A Fatal Appraisal
J.B. Stanley
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
As the writer for the magazine Collector's Weekly Molly Applegate travels to cover all things collectible. In her latest assignment Molly is to cover the hit tv show Hidden Treasures (a fictional Antiques Roadshow). Although she is reluctant to leave her budding office romance with Mark, the magazine's Marketing Director, she is anxious for the chance to see the behind the scenes workings of the popular tv show. After settling into the lovely and cozy bed and breakfast run by the friendly Mrs. Hewell, she goes to the Museum at which the show is being filmed. Many of the cast prove to be nice, open people who are eager to share their knowledge and expertise. But not everyone is so forthcoming and anxious to help. Frank Sterling, the star appraiser, and his wife, who is also the host of the show, are not the friendly type, not with cast members, strangers or even each other. But it is still a surprise when Frank goes missing, only to be found by Molly dead in his car. The police are not sure it is murder until the second body appears.
The setting of the book and the series in the world of collectibles is a brilliant one with limitless potential for story lines. The addition of a story from the past woven into the story in the present is a wonderful glimpse into history. Even in this work of fiction, it highlights the importance of preserving pieces of our heritage. The last chapter "A Brief Note on Hiding Places in Antique Furniture" with pictures of examples of hidden compartments is informative and interesting.
This book can stand alone as a mystery but it would be interesting to see if some of the characters were introduced more thoroughly in the previous book, especially Clara, Molly's mother. It will be fun to see the character of Molly grow as the stories continue. It is not difficult to figure out who dun it but finding out why is an entertaining search.
Molly Appleby was first introduced in A Killer Collection. This is the second in J.B. Stanley's A Collectible Mystery series. She is also the author Carbs and Cadavers, the first in the Supper Club Series.
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