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Molly Doyle #4
Deadly Vintage
Life is sweet for Molly Doyle. Treasured Antiques, the Carmel shop she manages, is doing well. Her niece, Emma, continues to enrich her life, and her relationship with the local police chief has reached an interesting plateau. Eager to try interior decoration, she's working with Carla, a scion of the prestigious Mattucci family, to redecorate the winery's public area. But Carla's unpleasant husband has other ideas-and he's soon the latest murder case for Carmel's police chief to solve. But the Monterey County Sheriff suspects Molly and her boyfriend. Molly tends to business when not chasing clues, and enlightens readers on tricks of the trade like auction protocols and pitfalls, period furnishing, and the feng shui of Chinese Foo Dogs, all the while trying to discover the provenance of the real killers.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
259 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
1 person is currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Flinn
6 books7 followersElaine Flinn, a former Bay Area antiques dealer, created Molly Doyle, a Carmel, CA, antiques dealer in Dealing in Murder, her 2003 debut novel that was nominated for an Agatha, Gumshoe, Barry and Anthony (2003). Tagged for Murder (2004) won the Barry Award. Two more Molly Doyle novels--Deadly Collection and Deadly Vintage followed.
Flin was one of the founding members of Murderati. And, it was during her time at Murderati that Flinn developed the Evil-E persona for which she became so well-known.
Series:
* Molly Doyle
Flin was one of the founding members of Murderati. And, it was during her time at Murderati that Flinn developed the Evil-E persona for which she became so well-known.
Series:
* Molly Doyle
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 5, 2011
For once Molly Doyle's life is going well ,Treasures Antiques the shop she manages in Carmel is doing well .Emma her niece continues to enrich her life .And her relationship with the chief of police has taken an interesting turn, Molly is eager to branch out into interior decoration, she takes on a lucrative commission to refurbish the wine tasting rooms at Bello Lago, a prestigious family -owned winery in Carmel valley. But she soon finds herself in the middle of the dysfuntional familys squabbles when they end in murder- and she,s the prime suspect . Even worse, Emma's future is at stake when a stranger walks into treasures.... with questions about Emma! this story had plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.look forward to reading more books by Elaine Flinn.
May 18, 2020
SPOILER ALERT
Face=Reputation=Murder. This installment of the series starring Molly Doyle is all about the face that drives the thinking and actions of the Italian family Mattucci. The Bello Lago Winery is redecorating its tasting room and Carla Jessop hires Molly who has decided to expand her business. In the end this may not be the best direction for her to head. Carla's husband (who it turns out is already married and is therefore not her legal husband...thus creating a problem for the family's reputation.) dislikes Molly and makes no pretense of it, calling her hateful names in from of others, trying to foul up the arrangement and leading to Molly throwing wine in his face at a family do. Realistically, most of the other attendees applauded the move, having similar disagreements with him and wishing they had tossed the wine in his face. When at the next do, the birthday of the patriarch, Domenico Mattucci, Todd Jessop is shot dead, Molly becomes one of the suspects, mainly because being in the jurisdiction of Monterey County, Lt Reynolds is in charge and has it in for Chief Kenneth Randall, good friend of Molly's. Her picture is front and center on the suspect board with a big red circle around it, though there are plenty of others who hated Jessop and Mattucci is reputed to be connected (as in the mob). As the investigation progresses, climbing gear is found among the priceless pottery found in the winery's storage, and Dan Lucero, DA, gets involved and Reynolds is put on leave.
In the meantime, Susan Jessop shows up at Molly's proving that she is Todd's first wife. The story becomes complicated as it is unclear who knew what, and who, when. In the end face is the primary motive and Domenico has a pact with the chef, Dando Osa, a Basque who is devoted to the family and had as a boy been prisoned. Mattucci hires him to kill Todd, who brought disgrace on the family not only by bigamy but also because he was aggressive and nasty and had been kicked out of a lap dancing establishment (the proprietors of which were clients of Molly's) for his behavior and having taken Carla there as well. Pictures were produced as evidence. Then Dando Osa commits suicide. Susan is killed by Mattucci who then kills himself. Susan had been planning a book about the family and her involvement in it. It is all about FACE.
As the final book of this series it was a wonderful read and a sad ending. The end set up for the next story with Emma's father showing up and introducing himself. He had been unaware he was Emma's father and wants to get to know her and provide for her. Fortunately Molly and Marshall Macomber come to agreement on this so Emma will stay with Molly, though first a summer tour of Europe will happen. And Randall requests that Loomis start the search for Derek Porter, Molly's husband. There are hints throughout this story that Randall has fallen for Molly but respects their Catholic values and keeps his distance. Molly's thoughts follow that perhaps it is time to look at divorce because while she is devoted to her Catholic upbringing, Derek has been with another woman for some time and she is interested in Randall. It is deeply sad that the author died before this fascinating series could continue. Another interesting element was in the bio in the book that Flinn was commuting between SF and Eugene, OR, her new home.
Face=Reputation=Murder. This installment of the series starring Molly Doyle is all about the face that drives the thinking and actions of the Italian family Mattucci. The Bello Lago Winery is redecorating its tasting room and Carla Jessop hires Molly who has decided to expand her business. In the end this may not be the best direction for her to head. Carla's husband (who it turns out is already married and is therefore not her legal husband...thus creating a problem for the family's reputation.) dislikes Molly and makes no pretense of it, calling her hateful names in from of others, trying to foul up the arrangement and leading to Molly throwing wine in his face at a family do. Realistically, most of the other attendees applauded the move, having similar disagreements with him and wishing they had tossed the wine in his face. When at the next do, the birthday of the patriarch, Domenico Mattucci, Todd Jessop is shot dead, Molly becomes one of the suspects, mainly because being in the jurisdiction of Monterey County, Lt Reynolds is in charge and has it in for Chief Kenneth Randall, good friend of Molly's. Her picture is front and center on the suspect board with a big red circle around it, though there are plenty of others who hated Jessop and Mattucci is reputed to be connected (as in the mob). As the investigation progresses, climbing gear is found among the priceless pottery found in the winery's storage, and Dan Lucero, DA, gets involved and Reynolds is put on leave.
In the meantime, Susan Jessop shows up at Molly's proving that she is Todd's first wife. The story becomes complicated as it is unclear who knew what, and who, when. In the end face is the primary motive and Domenico has a pact with the chef, Dando Osa, a Basque who is devoted to the family and had as a boy been prisoned. Mattucci hires him to kill Todd, who brought disgrace on the family not only by bigamy but also because he was aggressive and nasty and had been kicked out of a lap dancing establishment (the proprietors of which were clients of Molly's) for his behavior and having taken Carla there as well. Pictures were produced as evidence. Then Dando Osa commits suicide. Susan is killed by Mattucci who then kills himself. Susan had been planning a book about the family and her involvement in it. It is all about FACE.
As the final book of this series it was a wonderful read and a sad ending. The end set up for the next story with Emma's father showing up and introducing himself. He had been unaware he was Emma's father and wants to get to know her and provide for her. Fortunately Molly and Marshall Macomber come to agreement on this so Emma will stay with Molly, though first a summer tour of Europe will happen. And Randall requests that Loomis start the search for Derek Porter, Molly's husband. There are hints throughout this story that Randall has fallen for Molly but respects their Catholic values and keeps his distance. Molly's thoughts follow that perhaps it is time to look at divorce because while she is devoted to her Catholic upbringing, Derek has been with another woman for some time and she is interested in Randall. It is deeply sad that the author died before this fascinating series could continue. Another interesting element was in the bio in the book that Flinn was commuting between SF and Eugene, OR, her new home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2023
Spent the last several days rereading this series before I take a trip to Carmel.
I really like all the characters Flinn created, especially with the addition of the niece who came to live with Molly. I know others have criticized the talk about the antiques, but I’ve enjoyed that. Also love all the food talk and look forward to seeing how many of the restaurants mentioned actually exist.
As I finished the last page, it made me sad all over again, that Flinn had plans for the next book in the series, but this ended up being the last. I enjoyed the characters so much. Too bad someone within the Flinn family couldn’t continue with the series…
I really like all the characters Flinn created, especially with the addition of the niece who came to live with Molly. I know others have criticized the talk about the antiques, but I’ve enjoyed that. Also love all the food talk and look forward to seeing how many of the restaurants mentioned actually exist.
As I finished the last page, it made me sad all over again, that Flinn had plans for the next book in the series, but this ended up being the last. I enjoyed the characters so much. Too bad someone within the Flinn family couldn’t continue with the series…
May 29, 2019
It appears that this is the last in the series. Too bad. Just when Molly's buddies were going to take on the root of her troubles.
August 19, 2008
Molly Doyle’s life is going fairly smoothly for this ten minutes. How can expanding her antique business into some high quality interior design be a bad thing? Her first major job is a commission to refurbish the tasting rooms at a prestigious local family-owned winery. Sure, the husband of the woman who gave her the commission, Todd Jessup, is very vocal in his opinions of her talents and abilities; as Molly says, she’s working for Carla Jessup and Todd can be as rude as he likes. Which he is.
Then there is the mysterious man who keeps turning up in the shop, looking at ship models and the like. Why is he so interested in Emma, Molly’s niece? And who’s been calling and not leaving messages?
Then Todd Jessup is killed at the winery, at a big party, and (for reasons having much more to do with political infighting than any real clues) Molly becomes a suspect. Her personal relationship with Kenneth Randall, Carmel’s chief of police, complicates the investigation in many ways.
The mysterious man claims to be Emma’s biological father, which really throws Molly for a loop. How much of Emma’s life is he entitled to, and how much of a difference will his money (he is, of course, quite wealthy) make to everyone concerned?
Flinn has done another wonderful job with her characters, her setting, and her plot. Molly may not be the most politically correct character one is liable to encounter (she’s religious, she swears, she smokes, and she struggles with her choices where Emma is concerned) but she is a woman one might very much like to have for a good friend. The decisions she makes are consistent with the character Flinn has set up in previous books. The series continues to grow, which is always a pleasure to watch.
Caveat Emptor: On page 81 there is a character, extremely unimportant, who bears my name. I won this treat in a contest; I’m not completely sure I’ve ever met Elaine Flinn in person, although I might have had dinner with her and about 15 other people at a Chinese restaurant in Chicago at a Bouchercon several years ago.
Then there is the mysterious man who keeps turning up in the shop, looking at ship models and the like. Why is he so interested in Emma, Molly’s niece? And who’s been calling and not leaving messages?
Then Todd Jessup is killed at the winery, at a big party, and (for reasons having much more to do with political infighting than any real clues) Molly becomes a suspect. Her personal relationship with Kenneth Randall, Carmel’s chief of police, complicates the investigation in many ways.
The mysterious man claims to be Emma’s biological father, which really throws Molly for a loop. How much of Emma’s life is he entitled to, and how much of a difference will his money (he is, of course, quite wealthy) make to everyone concerned?
Flinn has done another wonderful job with her characters, her setting, and her plot. Molly may not be the most politically correct character one is liable to encounter (she’s religious, she swears, she smokes, and she struggles with her choices where Emma is concerned) but she is a woman one might very much like to have for a good friend. The decisions she makes are consistent with the character Flinn has set up in previous books. The series continues to grow, which is always a pleasure to watch.
Caveat Emptor: On page 81 there is a character, extremely unimportant, who bears my name. I won this treat in a contest; I’m not completely sure I’ve ever met Elaine Flinn in person, although I might have had dinner with her and about 15 other people at a Chinese restaurant in Chicago at a Bouchercon several years ago.
May 4, 2012
Unfortunately, this is the last book in the series. If you've read the first three, it probably won't surprise you to learn that the author died of lung cancer; Molly Doyle, the protagonist of these books, loved her smokes.
This books had started to suffer from the problem that plagues many mystery series — it's just not typical for someone who isn't a member of law enforcement or living a risky/criminal lifestyle to be on the periphery of murders repeatedly. Also, there was less antiques natter, and more soap opera twists — in this book, we find out that Emma's father is someone other than who she thought, and that he's not dead.
Despite their declining appeal, I'm sad that Flinn will never wrap up the personal storylines in this series. We'll never find out what happened to Molly's husband the criminal fugitive, or get the details of Bitsy's mysterious past, or see what Emma thought of her grand tour.
This books had started to suffer from the problem that plagues many mystery series — it's just not typical for someone who isn't a member of law enforcement or living a risky/criminal lifestyle to be on the periphery of murders repeatedly. Also, there was less antiques natter, and more soap opera twists — in this book, we find out that Emma's father is someone other than who she thought, and that he's not dead.
Despite their declining appeal, I'm sad that Flinn will never wrap up the personal storylines in this series. We'll never find out what happened to Molly's husband the criminal fugitive, or get the details of Bitsy's mysterious past, or see what Emma thought of her grand tour.
September 21, 2008
As I read this series, I love Molly Doyle more and more. She's a normal person who has gone through an unwanted career change and come out pretty well on the other side. She has become guardian of her precocious 12-year-niece, and the have formed a family within their neighborhood. Molly resists and resists hard at getting involved in another murder, but is dragged in yet again. She delivers some insight, and helps with the case tremendously, without getting herself in danger (always an issue with me, especially with an amateur sleuth). I look forward to the next title in this excellent and enjoyable series.
February 23, 2008
This is the first book by Elaine Flinn that I've read and I was very pleasantly surprised. She's got an easy style to read and her protagonist Molly Doyle is very likeable. I enjoyed Molly's relationship with her niece Emma, plus all the friends that help support her.
So, if you enjoy mysteries set around the world of antiques, you might go for this one. I'm going back to read the other books in the series.
So, if you enjoy mysteries set around the world of antiques, you might go for this one. I'm going back to read the other books in the series.
October 19, 2008
This was a good read with lots of drama, suspense and intrigue, with a little bit of family drama. This took me a bit longer than 3 days, a tiny bit, due to my attending the Muse Online Writer's Conference, volunteering at the hospital, and looking for work. I hope to be back on schedule next week, before my library's book sale next weekend. A delightful read.
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August 14, 2010Molly is going to redecorate a winery tasting room. Abusive husband of client is killed after Molly has altercation with him. Second wife of murdered man turns up. Two wives reconcile, but have plotted to murder him. Basque cook of vineyard is killer. Emma's father turns up. Emma is going to Europe with him for the summer. Randall hires Loomis to find Molly's estranged husband.
September 7, 2016
This is the first Elaine Flinn book that I've read. The story seemed to jump into the story, so much that, though I didn't know there were other books in the series--it seemed like everyone knew each other & I didn't. This book was very interesting in the middle, couldn't put it down--but the end again left me hanging.
January 11, 2015
The last Molly Doyle book. I loved this series and wish there could be more. Elaine Flinn passed away and so did her wonderful series. I loved the setting of Carmel and the cast of characters in this warm hearted mystery. So sorry to see them go. Would have loved to see how far the relationship with Molly and Russell the chef of police would have gone.
August 18, 2009
Excellent series, the body of the story has little twists + turns that kept me enthralled. I grew upset/annoyed at the banter between 2 characters that have a growing affection for each other by the 3rd book, ENOUGH!
Can't wait for the next book.
Can't wait for the next book.
April 18, 2011
The end of a series I really enjoyed. I was sorry to hear the author passed away as I think this series about an antique dealer and a solid cast of her friends, would have enjoyed a long life.
April 18, 2012
A fun mystery
October 29, 2014
This is the last one. I think the author died. I will miss the characters - Molly Randall and the little 12 year old Emma
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews