Reviews

In this new series from Victoria Tait, we meet Dotty Sayers. A young military widow now under the care of her husband’s regiment she is excited about her new job at Akemans Auction House. She still has duties to honor her husband like the Remembrance parade for him and his fallen comrades. She is nervous about being on public display and happy when her duty is complete. Then she learns a soldier was found dead after the event. The man has no identification on his person and Dotty agrees to help the police by checking out his home. She finds some very surprising things. She soon starts to put the clues together but can she reveal the killer before she becomes their next victim?

Dotty Sayers is a very interesting protagonist. Her life has changed since the death of her husband and she is just finding her way and handling her independence. In addition to starting a new job and helping to solve a murder, she has a very big decision to make. This character grew a lot over the course of this story and it will be fun to see her continue to evolve as the series continues.

Ms. Tait has surrounded Dotty with a strong cast of supporting characters Including the very entertaining Aunt Beanie and her niece, Gilly, as well as her other workmates, Marion, George, and David. She also has to deal with men from her husband’s regiment and the authorities. Constable Varma is quite a character. A bit of a clutz but she and Dotty form a quick friendship. All these characters are cleverly crafted.

The mystery was complicated and very well-plotted. I really enjoyed the antique theme and all the background provided about the work entailed to pull off a successful auction. David and Dotty’s travels to view and photograph items were very interesting and set up the mystery part of the story so well. It puts Dotty in fantastic places to find clues and follow where they led. The author provided wonderful detail to easily see everything clearly in my mind. From Dotty’s little cottage to the many rooms at the auction house to her trips to the Colonel’s office and more, she puts us right there on the scene. A second murder late in the book was surprising and emotional for all involved. I was definitely sad to see the character removed from the story but it was key to moving the story in the right direction.

I really enjoyed Ms. Tait’s Kenya Kanga Mystery Series so I knew I would enjoy this series as well. There couldn’t be two more different leading characters than Mama Rose and Dotty and they both have found a place in my heart. I am very excited to see what mystery Dotty gets caught up in next.

An excellent mystery with engaging characters in a wonderful setting. Fake Death has set this series off to a wonderful start. The second book in the series, Valued for Murder

, is set to be released on June 10. My bags are already packed for my next virtual return trip to the Cotswolds.

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