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A Trash 'n' Treasures Mystery #5
Antiques Knock-Off
Brandy Borne is pretty sure her "charmingly eccentric" (a.k.a. "off her meds") mother, Vivian, didn't kill that viperous mousy-haired busybody Connie Grimes. But there's the small matter of her guilty plea...While Mother blithely adapts to life behind bars by organizing a jailhouse theatre troupe, seven-months-pregnant Brandy and her intrepid shih tzu, Sushi, trundle into a morass of fake antiques and faux collectibles. In the dog days of summer, they'd better not bark up the wrong tree - or a scheming killer just may put the bite on them!
228 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2011
91 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Allan
54 books187 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 67 reviews
November 17, 2021
Loved the book, the story, characters who are less than perfect and the humor throughout. I also appreciate the author having characters who have mental health issues, an important topic seldom dealt openly in society where people still feel shame. I highly recommend it as a fun mystery and the ending completely took me by surprise! O
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2017
I had to read this next in the series A Trash 'n' Treasures mystery, darn those cliffhangers! This read was good but not quite the best in this series. I found myself skimming through some of the usual asides that are part of these mysteries. It still satisfied my qualifications for a good cozy-quirky characters, a solid mystery to be solved and an unexpected murderer. I will at some point pick up the next in the series, but for now moving on for a bit.
July 21, 2017
Vivian Borne is off her meds, and Peggy is being blackmailed by her "friend" Connie. Of course, the blackmailer winds up murdered, and Vivian confesses to the act. Brandy has to get involved to clear everyone's name.
Great stuff.
Great stuff.
September 11, 2018
I was searching for a series to provide some light mystery to my reading when desired. I think it genre is referred as "cozy"? Whatever.
The 'screwball dynamics' between Brandy and Vivian as they bumble their way through murder investigations in a small town in Iowa just didn't float my boat.
Some may say snappy, delightful, or hilarious... nah. And now, I must look up 'cozy mystery' and see if I'm missing the point.
The 'screwball dynamics' between Brandy and Vivian as they bumble their way through murder investigations in a small town in Iowa just didn't float my boat.
Some may say snappy, delightful, or hilarious... nah. And now, I must look up 'cozy mystery' and see if I'm missing the point.
April 8, 2018
As I suspected when I was first hooked into the series by the latest offering, Antiques Frame, and after reading a few of its predecessors, the books get more enjoyable as they progress. I still think Frame was the best, but there were enough twists and turns, and, in one instance, a truly suspenseful sequence in Knock-Off that were worthy of a harder genre than Cozy Mystery. It kept me engaged.
I'll have to step aside after this entry, though, because my library doesn't carry full series of books for some reason. Having read Frame and (spoiler alert!) found out that little Sushi's vision is restored, I would have liked to read the episode where that happened. Alas. I don't care enough to actually shell out money to find out.
But I do care enough to keep an eye out for any new acquisitions that may appear in my library system. And I do hope another installment is published in time for a winter reading. That's when a Cozy is at its best IMO.
My critical view of Knock-Off is that it could have used a good editor to catch the frequent typos. There were so many that some previous reader had taken to correcting them manually. So often the text would read something like "She have could have..." Just sloppy editing. And also, again, the references to TV shows, actors and music and other social constructs that aren't well-known today, made it difficult to believe the MC Brandy was 31. More like 81 with all those references.
Still, I like this little series of books. They're comforting in their own way.
I'll have to step aside after this entry, though, because my library doesn't carry full series of books for some reason. Having read Frame and (spoiler alert!) found out that little Sushi's vision is restored, I would have liked to read the episode where that happened. Alas. I don't care enough to actually shell out money to find out.
But I do care enough to keep an eye out for any new acquisitions that may appear in my library system. And I do hope another installment is published in time for a winter reading. That's when a Cozy is at its best IMO.
My critical view of Knock-Off is that it could have used a good editor to catch the frequent typos. There were so many that some previous reader had taken to correcting them manually. So often the text would read something like "She have could have..." Just sloppy editing. And also, again, the references to TV shows, actors and music and other social constructs that aren't well-known today, made it difficult to believe the MC Brandy was 31. More like 81 with all those references.
Still, I like this little series of books. They're comforting in their own way.
July 3, 2022
Seven-months pregnant Brandy Borne has been receiving anonymous letters in the mail, threatening to expose the identity of Brandy's biological father, among other things. When Brandy determines who the sender of these letters is, she arranges an appointment with said person, only to find a murdered body waiting to greet her. To top everything off, Brandy's eccentric mother, Vivian, claims to be responsible for the crime.
This series is so much fun! Brandy has a hard time keeping up with her drama-prone mother's shenanigans, although between the two of them, they have helped solve quite a few murder investigations in their quaint, historical town of Serenity, Iowa along the Mississippi River.
This series is so much fun! Brandy has a hard time keeping up with her drama-prone mother's shenanigans, although between the two of them, they have helped solve quite a few murder investigations in their quaint, historical town of Serenity, Iowa along the Mississippi River.
December 29, 2023
Book 5 in the series finds both Vivian and Brandy Borne, seven months pregnant, off their medication in another Trash ‘n’ Treasure Mystery.
The heat is on during the hottest days of summer with knock-off clocks made by a local appearing everywhere. Their nemesis Connie Grimes is sending letters to a large number of recipients including Brandy’s natural father. He has a reason for keeping her a secret.
The sudden death of Connie and a confession lead to funny consequences and Brandy is getting closer to the chief of police, who has secrets of his own.
The sleuthing Borne ladies are determined to find the killer whether they are asked to help or not.
The heat is on during the hottest days of summer with knock-off clocks made by a local appearing everywhere. Their nemesis Connie Grimes is sending letters to a large number of recipients including Brandy’s natural father. He has a reason for keeping her a secret.
The sudden death of Connie and a confession lead to funny consequences and Brandy is getting closer to the chief of police, who has secrets of his own.
The sleuthing Borne ladies are determined to find the killer whether they are asked to help or not.
August 6, 2017
Another fun adventure for Brandy and mom. The story is light easy read. Though the story does take you through a few events that in real life one event alone would be hard to overcome.
Looking forward to their next adventure!
Looking forward to their next adventure!
May 8, 2019
Brandy and her mother (Vivian) are both off their medicine and things are getting crazy around the town. Unsigned letters are coming to Brandy and Vivian gets one that Brandy tries to hide from her. Very funny, love the chapters that Vivian is allowed to write and the side notes.
October 16, 2017
There is something in the way author writes which I really didn't like and which made it really hard for me to finish this book. Maybe plot and characters were OK but it really annoyed me.
August 20, 2018
Didn't like book 1 in series, so didn't read this one, even though I had purchased it.
January 20, 2019
From blackmail to theft, this is the book that puts Vivian in jail, for a while.
June 23, 2019
Funny
Reading these books out of order is a real problem. Guess I should stop doing that. Good story but parts of the story line were annoying to me.
Reading these books out of order is a real problem. Guess I should stop doing that. Good story but parts of the story line were annoying to me.
February 6, 2020
This book kind of broke my heart in a few places.
Also, I wanna know what the barn was used for? I didn't remember it being mentioned.
Also, I wanna know what the barn was used for? I didn't remember it being mentioned.
May 25, 2020
Some very unusual revelations occur in this book concerning Vivian, Brandy and Peggy Sue. The ending was quite a surprise but the more I read in the series the more I like them.
October 2, 2020
The more I read, the better these get. Great book!
November 24, 2020
Vivian is up to her usual entertainments.
February 7, 2022
A funny great read that will make you laugh.
June 7, 2022
A charming cozy complete with realistic relationships among dynamic characters with tongue in cheek humor, all amid a murder mystery.
October 1, 2022
Brandy gives birth.
February 2, 2023
I really enjoy this series. Love the mystery.
January 8, 2024
All books by Barbara Allan written with her husband, Max Allan Collins are excellent. If you are into antiques or into cozy mysteries, these will not disappoint. The writing is outstanding, as it should be, because Max teaches writing at workshops. The characters are a lot of fun. The two main characters are a mother on medication for bipolar disorder which she often doesn't take. Her daughter has been on Prozac since moving in with her mother. There hobby is antiquing together, although their tastes vary. Vivian, the mother also likes to act in local theater and fancies that she is quite good at the craft.
November 7, 2017
Fun book to lighten the mood
July 26, 2018
wow, Brandy had a series of hard, emotional times in this book, but she came out ok and back on her prozak. Her Mother, Vivian, is such a force to be reckoned with that I would love to meet her! lol Part of the mystery around the Police Chief is solved but also opened more doors. Looking forward to the rest of these books. You know it is good if I finish it during one day!
March 31, 2016
It seems relatively clear that when Max Allan Collins and his wife, Barbara, teamed up to write this series of mysteries as Barbara Allan, they chose the surname “Borne” for their protagonist “Brandy” for many reasons. One is that she must “bear” with her eccentric Mother in crazy, improbable, and sometimes, illegal circumstances. The other is that over the course of the series, the unusual circumstances of Brandy’s own birth come to light.
Antiques Knock-Off is another in this series of “cozy” mysteries. To be honest, I read a lot of what are called “cozy” mysteries and, until this moment, didn’t have a real definition. I just assumed it was a rather sexist way of saying there is a female point-of-view and some kind of romantic interest. In addition, there is usually some kind of, usually, feminine hobby or craft associated with the mysteries which occur in unlikely places. According to “The Writers Store,” cozy mysteries began in England of the 1920s and consisted of relatively small towns and villages (cozy, enough—intimate enough) and an amateur sleuth. This definition talks about relatively bloodless murders, but my personal belief is that rather than being bloodless, they are like the violence in Greek tragedy which, generally, takes place off-stage. To that can also be added the idea that there seem to be humorous touches. And, I’ve rarely read a “cozy” that didn’t have some romantic interest.
Brandy Borne is a divorcee who lives with her mother in a small town named “Serenity.” (Cozy enough for you?) (NOTE TO SELF: Just because part of the series involves the humorous use of parenthetical expressions doesn’t mean that you have to get in the habit, too.) Brandy and her mother, frustrated thespian Vivian Borne, are antique dealers. So, every title has a pun which involves antiques and murder. I like puns and I like the humor where the narrator (and occasionally her mother) break the fourth wall and talk directly to the audience. Of course, this isn’t breaking the wall as Kevin Spacey in House of Cards; it is humorous not dangerous.
Frankly, the victim in Antiques Knock-Off surprised me. I’m occasionally surprised by the perpetrator, but rarely surprised by the victim. Readers probably cheered as this victim shuffled off the mortal coil, but I thought that character was going to be a recurring problem. This time, the character provides one big problem. Who says a “cozy” can’t have suspense and surprises? Another character is also revealed to be something other than we expected. This character’s problem and the rather unsatisfying solution led to more emotion and pathos than we usually get in a humorous mystery series.
The current reviewer reads these light mysteries as a quick getaway. I don’t expect great literature, but I respect cleverness and wit. Antiques Knock-Off was just what the doctor ordered for a sick guy’s getaway.
Antiques Knock-Off is another in this series of “cozy” mysteries. To be honest, I read a lot of what are called “cozy” mysteries and, until this moment, didn’t have a real definition. I just assumed it was a rather sexist way of saying there is a female point-of-view and some kind of romantic interest. In addition, there is usually some kind of, usually, feminine hobby or craft associated with the mysteries which occur in unlikely places. According to “The Writers Store,” cozy mysteries began in England of the 1920s and consisted of relatively small towns and villages (cozy, enough—intimate enough) and an amateur sleuth. This definition talks about relatively bloodless murders, but my personal belief is that rather than being bloodless, they are like the violence in Greek tragedy which, generally, takes place off-stage. To that can also be added the idea that there seem to be humorous touches. And, I’ve rarely read a “cozy” that didn’t have some romantic interest.
Brandy Borne is a divorcee who lives with her mother in a small town named “Serenity.” (Cozy enough for you?) (NOTE TO SELF: Just because part of the series involves the humorous use of parenthetical expressions doesn’t mean that you have to get in the habit, too.) Brandy and her mother, frustrated thespian Vivian Borne, are antique dealers. So, every title has a pun which involves antiques and murder. I like puns and I like the humor where the narrator (and occasionally her mother) break the fourth wall and talk directly to the audience. Of course, this isn’t breaking the wall as Kevin Spacey in House of Cards; it is humorous not dangerous.
Frankly, the victim in Antiques Knock-Off surprised me. I’m occasionally surprised by the perpetrator, but rarely surprised by the victim. Readers probably cheered as this victim shuffled off the mortal coil, but I thought that character was going to be a recurring problem. This time, the character provides one big problem. Who says a “cozy” can’t have suspense and surprises? Another character is also revealed to be something other than we expected. This character’s problem and the rather unsatisfying solution led to more emotion and pathos than we usually get in a humorous mystery series.
The current reviewer reads these light mysteries as a quick getaway. I don’t expect great literature, but I respect cleverness and wit. Antiques Knock-Off was just what the doctor ordered for a sick guy’s getaway.
September 17, 2011
This is the fifth book in the Trash 'n' Treasure Mysteries, and with the final word all readers will want is the ability to pick up the sixth and get right at it! That's how amazingly entertaining this series is to read. Not to mention that the tips on antiques and "antiquing" that are at the end of each chapter will make those fans (like me) of Cash in the Attic, and Pawn Stars absolutely giddy.
Barbara Allan takes us to the small Midwestern town of Serenity located on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is a long, hot summer, and everyone's temper is ready to blow, as the temperatures go up and up and the days drag on and on. Our heroine, Brandy Borne, has come home to live with her "charmingly eccentric" mother Vivian. Brandy is a thirty-one year old, divorced woman who came back home to Mom over a year ago, and the two of them have been embroiled ever since in the world of intrigue and murder.
Brandy has begun receiving some very unsettling anonymous letters claiming that her older sister, Peggy Sue, is her real mother and that her biological father is a United States Senator. After speaking to her sister, Brandy discovered that the allegations were true in previous books, but both had decided to keep it to themselves. Now, with book number five, Brandy is acting as a surrogate mother for her friend Tina, who couldn't have a baby. On this particular day, Brandy and her 'mother' are on their way to Timmon's Clock Repair with an antique clock in tow so they can ask Mr. Timmons to look it over and tell them whether or not it's authentic. While there, they meet up with Vivian's arch enemy Connie Grimes, and the two of them have a little argument that raises the dust in the old antique store. At the end of the squabble Brandy exclaims, "She's lucky somebody doesn't kill her." And Vivian replies, "Look on the bright side dear, maybe someone will." (Is this not a set-up?) As you might expect, Connie is stabbed to death and Vivian is arrested for the crime.
Vivian, because she's off her meds, falsely confesses to the crime and ends up partying with inmates and starts a jailhouse theater group, while poor, pregnant Brandy tries to line up suspects that might have had a reason to kill Connie. There are no shortage of suspects seeing as that Connie was cheating a great number of antiques fanatics and getting them involved in false antique sales. Eventually Brandy, with the help of her adorable little dog, closes in on the real killer, but oversteps and ends up getting added to the list of victims.
This is a perfectly hilarious cozy mystery and can and will be read in one sitting. Brandy and her mother are lovable nut cases and readers will laugh until it hurts as this zany duo of detectives go to work.
Barbara Allan takes us to the small Midwestern town of Serenity located on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is a long, hot summer, and everyone's temper is ready to blow, as the temperatures go up and up and the days drag on and on. Our heroine, Brandy Borne, has come home to live with her "charmingly eccentric" mother Vivian. Brandy is a thirty-one year old, divorced woman who came back home to Mom over a year ago, and the two of them have been embroiled ever since in the world of intrigue and murder.
Brandy has begun receiving some very unsettling anonymous letters claiming that her older sister, Peggy Sue, is her real mother and that her biological father is a United States Senator. After speaking to her sister, Brandy discovered that the allegations were true in previous books, but both had decided to keep it to themselves. Now, with book number five, Brandy is acting as a surrogate mother for her friend Tina, who couldn't have a baby. On this particular day, Brandy and her 'mother' are on their way to Timmon's Clock Repair with an antique clock in tow so they can ask Mr. Timmons to look it over and tell them whether or not it's authentic. While there, they meet up with Vivian's arch enemy Connie Grimes, and the two of them have a little argument that raises the dust in the old antique store. At the end of the squabble Brandy exclaims, "She's lucky somebody doesn't kill her." And Vivian replies, "Look on the bright side dear, maybe someone will." (Is this not a set-up?) As you might expect, Connie is stabbed to death and Vivian is arrested for the crime.
Vivian, because she's off her meds, falsely confesses to the crime and ends up partying with inmates and starts a jailhouse theater group, while poor, pregnant Brandy tries to line up suspects that might have had a reason to kill Connie. There are no shortage of suspects seeing as that Connie was cheating a great number of antiques fanatics and getting them involved in false antique sales. Eventually Brandy, with the help of her adorable little dog, closes in on the real killer, but oversteps and ends up getting added to the list of victims.
This is a perfectly hilarious cozy mystery and can and will be read in one sitting. Brandy and her mother are lovable nut cases and readers will laugh until it hurts as this zany duo of detectives go to work.
August 5, 2016
As bad as Antiques Bizarre was, I am adding this as a book that I have no intention of ever reading.
*update 2014*
I was bored, at the library and this sounded interesting. I am glad that it caught my attention, as it redeemed the storyline. It still isn't one I will seek out, but I can actually handle it now.
First let me start by saying that I enjoy this series, especially as the author team matures in their collaborative effort. The characters seem more real and less whiny, and although some of the decisions leave you shaking your head, at least they are decisions rather than reactions to events.
The characters are strange but goofy, which is part of what makes this an enjoyable read. Mother is an eccentric woman who makes up her own rules, but has enough force of personality that many people go along with her. Unfortunately it seems that in the history of these stories, those who don’t, die. In this story though, Mother seems to have made some progress towards maturity, although I still see childish behavior which in a real environment could lead to danger – and in this story it nearly kills some people.
Brandy has also made strides towards growing up, and standing up to Mother a little. I would like to see her be a stronger woman, but have a feeling it won’t happen. The role she has leaves her playing a bit part, even though she is supposedly the star.
The other characters are not as fleshed out, and the ending was rather predictable EXCEPT for the overall villain. I am not sure who I expected the murderer to be, but the revelation of the identity was a surprise. Or at least, I didn’t expect it until just before the revelation. That was very well done.
*update 2014*
I was bored, at the library and this sounded interesting. I am glad that it caught my attention, as it redeemed the storyline. It still isn't one I will seek out, but I can actually handle it now.
First let me start by saying that I enjoy this series, especially as the author team matures in their collaborative effort. The characters seem more real and less whiny, and although some of the decisions leave you shaking your head, at least they are decisions rather than reactions to events.
The characters are strange but goofy, which is part of what makes this an enjoyable read. Mother is an eccentric woman who makes up her own rules, but has enough force of personality that many people go along with her. Unfortunately it seems that in the history of these stories, those who don’t, die. In this story though, Mother seems to have made some progress towards maturity, although I still see childish behavior which in a real environment could lead to danger – and in this story it nearly kills some people.
Brandy has also made strides towards growing up, and standing up to Mother a little. I would like to see her be a stronger woman, but have a feeling it won’t happen. The role she has leaves her playing a bit part, even though she is supposedly the star.
The other characters are not as fleshed out, and the ending was rather predictable EXCEPT for the overall villain. I am not sure who I expected the murderer to be, but the revelation of the identity was a surprise. Or at least, I didn’t expect it until just before the revelation. That was very well done.
February 23, 2012
I really love this series. The writing is fun, and even though I don't antique in any way, I find the tips interesting. Of course, this one probably should be read in order though. I didn't, and was surprised to find Brandy pregnant. That's all I'm going to say about that! And yes, I know I'm notorious for reading these cozies out of order, I'm sorry I did it this time. But, when you're checking books out from the library that sometimes happens.
For the first time I'm really hoping that there is another book coming. Please! I'm need to know what's going to happen with Peggy Sue. Yikes! Yeah, this quick little read was very, very good. Sometimes, I think series run their course and I quit reading them about halfway through (Southern Vampire for example). I still would like to read the others, but I usually have to give it a few years break. This one I could read right now though.
For a fun read - pick this one up!
Challenges this book counts towards
Outdo Yourself
Support Your Local Library
Cruisin' thru the Cozies
Read the 50 States (Iowa)
~Kris~
For the first time I'm really hoping that there is another book coming. Please! I'm need to know what's going to happen with Peggy Sue. Yikes! Yeah, this quick little read was very, very good. Sometimes, I think series run their course and I quit reading them about halfway through (Southern Vampire for example). I still would like to read the others, but I usually have to give it a few years break. This one I could read right now though.
For a fun read - pick this one up!
Challenges this book counts towards
Outdo Yourself
Support Your Local Library
Cruisin' thru the Cozies
Read the 50 States (Iowa)
~Kris~
February 27, 2011
Another cozy featuring Brandy and Mother. Mother is a bit eccentric and the pair solve murder mysteries. This is the first in the series I've read and will have to look up the first four after enjoying this one. Not read a lot of cozies in a long time, but this one is by the writing team of Barbara Collins and her husband Max Allan Collins as Barbara Allan.
Busybody and blackmailer Connie Grimes has been murdered. Brandy discovers the body when she goes by to make a peace offering after Mother shoves her in the clock repair business. Brandy herself has a restraining order after a previous encounter with Grimes.
The woman has a knife sticking from her chest!
The police come and, in short order, Mother is arrested. Her fingerprints are all over the knife handle and she promptly confesses.
Brandy sets out to find the real killer and why Mother is confessing. It's absurd to think she did the deed.
This was an enjoyable, and yes, humorous mystery novel. I was surprised.
Busybody and blackmailer Connie Grimes has been murdered. Brandy discovers the body when she goes by to make a peace offering after Mother shoves her in the clock repair business. Brandy herself has a restraining order after a previous encounter with Grimes.
The woman has a knife sticking from her chest!
The police come and, in short order, Mother is arrested. Her fingerprints are all over the knife handle and she promptly confesses.
Brandy sets out to find the real killer and why Mother is confessing. It's absurd to think she did the deed.
This was an enjoyable, and yes, humorous mystery novel. I was surprised.
February 27, 2011
This barely rates a two. The writing came across as juvenile and rather stilted. The story could've been much more interesting if narrative style had more polish.
Brandy knows that her mother isn't really her mother, that her sister Peggy is her birth mom. Peggy apparently got pregnant by a senator years ago and instead of dealing with it, Brandy's mom, actually her grandmother, raised her. Now there's a blackmailer who's causing grief and threatening a personal and political scandal by revealing the truth. The blackmailer is murdered and Brandy's mom confesses.
Of course, that's not the end of the story. There's more intrigue and twisty plot devices to find the real killer, the person her mother is protecting.
Like I said, the story itself had potential. I just didn't care for the writing style.
Brandy knows that her mother isn't really her mother, that her sister Peggy is her birth mom. Peggy apparently got pregnant by a senator years ago and instead of dealing with it, Brandy's mom, actually her grandmother, raised her. Now there's a blackmailer who's causing grief and threatening a personal and political scandal by revealing the truth. The blackmailer is murdered and Brandy's mom confesses.
Of course, that's not the end of the story. There's more intrigue and twisty plot devices to find the real killer, the person her mother is protecting.
Like I said, the story itself had potential. I just didn't care for the writing style.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews