Brenda H. (booksinvt) -
Helpful Score: 1
Ruby Red Herring is the debut of the An Avery Ayers Antique Mystery series set in Lilac Grove, New York and featuring antiquities appraiser, Avery Ayers. A horrific car crash a year earlier left Avery and her sister Tilly injured but alive, unfortunately her parents William and Anne were killed in the accident - but were they really?
Struggling to overcome her grief Avery takes over the family business, Antiquities & Artifacts Appraised, with her parents partners, Sir Robert Lane and Micah Abbott. Their first assignment is to evaluate a ruby recently received by the Museum of Antiquities, one that may just be the missing gem from the museums most prized piece - the Emperor's Twins medallion.
But a mysterious letter, an anonymous call and notes left behind in her parents files lead Avery to believe that something may not be right with the gem (or the medallion). Did her parents earlier investigation into the medallion cause their death? Determined to uncover the truth, Avery sets out with the help of Micah and security guard Art Smith to solve not just one mystery but two.
A riveting plot introduces a fascinating cast of characters. It's refreshing to have a heroine that not only has a job - but actually works instead of running around willy nilly letting others man the business. There's a wonderful family dynamic between Avery, Tilly and their Aunt Midge who has stepped in to help raise the girls, accompanied by the family Afghan Hound, Halston. Details regarding gem appraisal are interesting and not overbearing, bringing a whole new profession to the cozy genre. Intrigue, suspense and a touch of romance are the perfect combination for a delightful new series and I can't wait for more adventures with Avery and company.
Struggling to overcome her grief Avery takes over the family business, Antiquities & Artifacts Appraised, with her parents partners, Sir Robert Lane and Micah Abbott. Their first assignment is to evaluate a ruby recently received by the Museum of Antiquities, one that may just be the missing gem from the museums most prized piece - the Emperor's Twins medallion.
But a mysterious letter, an anonymous call and notes left behind in her parents files lead Avery to believe that something may not be right with the gem (or the medallion). Did her parents earlier investigation into the medallion cause their death? Determined to uncover the truth, Avery sets out with the help of Micah and security guard Art Smith to solve not just one mystery but two.
A riveting plot introduces a fascinating cast of characters. It's refreshing to have a heroine that not only has a job - but actually works instead of running around willy nilly letting others man the business. There's a wonderful family dynamic between Avery, Tilly and their Aunt Midge who has stepped in to help raise the girls, accompanied by the family Afghan Hound, Halston. Details regarding gem appraisal are interesting and not overbearing, bringing a whole new profession to the cozy genre. Intrigue, suspense and a touch of romance are the perfect combination for a delightful new series and I can't wait for more adventures with Avery and company.
