A dying invalid…a house full of treasures….a family haunted by tragedy. Deception and heartbreak stalk estate sale organizer Audrey Nealon when she accepts a lucrative new job in a posh New Jersey town. Eager to settle their mother’s estate and close the door on their elegant family home, the Eskew children hire Audrey to run an estate sale as their mother lies dying, tended by a home health … health aide. Every day Audrey works in the house, she discovers another valuable artwork and another family secret. How did the adored oldest son die? What’s wrong with the strange younger sister? Who is making off with rare books, antique silver, and vintage ball gowns? Most of all, how reliable are the dying woman’s deathbed ramblings? As Audrey uncovers more about the Eskew family’s tortured past, she begins to doubt her own perceptions of the elusive people who surround her in the house. Charm turns to deceit, compassion morphs to rage. Whom can she trust?
When a murderer strikes, Audrey’s sense of justice compels her to defend the defenseless, no matter the risk to herself. Fans of psychological suspense and psychological thrillers will enjoy this twist-ending family drama with a strong female protagonist and complex characters. Intervals of romance, antiques, and humor provide a break from the intensity. This Bitter Treasure is a top-rated thriller.
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This was a book that was hard to put down. I always needed to read one more chapter, then one more chapter. The main character was well developed to highlight not only her profession, but relationship to others, honesty, and admirable character traits. In short without giving away the story line this is a book definitely worth reading. I am anxious to read any other books by this author.
A different kind of story. Kept me guessing until the end.
This book was really interesting and had me trying to figure who the murderer was all the way through.
I loved this book, although it gets a bit scary at points. There is a very realistic story with a psychological tale being told underneath. Good blending of,primary and secondary storylines.
I love all of SW Hubbard’s books. They are so well written that I read every word and am sent full steam ahead to the next sentence and the next. Every author should read these books to learn how to tighten up their own stories.
Great read
Scary
This is the third book in the series and the best!! I’ll warn you right now, it becomes a bit creepy and you will stay up to figure out how a perfect family could end up with as many secrets.
Audrey is hired to check out the many expensive items a house holds while the owner is dying in one of the rooms. The author has written a very fine and tightly woven story about families. If you’ve ever walked through a neighborhood and looked at homes and wondered who lives in the cute house or who lives in that enormous house…..imagine no more. The family that Audrey is helping evaluate their inheritance seem okay. NOT! Be warned, this plot is so darn good!!!! Buy it.
It kept me engrossed and it was different from your typical murder mysteries.
Good development of characters even the tragic ones. Every family has their secrets but you need to read about this one.
I loved this book. An easy read.
Good plot. Sad story. Very realistic, unfortunately.
This was a “family” tragedy, and it was sad. However, it kept my interest, had a few subplots going, and made a few points without preaching. We can all learn! I lijed it.
S. W. Hubbard builds her world masterfully; if murder and mayhem can ever be described as “gentle”, the author achieves that goal without straying into “cozy” territory. I have not read the other books in this series, but enjoyed the author’s Frank Bennett Adirondak series immensely.
Good book
It kept me interested. Didn’t care for the tying up of all the loose ends so quickly at the end.
This book was a nice change, have never read another one with the same story line. However, the main character had a flaw I found irritating. She talked about conversations she had with people with practically everyone else, a trait I do not care for in real people.
I loved this book. First, off the narrator, Janelle Tedesco is amazing as our reader in this story. Janelle has a wonderfully smooth voice and makes you want to listen to the end. The story and characters also keep you going. I have not had the honor of reading the first two books in this series so I was a little worried I would be lost. Not at all! S.W. Hubbard does a great job and this book can stand on its own. That said I do want to read the first two books now. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries you must give this series a try.
I was gifted this lovely audiobook with the understanding that I would leave an honest review.
4 Star review This Bitter Treasure (Palmyrton Estate sale Mystery #3) by S W Hubbard
Audio Review:
Both the author S.W. Hubbard and narrator Janelle Tedesco are new to me. This was a cozy mystery book that I found entertaining. I was intrigued as I followed the clues with Audrey Nealon as she investigates a murder that occurs at the Eskew family home at the same time that she is confronting issues in her own life. The narrator really brought this book to life for me and did a good job keeping me entertained. This was a a book filled with a intrigue and suspense which kept me riveted as I listened to this story.
This audio book will keep your attention and keep you listening until the very end! It is actually two stories–one about a very rich and dysfunctional family. The old and infirm mother is murdered in her bed in a most horrific manner. Audrey is bound and determined to find out who killed the old woman and is drawn into a LOT. She is engaged to a policeman and they have their problems–the least of which is she is afraid she won’t know how to be a good Mom. There are several scenes where she is stuck with kids–you may find yourself laughing!! The old woman’s nurses aide is accused of murdering the woman–Audrey just has a feeling it wasn’t her–But who was it? There is a happy ending for Audrey and her fiance!
I actually never read this as an e-book but it certainly kept my attention! The narrator did a really good job when reading-I was able to picture all that was happening.
I received this audio book from the author for my enjoyment and possible review.