Bidding for Revenge

Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery #3

by Victoria Tait

A British Cozy Murder Mystery with a Female Amateur Sleuth

Trainee antiques expert, Dotty Sayers, is nervous but excited about buying period furniture for a local celebrity. During the quiet summer months, she’s persuaded to join her company’s triathlon team for a charity competition in Britain’s picturesque Cotswolds. But she realises all that glitters is not gold when a fellow competitor collapses and dies.

With only a young sergeant concerned about the athletic woman’s death, Dotty focuses on the sale of counterfeit furniture. She informs the police about a suspicious phone call but is horrified when her information puts an innocent life at risk.

Can Dotty see through the sham and acquire the clues to ensure justice is served?

Bidding for Revenge is the third book in the captivating Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series. If you like puzzling mysteries, quirky characters, and the vibrant British countryside, then you’ll adore Victoria Tait’s page-turning tale.

Buy Bidding for Revenge and uncover a treasure today!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Crime, Cozy

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2022

About the author

Hi, would you like to download Hour is Come, the FREE prequel to my Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series?

If so visit https://bookfunnel.victoriatait.com/s... or visit my website https://www.victoriatait.com

I was born and raised in Yorkshire, England, and never expected to travel the world. I've drawn on my life’s experiences of following my military husband, and a love of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Murder She Wrote, to write British-based cozy mysteries.

My determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and my settings are vivid and evocative. As you’re compelled to keep turning the pages, you’ll be irresistibly drawn into a world of intrigue, surprises, and humour, as well as a delectable helping of mystery, because tea and intrigue are a perfect blend.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bidding for Revenge Earns 5+/5 Auction Bids…Engaging, Clever Cozy Gem!

Dotty Sayers is bonding well with her new friends and colleagues at Akemans Antiques agreeing to complete the swimming portion in a team charity triathlon, but she’s also eager to join her good friend and landlady on a fact-finding mission to a local auctioneer house. Aunt Beanie had long since retired from Akemans to help law enforcement police the antique community, then later retired again after her husband’s dementia diagnosis. With reports of a well-organized antique scam hitting locally, a former colleague convinced Beanie to act as a consultant. Dotty thought making a few contacts along with a bit of snooping might be fun. However, everything collides with murderous results…shadowy figures, curious comments, break-ins, secrets, police records, and one of the auctioneers later murdered at the triathlon event! Dotty can’t help but be in the middle of a murder investigations for which she’s shown herself ill-prepared, yet in spite of her “Miss Meddlesome” moniker, she’s surprisingly helpful.

Victoria Tait’s fourth book in her Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery is a delightful mini tour of the Cotswold countryside: the different villages, the rural backroads, diverse flora and fauna, and myths, monoliths, and mountains. But, it also incorporates all kinds of fascinating details about appraisals, auctions, and antiques, or not-so antiques, to make it informative as well as entertaining. The antiques trade is the perfect competitive and cutthroat environment in which to set her cozy. With characters showing up in curious places exhibiting contentious attitudes, suspicious comments, and threats seen and heard, it reveals realistic motives, surprise suspects, clever conspiracies, and more peril Dotty has trouble avoiding. Love it! Don’t miss this cozy gem!

From a technical side, Victoria Tait’s writing style is one that captures my interest: sensory-laden language paints the setting and multi-generational characters and the banter supports their personalities and emotions. It’s much like a “coming of age” journey with Dotty breaking the boundaries set by a controlling family and authorities and emerging as capable and strong. She has her lapses, like us all, questioning her decisions and stewing over her missteps, but it is inspiring to watch. Beyond the mystery, this book and series checks all the boxes: favorite setting, a tight-knit group of diverse friends, and a multi-faceted female. Brilliant! A top contender for Best of 2022!

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Dotty Sayers is taking on more responsibilities at Akemans Auction House. She has been tasked with furnishing a massive home for a local celebrity. This means traveling to several auctions to find the perfect period furnishings her new client desires. She gets to know the man quite well especially after he agrees to hold a charity triathlon competition on his property. Dotty has been swimming every morning to prepare for being part of the Akeman’s team.

The big day arrives and everything is in place to have a successful event until one of the competitors collapses and dies at the end of the course.

In addition to the suspicious death, Aunt Beanie is on a case tracking down counterfeit furniture and Dotty is on board to help her especially after she learns she finds out one of her recent purchases was a forgery.

Dotty truly has her hands full as both mysteries play out and collide in dangerous ways.

I have enjoyed every book in this series and I really enjoy the way Dotty has emerged over the course of these books. Going off on her own to auctions was a big step and she handled it so well. Ms. Tait has given her an excellent group of friends and colleagues to support her. Living with Aunt Beanie and Uncle Cliff is beneficial for everyone. Cliff is failing more each day and due to an event in this story, Beanie needs assistance as well. It also gives Dotty a home base she can afford. She is growing closer to her workmates as well, they are quickly becoming friends. She has a great friendship building with Constable Keya Varma too. I love the multigenerational aspect of this series and the way Dotty interacts with everyone. She still has her moments when she reverts back to her quiet self but that makes her growth more real.

The author introduces some very interesting new characters in this story as well. Jay Newton, an aging rock star, who has bought Windrush Hall and Dotty’s new client, his bandmate Tracy, and an auctioneer who is very close to the rocker. These three seem to be hiding something which really piques Dotty’s interest.

Ms. Tait’s descriptive writing style lends itself well to this story. Dotty travels to several places in her quest to find just the right pieces to furnish Windrush Hall in the more historical way it deserves and to do a little sleuthing. Each place she visited was described wonderfully to create vivid pictures in my mind. The character’s dialogues and situations also felt genuine and true to life.

The mystery was very well-plotted, Dotty takes some real risks to find the truth. The cause of death was unique and unexpected. I did figure out part of the mystery before it was revealed but that did not deter my enjoyment of this story at all. I do love the way Victoria Tait tells a story!

Bidding for Revenge is an intriguing and entertaining story and a Perfect Escape. I am excited to see what Dotty and her friends will get into next. Gavels, Tinsel, and Murder will be released on November 4 and I can’t wait to get my copy.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dotty’s friend Keya is organizing a charity triathlon and Dotty has agreed to be the swim leg of the Akemans team. The event originally planned for a public place needs a new home and as luck would have it Dotty has been engaged by the new owner of Windrush Hall Jay Newton to purchase period furniture, originals if possible. Dotty introduces the two and Jay is excited to be a part of the event. On the day they meet Dotty and Keya see an employee of another local auction house who it seems is dating Jay and the two are arguing. On the day of the competition one of the athletes a young woman drops during her run and has a heart attack and dies. Shocking as she’s in good health except for allergies. As the investigation progresses secrets from her past come to light that cast suspicion or maybe a young sergeant is trying to make a mountain out of a molehill. Time will tell.
An exciting adventure for Dotty and the reader. Dotty continues to grow and learn and try new things after the death of her controlling husband. Though she still struggles for self confidence I think that makes her all the more relatable and likable as a character and protagonist. I had an inkling of a suspicion as to who the perpetrator was and super excited to find that I was correct although you’ll have to read for yourself to see if you guess right too! I cannot wait to see what is next for Dotty and the crew of Akemans!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Rebecca Randall and why??? Auctions, fake antiques and affairs??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoy the quality writing of Victoria Tait she brings to life the intrigue of the British country side and the art of antiquities with such vibrant and colorful women working in and of support of one another through generations. The characters draw you in wanting to get to know them better while the mystery entices you even further but the plot is what truly keeps you turning page after wonderful page until you reach its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Bidding for Revenge " for hours of exciting, enjoyable and rewarding entertainment. 😀 Kat.

[Dave Measner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now into the third book of the series Dotty is getting more confident in her role at Akeman's auctions. A charity triathalon is being run and Dotty is doing the swimming leg for the Akeman's team. She is given the responsibility to her refurnish Windrush farm for a retired rock star, and even is allowed to do some bidding for objects at other auctions.
At the charity event , which is being held at Jay Newton's Windrush hall, Rebecca Randall drops dead during the running portion of the triathalon. Is it murder or just a reaction to her athsma.
Also there is the issue of fake antique furniture being passed of as real at auctions. Is the death related? As the invesigation evolves more red herrings throw the investgators off the trail. Read on to find who done it and why.
Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Candy Lawless · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Dotty is embroiled in a murder mystery with so many facets, enough to keep the reader in suspense. The characters are like old friends in this the third book in this series, watching them solve this murder is intriguing and fun. Highly recommended to all readers of cozy mysteries.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has quickly become one of my favorites! Bidding for Revenge is the latest in the Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series. Though you can definitely read it as a stand alone, you'll enjoy it even more if you read the prior ones.

Dotty has grown so much throughout the series. In this book, she is given more responsibility in her job at the antiques house where she works.

Aunt Beanie, Uncle Cliff, Norman, Keya, Gilly, Peter...are just a few of the characters that make this series so enjoyable.

I have nothing but praise for this book and series. It's a delightful cozy mystery that you'll have a hard time putting down. I highly recommend it for its characters, setting, story, and mystery!

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this book opens we see Dotty and Gilly training for a charity team triathlon. We meet Molly Vogt as she greets Gilly, she's now working for Cirencester Auctions. She did want to work at Akemans, but Gilly hired Dotty very quickly to fill that spot. Her girls interrupt them wanting ice cream and she tells them to ask their father. Didier is around somewhere, and finally shows up as Molly decides to change first.

Dotty now lives in a cottage on Aunt Beanie's farm and Norman has take over renting out the farmland and helping part-time with Uncle Cliff who has dementia. He's also bought Buttercup, a Jersey cow and of course there's Agatha, the Berkshire pig that is still living in the house. Agatha is best buddies with Dotty's cat Earl Grey.

While the auction house is quieter now in August, the antique centre gets a lot of tourists. Dotty has set up her own stall with cast offs from other vendors and items that didn't sell at auction and the sellers didn't want back.

We meet George's husband Marcus in this one as he had a meeting with Marion's husband David. Marcus is in charge of the exclusive estate agent side of Akemans. Windham Hall has a new owner, Jay Newton an aged rock star looking for peace and quiet.

Jay wants to find some original pieces from the estate and other corresponding period pieces to replace his modern furniture that really doesn't fit. David assigns Dotty to attend auctions and look for pieces Jay might like.

Sergeant Keya Varma and Aunt Bernie are working with Chief Inspector Ringrose in the Rural, Heritage and Wildlife Division and as there has been talk of stolen and counterfeit antiques being auctioned off around the county, he sent Keya to the auction undercover to learn about the process.

Keya has another problem, the venue for the charity team triathlon can't provide the security needed for the event. She has to find somewhere else and it's only a couple weeks away. Dotty suggests asking Jay if he would host it at Windham.

Now this is a mystery so of course there is going to be a murder, I just didn't expect the victim.

Rebecca is in the triathlon; she's doing the run part of it. Unfortunately, she's having allergy issues and using her nasal spray to keep her airways open. At the end of the run she's gasping for breathe and even the spray isn't giving relief and she collapses.

Dr. Peter is there but there was nothing he could do for her.

The investigation reveals secrets others would much prefer to keep hidden. Then also takes several twists.

There's also more about the counterfeit antiques and Dotty is more than a little embarrassed when she falls for one.

I love these books, and the possible romance between Dotty and Gilmore.

I am already reading the next book, I can't stop myself

[Julie Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bidding for Revenge by Victoria Tait is book #3 in A Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery Series.
Likable characters keep this book interesting. Dotty continues learning her new job at the Akeman's Antiques Auction House, where she ended up at after the death of her husband. When the local Charity Triathlon loses their place to hold this year's event, Dotty goes to a recent customer of the auction house and arranges with him to hold it at the grounds of his large estate. She even agrees to participate in the swimming leg for the Akeman's team. Things heat up when a woman collapses and dies during the race. Meantime, it is discovered that fake furniture is being sold at auction houses. Are the two related? Dotty puts her life in danger to find out. This delightful book keeps you turning pages till the very surprising end. This is a fast-paced, enjoyable story. I recommend you read the first 2 in the series to learn of Dotty’s backstory, but this can be read as a standalone also. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dotty's on the Case . . .

Trainee antiques expert, Dotty Sayers, once again gets embroiled in a murder mystery. Dotty is delighted to be asked to purchase furnishings for a former celebrity. She also agreed to take part in the team charity triathlon on the swimming portion. But one of the women competitors, Rebecca Randall, ends up dead. The autopsy shows very high levels of histamine, yet Rebecca had used her nasal spray because of her severe hay fever allergy, so that made no sense. And with everything else going on, there is a concern about the sale of counterfeit furniture being passed off as genuine. Can Dotty find whoever is responsible for the murder? Is there any connection to the counterfeit antique furniture?

This is an engaging cozy mystery with a nice variety of characters. The plot is well-written and holds the reader’s attention as Dotty searches for clues. With each success, she is gaining more confidence in what she is doing. But will she find the murderer?

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being at year at Cotswold auction house Dotty is asked to locate and buy furnishing for the Windrush Halls latest owner who happens to be a once famous rocker and if that wasn't nerve wracking enough someone ends up dead on the property. I loved seeing Dotty's confidence continue to build to the point of standing up to some of the local police when she is talked down to or are rude to her. Between looking for and buying antiques, building her own business stall and not helping but looking into the murder Dotty has a lot on her plate. There are some good laughs, plenty of suspects and a few shocks and sad moments to enjoy within this great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Verplak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely cozy read by Victoria Tait, great way to escape for an hour or two from the stresses of life and current heat in Victoria. Dotty joins the triathlon team to help out, strengthens her swimming skills, and inadvertently finds herself involved in another murder mystery. Her friendships/relationships with characters we have previously met continue to grow. I love how Dotty just happens to be on the scene at the time of the murder, she could even if not careful become a suspect. She has to try to not to be involved no matter how much she is intrigued, or what she over hears or her gut feeling that it is not the person the police suspect. I mean why would it be the person/people that could obviously be the murders.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dotty Sayers is enjoying the summer working at the Akemans auction house in Cotswolds. She is persuaded to join and train for the triathlon for a charity team. But mayhem happens as Rebecca a follow competitor drops down dead. The local police rules it as a accident but many things crop up to make Dotty feel that there is more to this death. Jay Newton of Windrush Hall , Inspector Even and sergent Unwin are on the case. The dead girl was Jay's girlfriend Rebecca. Dotty has done it again .A very exciting finish. I am on the ARC team and I leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bidding for Revenge is book #3 in the Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series by Victoria Tait.

Dotty Sayers is getting more trust and responsibility at work. She’s also on a triathlon team for a charity race, submitting items for judging, and investigating a death.

I love this series. Seeing how Dotty has matured and become more confident has been enjoyable. Triathlons, fairs, and auctions all brought back pleasant memories. It was interesting the way all the mystery threads wrapped up. I highly recommend this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dotty faces a few familiar challenges, as well as several new ones.

learning to swim is a new skill for Dotty, and putting it to work in the team triathlon community challenge is an exciting undertaking for Dotty.

she has the opportunity to develop her analytical skills, as well as learn more about scouting for specific sorts of items for a private client.

too bad someone involved with the community endeavors has a deadly streak

secrets buried and revealed, and new twists and developments in her surrounding community

intriguing small tow forgeries, thefts, and murder.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ruth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit that I haven't read the first two books in this series. But that's ok. A lot of the things that happened previously were mentioned in this story so I didn't feel like I was missing out.
This story moved at a nice pace and the chapters weren't so long as to be daunting. The mystery turned out very nicely and I didn't guess who the perpetrator was until just before the very end when it was revealed. This is a very well written story and I recommend it.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very entertaining read from Victoria Tait. Cozy mysteries are not my regular style of book but I have been enjoying reading them between my usual more blood-thirsty style of crime novels.
I look forward to each new book to see how much more Dotty has grown and matured after losing her husband. I would love to see a little romance for her. I often find myself smiling while reading about Dotty's adventures.
I really enjoy the quirks of each particular character, particulary clumsy Keya.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[CR1017 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bidding for Revenge continues to build upon the solid foundation of previous books in the series, introducing some new characters and expanding upon established ones. I find the series reminds me of the old television show Murder, She Wrote, which I have always enjoyed. I look forward to reading the next adventure of Dotty & her friends.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked visiting with Dotty Sayers once more in Bidding for Revenge. It was a fun story involving antiques and beautiful village life. Dotty Sayers is a really interesting character. I liked how she related to the characters and the world around her. It was interesting that she gets talked into taking part in sporting event. I think it goes with out saying that murder follows her where ever she goes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen antiques. An unexplained death. Can an amateur sleuth tell a fake from the real deal and solve a curio of a murder?

An enjoyable mystery that keeps you engaged in the story and turning the pages as you try to solve the mystery before you reach the end. The characters are fun, familiar if you've read other books in the series and easy to get to know.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mumto2girls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so enjoying these books. Bidding for Revenge is a perfect cozy mystery featuring an increasingly plucky heroine and a cast of interesting and diverse characters. Combined with a charming setting in Cotswold country, this third adventure includes several crimes that are solved by Dotty and her friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so enjoyed Dottie's journey of becoming herself. She has blossomed so much since the first story. This was a good story as she once again solved the mystery, much to the chagrin of the police. Love all the characters--Norman is one of my favorites, besides Dottie and Aunt Beanie. Recommend reading.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

another great addition to the series

While I never worked the auction side of the antique business I do see the good and bad sides of the antique business, ignoring the murders. Dotty is growing as are most of the side characters. This is another Kindle Unlimited find. I will continue the series

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story, involving a suspicious death, antiques, a retired rock star, and the Cotswold countryside. The characters are diverse, intelligent, and sometimes controversial. The plot is easily followed, and the premise is finding out how the ambitious girlfriend died and why. The answers were hidden well and the killer eventually found. I definitely recommend this book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun cozy!

I’m enjoying the Dotty Sayers cozy series immensely. They are consistent and you get to know the main group of characters better with each book.

Dotty is growing as a heroine and becoming more confident in her skills with antiques and investigating.

Looking forward to the next book!

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dotty Sayers is back. This time she is purchasing antiques for a celebrity, participating in a triathlon, and exposing counterfeit antiques. Good story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacquie Jerrard · Rating 4 out of 5]

good characters

What I like about these books are the characters and their dialogue. You wouldn’t think a small village could have a large Antiques centre brimming with the things I would buy if I could.

[Peggy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series. The characters are interesting and well thought out. I've enjoyed watching Dottie grow up. Looking forward to seeing if there's a romance in her future. I also love Gully, Keya, and Peter. Very lovable characters.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bidding for Revenge

This was a good story to read, Dottie is learning about antiques
Dottie loves her job, her independence, Dottie has found good friends that are her family. all right everyone lets read book 4, find out what they are up to