Mary Moody (2)

I am torn in deciding on a rating for this book. There is not much mystery in this cozy! The emphasis is really on buying, selling and collecting collectibles. Sometimes I felt like the main character, Lucy St. Elmo, owner of St. Elmo’s Fire Antiques forgot that there was a murder.

Lucy goes to a wonderful antique fair at Brimfield, Massachusetts and a longtime friend, Monty Rondo is strangled with a piece of lace. His silent partner “Silent Bill” is arrested. It is evident at the start of this book that “Silent Bill” would answers questions with the fewest words always did not have it in him to kill a bug. Lucy knows that and the reader is sure of it. When she saw Silent Bill all he said was “Help” to her when the policeman cuffed him and took him away. I was feeling sorry for Silent Bill for the lack of investigation. Lucy uses self-deprecating humor often which I enjoyed.

But, despite all that, I loved the collecting side of this book. There are tips in the back and all through the book. Also Lucy collected the same kinds of pottery that my father collected so there were frequent references to Weller and Rookwood. Her key advice to her beginner friends was only buy it if you love it, which is exactly what my father told me several times. Also I know her tips work because I have used them before. I enjoyed being in the world of collecting so much that I think that any collector would love this book.

So I am giving 4 stars because I loved this book and not 5 stars because there was not much of a mystery.… (plus d'informations)

First in a new series from a new author. One doesn't have to love antiques or collecting to enjoy this book/series. Certainly wouldn't hurt. The author provides the reader with a very insightful look at an antique fair, both from the dealer and buyers view.

Lucy St Elmo owns an antique shop in Cape Cod, MA and is heading to Brimfield for the biggest antique show in New England, to find some treasures for her shop. Before the official opening, Lucy, with her Supercart are scouring the booths for the best buys. She soon hears that Monty Rondo has been found strangled with a piece of lace. The police question his partner Silent Billy, a man of few words, about Rondo death. Once the police find out about Billy's previous history he is arrested for the murder. Lucy is sure that he had nothing to do with the murder, and knowing that Billy won't say a lot dfend himself, Lucy feels compelled to look for the murderer while she is looking for bargains. So with the help of parking attendent and first time dealer, Coylie, they head to look for the nurderer.

Moody gives the reader a cast of believable and entertaing characters and a very intersting story. Well worth the time reading.… (plus d'informations)

Lucy St. Elmo is a middle-aged woman who runs St. Elmo Fine Antiques in Cape Cod. She has been married to Hamp since college and has five grown children. Her passion is antiques and she is attending the huge Brimfield Antiques Show which brings thousands of sellers to one spot. It is a multi-day event and dealers come from everywhere. Entire "fields" opening their gates at staggered times which produces hundreds of people in line to rush in and scout a field to be the first to snatch up the great buys. It is in this intense atmosphere of thousands of people that a well known antiques person is murdered in the early morning hours of the first day of Brimfield.

Lucy knew Monty for several years. He was a bit unusual but Lucy figures that he was killed for the wad of money he always had at Brimfield to pay for a treasure on the spot. Two things happen that get Lucy involved: first she finds out the police are building the case against Monty's gentle and skittish partner "Silent Billy", and second that Monty's money was not taken. She is still going through her treasure hunting for her business but it doesn't hurt to get a lawyer for Billy and ask the network of dealers some questions.

I had a hard time getting really hooked by this character. She is okay and that didn't spark anything for me. I find antiques interesting, although I know very little about them and I really wanted to fall in love with this book. Lucy is drawn well and I could reasonably see her in my mind, she just didn't grab me. That is not to say other readers will not enjoy her. The best parts for me are when Lucy is interacting with her new daughter-in-law Monica. I really liked Monica and I am looking forward to her character being developed more in future books. This series has the potential for many eccentric characters to populate the stories, only one of them being Lucy's friend Natalie.

The mystery is dolled out in small little bits hidden among all the Brimfield Antique Show information and tips. The pacing seemed to maintain a steady pace until the last twenty pages when it raced to the conclusion. I had fingered the killer and some of the motive but that part was still enjoyable. The confrontation with the killer was tense with some harrowing moments which I always enjoy.

Series: 1st in Lucy St. Elmo Antiques Mysteries

Main Character: Lucy St. Elmo, antiques shop owner

Setting: Modern day, Cape Cod and Brimfield Antiques Show

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Obtained Through: Publisher for an honest review… (plus d'informations)