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A Trash 'n' Treasures Mystery #14
Antiques Fire Sale (A Trash 'n Treasures Mystery
"This humorous cozy, filled with plot twists, is told in a warm, first-person, conversational style from Vivian's, Brandy's, and Jake's points of view." -- BL
347 pages, Library Binding
Published December 23, 2020
53 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Allan
54 books189 followersBarbara Allan is a pseudonym used by Barbara Collins and Max Allan Collins
Max Allan Collins is a writer of mystery novels, screenplays, comics and historical fiction. Collins has collaborated on numerous short stories with his wife writer Barbara Collins. Together they also write the successful “Trash ‘n’ Treasures” mysteries – their Antiques Flee Market (2008) won the Romantic Times Best Humorous Mystery Novel award in 2009.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Max Allan Collins is a writer of mystery novels, screenplays, comics and historical fiction. Collins has collaborated on numerous short stories with his wife writer Barbara Collins. Together they also write the successful “Trash ‘n’ Treasures” mysteries – their Antiques Flee Market (2008) won the Romantic Times Best Humorous Mystery Novel award in 2009.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 10, 2020
Another great entry in the Trash 'n' Treasures series.
Vivian Borne is the sheriff, but still irrepressible as ever. When the antique house of one of her old beaux goes up in flames, she flings herself into the house. She sees that a prominent antiques is missing from it's perch. That gets Vivian's little grey cells working, and she's on the case to the consternation of her daughter, and pretty much everyone else in town.
It's also time for the annual play. Vivian is the director, and promised a noobie a juicy part, and she completely forgot about it.
Both parts come together seamlessly. One of the best cozy series out there!
A couple of things I noticed are a little different. The series has the usual super cop who can't catch a cold. It's one of the tropes of the genre. Maybe it's the times we live in, but this particular super cop is from New York City. He's supposed to be the professional, but he can't actually do anything. He's like one of these so-called experts that don't know what they're talking about, hiding behind meaningless credentials and professional jargon. This perspective gives the book a very different feel than before.
Also, there is a lot of talk about impeaching Vivian as sheriff. Super cop seems to be in favor of this, as do many of the county's officials. After the impeachment we just had, one has to wonder why everybody wanted Vivan out so bad. Is it because she's crazy as a bedbug, or is the real reason that she's disrupting business as usual, making the county incumbents look like the lazy, corrupt incompetent people they actually are?
Keeping those two things in mind make give this an underbelly different than the rest of the books in the series.
Vivian Borne is the sheriff, but still irrepressible as ever. When the antique house of one of her old beaux goes up in flames, she flings herself into the house. She sees that a prominent antiques is missing from it's perch. That gets Vivian's little grey cells working, and she's on the case to the consternation of her daughter, and pretty much everyone else in town.
It's also time for the annual play. Vivian is the director, and promised a noobie a juicy part, and she completely forgot about it.
Both parts come together seamlessly. One of the best cozy series out there!
A couple of things I noticed are a little different. The series has the usual super cop who can't catch a cold. It's one of the tropes of the genre. Maybe it's the times we live in, but this particular super cop is from New York City. He's supposed to be the professional, but he can't actually do anything. He's like one of these so-called experts that don't know what they're talking about, hiding behind meaningless credentials and professional jargon. This perspective gives the book a very different feel than before.
Also, there is a lot of talk about impeaching Vivian as sheriff. Super cop seems to be in favor of this, as do many of the county's officials. After the impeachment we just had, one has to wonder why everybody wanted Vivan out so bad. Is it because she's crazy as a bedbug, or is the real reason that she's disrupting business as usual, making the county incumbents look like the lazy, corrupt incompetent people they actually are?
Keeping those two things in mind make give this an underbelly different than the rest of the books in the series.
June 7, 2023
I’ve read all the books in this series, aside from solving the crimes I enjoy the humor in each book.
May 7, 2020
The 14th book in the "A Trash 'N' Treasures Mystery" series, Antiques Fire Sale from Barbara, Allan is available now. Published by Kensington Books, this book is as quirky as the rest of the series. Unlike many cozies, this one has readers laughing.
First off, I have to say that I did not like the narration of this book. It's a personal issue for me. I do not like the characters to speak to the audience in cozies. It's somewhat unsettling and does not make the story more interesting. It can have the opposite effect and make me less likely to enjoy the book or even finish it. I also do not like the continued use of calling Vivian "mother" instead of using her name; it feels disrespectful and insulting.
The characters in these cozies are well developed, and for the most part, likable. They are definitely not the average characters. They have personalities that can be irritating and endearing at the same time, just like any real human being. Vivian is my favorite character. She has personality in spades. She is unpredictable and easy to like, and always getting into trouble. I'm not overly crazy about Brandy, she's too stiff and seems to dislike everything her mother does. It verges on a teenager's attitude much of the time.
The mystery and murder(s) in this book are exciting, and there are great twists along the journey. Most cozies only have one murder to solve, but in this story, there are several, and none are straight forward. Throughout the novel, readers may get a sense that Vivian already knows who the killer is, and she is just biding her time to find the perfect occasion to unveil the culprit. The story itself is an enjoyable read, filled with Vivian's antics, plenty of evidence, and enough twists to keep readers entertained. I recommend readers who haven't read any of this series start from the beginning. But for those who have read this series, I recommend Antiques Fire Sale
First off, I have to say that I did not like the narration of this book. It's a personal issue for me. I do not like the characters to speak to the audience in cozies. It's somewhat unsettling and does not make the story more interesting. It can have the opposite effect and make me less likely to enjoy the book or even finish it. I also do not like the continued use of calling Vivian "mother" instead of using her name; it feels disrespectful and insulting.
The characters in these cozies are well developed, and for the most part, likable. They are definitely not the average characters. They have personalities that can be irritating and endearing at the same time, just like any real human being. Vivian is my favorite character. She has personality in spades. She is unpredictable and easy to like, and always getting into trouble. I'm not overly crazy about Brandy, she's too stiff and seems to dislike everything her mother does. It verges on a teenager's attitude much of the time.
The mystery and murder(s) in this book are exciting, and there are great twists along the journey. Most cozies only have one murder to solve, but in this story, there are several, and none are straight forward. Throughout the novel, readers may get a sense that Vivian already knows who the killer is, and she is just biding her time to find the perfect occasion to unveil the culprit. The story itself is an enjoyable read, filled with Vivian's antics, plenty of evidence, and enough twists to keep readers entertained. I recommend readers who haven't read any of this series start from the beginning. But for those who have read this series, I recommend Antiques Fire Sale
June 22, 2020
I've read and loved this series from way back when, and while not every book was a true winner, they've always had humorous moments. Loved this one.
January 3, 2021
A humorous story with a quirky seventy something sheriff, Vivian, and her daughter, Brandy. Because Vivian lost her license due to a DUI she volunteered Brandy to be an ex-officio deputy so she could be Vivian's chauffeur. Thus Brandy finds herself involved in her mother's unorthodox behaviors and questionable crime fighting methods.
The story is funny and fast paced plus I enjoyed how the story was told by both Brandy and Vivian with even a chapter from Brandy's 14 year old son. The editor's notes to Vivian and Brandy added a touch of humor too. A part of A Trash 'n' Treasures Mystery series the book also gives helpful hints in buying and selling collectibles. This is the first book I've read in the series but I will definitely be reading the others. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
The story is funny and fast paced plus I enjoyed how the story was told by both Brandy and Vivian with even a chapter from Brandy's 14 year old son. The editor's notes to Vivian and Brandy added a touch of humor too. A part of A Trash 'n' Treasures Mystery series the book also gives helpful hints in buying and selling collectibles. This is the first book I've read in the series but I will definitely be reading the others. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 8, 2020
This is one of my very favorite series and the newest installment definitely did not disappoint. In fact I read it in less than 24 hours because the writing just sucks you and is so easy that you don't even realize how much you've read.
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I love this series for many reasons, but for me the humor and snark are the best parts! There are always little pieces of side conversation within the story - to emulate Brandy, Viv, and their editor having a funny exchange while writing the book. Brady is the main POV and she always tells the story with an attitude of almost exasperated reluctance and definite humor and sass. Viv did get to tell a good portion of the story from her POV and even Brandy's son Jake got a chapter. I love distinct the different POVs are and how well the authors embody these characters just from their different storytelling voices.
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The mystery really had me stumped and I enjoyed the role antiques played in the story. I was very surprised by the ending and the plots that were uncovered. I am in love with Viv's detecting style and how she uses her position as Sheriff (which I still can't wrap my head around-ha!). The only thing that I was missing was more of Brandy's story. Even though she is the main POV, we didn't get to see much development or get much into her head, until the ending which I LOVED! Also, I would love love to see more romance, more sparks!
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I already can't wait for the next book! Thank you to the publishers for a Netgalley ARC; my opinions are my own.
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I love this series for many reasons, but for me the humor and snark are the best parts! There are always little pieces of side conversation within the story - to emulate Brandy, Viv, and their editor having a funny exchange while writing the book. Brady is the main POV and she always tells the story with an attitude of almost exasperated reluctance and definite humor and sass. Viv did get to tell a good portion of the story from her POV and even Brandy's son Jake got a chapter. I love distinct the different POVs are and how well the authors embody these characters just from their different storytelling voices.
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The mystery really had me stumped and I enjoyed the role antiques played in the story. I was very surprised by the ending and the plots that were uncovered. I am in love with Viv's detecting style and how she uses her position as Sheriff (which I still can't wrap my head around-ha!). The only thing that I was missing was more of Brandy's story. Even though she is the main POV, we didn't get to see much development or get much into her head, until the ending which I LOVED! Also, I would love love to see more romance, more sparks!
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I already can't wait for the next book! Thank you to the publishers for a Netgalley ARC; my opinions are my own.
March 15, 2020
I absolutely loved this book, this is my #2 of top 5 favorite series.
Vivian is my favorite character, she is outlandish enough to be believable. Brandy plays well with Vivian and all her quirks, having enough of her own to make them a great duo.
Fans of this series are going to love Antiques Fire Sale!
Vivian is my favorite character, she is outlandish enough to be believable. Brandy plays well with Vivian and all her quirks, having enough of her own to make them a great duo.
Fans of this series are going to love Antiques Fire Sale!
April 26, 2020
This is a light-hearted cozy mystery. I enjoyed it. It moves along quickly and with the different voices of the two main characters it's quirky. #AntiquesFireSale #NetGalley.
May 3, 2020
Antiques Fire Sale is the fourteenth book in Barbara Allan’s (a joint pseudonym of husband-and-wife mystery writers Barbara and Max Allan Collins) A Trash ’n’ Treasures Mystery series. I’ve only read one other book in this series; however, the author provided great character background, and it’s easy to understand their backgrounds and relationships. The dialog switches between the two main characters to give both their perspectives of certain events. The mystery is interesting, with a good storyline and no shortage of twists and turns or suspects, and lots of humor.
Brandy Borne, her mother, Vivian Borne, and Brandy’s Shih Tzu, Sushi, live in Serenity, the sleepy little town. Brandy has a teenaged son who lives with his father, she’s dating Serenity’s chief of police, Tony Cassato, and she and Vivian own Trash ’n’ Treasures. Vivian, who is in her mid-seventies and has solved lots of murders as an amateur sleuth, recently became Serenity County Sheriff, and because she’s lost her driver’s license, appointed Brandy as her reluctant unpaid deputy/driver. When the historic Wentworth Mansion, which is filled with priceless antiques, is ablaze, Vivian rushes in in an unsuccessful attempt to save the occupant and notices that a vase is missing. Vivian suspects foul play, and even though it’s not in her jurisdiction, she begins an investigation. As her investigation progresses, Vivian and Brandy discover many facts that don’t line up with the identity of the deceased, find more antiques missing, and unveil lies told by suspects, and Sushi finds a second body.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Brandy Borne, her mother, Vivian Borne, and Brandy’s Shih Tzu, Sushi, live in Serenity, the sleepy little town. Brandy has a teenaged son who lives with his father, she’s dating Serenity’s chief of police, Tony Cassato, and she and Vivian own Trash ’n’ Treasures. Vivian, who is in her mid-seventies and has solved lots of murders as an amateur sleuth, recently became Serenity County Sheriff, and because she’s lost her driver’s license, appointed Brandy as her reluctant unpaid deputy/driver. When the historic Wentworth Mansion, which is filled with priceless antiques, is ablaze, Vivian rushes in in an unsuccessful attempt to save the occupant and notices that a vase is missing. Vivian suspects foul play, and even though it’s not in her jurisdiction, she begins an investigation. As her investigation progresses, Vivian and Brandy discover many facts that don’t line up with the identity of the deceased, find more antiques missing, and unveil lies told by suspects, and Sushi finds a second body.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
dnf
April 24, 2020Nope, nope, nope. The author's voice doesn't work for me. This is the second book I've tried and I'm done. Too much rambling, annoying and unnecessary fourth wall breaks, an annoying MC. Nope. I don't mind when an author breaks the fourth wall but this was just obnoxious AF and added nothing to the story. I gave up at 20%. And I'm done with this series and this author.
On the plus side, this book did have less of an obsession with brand names and clothing descriptions than the first book did. Those, at least, were toned down.
On the plus side, this book did have less of an obsession with brand names and clothing descriptions than the first book did. Those, at least, were toned down.
October 25, 2021
A cozy set in a small town in Iowa along the Mississippi River. It main characters are a mother and daughter who own an antiques store but spend a lot of time investigating crime usually murder. The book was an easy read.
September 16, 2022
Was a freebie at the recent Bouchercon conference. Have not read any in this series before. Delightful humor. Great and sassy main characters. Look forward to seeking out and reading more of these.
May 1, 2020
Book #14 and still going strong, Brandy and her eccentric senior citizen mother, Vivian, are investigating again. Now that Vivian has been made sheriff, Brandy really has her hands full corraling her mother. Vivian lost her driving license and has deputized Brandy as her unofficial deputy - aka chauffeur - and what a team they make. Vivian runs things by her own set of rules and those don't always follow the rules of law. Picky, picky. She is really having fun with being sheriff. Things turn serious when, after they take a tour of the beautiful Wentworth mansion, it burns to the ground and a body is found in the ashes. The investigation is being conducted by the police chief of Serenity who happens to be Brandy's boyfriend. Not that that will in any way stop Vivian from doing her own investigation with Brandy as her sidekick. She is truly a force to be reckoned with. They know their antiques and, having been in the house in the 24 hours before the fire, they are quick to spot items for sale on the internet that were supposed to have burned up in the fire. Homicide with an arson coverup.
This kind of humorous cozy is all that I want to read these days. Pure escape reading and the husband and wife writing team of Barbara and Max Allan Collins has never let me down.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This kind of humorous cozy is all that I want to read these days. Pure escape reading and the husband and wife writing team of Barbara and Max Allan Collins has never let me down.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 27, 2020
This is such a charming cozy series ! I have read the entire series and found this next in series, the 14th great fun to read. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley . My review opinion is my own.
Brandy’s Mother Vivian is still the sheriff of Serenity County. She still works with Brandy as a antique dealer and goes with Brandy to find antiques on her down time. They take a tour of the historic Wentworth Mansion enjoying the priceless treasures inside . When the mansion burns down with a corpse inside hours after their tour Brandy and her Mother are on the case. They soon find the corpse was the caretaker and someone that Vivian was once involved with. With the assistance of their trusty dog Sushi they find a second body near the mansion and know the fire was arson to cover up the murder. While being deterred in their investigation by the chief of police they don't take no for an answer and continue their investigation. . Soon they have clues stacking up and suspects abound as some items from the burned mansion show up for sale on the internet.
I loved this next in series and enjoy the Mother Daughter duo that always solves their case. The sleuth was well crafted to the story . The supporting charcters all add to the series and I look forward to the next in series.
Brandy’s Mother Vivian is still the sheriff of Serenity County. She still works with Brandy as a antique dealer and goes with Brandy to find antiques on her down time. They take a tour of the historic Wentworth Mansion enjoying the priceless treasures inside . When the mansion burns down with a corpse inside hours after their tour Brandy and her Mother are on the case. They soon find the corpse was the caretaker and someone that Vivian was once involved with. With the assistance of their trusty dog Sushi they find a second body near the mansion and know the fire was arson to cover up the murder. While being deterred in their investigation by the chief of police they don't take no for an answer and continue their investigation. . Soon they have clues stacking up and suspects abound as some items from the burned mansion show up for sale on the internet.
I loved this next in series and enjoy the Mother Daughter duo that always solves their case. The sleuth was well crafted to the story . The supporting charcters all add to the series and I look forward to the next in series.
May 20, 2020
Antiques Fire Sale is the newest entry in the long running Trash and Treasures Mystery series by author Barbara Allan. I love the humor in this series and really enjoy the time that I get with the series main characters, Vivian and Brandy Borne. Their interactions with each other are laugh out loud funny but you can also tell that they have a deep love for each other.
I have the past couple of books because we have been able to see Vivian in her role as a professional sleuth, the Serenity sheriff. She has struggled with the rules and regulations that come with being a member of law enforcement and we see more of that in this book. We also get to see Vivian back in the theater, which is always amusing, and the theater actually plays a large role in this book. The book also had a complex and well thought out mystery. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading future books in the series.
I have the past couple of books because we have been able to see Vivian in her role as a professional sleuth, the Serenity sheriff. She has struggled with the rules and regulations that come with being a member of law enforcement and we see more of that in this book. We also get to see Vivian back in the theater, which is always amusing, and the theater actually plays a large role in this book. The book also had a complex and well thought out mystery. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading future books in the series.
March 21, 2020
This is the 14th installment in this series. Brandy and her Mother Vivian are taking a tour of historic Wentworth Mansion and are agog at all the beautiful items but are shocked when just a few hours later the mansion is in ashes. The caretaker is found dead in the ashes and since he is a former flame of Vivian’s and she is convinced it was not an accident. Tony the current chief of Serenity and Brandy’s boyfriend is not convinced. Brandy recognizes some things see saw at the mansion on the internet and begins to think the fire was intended to cover up a robbery. Vivian and Brandy are hilarious together and although I have not read every book in this series I was able to enjoy this and follow as a standalone. This was a good mystery and a great break from all the craziness going on right now. A winner.
April 10, 2020
When the Wentworth Mansion went up in flames, not only were the treasures inside destroyed, the caretaker was also killed. Vivian, the Sheriff of Serenity County, and her daughter Brandy had just been there looking for goodies and now it's an arson scene but should it also be a murder scene? Vivian thinks so but Brandy's love interest Tony, who is chief of police, doesn't. Readers of cozies know that there's more going on in Serenity than it appears especially when there's more bad stuff. The wordplay between Vivian and Brandy is lively (it does sometimes get to be a bit much), there's Sushi, the dog, and there's just enough twisters to keep you guessing. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier books in this series (I've only read a couple)- it's fine as a standalone.
April 13, 2020
Brandy and Vivian are at their best in Antiques Fire Sale! Not only are the ladies scouring the countryside for antiques, but they're now legitimate sleuths since Vivian, Brandy's Mom, has been appointed Sheriff! A body in a burned out mansion leads the ladies (and their doggy partner, Sushi the Shih Tzu) to a case that may lead to their last antique hunt!
Brandy & Vivian make a great team. I liked the way that narrator changed in the book and the author was very clear about who was "narrating" . The book balanced humor & mystery perfectly with a bit of romance. I enjoyed trying to figure out "whodunit" and just when I thought I had it all figured out...I didn't! The antique tips were fun and useful and added to the book. A great read!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own.
Brandy & Vivian make a great team. I liked the way that narrator changed in the book and the author was very clear about who was "narrating" . The book balanced humor & mystery perfectly with a bit of romance. I enjoyed trying to figure out "whodunit" and just when I thought I had it all figured out...I didn't! The antique tips were fun and useful and added to the book. A great read!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own.
March 18, 2020
This book will be perfect as an antidote to real world worries. It's a punfest with enough humor to keep laughing throughout the whole book!
The tale is told alternately by Sheriff Vivian the bipolar and her put upon daughter Brandy. The mystery is good and Vivian nearly gets fried a couple of times, but the twists and red herrings sometimes need rereading because the writing is so hilarious. Doesn't really matter if you've never read any of the other books in the series as this stands alone very well. There's also a recipe and lots of Trash 'n' Treasures Tips at the end of chapters, too.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
The tale is told alternately by Sheriff Vivian the bipolar and her put upon daughter Brandy. The mystery is good and Vivian nearly gets fried a couple of times, but the twists and red herrings sometimes need rereading because the writing is so hilarious. Doesn't really matter if you've never read any of the other books in the series as this stands alone very well. There's also a recipe and lots of Trash 'n' Treasures Tips at the end of chapters, too.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
April 15, 2020
The Sheriff Is On The Job
This book is one of a series which the authors manage to let stand alone pretty well.
While there are boring descriptions of who wore what, who ate what and other minutiae, I love the detailed descriptions of the antiques. There is something for everyone. There is a lot of the characters speaking directly to the author as well as the characters arguing over who gets to tell what. It is like being with real people. The mystery part is good, but I found the rest of it quite a distraction. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
This book is one of a series which the authors manage to let stand alone pretty well.
While there are boring descriptions of who wore what, who ate what and other minutiae, I love the detailed descriptions of the antiques. There is something for everyone. There is a lot of the characters speaking directly to the author as well as the characters arguing over who gets to tell what. It is like being with real people. The mystery part is good, but I found the rest of it quite a distraction. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
April 16, 2020
Oh, I just love this series of books! In Antiques Fire Sale by Barbara Allan, Vivian Borne local theater producer, actress and acting sheriff is on the case along with her daughter and driver, Brandy and her little doggie, Sushi. They along with various deputies and Chief Tony who happens to be Brandy's boyfriend work to solve the crimes. Not always in tune with each other. Actually pretty much never in tune with each other. If you have read the other books then you know that the only person in tune with Vivian is Vivian and I am not quite sure that is even true at times. Just enjoy the giggles and the smiles from reading this book and look forward to the sweet surprise at the end!
November 6, 2024
#14 in the series, and Vivian is now the Sherrif in Serenity. A fire and a death are suspicious to Vivian, and she insists on a full autopsy. Are we not surprised that it was murder and not related to the fire? we move on to more murders, mistaken identity, and well, Vivian being Vivian.
Brandy sort of plays second fiddle to her mother in this story. I do have to say that I LOVED THE ENDING!!!
These books are definitely an acquired taste. The storytelling vacillates between Brandy and Vivian. And sometimes the book editor. While the story moves forward, the POV changes.
The mystery was a good one and I liked how it came together and how Vivian figured it out.
Brandy sort of plays second fiddle to her mother in this story. I do have to say that I LOVED THE ENDING!!!
These books are definitely an acquired taste. The storytelling vacillates between Brandy and Vivian. And sometimes the book editor. While the story moves forward, the POV changes.
The mystery was a good one and I liked how it came together and how Vivian figured it out.
April 13, 2020
Am I the only one who would love to see this book series brought to the screen? I'm not sure who would play Brandy - just please no Katherine Heigel because she stole the role of Stephanie Plum from Debi Mazar who would have been absolutely perfect....
I needed this book right now... It was funny, familiar, and these books are always a great quick read... Love the addition of a chapter by Jake and the recipes - such a nice touch!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this as an ARC - I look forward to the next one!
I needed this book right now... It was funny, familiar, and these books are always a great quick read... Love the addition of a chapter by Jake and the recipes - such a nice touch!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this as an ARC - I look forward to the next one!
June 14, 2020
The books in the Trash N Treasures series are exactly what every reader needs now and then. A fun to read cozy mystery with characters that can be counted on to do the unexpected and still catch the bad guy in the end. The mother and daughter team of antique treasure hunters always seem to find trouble along their way. Barbara Allan has written some really unique characters and set them into a community full of people and places that will take the reader on a wild ride through an ANTIQUES FIRE SALE.
December 4, 2020
A Well Written Mystery
I really love the characters of Vivian and Brandy Borne and the mysteries (with a perfect touch of humor) that they investigate. This series is in the classic mode of Nero Wolfe and Miss Marple, and at times makes me think of the great Pink Panther series of films, minus the bumbling French Detective. Vivian and Brandy may have their quirky moments, which are always enjoyable and funny, but they are also very good detectives and Antique's Fire Sale is another well written example of that fact. I highly recommend it, to say the least.
I really love the characters of Vivian and Brandy Borne and the mysteries (with a perfect touch of humor) that they investigate. This series is in the classic mode of Nero Wolfe and Miss Marple, and at times makes me think of the great Pink Panther series of films, minus the bumbling French Detective. Vivian and Brandy may have their quirky moments, which are always enjoyable and funny, but they are also very good detectives and Antique's Fire Sale is another well written example of that fact. I highly recommend it, to say the least.
January 29, 2022
Antiques Fire Sale is the 14th book in the Trash 'n' Treasures Mystery series by Barbara Allan. If you are new to the series, there is always a bit of an introduction that will give you a general overview of the previous books, but I still like to read them in order. There are often references peppered throughout to previous books. Plus, none of these books are so long or heavy that you can't breeze through them. That's one of the reasons I love these books so much. They are funny, take place in small town Iowa, and include recipes and antiquing tips. They remind me of home. Antiques Fire Sale is no exception EXCEPT there is a new sheriff in town. Watch out!
Bonus points for always have a cute illustration of Sushi on the cover.
Bonus points for always have a cute illustration of Sushi on the cover.
May 15, 2020
A delightful escape from the real world. A fun method of presenting a story with mother and daughter points of view. Each are a special character with unusual attitudes. A tiny smidgeon of romance. Lots of humor and references to old movies and their long dead stars. The style of writing and humor will not appeal to everyone, but those of us who appreciate it will find several hours of entertainment. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy.
September 19, 2020
This is the first I have read from this author. I accidentally stumbled upon this writing duo as I was browsing my library’s audio books. Unfortunately, my library has discontinued RBDigital this month.
It was a hoot. I enjoyed the humor, the dialogue, the characters and the mystery.
The audio version was great! I’m looking for more from this author. Luckily there are 13 others to find. Definitely adding this author to my must read list.
Bonus: recipes included in the story.
It was a hoot. I enjoyed the humor, the dialogue, the characters and the mystery.
The audio version was great! I’m looking for more from this author. Luckily there are 13 others to find. Definitely adding this author to my must read list.
Bonus: recipes included in the story.
April 10, 2023
I read a library book.
4 1/2 Stars! Vivian investigates her second case as Sheriff and, as the body count rises, she's hot on the trail. This one's another fun, zany, fast-paced adventure with Brandy and Sushi helping solve the case - and trying to keep Vivian in check.
I read this one out of order because I had to use the interlibrary loan system, so now I'm almost caught up. I'll patiently wait for the next books, though. They're worth it!
4 1/2 Stars! Vivian investigates her second case as Sheriff and, as the body count rises, she's hot on the trail. This one's another fun, zany, fast-paced adventure with Brandy and Sushi helping solve the case - and trying to keep Vivian in check.
I read this one out of order because I had to use the interlibrary loan system, so now I'm almost caught up. I'll patiently wait for the next books, though. They're worth it!
May 6, 2020
I came into this series on number 14. I have some catching up to do. It was a cte story and I enjoyed it. The mother daughter duo are a hoot. Mom as sheriff and daughter as her driver and whatever was amusing. Vivian is someone I'm looking forward to getting to know. The end was surprising and is promising with more fun stories to come.
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