by Victoria Tait

A Book Review by Jackie Houchin

VALUED FOR MURDER, another dive into the world of antiques and art, builds beautifully on Victoria Tait’s first book in the series, FAKE DEATH. (And also the prequel novella – HOUR IS COME – which the author is giving away free as backstory for her heroine, Dotty L Sayers. See link at the bottom of this review.).

In VALUED FOR MURDER, Akeman’s Antiques is participating in the filming of The Antique Tour television show. Several priceless pieces are being examined and valued by experts, including a small bronze statue and a necklace of golden discs.

Zenobia Richardson is one of the experts and values a piece in the millions of Pounds Sterling. Later when her body is found at the bottom of a grand staircase in the posh Charbury Castle Hotel where the event is held, the police are called to investigate. Accident or murder?

Dotty just can’t help poking her sleuthing nose into the case (well, rather more than her nose as will eventually be seen). Will she and her growing list of friends and admirers (yes, admirers, for our gal is freshening herself up quite nicely and gentlemen notice those things) be able to “value” the right person as the culprit!

I have to say, I did guess about her missing cat, but I had no clue as to who the villain would turn out to be. Good job, Ms. Tait!  The police personnel are also shifting around in this book and change-ups always make things more interesting.

Victoria Tait’s new series has gotten off to a smashing start. I love her coming-out-of-her-shell heroine, Dotty, and can’t wait for the third installment to see what twisty, and dare I say romantic, situations she finds herself in. I recommend this book to anyone who likes cozy mysteries, especially those set in the Cotswolds in England, and who enjoys antiques and interesting characters.

FIVE stars

(The link for the FREE prequel)

PS: (shhhh) At the end of the book, there is also a link to the FREE “Mario’s Journey” the tale of what happened to a character that disappears in VALUED FOR MURDER.

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