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favouritepages's review
4.0
A Wealth of Deception is the second in the Scandal Mountain Antiques mystery series. This book can be read as a stand alone.
I found this book to be very interesting. Not as familiar with the art or antiques scene, it was a fascinating look behind the scenes for art and antique appraisers and dealers. There is already a bit of mystery and investigation that goes along with dealing in antiquities and art. Trying to determine provenance, value and authenticity of works they may come into possession of.
Our main character, Edie Brown, takes it up a notch in this novel though. While appraising a collection for a women whose mother recently passed away, Edie finds a piece of art which looks strangely like something from a very famous reclusive outsider artist. However, the owner of the piece, swears it was made in art therapy by her brother who was left disabled after an accident and is living in assisted living. Edie cannot let it go though, something is going on, could this work be a forgery? But, her investigation into the background of this piece is putting herself and others into danger.
This book felt very much like a cozy mystery, with the main difference being that the mystery our amateur sleuth is trying to solve is who really is behind this work of art, rather than trying to solve a murder. Although, there is some of that too.
There is some romance for our main character. Edie is seeing a police detective, who used to be her probation officer, gasp. She thinks she wants to keep it just casual, but maybe she has deeper feelings than she wants to admit. Edie plays an integral role in helping law enforcement, and Shane, solve this mystery. I like the dynamic where our sleuther is in a relationship with someone from law enforcement and there is a bit of that push and pull, there is some sharing of information, but also trying to keep some boundaries.
I really enjoyed this story. It was a face-paced captivating story. I loved the trio of Edie, her Uncle Tuck, and their shop assistant working together to solve this mystery. They are all great characters.
I found this book to be very interesting. Not as familiar with the art or antiques scene, it was a fascinating look behind the scenes for art and antique appraisers and dealers. There is already a bit of mystery and investigation that goes along with dealing in antiquities and art. Trying to determine provenance, value and authenticity of works they may come into possession of.
Our main character, Edie Brown, takes it up a notch in this novel though. While appraising a collection for a women whose mother recently passed away, Edie finds a piece of art which looks strangely like something from a very famous reclusive outsider artist. However, the owner of the piece, swears it was made in art therapy by her brother who was left disabled after an accident and is living in assisted living. Edie cannot let it go though, something is going on, could this work be a forgery? But, her investigation into the background of this piece is putting herself and others into danger.
This book felt very much like a cozy mystery, with the main difference being that the mystery our amateur sleuth is trying to solve is who really is behind this work of art, rather than trying to solve a murder. Although, there is some of that too.
There is some romance for our main character. Edie is seeing a police detective, who used to be her probation officer, gasp. She thinks she wants to keep it just casual, but maybe she has deeper feelings than she wants to admit. Edie plays an integral role in helping law enforcement, and Shane, solve this mystery. I like the dynamic where our sleuther is in a relationship with someone from law enforcement and there is a bit of that push and pull, there is some sharing of information, but also trying to keep some boundaries.
I really enjoyed this story. It was a face-paced captivating story. I loved the trio of Edie, her Uncle Tuck, and their shop assistant working together to solve this mystery. They are all great characters.
dukefn99's review
4.0
My whole review is at https://novelsalive.com/2023/04/18/4-star-review-a-wealth-of-deception-by-trish-esden/
the_sassy_bookworm's review
4.0
⭐⭐⭐.5
Trish Esden’s novel, A Wealth of Deception, takes readers on a thrilling journey into the art world, where secrets and danger lurk beneath the surface. When Edie Brown, a Vermont antique and art dealer, stumbles upon a dark collage by the elusive artist Vespa, she unwittingly opens a Pandora’s Box of deception that leads her down a treacherous path.
Teaming up with her companions, Uncle Tuck and Kala, Edie embarks on an investigation into the origins of the collage. However, their discoveries only reveal secrets more disturbing than the artwork itself. As Edie delves deeper into the authenticity of the piece, she finds herself entangled in an art underground where some are willing to kill to protect their hidden schemes.
Esden skillfully crafts a diverse and intriguing cast of characters against the backdrop of a breathtakingly beautiful setting. The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists and turns, leaving readers with more questions than answers. The mystery at the heart of the story is solid and keeps readers engaged throughout.
One aspect that stands out is the portrayal of the side characters in the book. They add depth and flavor to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience. However, despite its many strengths, one drawback is the main character, Edie. There is an unlikable quality about her that is hard to ignore. It feels as though she prioritizes personal gain over empathy, showcasing a callousness that can be off-putting.
Despite this minor flaw, A Wealth of Deception is a captivating addition to the series. The writing is excellent, and the book maintains a relentless pace that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. Fans of mystery novels will appreciate Esden’s ability to create an immersive world filled with intrigue and suspense.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this installment in the series and eagerly anticipate the next book. Esden’s talent for storytelling shines through, making A Wealth of Deception a must-read for fans of thrilling mysteries.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
Trish Esden’s novel, A Wealth of Deception, takes readers on a thrilling journey into the art world, where secrets and danger lurk beneath the surface. When Edie Brown, a Vermont antique and art dealer, stumbles upon a dark collage by the elusive artist Vespa, she unwittingly opens a Pandora’s Box of deception that leads her down a treacherous path.
Teaming up with her companions, Uncle Tuck and Kala, Edie embarks on an investigation into the origins of the collage. However, their discoveries only reveal secrets more disturbing than the artwork itself. As Edie delves deeper into the authenticity of the piece, she finds herself entangled in an art underground where some are willing to kill to protect their hidden schemes.
Esden skillfully crafts a diverse and intriguing cast of characters against the backdrop of a breathtakingly beautiful setting. The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists and turns, leaving readers with more questions than answers. The mystery at the heart of the story is solid and keeps readers engaged throughout.
One aspect that stands out is the portrayal of the side characters in the book. They add depth and flavor to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience. However, despite its many strengths, one drawback is the main character, Edie. There is an unlikable quality about her that is hard to ignore. It feels as though she prioritizes personal gain over empathy, showcasing a callousness that can be off-putting.
Despite this minor flaw, A Wealth of Deception is a captivating addition to the series. The writing is excellent, and the book maintains a relentless pace that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. Fans of mystery novels will appreciate Esden’s ability to create an immersive world filled with intrigue and suspense.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this installment in the series and eagerly anticipate the next book. Esden’s talent for storytelling shines through, making A Wealth of Deception a must-read for fans of thrilling mysteries.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
marcirenee1974's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was a cute cozy and I am totally on board for another cozy series! I can't wait to see what this gang of misfits gets up to in the next installment! I am totally adding Trish Esden's backlog of books to my TBR!
#AWealthofDeception
#NetGalley
#AWealthofDeception
#NetGalley
amylow1107's review
4.0
This was an ARC by NetGalley. This book comes out in April 2023. The second book of the Scandal Mountain series. I chose this book because the story line and the cover looked very intriguing.
Edie Brown is struggling with her antique and art store in the small town of Scandal Mountain. She comes across a collage that mirrors a famous one done by an well known artist. She discovers that the collage comes with a mystery in itself. Along with her friends she investigates. Much to her handsome lover's dismay she finds herself deep in a cover-up. She befriends the artist of the collage, Erik, who lives at an assisted living facility. She wants to get justice for him. The characters are believable and I loved Edie and Shane (cop/lover). Her friend, Kala reminded me of a nerd/hacker type that easily be anyone's friend. The plot of the book was well thought out and the mystery was good. I wished the mystery was a little bit harder to figure out. As for a cozy mystery, this book had a different take on the mystery since no one was murdered during the storyline.
Thank you NetGalley for choosing me for the ARC. I enjoyed the book and will be reading more from this author.
Edie Brown is struggling with her antique and art store in the small town of Scandal Mountain. She comes across a collage that mirrors a famous one done by an well known artist. She discovers that the collage comes with a mystery in itself. Along with her friends she investigates. Much to her handsome lover's dismay she finds herself deep in a cover-up. She befriends the artist of the collage, Erik, who lives at an assisted living facility. She wants to get justice for him. The characters are believable and I loved Edie and Shane (cop/lover). Her friend, Kala reminded me of a nerd/hacker type that easily be anyone's friend. The plot of the book was well thought out and the mystery was good. I wished the mystery was a little bit harder to figure out. As for a cozy mystery, this book had a different take on the mystery since no one was murdered during the storyline.
Thank you NetGalley for choosing me for the ARC. I enjoyed the book and will be reading more from this author.
kblincoln's review
4.0
We pick up with Northern Vermont antiques dealer Edie Brown where the first book left off-- mother is still in prison, she still has to save the family antiques store, waiting on the big pay off from the duck decoys from prior book, still friends-with-benefits with law enforcer Shane.
Edie goes to the house of a local Scandal Mountain family that her archenemy rival passed up-- just to spite him-- and discovers an amazing collage by an "outsider" artist that immediately sets her spidey senses tingling.
The commission on the piece would be enough money to fix the septic problem that might be the financial straw that breaks her antique business' back.
What she didn't foresee, is that there is a mystery surrounding the artist as well as the collage itself and the reoccurring elements of a woman lying in blood, people with blood on their hands, etc.
And of course Shane is involved in the law aspect of the mystery.
Anyway, what makes this series so fun is the definite Northern Vermont flavor of Scandal Mountain, the way Edie *loves* antiques and is thrilled by them and being around them, her interactions with younger employee and tech genius Kala, as well as uncovering the mystery-- in this book, a cold case murder.
So far in every book I've learned a bit about the art world (in the prior book it was the world of Quebecois duck decoys, in this one, "outsider" art) which also makes each book interesting.
While I love Edie, Kala, and local town gossip Pinky, sometimes the other characters are a bit less developed. In this case, the main focus of the book, and the reason Edie goes all out in order to solve the mystery (can't say because...spoilers) appears in direct conversation with Edie...once? Maybe twice? And then doesn't have much page time otherwise except in Edie's mental conjectures. So at times, this felt a little flimsy as a motive.
But mostly I just loved going around finding art/antiques with Edie. You wouldn't have to necessarily read this series in order, this is fine as a standalone, but you'd miss out on some fun backstory if you didn't.
Edie goes to the house of a local Scandal Mountain family that her archenemy rival passed up-- just to spite him-- and discovers an amazing collage by an "outsider" artist that immediately sets her spidey senses tingling.
The commission on the piece would be enough money to fix the septic problem that might be the financial straw that breaks her antique business' back.
What she didn't foresee, is that there is a mystery surrounding the artist as well as the collage itself and the reoccurring elements of a woman lying in blood, people with blood on their hands, etc.
And of course Shane is involved in the law aspect of the mystery.
Anyway, what makes this series so fun is the definite Northern Vermont flavor of Scandal Mountain, the way Edie *loves* antiques and is thrilled by them and being around them, her interactions with younger employee and tech genius Kala, as well as uncovering the mystery-- in this book, a cold case murder.
So far in every book I've learned a bit about the art world (in the prior book it was the world of Quebecois duck decoys, in this one, "outsider" art) which also makes each book interesting.
While I love Edie, Kala, and local town gossip Pinky, sometimes the other characters are a bit less developed. In this case, the main focus of the book, and the reason Edie goes all out in order to solve the mystery (can't say because...spoilers) appears in direct conversation with Edie...once? Maybe twice? And then doesn't have much page time otherwise except in Edie's mental conjectures. So at times, this felt a little flimsy as a motive.
But mostly I just loved going around finding art/antiques with Edie. You wouldn't have to necessarily read this series in order, this is fine as a standalone, but you'd miss out on some fun backstory if you didn't.
lsquared's review
mysterious
slow-paced
2.0
Thank you NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book in the Scandal Mountain Antiques Mystery series. I wish I had known it was the second book before requesting it. I was a bit lost for about the first house of the book. I personally didn't enjoy this book. If you ever want to read a cozy mystery that has the amount of description of a Steven King novel, this book is for you.
inkdrinkeranonymous's review
medium-paced
2.5
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC
2.5/5 stars
I enjoyed reading this A Wealth of Deception to a certain extent. It took a while to get going but afterwards I was invested. The mystery aspect was interesting and I couldn’t tell what was going to happen next.
That main character was a tad unlikable. She was nosy and insensitive. For being a mystery and thriller, the stakes were rather low. The writing fell flat in the ‘suspenseful’ scenes and I felt no true danger or fear for the characters.
The description of the mentally disabled was honestly uncomfortable and, considering it was a huge plot point, disappointing. Also the absolute horrendous stereotyping?? I’m sorry but giving a Russian character a tattoo that says DEATH is absolutely hilarious and when I read that I cackled. That’s just one example of the stereotypes going on in this book.
A Wealth of Deception felt outdated considering its coming out in 2023.
TLDR: This book was disappointing. M
2.5/5 stars
I enjoyed reading this A Wealth of Deception to a certain extent. It took a while to get going but afterwards I was invested. The mystery aspect was interesting and I couldn’t tell what was going to happen next.
That main character was a tad unlikable. She was nosy and insensitive. For being a mystery and thriller, the stakes were rather low. The writing fell flat in the ‘suspenseful’ scenes and I felt no true danger or fear for the characters.
The description of the mentally disabled was honestly uncomfortable and, considering it was a huge plot point, disappointing. Also the absolute horrendous stereotyping?? I’m sorry but giving a Russian character a tattoo that says DEATH is absolutely hilarious and when I read that I cackled. That’s just one example of the stereotypes going on in this book.
A Wealth of Deception felt outdated considering its coming out in 2023.
TLDR: This book was disappointing. M
dollycas's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We are back at Scandal Mountain Fine Arts and Antiques. “Nestled in the foothills of Mount Mansfield . . . just south of the Canadian border” and Edie has found a very unique piece of art with a huge mystery to be solved. Is it a work by Vespa, a reclusive “outsider” artist? or has been created by someone trying to copy Vespa’s style? Edie is immediately drawn to the work and hopes to work together with her Uncle Tuck and their tech-savvy employee Kala to find answers to her questions. If it truly is a Vespa it could mean a big addition to the shop’s coffers and they really need that right now. That is if Edie isn’t killed first!
Like the first book in this series, the cover is absolutely gorgeous and pulls the reader right into the story.
The main characters in this series are so well-crafted. Edie is driven to save the family business and make the repairs necessary. She is a risk taker and like a dog with a bone to uncover the secrets of the mysterious collage. While she hopes her efforts pay off she truly wants to help some of the people enveloped in the mystery. Tuck has Edie’s back and is a calming influence. He knows when to jump in and when to back off and let Edie take the lead. Their relationship is genuine and heartwarming. We find out more about Kala in this story but there is so much more buried deeply within the girl with access to the dark web and her “friends” she reaches out to for more information. With Kala living with Tuck and Edie, they are quickly becoming family. We also have Detective Shane Payton. Edie’s “friend with benefits”. There is plenty of romantic tension between them with the possibility of a future but he was a little shady in this story.
Ms. Esden introduces several new characters that are caught up in the Vespa conundrum. Each is unique in their own way and with their own secrets. I was surprised by the depth of the scheme created. I enjoyed the way Edie, Tuck, and Kala researched and tracked down each clue. The author did a brilliant job of describing what her characters did and where they went, I felt like a little bird on their shoulders as they examined each find and plotted it out in a way that made sense. There was definitely a lot of moving parts in this story. And someone definitely didn’t want Edie nosing around their business. As the clues started to fall into place the pages on my Kindle
were flying.
were flying.
I also enjoyed the author’s narration of each piece of art Edie viewed. The collages, the NFT digital works, and other pieces all came alive in my mind. I also enjoyed the behind-the-scenes knowledge I gained in this small part of the art world. Like after reading The Art of the Decoy
, I felt smarter after reading this book, especially about outsider artists and fantastic collages.
, I felt smarter after reading this book, especially about outsider artists and fantastic collages.
I must take time to applaud Ms. Esden. The young man featured in this story is intellectually disabled after being hit by a car. This person had people taking advantage of him and Edie was his champion. She was patient and soothing and gentle as she tried to gain knowledge to help him. My daughter has worked for over 15 years at a facility taking care of people just like him so I know how hard of a job that is and that it takes a special individual to hold that job. Edie had the instinct some people take years to learn and most never get it. It made me like her more than I already did.
A Wealth of Deception