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Money's tight for Molly Doyle and her niece Emma, and the commission from the sale of the antiques and movie memorabilia left behind by two Hollywood set designers is just the lifesaver Molly's been hoping for. But as she catalogs and packs the contents of the dreamy seaside home, she stumbles on an Egyptian mummy case, complete with a very real human skeleton. Molly's attempts to get to the bottom of the decades-old murder are thwarted by her erstwhile love interest, Carmel Chief of Police Randall, who has decided that Molly is a civilian and really shouldn't be privy to police business. Molly isn't pleased with his decision and does her best to investigate behind his back. When one of her good friends becomes the prime suspect in the murder, Molly shifts into high gear to clear her name. In the process, she uncovers a tale of greed, blackmail, kidnapping and murder. Flinn knows Carmel like the back of her hand, and this familiarity allows her to create an instantly recognizable sense of place. Daria's restaurant and Molly's antique shop feel like home to those of us who have followed the series for a while. But what really carries the book is the strength of Molly's voice. It's not often you encounter an author skilled strong enough to carry the reader willingly through the lessons on the antiques trade that Flinn has planted throughout this book under the guise of educating her young niece about the business. The plot clips along as Molly charges into danger in the search for justice. Flinn's wit and sense of story make DEADLY COLLECTION one of the best cozies I've read in a while. Elaine Flinn is one of our favorites here at RTE. Not only do we love her books, but our very own publisher and book maven, Barbara Franchi, also appears in three places in this story as an expert on movie memorabilia. The characterization is true to real life since Barbara is, in fact, a movie memorabilia expert. But honestly, relationships aside, Elaine tells a damned good story. Don't take my word for it. At Bouchercon this year, she was awarded the Barry for best paperback original for her second book in the series, TAGGED FOR MURDER. Her debut novel, DEALING IN MURDER, was nominated for the Agatha, Gumshoe, Barry and Anthony in 2003. If anything, DEADLY COLLECTION is even better than its predecessors. Do yourself a favor and make a trip down to your local independent bookseller for a copy of this excellent cozy.
Reviewed by Carroll Johnson, September 2005
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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