The Christie Curse Book Collector Mysteries, Book #1
By Victoria Abbott ISBN# 9780425255285
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Dawn
Synopsis:
In 1926, Agatha Christie disappeared—making headlines across the world—only to show up eleven days later at a spa under an assumed name. During those eleven days, did she have time to write a play?
Jordan Kelly needs a new job and a new place to live. She’s back in Harrison Falls, New York, living with her not so law-abiding uncles, in debt thanks to a credit card–stealing ex and pending grad school loans.
Enter the perfect job, a research position that includes room and board, which will allow her to spend her days hunting down rare mysteries for an avid book collector. There’s just one problem: her employer, Vera Van Alst—the most hated citizen of Harrison Falls.
Jordan’s first assignment is to track down a rumored Agatha Christie play. It seems easy enough, but Jordan soon finds out that her predecessor was killed while looking for it, and there is still someone out there willing to murder to keep the play out of Vera’s hands. Jordan’s new job is good…but is it worth her life?
Review:
I had previously read about Agatha Christie‘s “missing days” but I didn’t know much about the subject. It’s fascinating and mysterious. The book explores what she may or may not have done during that time period.
Jordan, the lead character, seems flighty at first glance. Case in point, she was taken advantage of monetarily by a boyfriend. That’s what she seems to project but it’s far from the truth. She is a shrewd woman. She plays the circumstances to her advantage and she’s not afraid to play hardball if necessary.
Vera, Jordan’s employer, is a tough old bird. It seemed like she was always in a bad mood. I loved the way Jordan gleaned information and then turned the table on Vera. It was like reading about an elaborate game of chess.
Vera’s cook and housekeeper, Signora Panetone, is hysterical. “eat, eat” I laughed every time she bullied Vera and Jordan into eating more. I also found the store/collector name, ‘The Cozy Corpse’, funny.
Abbott has an off-beat sense of humor. I enjoyed the clever plot and her well placed funnies. She has an array of colorful characters in the book. Each character is unique but also developed.
The Christie Curse is a quick enjoyable read. I think women will enjoy this book the most. It’s great for a book club or reading on a trip. And, this book is really more of a 3.5 star than a 3!
