Lee Barrett has agreed to attend a storage auction with Aunt Ibby--even though she suspects the forgotten rooms will yield more junk than treasure. Her skepticism vanishes once the two win a bid on an overlooked locker and uncover a trove of beautiful curiosities, including a stunning wooden carousel horse with gentle eyes and fading paint. But just before Lee leaves the fairground relic at a local repair shop, the sight of a silver samovar awakens her psychic abilities and conjures visions of murder.
Lee prays the intrusive ESP episode was just a glimpse into the past--until her policeman boyfriend reports a dead man outside the repair shop. Apparently, the unknown victim had been hot on Lee's trail since the auction. And with the horse found dismantled, it looks like he was up to no good. What's the story behind the antique equine, and could a strange bubblegum-chewing woman with fiery hair have something to do with the crime? Guided by her gift and O'Ryan, her wise tabby cat, Lee's set on catching the murderer . . . before she's sent on the darkest ride of her life.
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My Review: (Thanks to NetGalley)
Can I start off by pointing out, why do 90% of 'cosy mystery' heroines have cops for boyfriends? I know its helpful for the story but it is soooo repetitive.
I didn't mind this book, but it didn't really leave a mark. Case in point, I'm writing this review about a fortnight after finishing the book and I'm struggling to remember what happened.
There was a bit more romance than normal for a 'cosy mystery' novel, but it was still only limited to kisses, sleepovers, and allusions towards certain activities occurring on the sleepovers (lol).
The writing was a bit convoluted. Lots of unnecessary elements to try and throw the reader off the scent, i.e. various red herrings, and constant mention of those 'cards' with the 'clues' written on them.
Probably my biggest issue was the editing/facts. There was a couple of continuation problems, for example the date with Rupert was on, then cancelled, then suddenly back on? As for the facts, the golden egg from the scrap collector was sold in 2012 not 2011 and Russian's generally believe that it is Maria not Anastasia in the second grave with Alexei, it's an American romantic ideal that it is Anastasia.
All in all, okay book, but nothing new, and nothing impressive, especially the end which was really hands off/disappointing/cheap.
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