Laughter is in the future for anyone who reads Antiques Fate

Antiques Fate by Barbara Allan Kensington Books Mystery & Thrillers Pub Date: April 26, 2016 Review If you are looking for a fun mystery where murder and comic hijinks abound look no further. The Trash n Treasures mysteries are a delight. But be warned, if reading in public you may not be able to avoid frequent groans and bursts of laughter that will lead observers to wonder. Antiques Fate is one of the funniest books in the series so far. The writers take a unique approach, as if Brandy Borne and her mother are real individuals who chronicle their experiences for their fans. While Brandy has her feet planted firmly (well almost) on the ground, her mother Vivian takes eccentricity to new heights. Like a passenger on a runaway train, Brandy is dragged along, a reluctant accomplice/assistant to her mother’s activities. Vivian likes nothing better than the chance to investigate a murder, but the opportunity to perform her one-woman interpretation of Macbeth comes a close second. When invited to perform at the Old York annual fete, Vivian excitedly drags Brandy and her darling shih tau Sushi (cadaver dog in training?) along to the quaint neighboring village. Old York takes its English theme very seriously. There is even an inn which will remind readers of Fawlty Towers (and Brandy reiterates this to make sure even readers with faulty memories comprehend). Shortly after their arrival, the owner of the theater drops dead. Vivian is ecstatic - the chance to solve another murder (and unwittingly create mayhem and embarrassment for her daughter). Antiques Fate doesn’t have the most complex plot, but it does have more than its share of humor and mayhem. As an added bonus, there are plenty of recipes and tips for aspiring antique collectors. If you are looking for escapist fun, Antiques Fate is a fantastic choice. 4/5 I received a copy of Antiques Fate from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. —Crittermom Description "Well-drawn characters…fun to read." --Booklist Brandy Borne's exceedingly eccentric mother, Vivian, has been invited to perform her one-woman interpretation of "the Scottish play" (sometimes called Macbeth)--with different hats for different characters--at the neighboring town of Old York's annual fête. The weekend festival celebrates the quaint village's English flavor. Brandy, sensing a possible theatrical disaster, and savvy shih tzu Sushi, sensing possible doggy treats, tag along with the scene-stealing septuagenarian. As soon as they arrive in the cozy hamlet, tragedy strikes: the theater owner drops dead onstage while giving Vivian the grand tour. That wasn't in the script and before they know it, Brandy and Vivian are entangled in a progressively perilous murder plot. Besides the cream teas and Chippendale chairs, it seems there are skeletons lurking among Old York's charming pubs and enticing antiques stalls … When a second victim turns up mysteriously murdered, the dynamic duo knows they've got to step into the spotlight. But the remorseless killer seems to be well rehearsed for the Borne girls…and won't leave even the smallest detail of their demise to fête! Don't miss Brandy Borne's tips on antiques fairs!

#cozy #petcozy #humor #mystery #antiques #BarbaraAllan #April2016