadwick has died in a fall from the grand staircase at Summerlea. But when the picture in the paper is of a different man, it becomes clear that the ladies are victims of a scam. And they’ll have to unmask the imposter fast, because someone is trying to frame them for murder…

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook, Books About Books, Crime

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

Pseudonym used by Victoria Maffini and mother Mary Jane Maffini.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm trying to like this series, really I am. But Jordan makes me want to slap her on a regular basis and Vera is just a bitch.

I'm listening to the audio book version too, and if I hear, "Eaat, eaat," one more time I am going to scream.

I think I am done with this series.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marsh Madness by Victoria Abbott.

The 4th installment in the Book Collectors mystery series. This latest mystery centers on a Ngaio Marsh first edition collection offered to Vera Van Alst for a price. Uncle Kev, Jordan and of course Vera were all invited for an elaborate luncheon at the Chadwick estate for the official exchange of that Marsh collection for the price of $10,000.

The luncheon was superb and the elegance of Summerlea, the Chadwick Estate, lived up to its name...but something was awry. There was something or someone that just didn't fit into the scheme of this lovely afternoon setting.
The next day the news arrived that Chadwick had been found dead and not from natural causes.

This series has me expecting to meet with old friends. The characters: the Kelly clan including Jordan, Tyler (Smiley), the Signora and of course, Vera continue with their usual interactions until they find themselves in the midst of a new dilemma.
Highly enjoyable and highly recommended for all lovers of cozy mysteries.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I keep reading this series as if somehow I will discover someday that I was secretly mistaken about the last three books and it is actually my Favoritest Thing Ever. But got to face facts. It is not.
And yet here I am, already lining the next one up on audio.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery in this one was a doozy. I really enjoyed it and I like the characters. There were a lot of characters to keep track of and I’m to lazy to go back to the cast at the front of the book, luckily I remember after a sentence or two. Looking forward to the next book.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this edition, Jordan is excited as Chadwick Kauffman has invited Vera Van Alst, Uncle Kev and her to a formal luncheon at his home Summerlea. Vera is buying pristine first editions of Ngaio Marsh. The next day Jordan and her friends' lives came crashing down, as the police informed them that they are suspects in the murder of Chadwick. Uncle Kev disappears as the police arrive. The homicide inspector is harnessing Jordan relentlessly. Her lawyer, Sammy C. arrives and puts a stop to the questioning. Smiley Tyler breaks their affair off by a text message. Jordan's like continues to dismantle until she has nowhere to turn. Jordan must find answers to why this happening before Jordan and all of her friends are on trail. The ending well astonished you. It did me.

[Andree · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. This series likes to go off the rails. For some reason it's a trainwreck I can't look away from.

I have several issues with this one:

-The series is too ridiculously dramatic. Like, the number of times Jordan has gotten in serious legal trouble/almost died (or Vera's almost died) is ridiculous, given that her whole schtick is that she's "the Kelly who's gone straight"
-Apparently book 5 starts with Jordan nearly getting killed while on holiday, so this trend seems like it will continue. Seriously, how does a young woman who works helping her rich employer collect rare books have this many mortal enemies? They pulled the mortal card in this book - how're they pulling it again in the next one? And right after they pulled it for Vera in book 3 (and possibly also 2? She was certainly in mortal peril). It's one thing for the villain to go after the protagonist because she's investigating, in these the protagonist keeps having to investigate because she's being targeted.
-Seriously, it makes the usual cozy mystery trend of having the town librarian (or similar) stumble across a seriously ridiculous number of dead bodies seem downright plausible in comparison.
-Also, it seems it is ridiculously easy to frame someone, and make the police suspect them to the exclusion of any and all other suspects.
-Knew who the villain was the second the douchebag ex was given a name (up until now he'd just been referred to as the jerk ex-boyfriend (or similar). Then he was given a character name, so despite never actually showing up in person, he was somehow going to have to be the villain. Which also meant that we got treated to a ridiculous entitled-villain-blaming-his-victim-for-ruining-his-life rant. Blergth.
-A lot of people in her life seem to be semi-absentee in her life a lot of the time, which makes it hard to invest in the relationship (her best friend is one of those people, but the bigger issue is...)
-The relationship with Officer Smiley. Look, far as I can tell this is the progression, book 1 they meet and there's an attraction, book 2 they start casually dating, but don't actually spend a lot of time on page, book 3 dude's away for work, book 4 they're not together due to complications of Jordan being a suspect. You need to ground the relationship before I will invest in relationship hurdles. Literally, they have not spent enough page time together for me to particularly care one way or another what happens to them.
-Seriously, the person who Jordan seems to spend the most time with (apart from maybe Vera, her employer) is uncle Kev, who at this point is bordering on too-stupid-to-live. Seriously, everyone else in this series seems to ghost for a book every so often, why can't he? Because I don't think I can stand much more of his well-meaning, but completely immoral/criminal, bumbling ineptitude, supposedly dressed up as charm.
-The Signora needs another personality trait beyond flitting around feeding anyone and everyone. She barely felt like a character in this one (last one was better for that at least).

I skimmed a lot of this one. So I guess at least it was a quick read?

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book has an unfortunate opening chapter with Jordan Bingham in a discussion with her employer, the insufferable Vera Van Alst. They have been invited to lunch at Chadwick Kauffman’s mansion as part of a transaction to acquire a set of Ngaio Marsh first editions. So, of course when Chadwick is killed, their fingerprints are all over the murder scene. About the only thing I liked in the book is that Roderick Allen actually helps Jordan solve the murder. But I prefer heroines who are not so slow-witted and lacking in subtlety.

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun series that combines a love of golden age mystery/authors with a feisty heroine who is determined to be the first one in her family of charming miscreants to stay on the right side of the law. Her job is managing the book collections of the most hated woman in a small New England town. In this book, a collection of New Zealand mystery legend, Ngaio Marsh, is up for sale, but complications ensure. Full of plot twists, this book is sure to win you over.

[Once Upon a Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Sexual Content: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content: None/Negligible
Violent Content: Negligible

Snappy, a real go-getter sums up Jordan. Puzzling and chaotic sums up the hot mess she, Vera Van Alst, and Uncle Kev find themselves in. The mess itself is ludicrous. The Kelly's are many things, but murderers they are not. And Vera? Totally laughable.

Jordan goes to great lengths to expose the person(s) responsible for the murder and protect Uncle Kev and Vera. Sadly these lengths lead to more trouble and another friend possibly headed to the big house if she can't unravel the hot mess. What would Lance's "posse"( made up of gray-haired senior citizens of the female persuasion) do without him?

Why is she the only one who smells set-up???

The characters have really grown into three dimensional beings, their relationships and interaction are something to watch with awe and humor. Jordan is the type of character that connects with the reader no matter what age the reader is.

Fast-paced, trouble, jumping in with both feet kind of action, drama, and relationship woes. To date I believe this is my favorite Book Collector mystery.

Enjoy,
CONNIE

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Victoria Abbott always gives her readers a great ride for their money. No one pens mystery and intrigue the way this author does. I always know I’m in for a good read when I pick up the newest installment of the Book Collector Mystery series. But THE MARSH MADNESS was beyond good. It was superb!

Murder, impostors, and surprises abounded in this fast paced mystery. Edge of my seat reading kept me turning each page desperate to discover the villain, while at the same time not wanting the story to end. And when the reveal came, I was beyond surprised. I really didn’t see it coming!

While keeping with everything that makes a modern cozy so popular, THE MARSH MADNESS also delivered a nostalgic feel of a Christie novel. Victoria Abbott aka mother/daughter writing team Victoria and Mary Jane Maffini could write the back of a cereal box and leave me wanting more. I’m already looking forward to the next book!

Well done ladies!

Also, find some yummy recipes and a sneak peek of THE HAMMETT HEX, book 5 in the Book Collector Mysteries!

[Grey853 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jordan Bingham works to find fine first editions for her rich employer. When a collection of Ngaio Marsh become available for a bargain price, she's all over it. She, Vera, and her Uncle Kev go to the estate of the seller and have lunch, pick up the books, and go home. The very next day they're invaded by the police saying that they're the prime suspects for murder and theft.

Personally, I found the whole set up very unbelievable. Why would someone go to all the trouble to frame Jordan and the others? It just didn't make sense to me and the resolution wasn't much better.

[andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Starting to suspect i may just not like this series. Most of the characters just bug me...I don't find the uncles amusing, the Van Pelt household likeable, Jordan or her friends engaging...I don't even like the dog Walter... so I'm not particularly interested in seeing them out of peril. The most interesting character is Officer Smiley and the last 2 books he's been either mostly absent or portrayed as an antagonist...so who knows how much longer he will be around.
Have the fifth book so will give one last chance but if things don't improve it will pry be the last book of the series for me.

[Dez Nemec · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't understand why this book is getting such high marks. The twist was unexpected, but I got so bogged down with all the descriptions and the Ngaio Marsh illusions. Plus the end didn't make me Smile in the least. (Best I can do without spoiling things.) Maybe I just need a cozy break.

[Corinne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Preposterous plot.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a case of a series getting better as the writing improves.
While it still moves a little slow, this time the “dead body” is found quickly & the game is afoot as it were.
(ie. the mystery started shortly after the beginning)
also, i think the characters are developing. i like how Vera isn't as crotchety as she appears to be.
and when will jordan figure out that her best friends are romantically involved?
or am i the only one getting that?

Another intriguing mystery. Light humor.
Good characters.

One of the problems with this series is that she saves all the tension/suspense for the last 1/3 of the book.
While it does build up over the story narration, it is slightly annoying how all of a sudden things are on edge.

I like that the pug dog who I assume is Walter is on every cover even though he’s technically not the protagonists dog but more of a “shared dog”.
Yet he’s become a symbol for the series.

and like alot of cozy series, there's alot of food described and consumed by the protagonist. i liked that this one addressed the fact that Jordan's meals lead to some slight weight gain.

i know it's fiction...but have you ever noticed how these women NEVER complain about gaining weight while eating all this rich food and don't seem to workout? yeah, i know crime solving is hard work but come on, it don't burn that many calories.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to Ms. Bingham and her search for first editions for her employer, Vera. They had been contacted by the assistant to a man who had inherited from his uncle. They were to bring cash to the sale and after they had left the place, it was quick because that is the way, her Uncle Lucky drove. The next day, she gets a phone call from her friend, Lance, telling her that the man who owned the books was found dead. The detective feels that Vera, Lucky, and Jordan were the people who murdered the man and does everything to make it true. Lucky has disappeared and Jordan is being followed and Officer Smiley has broken up with her via text. She is hurt and angry and when the books are taken from Vera, she tasks Jordan with finding out who really did the deed.

The story was okay and I promptly borrowed two books by Marsh. I had not heard about this author and I was interested to read this author as with previous books, I was familiar with the authors and had some of those books. This was an author I had not heard of before and so I want to check her out.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slightly zany series best read, I believe, in order.

Vera Van Alsten is offered a complete set of Ngaio Marsh books for an unbelievable price. To complete the transaction, Vera is invited to lunch at the gorgeous Summerlea estate, owned by mega rich Chadwick Kaufman. She is asked to bring along Jordan and Uncle Kevin (to carry the books).

The following morning, Jordan is called by her librarian friend, Lance, who tells her that Chadwick is dead. Not only is Jordan suspect, but stolen goods have been planted near the Van Alsten mansion and also in Kelly's Fine Antiques, the family store. Everyone close to Jordan is suspected by the police of some sort of involvement. But Jordan can no longer rely on Officer Smiley - he has broken up with her via text!

The Kellys have a new ally - gorgeous, capable Cherie, an expert in everything involving cables, cameras, and just about everything. She is smitten with Uncle Kev and fits in well with the tumultuous Kelly lifestyle.

[Rick Rapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book, filled with quirky and colorful characters and with more than a nod to writers Rex Stout and Ngaio Marsh. In fact, one of the main characters (albeit not the sleuth who solves it all) is a female version of Nero Wolfe, although with a passion for books rather than orchids and food. The protagonist is a charming young woman with a good mind and adventurous spirit who keeps the reader mentally and emotionally involved in the mystery as it unfolds. Although many of the characters bordered on (and sometimes crossed boldly into) stereotype, the only one that didn't sit well with me was the officious female lieutenant whose smugness and arrogance grated, but admittedly those characteristics were well-suited for her role in the story. This is a quick read and a fun diversion.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable story featuring Jordan Bingham as the main character who along with her uncle Kev, and her boss, Vera Van Alst, get accused of murder and robbery. The three of them are invited to a private estate to purchase some first editions of Ngaio Marsh when things go wrong. It turns out it was all a set up but Jordan cannot figure out why and who is behind it. The book was a quick easy read.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun series, but there is a weird thing that the author focuses on in every single book in the series that is frankly creepy and weird.
The MC mentions her uncle’s “ginger-colored chest hair” 2-3 times in every book so far.
Not kidding. Either the author lost a bet, or this is a disturbing little Easter egg that she decides to toss into each installment. Either way, I don’t want it. Please stop.

[Trish · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one annoyed me. The supposedly smart detective and her partner were way too obsessive in their pursuit of the MC and her friends, to the point of ridiculousness. Especially as their pursuit was based on an anonymous tip.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine your getting on a roller coaster, your buckled in the seat. Your heart is pounding with anticipation, your palms are sweaty as you grip on to the handles. Your head starts to w when the roller coaster starts up. You feel suspense building, then your off. Twists and turns and suddenly your upside down. And suddenly your afraid. Then slowly you come down again and everything is calm and your happy and excited and want to do it all over again. That's how listening to The March Madness by Victoria Abbott made me feel.

Jordan Bingham works for aging spinster, Vera Van Alst. She researches where to find the rarest first editions of mystery novels from some of the greatest mystery writers. Jordan enjoys her life and her job. She lives in a cozy attic in Vera's house and has delicious Italian meals cooked for her by the Italian Singnora. Vera, Jordan and Jordan's uncle, Kev who is no stranger to the wrong side of the law are invited to Chadwick Kauffman's home, Summerlea his estate, a home that Jordan just loves. Chadwick is the heir to the Kauffman fortune.

Chadwick wants to sell off his deceased stepfathers, Ngaio March first editions and Vera is the first person he called. So they head to Summerlea and are treated to a delicious lunch from the wait staff and Vera purchases the Marsh first editions with not to much fan fare. The very next day, shock fills the Van Elst household when they learn that Chadwick has fallen down the grand staircase at Summerlea.
But soon is proven that Chadwick and everyone at the lunch at Summerlea is not who they said they were and just as suddenly, Vera, Jordan and uncle Kev are the number one suspects in Chadwick's murder. Jordan is determined to prove they are innocent and find out who could want to frame them.

Suspenseful, fast-paced, on the edge of your seat. Like being on a roller coaster of thrills. These are my most favorite characters in any cozy mystery series. I even love Vera because "all she cares for are the books". a lot like me if I do say so. The narration by Carla Mercer-Mayer was very entertaining and fun to listen to as she impersonated each character making them come to life in my mind like the action was being played out right in front of me.

Victoria Abbott make a incredible mother-daughter writing team. The plot and the writing were amazing and finding out who the murderer was left me dumbfounded and for me highly not expected but not surprising. I can't wait for the next one. If I could give this book more that five stars, the stars would be endless.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could be more idyllic for Jordan Bingham who works for Vera Van Alst helping her purchase first edition mystery books than to visit and have lunch at the Kauffman estate named Summerlea. Vera could care less about the lunch and visit but she wanted very much to purchase 1st editions of Ngaio Marsh books. Soon after the visit Jordan, Vera and Uncle Kev find themselves as prime suspects in a murder case.The authors take themes from famous mystery authors and work them into the plot. In this case, it was Ngaio Marsh love of staging and the theater.

Each book is a real treat. I look forward to each book as it is published and is an automatic buy for me when it comes out. I like the tie to authors of the past in the mystery. I really like the characters a lot. Jordan Bingham is funny, spunky and tries to stay on the right side of the law. Her uncles have trained her in survival skills and how not to be detected as they are on the other side of the law. The uncles do not have a criminal record and the books don't say what they are or have been involved in. They have the disguises, a stable of cars to use, burner phones and escape routes.

One of my favorite characters is Signora Flammetta Pantone who cooks for Vera. She is always fluttering around wanting to feed people. I would love to sit down to one of her meals and she would not have to encourage me to "eat, eat, eat." I even got a kick out of Bad Cat who would lie in wait under a chair or table waiting to nail some unaware character. There is humor in this series and it brought a smile to my face many times.

I, also enjoy Vera Van Alst, the crusty unpretentious employer of Jordan. She grew on me as a reader of the series.

So in a nutshell, I like this series for its theme to past authors, the wonderful characters and the humor. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#4 in the Book Collector mystery series. A good series entry as Jordan continues to locate books for her irascible employer, Vera Van Alst. This time around, she dips into the 32 mysteries written by Ngaio Marsh and channels Inspector Roderick Alleyn, the detective brought to print by the New Zealand author. Great fun with Jordan on the run from the cops and with plot twists waiting to bring the villains to justice.

Book Collector mystery - Jordan works hard to improve Vera Van Alst's collection of classic detective stories. So when Chadwick Kauffman-heir to the Kauffman fortune-offers a fine collection of Ngaio Marsh first editions for a good price, she is willing to meet with him at his fabled summer estate, Summerlea. The next day, Jordan and Vera are shocked to read that Chadwick has died in a fall from the grand staircase at Summerlea and the police suspect Jordan and Uncle Kev of murder.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ladies Maffini, writing as Victoria Abbot, have created another masterpiece in their Book Collector Series. This entry focuses on Ngaio Marsh, the wonderful, prolific, "giant of the Golden Age" of British mysteries. Since Marsh's works contained a high degree of theatricality, THE MARSH MADNESS does as well. Jordan Bingham, her employer, avid book collector Vera Van Alst, and her rascally Uncle Kevin are invited to a luncheon at the extravagantly beautiful estate, Summerlea. There they are wined and dined and purchase a complete set of first editions by Ngaio Marsh for the paltry sum of $10,000. Turns out it was a setup, a murder occurs, and Jordan spends the rest of the book "on the lam" as she tries to figure out the who and why of the entire fiasco. Wonderful descriptions of the settings along with in depth characterizations make THE MARSH MADNESS another must read.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I missed this series! Not sure why I hadn't read this one, but when I saw that the next one came out, I realized I had missed this book!

It sucked me right in! I love the main characters and the not-so-straight family! Jordan, her family, and Vera are entertaining characters in their own way! This one had them all being framed for murder! I loved when she hid in Tyler's house. It was kind of perfect :-) Of course they help solve the mystery and everyone is happy at the end...especially an old romance with a new beginning??!?

Can't wait to read the next one!

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far I have enjoyed this series. Jordan works for Vera Van Alst helping her maintain and grow her book collection. In this book, Vera has a chance to obtain a wonderful collection of first edition Ngaio Marsh mysteries. The only problem with this series is that things are just a little too overdone. Vera is a little TOO cranky. Uncle Kevin is a little TOO stupid. They eat TOO much food. I enjoy the characters a lot, but I just wish she would tone it down just a tad. I would also like to actually meet Jordan's friend Tiffany.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that old saying about a deal being too good to be true, well Jordan & her employer Vera Van Alst get caught up in a murder mystery dilemma when they ignore this advice. A collection of Ngaio Marsh first edition books turn out to be the start of an intriguing murder mystery that will keep you guessing right until the thrilling conclusion. This is another excellent book in the Book Collector Mysteries series - can't wait for the 5th!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the theme of this series and the writing plus I have been introduced to new authors who are actually classic mystery writers! For many years I volunteered at our public library shelving books and Ngaio Marsh was very popular. Unfortunately, I had little time to read books those years and I assumed Marsh was a man. Marsh Madness corrected that and YouTube helped learn how to pronounce her name! One of the things that I like about this series is how the characters work together!

[Jackie Latham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series but i felt this one was just drawn out & convoluted. A lot of what was going on made no sense at all, and i think that says a lot about a cozy. The eventual baddie was so left field. Am hoping the last one is better.