The Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries Boxed Set is a collection containing the first 3 books of the eponymous cozy series by Ellery Adams. Released 24th April 2019, the three full length novels included are: A Killer Collection, A Fatal Appraisal, and A Deadly Dealer. The collection is available in ebook format.
This will definitely appeal to cozy series lovers. This particular series has a distinctly southern American slant with an amateur sleuth Molly, who's a magazine writer, and her antiques dealer mother going on buying and trading trips, auctions, and other gatherings. There are 7 books at the moment in the series which gives wide range for binge reading. The author is quite prolific with at least 5 other series current or past.
I was somewhat uncomfortable with Molly's mom nagging about grandkids and mentioning Molly's size (14) what felt like constantly. The books are written in 3rd person omniscient and even Molly herself "... wished for the millionth time that she was a slim size six instead of a full-figured size fourteen. Her cheeks grew warm and she felt as though every staff member was staring at her curvy hips, full breasts, and thick legs as she hastened around the cubicles and out to the lobby. The sensation made her long for the comfort of an iced cappuccino and a plate of shortbread cookies". There are a number of archetypal supporting characters (hunky is-he-or-isn't-he boyfriend Matt and flamboyant gay pal).
The plotting and story arc for all three books are well paced and the characters (if a bit formulaic) are fleshed out and believable. Ms. Adams has a good grasp of the technical aspects of writing. I never found myself yanked out of the story and the dialogue wasn't clunky or cringe-worthy.
The books are well written and the background information concerning regional primitive and folk art and antiques seems accurate and gives the series verisimilitude.
The books are a pleasant diverting read. They'd be perfect for summer reading or a book club selection.
Three - four stars for the individual books, four for the collection.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
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