Cover Image: The Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries Boxed Set

The Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries Boxed Set

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Loved this whole collection! I really could not put down!! I was addicted to these mysteries! Must read if you love a great who done it book.

Was this review helpful?

I picked this up because I've really enjoyed other books from Ellery Adams (writing under a pseudonym here). I wasn't disappointed - she still definitely delivers on the cozy mystery front, with a fun side of information about Southern antiques and the market for them. But I also can see that this is an earlier series from what I've been reading of her's more recently, as the writing isn't quite as polished. One example is the descriptions of the main character, Molly, with constant references to the fact that she isn't a slim woman and her obsessions with food. I appreciate that but I felt like there were just too many times it came up, including with men and their "surprise" attraction to her as opposed to a more classicly beautiful woman. It was a distraction from the storyline that felt forced. All-in-all, a decent read but I'd recommend a her newer works before these.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for an Advance copy of The Antiques & Collectibles mysteries Boxed set by Ellery Adams. I love boxed sets when being introduced to new series. I have recently became a fan of Ellery Adams after reading her latest series The Secret, Book & Scone Society followed by The Book Retreat Mysteries! The Antique & Collectibles mysteries was just as good. It follows Molly Appleby, a writer for Collector’s Weekly who finds murder amongst an auction! Besides a cozy mystery the book is filled with great information on the subjects of antiques!

Was this review helpful?

Adams creates an interesting setting in her first Antiques and Collectables mystery set. Molly, a reporter in the world of collectables, stumbles on murders much like Jessica Fletcher, but with a facinating knowledge of collectables and antiques. This set includes the first three novels of the series, originally published under the name J.B. Stanley.

Molly is a likable and personable character. Her relationship with her mother and friends is quite charming; however, there is a bit of a stumble in the character of Clayton, who seems to act as the flamboyant gay stereotype. That being said, he was fun and funny. The details and research that goes into the setting is very well done and readers come away with a ton of knowledge about collectables.

The mysteries are well done and you can follow Molly's progress well and she only takes a few actions that have you yelling "what are you thinking" - a pro among cozy mysteries. Some of the conclusions seem rushed but the mysteries are so fun, you will forget all that and pick up the next in the series.

Was this review helpful?

Overall I did enjoy this series however as the series progressed the two main characters, Molly and her mother, became less likable and I could have done with more of her friends, Kitty and Lex. I like that there is tension between Molly and her mother but sometimes felt it was overdone and I still feel as if I don’t know too much about either of them.

These were a amusing way to learn about some antiques and collectables while engaging murder mysteries happen. Personally, I didn’t love that the antiques were given characters and had their own life, it at times became a little confusing and I found myself skimming to get back to present day however I did like the magazine/book quotes.

Thanks to NetGalley for a chance to read this collection for an honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The 3 books that comprise this box set aren’t new releases, but they were new reads for me, and they did not disappoint. I have enjoyed other books by Ellery Adams, and was pleased to find this set every bit as enjoyable as her other books.

One of the things I liked best was that each book in the set centers around a different kind of antique or collectible, such as the unique pottery handcrafted in the Carolinas or early-American furniture featuring hidden compartments. I also find Molly to be a relatable main character. This box set will be a treat to read for those who enjoy a little history/art appreciation with their mysteries.

Was this review helpful?

Description: The first three books in the Antiques & Collectibles Mystery Series by New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams.

I had not read any previous works by this author so was pleased to have an opportunity to read the first three books in this new series. As a cozy mystery lover, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Molly, her mother Clara and the handsome Matt. These are well researched stories with some lovely descriptions of antique furniture and collectibles and I particularly enjoyed the historical background that is well integrated and not dominant or detracting. If you enjoy a good cozy, want something easy and enjoyable to read, then I would recommend this trilogy as perfect for your summer reading list.
With thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

The Antiques & Collectibles Mysteries Boxed Set: Books 1-3 by Ellery Adams, is a wonderful way to start off this series. I have read many of Ms. Adams series and books, but not this one. I love being able to read the first three books in a row. They include: A Killer Collection, A Fatal Appraisal, and A Deadly Dealer. I know very little about antiques and collectibles, but I still enjoyed these books. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series. I recommend this boxed set.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing. Thank you.

Was this review helpful?

I  received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

Ellery Adams is one of my favorite authors! This is a perfect collection from one of her original series. Loved it.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first three books in this fun series about Antiques and Collectibles. In the first book we are introduce to our main character Molly who is a writer for a magazine called Collector's Weekly. She is covering a story about pottery and goes along with her mother to a kiln opening. She hopes to find a good story and looks forward to not only interviewing some of the collector's that are there but also to buying a few pieces herself. All is going well until a rude man who is known for his collection ends up dead. The question is was he murdered or did he accidentally take to much insulin for his diabetes? Follow along with Molly as she searches for clues while she continues to do interviews. Will she figure out what happen to him in the end or will it be case closed? In the second book of the series she is off to Virginia to write an article on a television show about finding hidden treasures. During her stay one of the appraisers is found dead and a new mystery has been put forth to Molly. Molly wonders if she should dig in and figure out who killed the man and why? Will she stay and try to figure out what happened to the man or will she leave the mystery behind? In the third book of the series Molly is off to Nashville to cover a famous auction called the Heart of Dixie. When a well known dealer is found dead Molly knows that she must put forth the effort to figure out just what happened and why. The only problem is the amount of people she must go through to find her answers. Which one of the many collectors at the auction had it it out for the man and what brought them to murder? This is an interesting series that will have you looking at collecting in a different way.

Was this review helpful?

Collection of the first three stories in this series. Cozy mysteries of antiques and collectables. The first is concerned with southeastern pottery, the second furniture with hidden compartments and the third is walking sticks, all have good information that is entertaining without interruption into the story. Some of the chapter introductions were a little confusing as to what those had to do with the story, but didn't interrupt the story flow. All in all good mysteries, but as each book progressed the main character and her mother were becoming less kind, rude, fat shaming, and conniving to get glory or their way. Molly the main character got more and more self important with the police by withholding information, putting forth her theories without facts to back it up. The first book I liked the characters but by the third I didn't care for Molly or her mother. Molly's boss was increasingly obnoxious which unless he's the owner of the journal I'd think would be fired for his actions.
These were a pleasant way to learn about some antiques and collectables while engaging mysteries and murders unfold. Thanks to NetGalley for a chance to read this collection for an honest opinion. I noticed on some older reviews people complained of editing, spelling, and proof reading, however it appears these have all been addressed in this collection

Was this review helpful?

I previously read a newer book in the series, so I was happy to see this set available featuring the first 3 books. The antiques information is interesting., mingled with fun, lively characters, and enjoyable.

Was this review helpful?

I love Ellery Adams books and I love this series. Each book is better than the previous and they're all enjoyable and fun to read.
I love the fleshed out cast of characters, the setting and the plot.
The mystery are great, no plot hole, and they keep you guessing till the end.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Was this review helpful?

How could I pass on the chance to read a book series of cozy mysteries? It is great to read books in order so if I want to read the rest in the Ellery Adams series I will be caught up. Thank you NetGalley for this awesome collection.

Was this review helpful?

I received a free copy of THE ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES MYSTERIES BOXED SET (Books 1-3) by Ellery Adams in Exchange for an honest review. In A KILLER COLLECTION (Book 1) we meet Molly Appleby who accompanies her mother to a Southern Pottery event. Molly attends in her capacity as a writer for Collector’s Weekly while her mother attends both as a collector and as an agent for an auction house. During the event, a renown collector dies quite suddenly. Though the police rule the death an accident caused by over medication, Molly saw something that makes her think it was murder, so she investigates.

In A FATAL APPRAISAL (Book 2), Collector’s Weekly sends Molly out of town to cover a traveling appraisal show called Hidden Treasures. When one of the show’s appraisers dies under mysterious circumstances, Molly is certain it was murder. Is this simply a murder for one of the usual motives or is it part of a larger plot?

In A DEADLY DEALER (Book 3), Molly and her mother travel together, in their respective professional personas, to the Heart of Dixie auction in Nashville. When one of her mother’s longtime acquaintances, a respected antiques dealer, is murdered, Molly is determined to find this killer, too. Can law enforcement figure out the mystery before the end of the event, or will a murderer walk free?

This is another fantastic cozy murder mystery series by Ellery Adams! I recommend these books and this series to fans of Ellery Adams and to fans of antique or auction themed cozy mysteries. Each book contains a little lagniappe. The first book contains snippets from the life of a piece of pottery, the second book contains helpful information about antiques, and the third contains some gruesome tales about gadget canes.

#TheAntiquesCollectiblesMysteriesBoxedSet #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

This box set has lots of intrigue and also lots of interesting information about antiques. The characters are so well developed and some are quirky. The twists will keep you guessing. You'll learn about pottery, road shows and furniture with hidden compartments. Very enjoyable reads.

Was this review helpful?

Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

This box set features the first three books in the series about a reporter, Molly Appleby who covers antique shows and auctions. She has a penchant for solving dead bodies’ cases.

We get to read A Killer Collection which involves North Carolina pottery and a discovery of a dead body at a kiln. In A Fatal Appraisal a show interview turns deadly and A Deadly Dealer an acclaim dealer turns up murder.

We watch as this new heroine finds the answers. Cozy readers will enjoy this series.

Was this review helpful?