The Art of the Decoy Tour Stop and Review

On Tour! Check out The Art of the Decoy!

GENRE: Mystery

About the Book

Perfect for fans of Jane K. Cleland and Connie Berry, Tricia Esden’s series debut is sure to please.

After her mother is sent to prison for art forgery, Edie Brown returns to Northern Vermont to rebuild her family’s fine art and antiques business. She’s certain she can do it now that her mother is gone. After all, butting heads with her mom over bad business practices was what drove Edie away three years ago, including a screwup that landed Edie on probation for selling stolen property.

When Edie scores a job appraising a waterfowl decoy collection at a hoarder’s farmhouse, she’s determined to take advantage of the situation to rebuild the business’s tarnished reputation and dwindling coffers. In lieu of payment, Edie intends to cherry-pick an exceptional decoy carved by the client’s renowned Quebecoise folk artist ancestors. Only the tables turn when the collection vanishes.

Accused of the theft, Edie’s terrified that the fallout will destroy the business and land her in prison next to her mom. Desperate, she digs into the underbelly of the local antiques and art world. When Edie uncovers a possible link between the decoy theft and a deadly robbery at a Quebec museum, she longs to ask her ex-probation officer, and ex-lover, for help. But she suspects his recent interest in rekindling their romance may hide a darker motive.

With the help of her eccentric uncle Tuck and Kala, their enigmatic new employee, Edie must risk all she holds dear to expose the thieves and recover the decoys before the FBI’s Art Crime Team or the ruthless thieves themselves catch up with her.

Nellie’s Review

Edie Brown returns to her family’s business after her mother is convicted of art forgery.  Her first task is appraising a decoy collection at a farmhouse.  But when the decoys go missing and Edie is accused, she’ll have to work to solve the mystery before she’s the next Brown heading to prison.

This was an interesting and unique mystery.  It held my attention with the details about antiques business and provided a unique backdrop that makes it stand out from the crowded mystery market. 

What stopped me from thoroughly enjoying the book was the main character.  The other characters weren’t completely fleshed out and the main focus was on Edie, so there wasn’t anyone else to latch on to, either.  I found Edie to be a bit too opportunistic. 


The story itself was good and the writing held my interest, but Edie’s affinity for bending the law was a bit of an issue for me.

I would recommend the book for anyone who enjoys antiques or is looking for a unique mystery. 

About the Author

Trish Esden loves museums, gardens, wilderness, dogs, and birds, in various orders depending on the day. She lives in northern Vermont where she deals antiques with her husband, a profession she’s been involved with since her teens. Don’t ask what her favorite type of antique is. She loves hunting down old bottles and rusty barn junk as much as she enjoys fine art and furnishings.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out The Art of the Decoy and all my featured books on the Featured Books Page!

2 thoughts on “The Art of the Decoy Tour Stop and Review”

Comments are closed.