The Antique House Murders

Charley Carpenter has become almost famous in the town of Oakwood, Ohio. Not because she is a celebrity, but because she helped solve the case of a serial killer. It seems that history has a way of repeating itself, and it doesn’t take long before Charley becomes embroiled in another murder mystery.

Her business, Old Hat Vintage Fashions, is dependent on the misfortunes of others most of the time, and even she has to admit rummaging through the property of dead people to find items for her shop is a bit morbid. However, when Mulbridge House goes on the chopping block to make way for a new housing development, she isn’t against acquiring some of the late Augusta Mulbridges clothing and accessories to add to her store stock.

Trouble begins when Charley finds auctioneer and longtime family friend Calvin Prescott crumpled on the floor of his office. Murder is evident from the pool of blood surrounding his head as Charley dials 911. Detective Marcus Trenault quickly takes charge.

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Series: The Oakwood Mystery Series – Book 2
Author: Leslie Nagel
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Alibi

Rating:

Charley Carpenter is stubborn and, at times, an obnoxious shop owner with a penchant for getting involved in criminal investigations and her boyfriend, Marc’s job. Her friends and family worry she will get in far too deep and end up getting hurt or killed.

This isn’t the first time Charley has gotten involved in a murder case, and no matter how many times or people tell her to stay out of it, she doesn’t listen. Charley consistently puts herself in danger, without considering the fact that she also puts everyone around her at risk as well. But Charley is headstrong and insists that she can handle anything that comes up, even when her life is in danger because she didn’t take the advice of those around her.

Charley discovers a link to a land swindle worth millions, and a drug ring operating on Mulbridge House property, as well as a string of unsolved home invasions. She is positive all the crimes are connected and hurries to find the killer before it is too late.

This book has a storyline with an excellent plot and is well written. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader turning pages. Leslie Nagel is a talented writer who bases her setting on a real town and places within that town, which makes her story more interesting to the reader. There is a small amount of adult language and sexual innuendo throughout the book, but this should not detract from the overall story and enjoyment of the reader. The unveiling of the killer and the motive for the crimes involved were somewhat convoluted but believable.

Overall this is an interesting and entertaining story that is fast-paced and detail-oriented. It will appeal to lovers of cozies that have multiple facets with characters that are well-rounded and fun to learn about. This book is highly recommended.