Antiques Wanted: A Trash ’n’ Treasures Mystery

In Allan’s diverting 12th Trash ’n’ Treasures mystery (after 2017’s Antiques Frame), Vivian Borne, who co-owns an antique shop in Serenity, Iowa, with her mother, Brandy, decides to run for county sheriff against deputy Daryl Dugan and drafts Brandy as her campaign manager. The two go in search of donations to Sunny Meadow Manor, an assisted living and nursing-care facility, where Harriet Douglas, Daryl’s aunt, is a resident. Harriet of course is supporting her nephew, but she offers to contribute anonymously to the Bornes’ white elephant sale. Shortly after Vivian and Brandy leave with a replica Tiffany lamp and a signed photo of old-time cowboy actor Gabby Hayes, Harriet dies in an explosion in her apartment—which is just one of several recent suspicious deaths at Sunny Meadow. Vivian returns to Sunny Meadow as a patient seeking treatment for her bunions to investigate Harriet’s death. Allan (the pseudonym of Barbara and Max Allan Collins) may be too cutesy for some tastes, but most cozy fans will enjoy spending time with Vivian and Brandy and friends. Agent: Dominick Abel, Dominick Abel Literary Agency. (May)