Serena Jones has a passion for recovering lost and stolen art–one that’s surpassed only by her zeal to uncover the truth about the art thief who murdered her grandfather. She’s joined the FBI Art Crime Team with the secret hope that one of her cases will lead to his killer. Now, despite her mother’s pleas to do something safer–like get married–Serena’s learning how to go undercover to catch … thieves and black market traders.
When a local museum discovers an irreplaceable Monet missing, Jones leaps into action. The clues point in different directions, and her boss orders her to cease investigating her most promising suspect. But determined to solve the case and perhaps discover another clue in her grandfather’s murder, she pushes ahead, regardless of the danger.
With spunk, humor, and plenty of heart-stopping moments, Sandra Orchard gives readers an exciting string of cases to crack and a character they’ll love to watch solve them.
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This was a delightful book by Sandra Ohchard and sent me looking for other books by her.
Love the clever title. Light mystery with a touch of humor and romance. Kinda. Her mom would like to see much more romance. And grandchildren. (I kinda relate). I guess there is a love triangle of sorts but since they aren’t dating and it is the people around Serena that think there is more to the relationships than there actually is, I don’t know if you can really call it that. I don’t really enjoy a love triangle that much, especially when both guys would be a catch. So I’d be okay with the romance part being played down even more. The mystery was pretty good with Serena having to follow leads that dead end and make it harder to guess who dunnit too early. And it wasn’t dark even though there are tense moments and a little violence. How can there not be with the FBI? But the story doesn’t dwell on that and it isn’t graphic.
I guess Orchard is a Christian Lit writer but there is little of a religious nature in the story. They say Grace before eating etc… but there are no sermons or heavy handed overtones.
Sex: nope. a little innuendo but it isn’t a major part of the story
Language: nope
Violence: altercations with suspects, shoot out, murders (not graphic)
I got lost in so many possible thieves, but I loved Aunt Martha. So unpredictable, but she got results!
Leilani
Loved this series. Highly enjoyable.
I was so captivated by the wit and unique story line, that I purchased the other 2 books in this series. Humorous and suspenseful with a tad of romance made this a very enjoyable read!
I like a story to wrap up at the end,not leave questions so you buy the next book
I’m not a fan of romantic triangles, but I did find this cozy mystery to be fun and the main character, Serena Jones, to be interesting. Serena wasn’t afraid to admit to the reader that she was nervous or afraid, and yet she found courage and the tenacity to stay the course on the case she was working. As for the romance, which is very clean, Serena seems to be oblivious to and baffled by why men are attracted to her. Yes there seems to be a developing triangle between FBI teammate, Tanner, and secretive, apartment manager, Nate, as well as a few other guys who have their romantic eye on Serena. (Personally I think veteran, Billy, would be a good choice). Serena’s family situation is similar to other cozy mysteries I’ve read, annoying the heroine and loving her all the same. Aunt Martha is the comic relief, but by the end of the story I just wanted her to get out of the way and let Serena do her job. There is an open story line that leaves the door open to the second book. All in all a good read.
It is not particularly realistic that an “undercover” FBI agent would share details of her work with other people including her great-aunt and her apartment house manager, but the book was fun and entertaining.
Well written, great characters with humor , action, and a little mystery ! Very enjoyable read
A great story. The FBI agent would love to solve the case regarding her grandfather’s death but is working to locate some valuable paintings from a museum. Follow her though her leads as well as dealing with her life. Great book.
An enjoyable read with interesting characters.
Stephanie Plum-esque. An endearing main character with an amusing family that provides endless laughs.
Predictable and light. A fun read.
I loved the book. It was good light reading and fun to read and find the plot unfolding with lots of humor along the way. I appreciated that it was clean and without a lot of pages that I had to turn to avoid reading them. Thank you. I would read books by this author again.
I enjoyed the characters, family relationships, and the question of who Serena might end up dating.
Cute story and fun characters. Can’t wait to read the sequel!
Oh my gosh. It’s like Stephanie Plum moved to St. Louis and got a new job. Great book!
I loved this book! If you like the Stephanie Plum series you’ll like this series too. I especially liked the little little nuggets of information about the art world, and Serina is a wonderful heroine. Not as laugh out loud funny as the plum series, but Aunt Martha and Mum are great fun. I highly reccomend it.
This was fun to read. I would recommend it.
Fun book to read, as well as book 2 in the series.