Publication Date: 09/01/2015
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 0425280349
ISBN-13: 978-0425280348
(Received for an honest review from Berkley Prime Crime)
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, itunes
Victoria Abbott on the WEB: Website, Blog, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter
Books in the series:
Book Collector Mystery
1. The Christie Curse
2. The Sayers Swindle
3. The Wolfe Widow
4. The Marsh Madness
Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.
Synopsis:
The national bestselling author of The Wolfe Widow presents another spine-tingling mystery featuring rare book collector Jordan Bingham and some Ngaio Marsh first editions worth killing for…
Jordan works hard to improve Vera Van Alst’s collection of classic detective stories. So when Chadwick Kauffman—heir to the Kauffman fortune—offers a very good price on a fine collection of Ngaio Marsh first editions owned by his recently deceased stepfather, she is thrilled to meet with him at his fabled summer estate, Summerlea.
The next day, Jordan and Vera are shocked to read that Chadwick has died in a fall from the grand staircase at Summerlea. But when the picture in the paper is of a different man, it becomes clear that the ladies are victims of a scam. And they’ll have to unmask the imposter fast, because someone is trying to frame them for murder…
Thoughts:
Victoria Abbott returns with the latest book in the Book Collector Mystery series, The Marsh Madness. This mother, daughter writing team once again brings readers a book based on a highlighted mystery writer from the past. This time it is Ngaio Marsh. These books always have that nostalgic feel to them. It's a story like Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot would be involved in. Abbott doesn't disappoint. It's a page turner from the first to the last.
What I Liked:
This is a great series for me, because I cut my teeth so to speak, in the mystery genre on the books and stories of Agatha Christie and other greats. I love the fact that these authors focus on different writers from the past and try to educate the reader a little bit while also entertaining them. All of the details on book collecting also add a layer of authenticity to the stories. So, not only goes the writer get a great mystery but they also get an object lesson on some literary greats.
Vera's collection is certainly growing under Jordan's guidance and adding a collection of mystery writer, Ngaio Marsh would be another feather in her cap. When Jordan, Vera and Uncle Kev go to check out a prospect they get a lot more than a few first additions. The seller, Chadwick Kauffman ends up dead... but wait a minute, it's not really Chadwick Kauffman at all. It looks like an imposter is a foot and Jordan and the gang or being framed. I loved the plot for this one and they way things all came together. I thought Abbott did a great job with the mystery aspects of the book and kept the reader off balance enough, so that they didn't figure it out too early. The mystery was interesting and elaborate. Liked it a lot.
One of the strong things about this series has always been the great characters that Abbott has created. Jordan once again proves why she is such a great heroine for this series. She gets to the heart of matter with a lot of curiosity and some really good instincts. I love the way that she has such great love for good books too. She really is a very good character. Her relationship with Smiley is heating up a little bit too and it was nice to have that break in the action to pick up on Jordan's personal life.
As always the secondary characters share the spotlight with Jordan. Uncle's Kev and Mick are right in the middle of the action and Vera is always a treat with her snarky attitude and ways. I think my favorite of the secondary characters is Signora Panetone and her amazing concoctions in the kitchen.
Bottom Line:
Another great book in this coy series about great books... LOL! I have liked all of the books in this series because of the intriguing plots and interesting characters. These authors prove that two heads are better than one when it comes to writing good mysteries... can't wait for the next one!
The Marsh Madness is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.
I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!
Giveaway Details:
The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of The Marsh Madness by Victoria Abbott.
~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US Addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, September 23rd.
1. Please leave a comment. Read any other great books featuring an imposter?
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17 comments:
Off hand, I can't think of a book with an impostor in it.
Not that I can think of.
What was that book where the guy pretended to be Sidney Poitier's son? Was it SEVEN DEGREES OF SEPARATION?
I am with the others. I cannot think of a book with an imposter. I am sure over the years I have read one, but none comes to mind.
I am sure there are other books out there that have used this theme but I don't believe I have read any of them. robeader53@yahoo.com
I don't think I have.
I don't know if you consider The Prince and the Pauper as a book with an imposter as they looked alike. In the Mystic Ball by Margaret Sutton, Judy Bolton and Irene Lang change places. Also, in another book in the series Judy poses as Roxy, her cousin.
I can't remember the last time I read a book like that. It's been a long time.
I can't remember any imposters in booka lately.
I don't think I have.........
thank you this giveaway........
I can't think of any.
Thanks for the chance to win!
can't think of any
I'm like almost everybody else, I just can't think of the last time that an imposter has come into play in a book I've read. Thanks for the chance to win.
I am just getting started in the cozy mystery genre so would enjoy giving Victoria's book a try, thank you for the chance.
wfnren at aol dot com
Yes...Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie is my all time favorite written by her.
Rebecca Bloomwood sacrificed her identity in Confessions of a shopaholic so she could be debt free. It all started with little lies that escalated quickly and trying to do the right thing but keeps using her credit card. She juggles the stresses of being a writer for a magazine while trying to experience love. I think it resonates with a lot of us. Too often we try to better ourselves but can sometimes succumb to pressures.
Don't you hate it when you are trying to think of a great imposter and no one comes to mind, yet you can think of a dozen when not on the spot. I know Christie used them in her books, particularly with Ms. Marple but can't think of the book title.
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