I am six books into this series before I stopped reading long enough to write a review. SO MANY THINGS to like here! The plots are nice and twisty, the setting is detailed in an understated but utterly realistic way. I live in pretty much the opposite of New Jersey, but I feel like I could settle in near Audrey and be right at home. Speaking of Audrey, I am pretty much the opposite of a logical math person, but she is so relatable, and has so many layers that I feel like I've either known her forever or I'd really like to know her. The other characters are similarly layered and they change and grow throughout the story--I say story instead of stories because even though you really could just pick up any book as a standalone, if you read them all it's more the story of a life (or group of lives.) I LOVE the peek into the world of estate sales! I look around at my over-cluttered home and kinda wish Audrey could come help ME! These books delve into human experiences that serial mysteries often just skim right over in pursuit of plot devices and the whole thing becomes so personal and really moving. The author seems to be examining family dynamics from as many different facets as she can possibly imagine, and she's spot on in so many observations. I don't mind formulas; I read books that are written to formula all the time and truly enjoy them. Nevertheless, this author has broken the formulas (or at least hidden them so well they are not noticeable) and the series is a breath of fresh air. On top of that, she uses language like an artist, and has a truly powerful vocabulary. As a word nerd, I adore finding one that is new to me and realizing she DIDN'T find it by just looking six words down in the thesaurus! I just can't say enough good things about this series and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with truly relatable characters and circumstances. (Well, the initial plot is a little more--imaginative--but after that is resolved, I can totally see myself in these stories.) Good, good stuff.
Treasure of Darkness: a psychological thriller
by S. W. Hubbard
One moment of misguided generosity throws estate sale organizer Audrey Nealon’s life into turmoil.
She loses a client’s money, cripples her budding romance, and witnesses a murder.
Strapped for cash, she accepts a questionable project: clearing out the home of a mentally ill hoarder who may have hidden valuable Civil War letters. What really lies at the bottom of twenty years’ worth of collected buttons and antique dolls and stuffed owls and atlases?
As Audrey digs through the hoarder’s obsessions, she unleashes a vengeful response from all sides--the hoarder's angry neighbors, his alienated family, and the police. The house has destroyed lives in the past. Will Audrey and those she loves--her friends, her father, and even her dog--be its next victims?
As the final twist reveals, secrets can remain buried, but they never disappear.
Reviews
I was happy to read the 2nd installment of this cozy mystery series. As usual I’m very happy to recommend this book also. I love the continuing characters and their interaction with each other. This one had a definite mystery that I did catch until the end. Loved this book!
I read and loved the first book in the series so I immediately got the second one. Maybe I should have read something else before jumping into this one - don't know. I found it draggy, slow and hard to follow. I doubt I'll read the third book in the series.
Another page turner with Audrey and the gang. Lots of secrets, danger, and mysteries going around. Once again, Audrey finds herself in danger. Slowly taking one step forward with Sean, then two back. Can she get out of trouble again? Does she finally give in and admit she is scared to Sean? Love this series...keeps me interested and jumping right to the next book.
Second book in the series I have read and enjoyed. The character description is good and the story line keeps you going.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series. It keeps my attention. I look forward to reading it every night to see what mess they get in.
Book held to it theme and the author built the characters very well!
Enjoyable read!
This was a very entertaining series of books. I am going to try another author them come back to this one later!
