Jane K. Cleland Consigned to Death

Consigned to Death

Jane K. Cleland

St. Martin's, Apr 2006, $23.95

ISBN: 0312347251

As a whistleblower, she left the Big Apple in "disgrace" for exposing a price-fixing scheme at Frisco's by her boss in court. Instead of accolades for her courage and conviction, the industry condemned her honesty and ethics. Thus, shook up by the negative reactions and not so subtle threats, she fled back to her home state, New Hampshire. Adding to her emotional instability is the fact her father just passed away.

The now Portsmouth based antiques dealer Josie Prescott has her first potential major client, elderly wealthy recluse Nathaniel Grant but he was found dead in his nearby Rocky Point mansion after the duo connected. Police Chief Ty Alverez believes Josie is a prime suspect as does her lawyer Max Bixby as she had the opportunity being at the crime scene at approximately the time of death and her prints are on the murder weapon, a knife. Used to investigating though her objective is an antique normally, Josie begins making inquiries to uncover the culprit as she does not trust Alverez to look beyond her. Based on the theory someone knew she and the victim were working on a business deal, Josie finds suspects from within the family and within her industry, but feels whoever stole the valuable paintings especially the Renoir committed the homicide.

The clever blending of the antique seller's world with a murder mystery makes for a delightful cozy that sub-genre fans will fully appreciate. Josie, as the center of the official investigation and her own holds the tale together while going through her list. Her relationship with Alverez adds to the fun as they are attracted to one another, but first comes proving her innocence. Readers will enjoy this intelligent whodunit starring a wonderful heroine.

Harriet Klausner