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A review by peggyemi
Ruby Red Herring by Tracy Gardner
4.0
Tracy Gardner is a new author to me and Ruby Red Herring is the first book in her new cozy mystery series The Avery Ayers Antique Mysteries. I found this to be a very strong start to a new series. The characters drew me into the story quickly. Avery and her younger sister Tilly survived a car accident that claimed the lives of both their parents. Now, Avery has big shoes to fill as she takes over her parent's role in their antique appraisal business. I liked the diverse cast of characters. They range in age, experience, and diversity. The relationship between Tilly, Avery, and their Aunt Midge, who moved in following their parent's deaths is central to how these young women have coped with their tragedy. There is also a potential love interest for Avery that fits into the cast and plot very well.
I liked that this story didn't start out with murder or the discovery of a dead body. Rather, the plot is centered around a mysterious ruby sent for appraisal by an even more mysterious collector. From there the author weaves in plenty of twists and turns as Avery begins to receive mysterious notes that warn her away from this new assignment. As the story moves along and the mystery around the ruby and Avery's parent's deaths starts to deepen, there is more intrigue, action, and murder. The mystery was very compelling and there is a lot to unravel as the reader tries to guess how this one will end. There are plenty of suspects to choose from and the reader will be very satisfied with how this one ends.
This was a very strong start to a new series and each new book will definitely be added to my TBR list. I think it has everything a cozy mystery reader looks for in a series - strong, diverse characters that are likable, a compelling mystery, great writing, and a swiftly moving plot.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I liked that this story didn't start out with murder or the discovery of a dead body. Rather, the plot is centered around a mysterious ruby sent for appraisal by an even more mysterious collector. From there the author weaves in plenty of twists and turns as Avery begins to receive mysterious notes that warn her away from this new assignment. As the story moves along and the mystery around the ruby and Avery's parent's deaths starts to deepen, there is more intrigue, action, and murder. The mystery was very compelling and there is a lot to unravel as the reader tries to guess how this one will end. There are plenty of suspects to choose from and the reader will be very satisfied with how this one ends.
This was a very strong start to a new series and each new book will definitely be added to my TBR list. I think it has everything a cozy mystery reader looks for in a series - strong, diverse characters that are likable, a compelling mystery, great writing, and a swiftly moving plot.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.