Book Review: Antiques and Adversity in the Azores (Treasured Journey Mystery, #1) by Victoria Tait

Antiques and Adversity in the Azores by Victoria Tait
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Intriguing mystery and an appealing new amateur sleuth.

Antiques and Adversity in the Azores is the debut novel for Victoria Tait’s new Treasured Journey Mystery series, a spin-off of the author’s popular Dotty Sayers Antiques Mysteries and featuring her friend from Akeman’s Antiques business, Georgina Carey. A recent widow in need of a change of scenery, Georgina takes a commission to evaluate the antiques of an estate on the island of Saõ Miguel in the Portuguese Azores. Soon after arriving and beginning her work, an antagonistic local man with a knack for instigating ill will, Tomas de Avezeda, is found dead near the estate. While his death is assumed to be an accidental drowning after imbibing too much to drink at the festival the night before, everyone is surprised when police officials discover evidence he may have been the victim of foul play.

The main character, Georgina, comes off as quite aloof and cool initially, but I soon warmed up to her as she finally relaxed her guard enough to grieve how her marriage had turned out and allow herself to heal. Marcus had been a cheater in his marriage to Georgina and his business dealings as well; who eventually became the target of a murderer. Her commission for the Alexandre Silva estate is complex and interesting, but she is definitely up to the task and immediately uncovers long-held secrets.

The plot moves quickly, with the victim stirring up trouble and proving himself to be one nasty piece of work from the start, including hinting about challenging the heirship of the estate Georgina is inventorying. The author introduces plenty of local characters to inspire suspicion and clues to keep readers on their toes. A highlight of this book is the beautiful, you-are-there descriptions of the island of Saõ Miguel, especially during the Festa da Flor (Flower Festivals). I was immediately captivated by this setting and the story as a whole.

I recommend ANTIQUES AND ADVERSITIES IN THE AZORES to cozy mystery readers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours

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