What makes the author’s main character,Josie Prescott Antiques , interesting is that she’s a multi-talented, strong woman who knows how to get the most out of her own personality-much like the author. In fact, many of Josie’s personality traits seem to be autobiographical.

Once a highly paid New York executive, Josie became a “whistle blower”. Out of necessity she re-invents herself as a top notch antiques appraiser and shop owner in a small town in New Hampshire.

Life is going well-her business is booming, she’s made many friends and she’s in love with the town’s police chief. The only snag seems to be is that Josie attracts dead bodies!

Antiques to Die For is the third novel using this set of main characters, which are so intriguing that once you begin reading the book, you won’t want to put it down until the last page has been turned. I read it on a plane trip across country and finished it before our luggage was claimed.

This particular mystery revolves around Rosalie, who is killed within hours of confiding a secret to her good friend Josie. Since Rosalie’s parents died, her death leaves her kid sister, Paige, with only an unknown relative to go to. Josie, of course, jumps in and vows to help figure out who is responsible for her friend’s death and make sure Paige winds up having a happy life.

While trying to take care of one mystery, another one pops up-why would a junkie have her dead, ex-boyfriend’s antique artist’s palette left to her and not his mother? Especially, when the item actually belonged to the older woman?

Cleland throws in some very colorful employees, a smart but sarcastic reporter, a tough female police officer and a creepy “secret admirer”, who first stalked Rosalie and then attaches him/herself to Josie. All that Cleland writes and describes enhances the fun and interest in reading Antiques to Die For.

Carine Nadel is a contributing writer for www.fabulously40.com to find more about her visit her page