Antiques Slay Belles
by Barbara Allan

Former sheriff, talented thespian and delightfully eccentric true-crime author Vivian Borne hunts down a Christmas killer in the new Trash ‘n’ Treasures cozy mystery – “one of the funniest cozy series going” (Ellery Queen Magazine)

It’s five days before Christmas, and Vivian Borne – septuagenarian antiques dealer, true-crime writer and enthusiastic amateur sleuth – and her long-suffering daughter Brandy are preparing a presentation of holiday antiques at the local country club’s annual Christmas luncheon.

Distracted by their secret Santa gifts, the ladies of the club, to Vivian’s dismay, are not giving her and her antique sleigh bells the attention they deserve. But when Norma Crumley, socialite and world-class gossip, falls face first into her plum pudding, it seems Santa has also delivered the sleuthing mother and daughter a present: a cracker of a case!

Christmas in small-town Serenity is (usually) a magical time. Can Vivian and Brandy – not forgetting Shih Tzu sidekick Sushi – make a killing from their holiday antiques, catch a devious murderer, and wrap up the case in time to eat their festive microwave turkey dinners?

This light-hearted, laugh-out-loud cozy mystery also features mother-daughter sleuths Brandy and Vivian’s witty tips for buying and selling antiques, along with a selection of tasty recipes. Perfect for getting you into the holiday spirit – whatever the time of year!

Reviews

“A mystery that has it all: humor, zany characters, antiquing tips, and recipes to brighten your day”

Kirkus Reviews on Antiques Foe

“Framed by small-town life in Iowa, with interesting details on antiques, this fun cozy includes recipes and tips on collecting sports memorabilia”

Booklist on Antiques Foe

“Humorous asides and loads of antique lore . . . Allan delivers the cozy goods”

Publishers Weekly on Antiques Liquidation

“Best for readers of cozy mysteries who enjoy small-town living, humor with a side of murder, and cute canine companions”

Library Journal on Antiques Liquidation

“Amusing mystery chockablock with antiques lore”

Kirkus Review on Antiques Liquidation

This humorous cozy with its multiple plot twists is framed by close family relationships, a lovingly detailed setting, and information about antiques

Booklist on Antiques Carry On

Vivian and Brandy share narrative duties, and their amusing commentary provides much of the book’s appeal. Allan consistently entertains

Publishers Weekly on Antiques Carry On

Delightfully quirky . . . For those fond of feel-good cozies, Allan delivers

Publishers Weekly on Antiques Fire Sale

The usual mix of humor, detection, and flamboyant personalities adds sparkle

Kirkus Reviews on Antiques Fire Sale

One of the best in Allan’s long-running series, which is always humorous and full of tips for antiques hunters

Kirkus Reviews on Antiques Ravin’

Barbara Allan

Barbara Allan is the joint pseudonym of husband-and-wife mystery writers, Barbara and Max Allan Collins. Barbara is an acclaimed short-story writer, and Max is multi-award-winning New York Times bestselling novelist and Mystery Writers of America Grand Master. Their previous collaborations have included one son, a short story collection, and the long-running Trash ‘n’ Treasures mystery series. They live in Muscatine, Iowa – their Serenity-esque hometown – in a house filled with trash and treasures.

View author page

Editions

Antiques Slay Belles by Barbara Allan is available in the following formats

Hardback97814483096415th November 2024144 X 222mm208$29.99
Hardback97814483096415th November 2024144 X 222mm208£21.99
Ebook97814483096585th November 2024N/A208$14.99
Ebook97814483096585th November 2024N/A208£12.99
Paperback978144831698429th July 2025138 X 216mm208$18.99
Paperback978144831698422nd May 2025138 X 216mm208£13.99
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