Book Review: Deadly Collection

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Deadly Collection     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Elaine Flinn
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth   Cozy
Series: Molly Doyle # 3
Avon, Oct 2005, $6.99

Grieving artist Frances “Mackie” O’Brien returns from two years in France to California for the funeral of her parents who died in a car accident. Stunned by what happened to her family, Mackie hires Carmel based antiques dealer Molly Doyle to catalogue the collectibles her parents owned from their days as Hollywood set designers.

Molly expected something huge at sprawling La Casa, but not anywhere as massive or valuable as the O’Briens accumulated over the years in movie memorabilia worth a fortune and an expensive antique collection. However, the real shocker is when Molly and others find a coffin containing a corpse in it. Concerned that the police limit their suspects to one person, Molly investigates. Aided by her precocious preadolescent niece Emma, Molly soon finds the two female amateur sleuths in trouble from a killer who wants the truth to remain buried.

The latest Molly Doyle amateur sleuth tale is a terrific who-done-it that takes its time to set the stage of the key players so that the audience will not know who killed the victim. The story line often humorous but never loses sight that a homicide occurred years ago. Molly is wonderful as she makes inquiries ably assisted by her Shrek loving niece. Fans of California mellow cozies will appreciate Molly’s latest caper.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner