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Greetings from Josie's Friends

Come visit Jane's and Josie's Gallery of Friends

Send us your comments and a we'd just love a photo,
      so attach one if you can!

Hi,
I’ve just heard about the Josie series and would like to start reading. I’d like to read them in order. Can you tell me the order — I don’t see it anywhere on your Web site.

Thanks! Kim

Jane's Reply:
Hi Kim,
I’m so pleased you’re going to give Josie a whirl! I believe the books are listed in order, although we may not say so explicitly… I haven’t checked in awhile.

CONSIGNED TO DEATH , 2006
DEADLY APPRAISAL, 2007
ANTIQUES TO DIE FOR, 2008
KILLER KEEPSAKES, 2009,
Coming in 2010, SILENT AUCTION

With warm regards, Jane


I have enjoyed your antiques mysteries very much. After reading the first book, I  liked it so much I read the others  in a couple of weeks. Now I am looking forward to future stories about Josie and her antiques business and her friends.  Mary Darden
Jane's Reply:
How lovely of you to write! Thank you.Did you see that there’s a Josie short story on my website? It’s called “Killing Time.” Another one, “Designed to Kill,” was in the June Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine.


Jen Forbus [http://jensbookthoughts.blogspot.com] wrote: “I have to tell you a cute story that happened yesterday. I have season tickets with two friends to the ‘Broadway Series’ at Playhouse Square in Cleveland.  At our penultimate show this year I took ANTIQUES TO DIE for with me so I could loan it to one of my theater buddies. Yesterday we went to our last show and she returned it to me, and said very excitedly, ‘Jane Cleland wrote more of these, did you know that?’  And then she said, ‘I started reading it and I couldn't put it down!’ I told her, ‘Uh huh, I had that same response!’ I just love when that happens!”

Jane's Reply:
"Wow! Thanks, Jen. You completely made my day!"


Jane, I live in CT and on the way into work this morning I enjoyed your radio interview re: your latest book. I will go into to my local library in Brookfield and see if I can pick up a copy. I am somewhat of an antique buff scouring consignment shops and a devotee of "Antiques Road Show", etc., so I was interested in the daily column you mentioned on the program this morning Could you give me the information again it sounds like fun and informative. Thanks, Elaine G
Jane's Reply:
Hi Elaine,
How nice to hear from you! Thank you. I'm adding you to my mailing list... my near-monthly newsletter always has an antiques article that I think you'll enjoy. I'm not sure what column I mentioned... could it be the "What's It Worth? You Be the Judge!" feature on my website? We update it weekly!

I look forward to hearing what you think of KILLER KEEPSAKES!
With regards, Jane

Dear Ms. Cleland,
I just finished reading Deadly Appraisal which I enjoyed very much!   I look forward to reading Antiques to Die For and all your future books.  I'm entering the contest for your new autographed novel.  Keep writing these wonderful mysteries!
Love,
Susan

Jane's Reply:
Hi Susan,
What a lovely note! You've made my day. I hope you enjoy the newest book, too! (KILLER KEEPSAKES)
Warmly, Jane


Dear Ms. Cleland,

I enjoy your Josie Prescott series very much.  I also loved the Nero Wolfe series, but it's been decades since I read those books and I was surprised to read in your acknowledgements that Killer Keepsakes is laced with Wolfe references.  I missed them all!  Can you give me a tiny hint? 

Thanks for writing such a fun series!  Take care. 
Jean, Charleston, SC

Jane's Reply:
Hi Jean,
It's my pleasure to reintroduce you to the Nero Wolfe stories, and I'm thrilled you enjoy my books. Thanks so much for writing!

Let's see... a hint... here's a few:
- Josie always reads a Nero Wolfe story, and never reads anything else.
- In CONSIGNED TO DEATH... who's the original source of the stolen antiques? (See Rex Stout's AND BE A VILLAIN, for instance.)
- Here's one only the most avid Nero Wolfe readers would get: Eric has a dog. What kind and what's its name?
      (See Rex Stout's DIE LIKE A DOG.)
- What kind of car does Archie Goodwin drive? (See my most recent book, KILLER KEEPSAKES.)

I'll look forward to hearing from you as you discover the oodles of other Wolfian trivia in the books!


Dear Jane,
I have been reading your book Deadly appraisal at 39th street Library in NY city in parts. I cannot wait to visit our local library in Morganville nj , to finish the book. The prose is so enjoyable that I reread some passages like the "golden yellow leaves along with vermillion red ones lying on the street dry and succulent .would turn very slippery like ice slicks ,once rain falls!!" .

Thanks, this is my first book written by you, I am enjoying it ,

Yours, S R (retired phyician)

Dear Jane, I thought you might like to see this... I hope you had fun with Lorri and your fans [during your recent visit to Poisoned Pen Bookstore] and hope you'll come visit again.

Best wishes,
B [Barbara Peters]

A note received by Barbara Peters,

"Anyway, when [I received my latest purchase from your store], there was a flyer included for "Killer Keepsakes" the latest book by Jane Cleland. I read the snippet included, and was immediately hooked. I got her first three from the library, and put a request in for the "Killer...".

"I have just finished reading them - yes, all of them - and am hungry for her next book! The reason I'm writing, is because in her Acknowledgements, she mentions the Poisoned Pen as being one of the independent bookstores that so graciously supports her.

"Yeah for you! You certainly know how to pick the best ones! Love your store, the e-newsletters, and the access to the signed books via my sister Pat.

"I'm sure to visit your store the next time I'm in AZ."

Sincerely,
Barb Bartz


Dear Jane, I just wanted to tell you that I am now reading "Killer Keepsakes" and have reached page 45. You made my day with your inclusion of names out of Nero Wolfe books. I only recognize Orrie Cather and Barry Rackham, but for all I know they may all come out of Rex Stout's books. Do they? Anyway, they brought a big smile to my face. Thank you. Sincerely,
Phyllis S.
P.S. I am enjoying your book too.
Jane, Thanks for making my father, Jerry Keas (Josie's grandfather), live again in the latest newsletter. You will never know how proud it makes me that your books are now part of his legacy to me. Many thanks, Teri
hi jane, just finished KILLER KEEPSAKES in one sitting. thoroughly enjoyed it -just like the others. i did have to laugh when josie finds out chip flew in from harrisburg and she asks if it is pennsylvania? i grew up in harrisburg and my husband always kids me about that. look forward to the next book. have a great tour best lois h.

ps- i am the dental hygienist who writes the fun dental column- yes, you did have a drop of dental in it.
My library did not have Killer Keepsakes on order (I know it isn't out yet) so I requested it. I am looking forward to reading it. I love Josie.

Dee F.
Just finished reading Killer Keepsakes. It was terrific. Best of all of them, so far. Keep writing, and I'll keep reading. Thank you for a wonderful read. Waiting "with baited breath" for your next book.

Ruth G. (a delighted fan)
Hey Jane
I was one of the horde at Malice - stopped by your table when you were signing just to say how much I like your books.  I'm sure you get that a lot but your reply was quite graceful. Thanks.
Having just finished Killer Keepsakes I want to tell you once again just how much I enjoy your books.
It's a real delight to have an intelligent protagonist who works well with an equally intelligent cop.
True confession - I don't actually like antiques.  I do, however, love learning about the business through your non-condescending descriptions. 
Must add that you are a fave of my book club.
Cheers,
Diane

Hi! Wanted to let you know that I just read your book, DEADLY APPRAISAL, and enjoyed it so much. Will be recommending it to my readers group this month, and am looking forward to reading more of your "Josie" stories. Just wanted to ask if you had any bookmarks that I can pass along to both the readers' group and to customers. If so, please feel free to send them along.

Best, Gail
Thank you for your wonderful books!
Rachel Arteaga Chico, CA

Hello,

Just a quick note to say how much I enjoy the adventures of Josie and staff. I'm hooked! Just got the 3rd book and hope to get it read before the next one comes out shortly.

Not sure if you have many male readers but again I love them and look forward to the next one!

Sincerely,

Jay

Jane's Reply:
Hi Jay,

What a wonderful note! Thank you so much. I'll be posting it on the Greetings page of my website!

Thank you again.

Warmly, Jane


I'm SO excited! I will be moving to New Hampshire and hanging out at antique shops tomorrow. Okay, maybe not, I AM hoping for gas money to go to the library this afternoon though!

I read Antiques to Die For last week and as soon as I finished, I went back to the library to see if they had any more titles. Consigned to Death was in so I got that and read it. I'm going back this afternoon, they have a copy of Deadly Appraisal. WHAT am I going to do after I read that? April is a long time to wait for your next book. (I bet it feels like it'll be next week to you!)

Anyway, I saw that I could email you and I wanted to say Thank You for writing your books. I love reading mysteries, and you're now at the top of my list of authors.    Jan

Jane's Reply:
Hi Jan,

What a wonderful letter! Thank you so much for letting me know you're enjoying the books. Wonderful! (Be sure and tell your librarian that you enjoyed them, too! Thank you for that!)

I'll be posting your comments on the Greetings page of my website – thank you again! Also, I'm taking the liberty of adding you to my mailing list.

With warm regards,

Jane


Dear Jane,

I just finished reading "Antiques to Die For." Of course, it was a late night affair, since it was impossible to put down! Imagine my surprise around 2am to turn the page to page 172 to Josie's turn at the Prescott's Instant Appraisal Booth, and come face to face with---Barbara Evans! Since I am Barbara (Bobbi) Anne Evans Seabolt, I have to ask, do you know a Barbara Evans?? We have 2 friends who are published authors, and we know that there have been golf games wagered, dinners bought, and sometimes threats made surrounding the naming of minor characters in a book!  If you do know a Barbara Evans, please say hi for me and ask her to drop me an email.

For now, I'm up to my elbows in books on desert landscaping, since we have a new winter home( a park model- the AZ version of a Manhattan apartment, size wise. ) I so enjoyed your blog on your 'rhoddy', since I have a few rhoddy's in my yard in Baltimore, and have had my own struggles with balcony flower pots. So, as soon as I get my desert plants sorted out, I'll be tracking down another Josie adventure.

Thanks.

Barbara Bobbi

Jane's Reply:
Hi Bobbi,

How nice to hear from you! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the book! Your comment will be posted on my website, and I'm taking the liberty of adding your e-mail address to my mailing list.

I'm cc'ing Susan Evans who, as you suspected, won the right to name a character in my next Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery at the Malice Domestic mystery conference a few years ago. She named the character for her mother, Barbara Evans. I wonder if you two are related?!!

With warm regards, Jane


Dear Jane,

My mystery book group, Books to Die For, is reading Consigned to Death for our February pick. We meet at the downtown library in Salt Lake City. I found 3 of your titles on the library shelf; I have read and enjoyed them all. The most fun for me was when Josie was reading a list of car owners to see if she recognized anyone. I laughed when Saul Panzer and Fred Durkin were listed. It made me wonder if some of the other names had meanings; tho I didn't have enough curiosity to Google them all. Now I read on your website that you are a fellow Rex Stout fan. I look forward to our book discussion and to your new title this spring. Thanks for the entertainment.

Philip & Gail, Salt Lake City, UT

Jane's Reply:
Hi Gail,
How lovely! Thank you so much! I hope you'll bring a camera and get a photo of everyone holding the book! I'd love to post it on my website as the Books to Die For Salt Lake City book club. What fun! You saw the book club discussion questions, right? Just in case, here's the link: http://www.janecleland.net/htm/book_clubs/bookclubs.htm#CTD

Ah! Rex Stout's characters (and other references). They're in every book. It's a kind of tribute to Mr. Stout. In CONSIGNED TO DEATH, did the name of the seller of the art ring a bell? (I'm trying to be discreet!) And Eric's dog's name?

Please give my warm regards to everyone in the book club! I look forward to hearing what the group thinks!

Phillip's & Gail's Reply: [photo from the Books to Die For Salt Lake City book club, February 5, 2009.]

Books To Die For bookclub

Hello Jane! I have just finished "Consigned to Death" and "Deadly Appraisal" and am on Chapter 5 of "Antiques to Die For". I just had to write since Georgette Heyer is one of my favorite authors, too. It was too much fun to read the Josie loves "The Reluctant Widow", because I think that is my number one too; but when you describe the silver epergne, and then attribute it to the Earl of St. Erth – well, wow!! I've really enjoyed these mysteries, and recommended them to other mystery fans, but the Georgette Heyer references are the icing on the cake, since I am a huge fan of her Regencies and other historicals. (I have to say I don't care for the murder mysteries, though; I even tried rereading one recently, thinking I had just missed something, but they just seem to be too much of their era to be enjoyable – at least to me!)

Anyway, I look forward to the next book, and thanks for writing good mysteries AND including Georgette Heyer!

Ellen, Louisville KY  

Jane's Reply:
Hi Ellen,

What a lovely note! I'll be posting it on my Greetings page because I just know there are other Georgette Heyer fans who would enjoy your comments, too! Thank you so much for writing.

Warmly, Jane


I had the pleasant experience of finding "Deadly Appraisal" in the library and reading it before I looked at your information on the back flap.  Imagine my pleasure to discover such things as:

  • An amateur detective who rereads Rex Stout's works as much as I do
  • Detective Rowcliff, who doesn't even stutter
  • Saul Panzer and Fred Durkin both living in the same New England town.  Did they both retire there or have  gone into partnership?

It was no surprise to find that you are active in the Wolfe Pack, an organization to which I belonged many years ago.

Thank you for stirring up so many good literary memories and for creating new ones.  I am now reading the rest of Josie Prescott's adventures and look forward to more.

Elliot 


Dear Jane,

My name is Lorraine, I'm 67 years old, and since I retired 5 years ago, I spend all my free time with a good book, of course, including yours. I was just reading your website and I thought I read all your books but I was wrong. I never even knew about DEADLY APPRAISAL. I hope I can still find it in the bookstores. I just love your writing so if you keep on writing, I promise to keep reading.

I was wondering if you would be so kind as to send me an autographed bookmark. I would treasure it. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.

Hugs, Lorraine
I FREAK'IN LOVE Josie Prescott! I finished the third book while at my parent's over Thanksgiving ....and I must say that I was fairly anti-social with the family until the book was finished...I couldn't put it down. I have now read all three books and I must say that I'm very impressed! All the books have just the right amounts of thrills, intrigue, mystery, and social interactions. Jodie is cool as a cucumber, just a really nice character. Wes is definitely one of my favorites too....the perfect reporter. I'm also a big fan of her landlord/neighbor, Zoe, with the kids. You can definitely add me as a Prescott Fan!
Sean
Raleigh, NC

Jane recently sent this posting to the DorothyL mystery list, one of the web's largest and oldest mystery groups:

Jane's original posting: Jonathan Santlofer won this year's Nero Award for ANATOMY OF FEAR. The Nero is awarded for literary excellence in the tradition of Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe mysteries by the Wolfe Pack, the literary society that celebrates all things Nero Wolfe. As chair of the Wolfe Pack's literary awards, it was my pleasure to present the award to Jonathan at our annual Black Orchid Banquet this past weekend in New York City.

Also awarded was the second annual Black Orchid Novella Award (the BONA). The BONA is presented to the best novella in cooperation with Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine (AHMM). This year's winner was Michael Nethercott for his novella "O'Nelligan's Glory." Linda Landigran, editor in chief of AHMM presented the BONA award. The novella will be published in AHMM in July 2009.

Janet Reid, literary agent and fellow DoroyhL member, responded::

Oh Jane, Jane, do not even hope you can escape further mention of the Saturday night Wolfe Pack festivities. No no. There's NO escape!

I had the pleasure of attending my first Wolfe Pack /Black Orchid dinner because a pal of mine (Michael Nethercott) won the Black Orchid novella prize (he's a terrific writer; I hope we'll all be talking more about him in the future!)

Part of the evening's ..ahem.. entertainment was provided by the guests themselves. Each table of eight wrote and performed a song with some Wolfe theme. 

Our table sang a ditty to the tune of the Davy Crocket TV show theme.  Of course, since I'd never heard the song (a source of much amusement to my table mates!) the tune was ..shall we say...wide ranging.

Another table used Itsy Bitsy Spider in keeping with the spider table decor. Another table used Row Row Row Your Boat.

But, Jane's table...ah the magnificent Jane.

No slouches there.

GOLDFINGER!  To the tune of Goldfinger, the gentlemen (including I believe Mr. Santlofer who will be glad to know we have pictures of this) sang some sort of song. But the ladies, and this includes the estimable Jane Cleland... the ladies performed the ...ah...dance steps.  Much like the Bond girls in the opening montage of the various Bond films.  Or as we like to think of it: a chorus line of svelte and slinky mimes.

It brought down the house!
It brought down the curtain!
It brought a tear to my eyes

Not to mention putting a few of us under the table due to excess hilarity.

Jane Cleland is many things: accomplished writer, indefatigable MWA advocate, adept and fearless chapter leader.  With apologies to Mr Astaire: Jane Cleland "Can sing. Can dance. Looks fetching in a cocktail frock. Can write a little!"

Wolfe Whistles all around!

And for those of you unfamiliar with the Nero Wolfe group, I wasn't either till I went to this event.  I shall be joining immediately. ($35 a year is a bargain!) It's a fun group, warm and welcoming.  But then, Jane's a member, why would I expect anything else?

Janet Reid

Then Jane's reply:

Oh my, Janet... did you say you have photos? (Gulp! Gulp!) Thank you, Janet, for your kind comments. The annual banquet is fully as fun as Janet described... I'm already looking forward to next year's event. And joining the Wolfe Pack is an even better deal than Janet said... it's $35 for TWO years. More info is at www.nerowolfe.org



Dear Jane,

That is really cool having your apartment featured in the New York Times! I loved seeing pictures up close and personal of you and your husband , even the cat ! How dear! One thing I have learned since reading your blogs, is I never truly realized how small Manhatten really is! You gave me real insight into that fact, plus how inventive a person can become with little space to live in at home! Oh how I loved peeking under your pretty wing chair seeing the boxes of cereal! you are too cute! Your new book is on my wish list, and what a beautiful cover it has! Good luck and joy in everything!

Love, Bonny


As a retired librarian and avid mystery reader, I am always on the lookout for new authors. I was delighted to discover your Josie Prescott mysteries and have already devoured all three, one after the other. Can't wait for the next one. I particularly like mysteries with some sort of hook, like the antiques and appraisal business - and ones with strong settings. I'm originally from Pennsylvania (now in Iowa for the last 11 years) and have traveled a lot in New England, so the New Hampshire setting is both evocative and familiar. Anyway, just wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed your books - keep 'em coming!

Harriett
Jane,
You have come a long way as a successful author. ... I have enjoyed each book and look forward to your next one. You have developed an interesting character and backdrop for the series. Also, in my opinion, the change this time with the cover was a major improvement (coverwise). It has a more professional and adult appearance. Not that you should judge a book by its cover, but how many people do????

A fan from before the start.
Rick

Tomball Mystery Book Club, TX

"We had such a great time today talking about your book. Usually we only meet for about an hour, but today it was almost 2 hours. We love your book and look forward to KILLER KEEPSAKES next year."

Georgia Owens, Reference Assistant Lone Star College
Tomball Community and College Library
Tomball Mystery Book Club

Jane's Reply:
Don't they all look lovely? Georgia took the photo, so she's not in the original shot. (I added her!) Thanks for the great photo, Georgia! Also, I hope you can all come and say "Hey" at my next Houston-area event—May 6th, 6:30 p.m.
at Murder by the Book in Houston. I'll be there with Rosemary Harris. See ya there!

Boundbrook Libr, NJHi Jane, I wanted to thank you for coming out to the Bridgewater Barnes & Noble on Sunday to help the Bound Brook Library. I enjoyed your presentation and am looking forward to the next book. Hannah, I and the Friends appreciate your effort!

Also, I just read last night about you and your husband in the NY Times. Great article!

It was good to see you again. I'll be in touch with the other information and pictures as soon as I get them.

Paul Schroeder Head of Adult Services Bound Brook Memorial Library Somerset County Library System


This morning's NY Times What a great piece, Jane! How cool is that?! I was interested to read that your husband is a professional musician - my late husband was as well, having graduated from Manhattan School of Music with a Masters in Composition and Theory - he played keyboards as well as writing, arranging and teaching privately, with primarily other professional musicians as his students. The lives of writers and musicians are almost completely devoted to their respective crafts, I have found. Take care, and good luck with the new book. Gloria

"Rosemary [Harris] and Jane are just wonderful speakers and are so much fun together! Our Library Director and Assistant Director also attended the program last night, and they thought it was fabulous!  We hope that Jane and Rosemary will consider coming back to discuss their upcoming books next year. "-Erica Bess, Darien Library (CT)

A Tribute to Josie's Toast
Bonny, a reader of the Josie Prescott series, sent me this bookmark. Isn't this gorgeous? (Click the image to see an enlargement.) Bonny's letter is to the left and my reply is below

Bookmark-Silver Light

Jane's Reply:

Thank you SO much, Bonny. WOW! What an incredibly thoughtful gift! It's beautiful.
 
I like the toast, too, and I wrote it as a kind of homage to Ed McBain (Evan Hunter). In his 87th precinct stories, the character, Eileen, often toasts, "Here's to golden days and purple nights." (My version is in all of the books -- and all the short stories, too! Looks like Bonny missed one!)
 
As to Josie's father's sayings... that's a compilation of wisdom I've garnered from my mom, my dad, and lessons I've learned myself in the school of hard knocks.
 
Thanks again, Bonny.
 
Jane
Letter from Bonnie

Hi Jane,
I learned a lot from your talk last night at MWA in Brookline, Mass. I will have a debut novel coming, and I need to help get it launched. You told us what I needed to hear. I plan to read one of your books, and I wish you every success. Thank you for taking the time to speak to us last night.

Ray Hingham, MA

Just finished all three books and I loved them, and am looking forward to the next one.  One thing I really like about these books is that Josie calls the cops when she's supposed to. 

I do get frustrated with mystery heroines who decide they will withhold information from the police, and then wind up walking into stupid situations.  I read a lot of mysteries so I am familiar with this plot line; Josie has common sense and does what she is supposed to!

I hope she and Paige stay in touch in the future--I really enjoyed reading about Paige in the last book.

Looking forward to the next one!

Connie
Davenport, IA

JANE'S REPLY:

Hi Connie,

Thanks so much for writing! You made my day! I loved your comments – we'll post them on the Greetings page of my website.

The fourth Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery, KILLER KEEPSAKES, will be out next April. There's a Josie short story in the current Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, too. (It's the cover story!)

Thanks again, Connie!

Jane


Hi Jane,

I just finished reading "Consigned to Death." It was great and I am on my way to the rest of the series.

Also one of the names on my "family tree" is Cleland.  My ancestors were from the New York area and were of the Quaker faith. The name has been found as a middle name so I am assuming that it was from a female in generations past.

Thanks again for the great books.

Mary Ann
Akron, Ohio

JANE'S REPLY:

Hi Mary Ann,

Thanks so much for writing! You've made my day! I hope you enjoy the other books. KILLER KEEPSAKES, the fourth in the series, will be out in April 2009. And the first Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery short story is in the current (Nov 2008) issue of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine.

Cleland is, as I understand, a Scottish name, springing from the McNab clan. (They have a lovely tartan!) I'm taking the liberty of adding you to my e-mail list – my next newsletter should be out soon. Thanks again for writing.

With best regards, Jane


I am a fan of your books and just finished reading the paperback edition of Deadly Appraisal. I got a chuckle when I discovered the names of two old "friends," Saul Panzer and Fred Durkin, from the Nero Wolfe mysteries. I don't know if anyone appreciated your names, but I certainly did!

Keep up the entertaining (and educational) writing!

Sincerely,
Barbara

JANE'S REPLY:

Hi Barbara,

Excellent! There's oodles of Wolfe trivia in the books! I hope you discover more of it.

Warmly,

Jane


Mrs. Cleland,

I have to confess I've never sent an email or a letter to an author before, that being said, I just felt compelled to tell you how much I enjoyed your first book. 

Splendid job, especially on your first work!  My librarian tells me that the types of mysteries I check out are called "cozy" and frankly, I'm getting tired of reading about pets in my books!   I loved Josie, great character name, I can't wait to see what happens next with Alvarez.  I enjoyed the advice from Josie's dad as well, don't we all need advice from wise people?  Keep up the great work!

Congratulations on your success, it is well deserved and I look forward to reading your next book. 

Sincerely,

Tammy

JANE'S REPLY:

Hi Tammy,

You've made my day! What a lovely note. Thank you so much for writing. I'll be posting it on the Greetings page on my website.

I hope you enjoy the other books in the series... the new one – the 4th --  is KILLER KEEPSAKES – it will be published in April 2009!

With regards, Jane


My name is Brandon Porter. I am the assistant manager for a Waldenbooks in Columbia, SC. I must tell you what a big seller you are in my store. I usually have quite a few customers ask where your books are. And once a customer reads one of your books, they always ask if I have anymore by you.

Sincerely,
Brandon Porter
Bookseller

JANE'S REPLY:

What a lovely note! To hear that customers come into Waldenbooks to request my books—and that if they read one, they come back for the others—well, let's just say that you've made my day! I'm really tickled! Thank you for letting me know.

 


Hi --
I read Consigned to Death  last week and am just finishing up Deadly Appraisal.  I have enjoyed both books and will keep you on my "must read" author's list.
 
Thanks for such entertaining reads!  Keep them coming.
 
 
Stephanie, Des Moines, IA

Jane's Reply:

Hi Linda,

Hi Stephanie,

Thanks so much for writing! ANTIQUES TO DIE FOR is out now, too. Really, it's great to hear from you!

Warmly, Jane


Jane,

I was the lucky reader who won a signed copy of "Antiques to Die For" through "Bookbitch" recently.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading your mystery and plan to read more of your books in the future. Besides enjoying a good mystery, I learned several things about antiques.  Thank you for writing the book, signing it and making it available as a prize. It was a thoughtful gift and I really appreciate it. 

Linda Gibson

Jane's Reply:

Hi Linda,

What a wonderful note! Thank you! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the book!

Jane


Hello Jane:

I had the pleasure of meeting you at ALA Midwinter in Philadelphia and have just finished reading your excellent series.... What a well crafted series with a fun protagonist. And it seems to be getting better with each book.

....I see in your newsletter that you have written a YA book as well. I look forward to hearing more about that.

I look forward to reading your new adult title in April 09 also.

Amy, Schaumburg Twp, IL


Dear Miss Cleland;

! have read all three of your newest mysteries…….I just loved them…….then…..passed them on to my daughter,….  Smile.

 Usually any mysteries I like, she likes.

So hopefully when in 2009 if you write another mystery….please let me know.  I promise not to walk, but run to the bookstore or library to stand in line for the next

Mystery, as I love them….never stop…….your sleuth and the characters come alive as you write each one and do you know?  I can't stop reading until the end.

Usually I donate them to the library (books), but than again I usually hold one back to read again because if I wait awhile then I forget who's the murderer, hahahaha,

Then read it again……..grin.

I'm a quiet fan for life……now that I'm a retired granny, and don't baby sit much anymore since their all grown, now I can read mysteries. Smile

Bear hugs, Shirley

Jane's Reply:

Hi Shirley,

How lovely of you to write! You completely made my day. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the books – and I hope your daughter does, too.

Killer Keepsakes will be published in April 2009. In the meantime, my first short story, a Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery shorty, is the cover story in the November 2008 Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine. I hope you give it a whirl!

Also, I'm taking the liberty of adding you to my e-mail list. My next newsletter is about to go out!

Thanks again for writing.

Best, Jane


Dear Jane,

I just read my first josie prescott book: Antiques to Die For.  i particularly like that she's willing to trust the police and isn't stupid about not contacting them or keeping some facts to herself instead of telling them.  and i very much like all her father's comments.  my dad is also in my mind a lot with many of his gentle aphorisms.  he has guided my decisions and actions both during his life and now after.  i find myself quoting him often to my children: "your zaide used to say..........."

...while i don't collect antiques per se, i do have 1-1/2 china cases full of pink depression glass, most of it fostoria.  and i have a very old mirror that was my mother's when she was a little girl.  that mirror is particularly dear to me for sentimental reasons.  i also enjoy looking at antiques when we're on vacation (that's when i have time) because they're like a living museum of the past.  i never think of them as static because my mind creates a whole world around what is being seen.  i'm not just looking at an oyster fork, i'm seated at the table in my finery, enjoying the meal and the sparkling company of my table-mates.  i forget that i had to ask the dealer what that little fork was in the first place.

i look forward to the next book in the series.
hallie

Jane's Reply:

Hi Hallie,

Thank you so much for writing. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the book! You might give the first two in the series a whirl, too. (Consigned to Death and Deadly Appraisal)

I like your idea about the glossary and I'll ask my editor about it.

I've taken the liberty of adding you to my mailing list -- my next newsletter should be out next week!

If you'd like to read Josie's dad's sayings all at once, you'll find them on my website (along with lots of other cool things). www.janecleland.net

Also, I like the point you made about your antiques -- it's not the thing, per se, it's the experience surrounding the thing. Good point.

With warm regards, Jane


Theresa on vacation in Hawaii with Antiques to Die For Here's Theresa on vacation in Hawaii... from ww.jennifervido.com.

Antiques to Die For was book reviewer, Jen Vido's, "May 2008 Jewel."  


I love Josie!!!!  Can't wait for more!!!

Andrea, Warren, MI 48092


Regarding Jane's Keynote at Deadly Ink

My first time at DI and my first time to hear Jane speak - both were great experiences. Jane was interviewed by Cheryl Solimini (Across the River - Deadly Ink) Friday evening - and was very funny. .... Jane was speechless upon receiving the [DAVID} award Saturday evening.

Mitzi Flyte, Deadly Ink, June, 2008 (www.mitzimusings.blogspot.com www.womenwrite.blogspot.com)

Jane's Reply:

Hi Mitzi, Thank you so much for your lovely comments. You made my day!

Mitzi's Reply:

You, my dear, made my weekend. I wish I'd had a chance to talk to you....


Like the series!

Judy

Jane's Reply:

Dear Judy,

Thanks so much for your message. You've made my day!

Warmest Regards, Jane

Judy's Response:

Dear Jane, I don't think you authors realize how much pleasure you give your readers. Take care, Judy Mullen

Jane's Response:

Hi Judy, And I don't think you have any idea how much notes like this move and motivate authors. Thank you. Thank you so much. Warmly, Jane


Dear Ms. Cleland,

I read your book, ANTIQUES TO DIE FOR.  What a great read!  I enjoyed it immensely.  I don't know a lot about antiques, but after reading your book, I know a little more than I did before.  Who knows?  I may become an "antique-freak" myself!

Thanks so much for the opportunity to read a book that I may not have picked up on my own.  Very entertaining and informative at the same time.

Best,

Glendel Williams

Jane's Reply:

Hi Glendel,

I'm so pleased you enjoyed the book! Thank you!

With regards, Jane


Good morning,
We chatted briefly at one of the last parties at the Black Orchid Book Shop in NYC and you gave me your card. I thought I would write and let you know how much I enjoyed your latest book, Antiques to Die For. As an "antiquer" of sorts I find the antiquing background as enjoyable as the mystery itself. Your books are "keepers" and this one will find a prominent place on my bookshelves. Thank you for a delightful read.
Maria, New York

Jane's Reply:

Hi Maria,

Thank you so much for telling me that you enjoyed the book. I'm thrilled!

Warmly, Jane


I just love your books!  I have been looking for some new authors and these are great.  I love the detail you add and the fact that you keep us in suspense.  Now my next question is "When is the next one coming???????"

Nancy

Jane's Reply:

Hi Nancy,

Your nice message really made my day! Thank you so much for writing! The 4th Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery is KILLER KEEPSAKES... it will out in April 2009.


Hi - I came across your third book and loved it, so I went back and read the other two. Your books are cozy and literate at the same time, and most of all I love the lessons on life passed along by Josie's father.

In Deadly Appraisal, when the list of Mitsubishi owners showed Fred Durkin and Saul Panzer, I was expecting Josie to point them out as obvious aliases, since she too is a Rex Stout fan. Even though that didn't happen it still gave me a smile, and reminded me that it's time to go back and reread all the Nero Wolfe books.

Since the cozy field is getting cluttered with every craft/recipe/flower possible, it was great to find a series with so much more substance. I'm looking forward to number four (and five, six, seven, etc.)
Best wishes, Marilynn, Barboursville, VA

Jane's Reply:

Hi Marilynn,

Thanks so much for writing. What a nice letter!

Good catch about the Wolfe trivia. (Note, there's Wolfe trivia in all the books!) Are you familiar with the Wolfe Pack? We're the literary society dedicated to Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe stories. You might check out the website: www.nerowolfe.org.

Thanks again for writing.

Warmly, Jane


Hi Jane,

    Let me start off by saying how much I have been enjoying your daily blogs on St. Martin's Minataur Moments in Crime!! I laughed myself almost incontinent at the "Lessons I Learned in a Trash Can" Submission!!!!!!!! Ha, ha, I'm still chuckling!! Believe me, I can relate!!!
    Next, I've finished CONSIGNED TO DEATH and am about 3/4 of the way through DEADLY APPRAISAL (savoring each word). Both books are just my cup of tea!!! Really enjoyable!! I can't WAIT to read ANTIQUES TO DIE FOR!!!!!!
   
See ya soon,
Chiao fer niao,

Coco


I recently discovered, bought and devoured your first three books (2 paperback and 1 hardcover).... I am looking forward to your next book. 
 
Thank you,
Peggy

Dear Jane,

Here is my first fan letter!  Just finished CONSIGNED and I had to tell you I couldn't put it down, and am eagerly awaiting my copy of Deadly Appraisal to arrive!

Much continued success from a fellow antiques dealer (of 22 years!) who can't wait to see what Josie is up to next!

Linda

Jane's Reply:

Hi Linda,

I'm so thrilled you enjoyed it! Thank you for letting me know!

I'll be sending you an occasional newsletter so you can keep up to speed with Josie. And I look forward to hearing what you think about DEADLY APPRAISAL! (And of course, ANTIQUES TO DIE FOR, out a week ago!)

Thanks again, Linda.

Warmly, Jane


WOW

Just finished Antiques to Die For... what a wonderful read that was!  Loved every minute of it and cannot wait for the next one.

Too bad it takes you, what?, a year to finish and publish a book and we read it in a matter of hours and pant for more!  Must frustrate the H out of you.

Anyhoo....I really, really enjoyed that book...don't stop writing.

Randi

Jane's Reply:

Hi Randi,

I'm so pleased you enjoyed the book – thanks for writing! Have you read the other Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries? The first is CONSIGNED TO DEATH; the second is DEADLY APPRAISAL.

I'm adding you to my mailing list, so you'll be receiving my newsletter/ May I know your zip code? That way I can let you know when my tour takes me to your neck of the woods. It would be a pleasure to meet you.

Warmly, Jane


Dear Jane,

I read Antiques to Die For and wanted to tell you that it was wonderful. I enjoyed catching up with favorite characters and meeting new ones (I hope this won't be the last we here of Paige!). Thanks again for a terrific read. It was so nice to see you again last week in Fairfield. Looking forward to the next book.sincerely, joann

Jane's Reply:

Hi Joann,

Thank you so much for writing! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the book. Paide is a good character, isn't she?

Warmly, Jane


Loved the new book. Read it in two days.... I love it when I read a book and everything comes together and I don't have to think -- where did that come from? Are you writing another? And Another? And another?
Barbara S.

I am enchanted by the vision of your moss garden...I discovered it, and your work, while wandering through St. Martins site , looking for news of fellow Irishman Ken Bruen..and now know I will have to seek out your work too...He's in NY for the Edgars on May 1...

But your blog reminded me of being very small girl in rural Ireland , carefully moving velvety pieces of moss from between rocks of s small stream back to beside a wall in our property, where it thrived..Forgotten memories. .I was told "you couldn't move moss", but I did and handling those small pieces gave me what was probably my first sensual feeling - although I would not have recognized it as such at the time. 

It's late but I wanted to thank you for jolting me back to a happy time.

Sincerely, Merry

Jane's Reply:

Hi Merry,

What a lovely note. Thank you so much for writing.

I love Ireland, so it's no surprise that we share an affinity for moss.

Maybe I'll write more about it in my next newsletter... hmmm.

With regards, Jane


I love cozy mysteries. I have a wide range of mysteries in my collection featuring characters like Josie Prescott, Hercule Poirot, Nero Wolfe, Jim Qwilleran, Ellery Queen, Sherlock Holmes, Perry Mason, Miss Marple, Goldie Shultz, Judith Flynn, Amelia Peabody, Jessie Arnold, Hannah Swensen and more.

I consider my literary tastes to be full-bodied and quite satisfying. There are times I like being challenged with a mystery and there are other times I like visiting with old friends and finding out what's new with them. As long as you are reading, that's all that matters, in my humble opinion.

Robin

Jane's reply:

I agree with your comments 100 percent – and we share tastes in authors! I'm so honored to be included in your list.

Warmly, Jane


Good luck with your newest book--love them all!

--Michelle

Jane's reply:

Thanks so much for your kind words and wishes! I wish you could make it too! You can check my site periodically in case I get a chance to get to Nashville. I don't have anything booked right now.

Warm Regards,

Jane


I am reading your book Consigned to Death and am loving every word.   I have thousands of books by hundreds of authors Including Harold Robbins,  James Patterson, Dean Kootz, M. Higgins Clark and many, many more so I when I say you  are a good writer, believe me.

Sincerely, Willia
I'm almost through your second book Deadly Appraisal and am enjoying it very much.Looking forward to the third book.Your description of the antique business makes it sound like a very interesting job.
 
This may be an odd question to ask but at one of your signing you mentioned your mother's name and a book that she had written.At the time I was very familar with the title but I've forgotten what you said and was wondering if you could tell me again.
 
Thanks
Susan

Jane's reply:

Hi Susan,

Thank you for your nice words about DEADLY APPRAISAL. I hope you enjoy the rest of it -- and the next in the series, ANTIQUES TO DIE FOR (April 2008).

My mom, Ruth Chessman, wrote BOUND FOR FREEDOM. (It's a wonderful book -- and it was a wonderful movie!)

With regards, Jane


I really enjoyed your first 2 books and am anxiously awaiting your next one!

Lisa Barnett


great books - please continue to write more!!!

J


Wishing you continued success in 2008.

Carol


Great website!

Joyce


Captivating website!

Coco


I just got "Deadly Appraisal" from my library's 7 day shelf. A wonderful, intelligent, exciting read. Can't wait to read the others. Also just sold my parents house in NY, had an estate sale and moved back to NM so I'm interested in antiques also.

Alice


Just finished your first book and enjoyed it so much I've started on the second.

Karen


Love the site! Especially the What its worth quiz! Can't wait to read your books!

Kimberly


I'm looking forward to reading your books. A friend of mine who knows that I enjoy mysteries ("who dunits") suggested you to me. Will let you know what I think. I like to read in chronological order so I'll begin with "Consigned to Death."

Genevieve


I got information about your Josie Prescott Series at ALA Midwinter - can't wait to dive in!

Barbara


I loved your book!

Sandra


I think your site is fantastic and informative. Looking forward to an updated newsletter.

Barbara


I just read your book and could not believe that you used the names of Saul Panzer and Fred Durkin. Were you checking to see how many of your readers were conversant with Rex Stout/Nero Wolfe???

Carole S

Jane's reply:

Hi Carole,

I integrate lots of Wolfe trivia into my books as a tribute to Mr. Stout and as a fun challenge to my pals in the Wolfe Pack. I'm so pleased you discovered some of the trivia! In CONSIGNED TO DEATH, there's a GREAT one!

Warmly, Jane


Hi,

I have just discovered your books and had to write and tell you that I enjoyed them so much. I was glad to see on your web site that there is another Josie Prescott coming soon. I really like Josie and enjoy reading about her.

Thank you so much for these books. I am retired and read 4-5 books a week, mostly mysteries and was so happy to find your books. I am looking forward to the new one.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a very Happy New Year!

Best,

Leslie

Jane's reply:

Hi Leslie,

What a lovely note! You've made my day!

With warm regards,

Jane


I just read your book and could not believe that you used the names of Saul Panzer and Fred Durkin.  Were you checking to see how many of your readers were conversant with Rex Stout/Nero Wolfe???

Carole S

Hi Carole,

I integrate lots of Wolfe trivia into my books as a tribute to Mr. Stout and as a fun challenge to my pals in the Wolfe Pack. I'm so pleased you discovered some of the trivia! In CONSIGNED TO DEATH, there's a GREAT one!

Warmly, Jane

I certainly enjoyed your strong, independent, yet vulnerable Josie.  She seems very real!  Honestly, I devoured your book in one afternoon and cannot wait for more. 

Michelle C, Iowa


Jane & Tracy at the November, 2007 Eastchester Public Library book club discussion.
Jan & Tracky-Eastchester Book Club
Jane Cleland & Julia Spencer Fleming at Nero AwardsJane,

It was a real pleasure to see you at the Wolfe Pack's 30th Black Orchid Banquet [in Dec.]! I enjoy your books almost as much as Rex Stout's. Your dialogue and characterizations are so well done.

Hope you enjoy this picture of you and Julia Spencer-Fleming -- 2007's Nero Award winner and your first presentation as the Wolfe Pack Literary Awards Chair.

Bravo! Butch, NYC

I hope you are writing another book. I just finished Deadly Appraisal and LOVED it. I am a cozy mystery reader and this one is the best! I will go back and read your first mystery. Hope its as good as this one. Every one was a logical suspect.

Barbara Schan

Jane's reply:

Hi Barbara,

Thank you so much for writing! You've made my day! I am writing another book... actually it's as yet untitled and called Josie #4. Josie #3 is called ANTIQUES TO DIE FOR and will be out in April 2008.

I'm going to post your kind comments on the Greetings page of my website.

Wonderful! Also, I'm adding you my mailing list so you'll get an occasional newsletter. If you let us know your zip code, I'll also include you on annoucements of when I'll be in your neck of the woods!

Thanks you again, Barbara.

Best, Jane


Jane,

I just finished reading Deadly Appraisal, and loved it.  I can't wait for the new book to come out. 

Sincerly,

Julie Pietsch


Hi Jane: Just wanted to tell you I LOVED your book. Read it in 2 days flat... almost without any breaks. Great characters, venue and plot. Josie is wonderful and I gotta say that Alverez is too, so I hope they're together in your next book. Love the antiques background.

Pam Y.

Jane's reply:

Hi Pam,

You've made my day! Thanks so much. 

I hope you enjoy DEADLY APPRAISAL, too. (And the third in the series will be out next April! It's called ANTIQUES TO DIE FOR.)

Warmly, Jane


Dear Jane,

I would like to hear the rest of Josie's poem. Also what is your latest book? I think you have written two now, correct? I read and loved them both. Is there another? Keep up the good writing!

Very Sincerely,

Bonny 
PS in one of your books you have a toast about silver light and moonlight..I can't recall. Is that one you made up for your book? I do love it! Could you repeat it for me? Thanks! I think it is in your second book which I don't own. I have your first!

Jane's reply:

Hi Bonny,

Your kind comment made my day! Thank you so much for writing. The third Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery will be out in April 2008. Josie is "hired" by a 12-year-old orphan.

Josie's poem--Love Perceptions-- well, remember, it's her hobby, so she's in no hurry to finish it! I like it, too!

The toast you're refering to is "To silver light in the dark of night." I wrote it as a kind of homage to one of my heroes, Ed McBain (Evan Hunter). One of his recurring characters, Eileen Burke, often offers this toast: "Here's to golden days and purple nights." I wish for us all both silver light in the dark of night and golden days and purple nights.

Thank you again, Bonny.

Jane


Hi Jane,

I read DEADLY APPRAISAL, and it was equally as good as CONSIGNED TO DEATH.  The characters were fun and memorable, the story comfortable and engaging, with lots of suspense worrying about how Josie was going to get out of her troubles.  Keep writing and Ill keep buying/reading.  

Your friend in Omaha,  James

[Below are a couple of pictures of my theater.]
Omaha Theatre1 Omaha Theatre2

Hello Jane,
 
I just finished reading your first book. One word.......Excellent. Written in the genre I most enjoy !
 
I cannot wait to read Deadly Appraisal. Thank you !
 
Judy Marcoux
Upstate New York


Consigned to Death in Green River WY

 

We came across Consigned to Death on display in a store in Green River, WY two weeks ago, and made a bunch of new friends because of it. I took a picture, and will send it from my phone right now.

Kat and Jess


Jane,

I just read your books and loved them. I really like your character, Josie. Once I finished the first one I couldn't wait to start the second one.  Hopefully another will be coming out soon. I will be taking them to my mother-in-law to read and know she will also enjoy them.

Diane Hooten

Jane's reply:

Antiques to Die For, the third Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery, will be available in April 2008.


Hi Jane,

We had a very lively discussion about Josie and who we thought she was and how she would grow and change through the series. I told them a bit about Book 2 (Deadly Appraisal) and we all agreed it was really clever not to have Ty be "there" for her in this second crisis. We all love the antiques setting and the possibilities of a past for Gretchen and what Fred might have brought with him for the future.

Thanks again for bringing Josie to us.

Beverly Matthews
Bookseller
Barnes & Noble Glastonbury Book Group


Glastonbury CT B&N
Here is our photo! From left to right:
front row - Margaret, Joanne, Kate, Janice
back row - Donna, Donna, Beverly, Jane

Dear Jane,

I was one of the winners of a copy of Deadly Appraisal from the Dear Reader list a few weeks ago. I received my autographed copy in today's mail and wanted to email you to say "thank you" and how much I appreciate your sending it to me. I really enjoyed reading the excerpt of your book and look forward to reading the entire book. In fact, I was so interested, that I went out and purchased the paperback of your first book so that I can become familiar with your main character before I read Deadly Appraisal!

I just love finding new authors to read and enjoy and that is why I belong to the Dear Reader lists. That's why I belong to DorothyL as well and am truly a "bookaholic!"

Again, many thanks.
Best,
Kay


I give Deadly Appraisal a 5/5 because it carried the storylines from Consigned to Death very well. I felt like I was coming home and I hope there are more to come. It was wonderfully written and expressed. I loved seeing how things changed and how Josie did get some more confidence. Great series and one I highly recommend.
 
Lover of Books, Minnesota

I just finished your two books, Consigned to Death and Deadly Appraisal.  I was "enticed" to read Deadly Appraisal by a synopsis from Suzanne Beecher.  In fact, I submitted an entry to win a copy; I did not, but borrowed it from my local library.  It was fascinating and un-put-down-able.  I spent a rainy day just reading it and trying to figure out whodunit!
 
As soon as I finished it, I went right back to the library and borrowed Consigned to Death, which I read in a few days, and found it just as suspenseful as Deadly Appraisal.  Josie's a great character, and I like to read her thoughts, too.
 
Elizabeth,
North Plainfield, NJ
Gary & Pat
"We LOVE Jane and Josie!"
Mr. & Mrs. Gary & Pat, the fantasmic owners of Once Upon a Crime in Minneapolis

Plano TX Barnes & Noble Mystery Book ClubThis photo of the Mystery Book Club which meets at the Barnes and Nobles in Plano, TX, was taken in July.  This is only a portion of our group as several were on summer vacation. 

Jane was the speaker at our May 3, 2007, meeting; we didn't get to read and discuss her book Consigned to Death until our July 5th meeting.  Most members enjoyed her writing style and plan to read other of her books. This was the first time we had talked to an author before reading the book.  Jane was a delightful speaker.


Hi Jane:
     Thank you for giving away copies of your paperback at the end of Deadly Ink.... I just finished reading it and liked meeting Josie Prescott--an independent businesswoman!--and plan to get a copy of Deadly Åppraisal.

     Even if you had not made it so easy for me to meet Josie, I had been wanting to drop a line to you ever since DI, to let you know that I especially enjoyed your role on the two panels of yours that I attended.... Thank you for your candor.

     Best wishes,
          Chris


Dear Ms. Cleland,

...I am a jaded book person from way back. I grew up in a bookstore and have worked in the industry for over 30 years. My greatest pleasures are mysteries. I am halfway through "Consigned to Death" and had to tell you that I think you are one of the best new mystery writers in a very long time. As I am sure you know, you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a new mystery series and I have had to throw any number of these egregious efforts across the room. The way you flesh out your characters and allow them to have actual adult conversations without paragraphs of insecure thoughts and internal strife is very refreshing. And your obvious knowledge of antiques and that industry is clear and makes for not only a great story but one where I have actually learned a few things. Many thanks for coming along just in time! No more flying books in my house.

With very best Regards,

Anne F., Dover Plains, NY


Hi Jane,

I am right now reading your newest book, DEADLY APPRAISAL, and am enjoying it very much.  But the reason I'm emailing you in the middle of the night is to ask if anyone else got the reference to Saul Panzer and Fred Durkin in the book.  Loved it.  Ok, got to get back to the book, almost to the end and am anxious to see who done it. 

. . .

Finished your book, loved it, absolutely thrilled when I find a new author that can actually put words together and make them interesting.

Thanks,

Mary H

Jane's reply:

Hi Mary,

Isn't the trivia fun!?! I'm so glad you found the Rex Stout references... some of them at least (wink, wink). I integrate them for my friends at the Wolfe Pack. Do you know the group? www.nerowolfe.org.

Thanks SO much for writing. You made my day. Hope you got some sleep!

Jane


Dear Jane:
Just returned from Tuscany where I read your book and was quite impressed. We are planning a discussion here at Sotheby's with writers in the "Art Mystery" genre in coming year. I'd love to chat with you about our idea for a panel.
Steve Brezzo
Sothebys Institute


Jane,
I want to thank you. Deadly Appraisal is wonderful. I have it at my cash register now.
Norman Goldman Barnes & Noble


Dear Ms. Cleland,
I just finished Deadly Appraisal and loved it. I particularly enjoyed the references to Nero Wolfe characters.
Please keep writing.
Claudia A


I just received my free signed copy of Deadly Appraisal that I won!  Thanks! I spent my lunch hour beginning to read and am hooked.  I know my patrons will love it --- I can't keep these type of mysteries on the [library] shelf!
Thanks again.
Dusty

Jane's reply:

Thanks so much! I'm thrilled you're hooked!

Warmly, Jane


I read your book, Consigned to Death, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  You are a very clear, precise writer, with engaging characters and a satisfying story.
James Larson, Ph.D.


Jane,
I just finished DEADLY APPRAISAL....loved it, loved it, loved it!
 Karin Whitley

Jane's reply:

I'm THRILLED you loved it! Whoopie!


I went to the Dracut Library and got your first novel, Consigned to Death.  I read it in ONE day. I LOVED it!!!
 
I tried to get a copy of your new book, Deadly Appraisal but EVERY library in Eastern Massachusetts has this book checked out!  I went on a wait list at Dracut but it's a 6 week wait.  I couldn't wait that long to read it so my husband surprised me with it the other day.  He bought me a copy at Borders in Nashua.  I've already started reading it and love this one as well.
 
I loved the "sayings/quotes" that Josie's parents told her.  As I was reading Consigned to Death, I could picture in my mind a lot of the settings.

The best thing about your novel was the ending.  You did NOT reveal the Murderer until the very end.  I hate stories where the Murderer is revealed too soon.  You hold the reader until the LAST page!!!

Your knowledge regarding Antiques is outstanding. You are such a wonderful writer and I can't wait to finish Deadly Appraisal.

June

Jane's reply:

I'm going to answer your questions as part of my next BLOG [May, 2007] -- so check out the website and you'll see it there.


Jane,

Josie was true to life and a pleasure to read. I will be recommending it to others. Thanks again.
Teresa Quintanar (bookseller, Barnes and Noble Encino)

Jane's reply:

You've made my day! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the book. I look forward to seeing you again, Teresa.


"Consigned" is a captivating enthralling experience. I felt deeply inspired by your words.

Rebbie


Terrific writing kept me guessing the 'who done it'.  I had a number of
people in mind as co-conspirators in the crimes. 

Jane's reply:

I'm so pleased I kept you guessing!

The third Josie Prescott Antiques mystery will be out next April -- ANTIQUES TO DIE FOR. Are you on the newsletter list? If not, and if you'd like to be, let me know and I'll sign you up!

Warmly, Jane


Hi Jane,

I read your first book until dawn, and Josie is now a friend I look forward to meeting again and again.

Lorraine


Hello, Jane.  I just picked up "Consigned to Death" at the store yesterday and am already on page 148.  Really, really like it.  I love mysteries and have read many series.  In fact, I've read several of your friend's, Elaine Viets, dead-end jobs series. 

Anyway, all I'd intended to say is that I'm thoroughly enjoying this adventure with Josie Prescott.  I'm an antique dealer and attend auctions regularly.  I'm very impressed that this is your first novel!  I sometimes think about writing a mystery series myself some day, but, haven't a clue how to get started.  If you have any advise, I'd appreciate it.  I haven't looked, there's probably a "Mystery Writing for Dummies" book out....  Good luck!  I look forward to the next installments.

Take care,

Christina M.


Just checked your tour schedule - my God you are busy!
I'm sure it'll be a great success though, I loved this book as much as the first.

Jillian Abbott


Hi Jane,

I just had to rush and tell you how much I enjoyed DEADLY APPRIASAL. I just finished it and it is absolutely wonderful.

Regards,

Linda P.


Jane & JamieDear Jane:

My husband really enjoyed meeting you at the store on Friday. Next year if you are again an April release maybe we can coordinate you with Denise Swanson & have you sign together.  Good luck on your tour,

Robin
Aunt Agatha's
www.auntagathas.com

Jane & Jamie at Aunt Agatha's
April 20, 2007


Jane,

Your Mom's recipes have been a huge hit with my neighbors when I have them down for dinner. They both work, so it's fun having someone to cook for. We observe everybody's holidays with proper menus and an observation of the traditions involved. A big success and a marvelous learning experience.

Thank you for your work.
Patricia H

Jane's reply:

Thank you so much for the nice note. I'm so pleased you enjoyed meeting Josie. Deadly Appraisal is out this week so you won't have long to wait to visit again!

With warm regards, Jane


Dear Jane,

I so enjoyed your first novel and I am eagerly awaiting finding the time to read Deadly Appraisal.  I come from a family of mystery lovers and I have unabashedly recommended your novels to all of them.  I know that my mom and two of my aunts have already ordered Consigned to Death and we will hold our own little book club via the phone or email when they've finished the novel. 

Karen


For March, our reader's group decided to choose two books that are somewhat similar in theme/setting, and then compare/contrast the two.  Since most of us have an interest in antiques, and because we decided we wanted to try some newer writers, we selected two mysteries set in antique circles: Jane K. Cleland's CONSIGNED TO DEATH and Elaine Flinn's TAGGED FOR MURDER.

CONSIGNED TO DEATH:
We liked many things about this book.  We were unanimous in being impressed by the insights and insider story of the antiques/art business (even the most cynical of us were surprised by the goings-on).  We also thought the pacing of the book was quite good, and we liked the way Cleland manages to cast a shadow of suspicion on various characters, giving the book a real sense of "mystery" (as opposed to the heroine just stumbling on the killer by accident).  The New Hampshire setting is very well done and clearly shows the author's love of the "granite state."  This is a fast and breezy read for the most part, though it slows down a little in the second half.  And we pretty much all liked the first-person narrative.  Josie is easy to spend time with, for the most part.

...  All in all, a very good read.  Cleland is a keeper!

From Claire on the DorothyL list:

Jane's reply:

Hi Claire:

Thank you so much for the review on Dorothy L! I'm thrilled that you and your fellow readers enjoyed Consigned to Death.  I'm going to snip out a line or two of your review and post it on the Greetings Page of my website!

You and you co-antique lovers might enjoy the "What's It Worth? You Be the Judge" featureon my website -- you're challenged to pit your appraisal skills against those of a professional appraiser in a fun, interactive activity! It's at www.janecleland.net. While you're there, you might also peek at the newsletter... if it's your cup of tea, it's easy to sign up.

By the way, the second Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery, Deadly Appraisal, will be published this month.

Thank you again, Claire. You completely made my day!

Best. Jane


Dear Ms. Cleland,
Read your book in Readers' Digest condensed books and loved the story.
Am looking forward to your new book coming to Canada.

Yvonne


Loved your book!!  When is the next one due?

Shirley


I stayed up all night with Deadly Appraisal. Loved it. I think your protagonist is very smart. A cool and realistic portrayal, and the neighbor is a rich minefield, as well as funny.    
Mary Alice Gorman
Mystery Lovers Bookshop


I am with the NH Center for the Book and your book was chosen for our book of the week (I really enjoyed it!)
Blog: Book Notes New Hampshire
Post: Book of the Week #10
Link: http://nhbookcenter.blogspot.com/2007/03/book-of-week-10.html

Mary R.


Hello!
 
I have just finished reading Consigned To Death and thoroughly enjoyed it so much that I am ordering a copy for my step-mother!  I look forward to reading Deadly Appraisal when it comes out.
 
Congratulations on the Agatha Award!
 
Kathy N


Dear Jane,
I just finished this book this morning and I wanted to email you to let you know how much I enjoyed it. I will be writing a review for my blog and hope to have it up there in a couple of hours. :)   My site is http://www.lverofbooks.com. I can also post it to Amazon.com as well. :) I can't wait for Deadly Appraisal. I see you are coming to MN so I'll see what I can do to come to one of them.

Krista

Jane,
 
Thank you so much for participating in our Book Club meeting last night.  Everyone truly enjoyed speaking with you & learning the history behind the book & antiques in general.  Thank you again, everyone can't wait to meet you in April!
Kathy B., Trumbull, CT

Jane -

I finished reading Consigned to Death last night on the train, and I greatly enjoyed meeting Josie as well.  Can't wait for the new book!

Best regards, Dan T.

Hi Jane,
 
I was lucky enough to meet you at ConMisterio book convention in Texas – Can you tell me when "Deadly Appraisal" will be coming out?  Your Fans are looking forward to reading your next book.
 
Sallie B
Houston, TX


My mother-in-law "borrowed" Consigned to Death several months ago and she loved it. But every time I ask her for it back, she's loaned it to someone else. She lives in an independent living facility with a bunch of retirees. I think she's single handedly killing your sales!
 
Stacy -- I am the BookBitch 
www.bookbitch.com

Jane's reply:

Please thank you mom-in-law for me -- I'm tickled that you -- and she -- enjoyed the book enough to want to pass it on -- I don't look at it as killing sales -- I look at it as creating readers! Please give her my regards!


Dear Miss Cleland,

I'm a voracious and eclectic reader. I wanted to let you know that I very much enjoyed your book. I'm looking forward to the next one. Johanna B

Jane's reply:

Hi Johanna:

How nice of you to write! You made my day!

Thank you so much! I hope you'll enjoy the second Josie Prescott antiques mystery --Deadly Appraisal, too! (It will be out in April.)

I'm going to be posting your nice comment on our Greetings page -- and adding you to my mailing list. (If you'd prefer not to get my periodic newsletter and announcement about events, please just let me know.) One thing -- would you send me your zip code? That way I can let you know when my book tour will take me to your neck of the woods.

Thank you again, Johanna.

Jane


Hi Jane,

I am reading your latest book and really enjoying it!!  Hope all is well, Laura


Dear Ms. Cleland,
I just finished reading Consigned to Death and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I'm not typically a "cozy" reader, but your book has turned me toward the genre and I look forward to reading more books penned by you.  The character of Josie Prescott came alive for me and kept me intrigued enough to read it every possible second I could and the plot was superbly interesting--I'm not an antiques buff, but you made me one for the duration of the story.  I feel like I've had a mini education.  The story took a few turns and I was guessing until the end--I had in my mind a few suspects but I didn't know who was the culprit for sure until you revealed it.  Thank you for providing such a delicious experience!  
Sincerely,
Tracie H


Dear Miss Cleland,

I'm a voracious and eclectic reader. I wanted to let you know that I very much enjoyed your book. I'm looking forward to the next one. Johanna B


Dear Jane,

I just finished reading Consigned to Death & really loved it, what fun!  Can't wait to read more adventures of Josie & Alvarez.  There's only 1 problem, you  can't write them as fast as I can read them, he he.  I instantly liked your characters, both main & supporting & cleared quite a bit about antiques & the business. Thank you for writing such wonderful entertainment for me to read & keep pt the good work.

Sincerely,  Michelle D


Dear Jane,  I just finished your book.  What a delightful mystery!  I enjoyed reading every page.  I will be waiting for your next book in this new series. 

Ileane G


Posted Mon Oct 16, 2006 3:27 pm (PDT) from the "Murder Most Cozy" news group

You will love Consigned to Death! T R U S T me on this!!! It's a great read!!! I rate it an 10! Can't wait to get her next book!

Shirley R

Loved Consigned to Death even with the hard-to-read font. It may be great for everyone, not just us over 65.

Can't wait for the next Josie Prescott book. With all the great sales on the book, you will have clout to request St Martin's to use a darker thicker font!

Mary M.


Jane,

Thought you'd enjoy this.  The word is spreading! When am I going to be able to read your next book?

The WHATCHA GOT? radio network is at twenty-two affiliates as of October 1 and growing at the rate of about one per week.  Info on my website at www.harryrinker.com.

Trust you had a great summer,

Harry L. Rinker

Harry,
I took a few of your classes at Kutztown University a couple summers ago and obviously respect your opinion on matters of antiques, collectibles, and business.  I also read your column religiously and wanted to comment about one of your more non-traditional columns.  It appeared in our local paper, the Morning Call, on May 2 of this year.  "Why are antique dealers always portrayed as the bad guys?" you posed.  You recommended certain authors and books for travel and vacation reading, and I followed your advice with Jane Cleland's Consigned to Death. You said we wouldn't be disappointed and we weren't.  It was great reading for our trip to Myrtle Beach this year.  I have since loaned my copy to other friends who are dealers and will also be able to relate extremely well to many of the "behind the scenes" happenings even if not in their field.  Thanks again.

Howard E

Jane's Reply:

Harry, I'm thrilled that you enjoyed Consigned to Death enough to recommend it. It was very thoughtful of Howard to let you know that he enjoyed it, too. That's just great!

Jane


Hi Jane.

I finally got down to reading your book. I truly enjoyed it. I salute you on your third printing and much success in all your future endeavors. Go Josie Go! CAn't wait to see what machinations she gets  into next time.

Fondly,

Bonnie Feldstein/Anna Gill


Jane,

Thanks so much for writing this kind of book. I run 2 antique collectible Flea Markets twice a month in Pompano Beach Florida --- So this is really the kind of book that has been missing from my collection. Now you just need to write faster lol as I am ready for book 2!

Delores


Ms Cleland,

I am an avid 63 year old  reader who has just finished your book, Consigned to Death .  I agree with Margaret Maron's critique.  Your book is very enjoyable from the start, held my interest very well, and was extremely well written.  All I have to say now, when will the next one come out!?  Congrats on an excellent book, and may you have many more. 
 
Sincerely,

Janet M

Jane's Reply:

Dear Ms. M:

Thanks so much for taking the time to e-mail me that you enjoyed the book. You made my day!

The next Josie Prescott antiques mystery is called Deadly Appraisal, and it will be published in April 2007. (Two weeks after the paperback of Consigned to Death!) Lethal Legacy is the third in the series, and it will be published in April 2008.

With regards, Jane


Hi Jane,

I just finished reading your book and enjoyed it alot. It was a refreshing change of pace and the plot was different from what I usually read. Awesome for the first book! I am looking forward to your next books. Thank you for such a good read.

Lisa H.


Hello Jane!
 
Just received the newsletter.  Thanks so much for adding me to the list.
 
It was such a pleasure for me and my two sisters to meet you at ConMisterio in Austin.  You seemed like  just the nicest woman-approachable, friendly, someone you would like to know.
 
I checked your tour schedule - nothing in Texas in the near future, so we were really lucky to meet you in Austin.(Although we are beginning to travel to see our favorite authors. Middle of Sept. we are going to Aurora, Ill. for the Midwest Literary Arts Festival to see Dennis Lehane.  So maybe we will see you again before too long.)
 
I am so proud for you!  First printing sold out before pub date, Russian edition and now UK edition - on your first novel - what an accomplishment!
 
Here's to continuing success to you and Josie. May the ride be long and fun.
 
Sincerely,
Libby

Jane's Reply:

Hi Libby:

Thank you for your kind comments -- you've made my day!

I remember you and your sisters well, and I so enjoyed the opportunity to visit with you all!

I'll be back in Texas after Deadly Appraisal is published next spring -- sometime between April and June 2007 -- and I look forward to meeting you again at that time.

With best regards, Jane


Thank you for a book with a lead female who is human and smart, not always jumping into bed with someone, who has a real life and not someone always doing something stupid or putting herself at risk, who is capable of making sane and rational choices.

Your dialogue was easy and believable.  I look forward to the next release and hope it will be a continuation of this style.

Mississippi


Jane -

I'm a mystery junkie, but usually I prefer hard-boiled mysteries, so when my librarian suggested Consigned to Death I figured it would be just one more ordinary yawner. Imagine my surprise -- I couldn't put it down. Intricate plot, tightly written. It's serious, literate, interesting. I look forward to book two.

Elmer


greetings1

greetings2

Hi Jane,

What a wonderful way to spend a weekend -- with your fantastic book, Consigned to Death, and Poochie curled up in my lap! Thank you for the experience. I loved it! 

Carol


Hi Jane,

I loved your book! I met you in Bowling Green, Oh, and what a charming person you are.  I enjoyed your book very much and I am looking forward to the next.

I was there with my sister, and we both enjoyed the signing. 

Best wishes, Joan


Dear Jane,

Just finished Consigned to Death Loved the story and Josie. As someone interested in antiques and collectibles, I really enjoyed the book's setting. Hope it is very successful and that there will be many more Josie stories in the future.

Best, Margaret


Absolutely loved your book!!!! Every nook and cranny! Will be learning much more from you.

Thanks, Lois


Dear Jane,

It was a pleasure to meet you [at the Deadly Ink conference] and I can not wait to dive into your book. You struck me as a lady of style and grace, and I was comforted by your emotions when I explained my situation. Your demeanor during those two days meant more to me than you will ever know.

Fondly, Bonnie/Anna


Dear Jane,

It was lovely to meet you at the Deadly Ink conference this weekend. I wish you the best of luck with your new book and have been talking it up with my mystery/antique loving friends at work.

Cheryl


A customer was heading north for a trip and stopped in for a book. I was pleased to recommend yours. She bought it, read it, and on her way back bought 3 more as gifts!

Gary, Once Upon a Crime, Minneapolis, MN


I thought CONSIGNED TO DEATH was one of the best first novels  ever. I got it from my library -- after a wait, I might add -- I guess it's a  popular book --  I saw on Jane's website that it's a series -- and no surprise,  she just got a new contract so Josie will be around for years. That's such great  news!

Bev


I loved Consigned to Death! The book left me wanting to know more. I feel that there's a lot more that I want to know about Josie  and the other characters. For example, why does Gretchen just show up on the doorstep? Why is Eric down on himself, etc., etc.

There was a lot I enjoyed about Consigned to Death, but the intriguing background of Gretchen seemed a bit contrived (a set-up for a future book, perhaps).  The one who did intrigue me was Sasha.  She was clearly competent and dedicated to her job, yet insecure and shy socially.  I really enjoyed seeing her unbend when a kindred spirit came into the picture, and will watch for her in future books.  And I�d like to know if Max really has a family life or if those kids in the background of his phone calls are just some tape he plays to deflect single female clients from getting �ideas� about him.

Karla


loved your book. I was so happy that in the end you let the two characters show their interest in one another, leading me to want to get the next book, hoping they will pick up where they left off! You have a great series going. It is awesome, the combination of antiques, mystery, etc. Keep up the good work, you sound like such a lovely person. Your mother gets my vote, going back to college at that age! Congratulate her from a true fan of yours.

Very Sincerely, Bonny


I wanted to share news about a great new book I just read -- CONSIGNED TO DEATH by Jane K. Cleland.

Has anyone else read this book? I LOVED, loved, loved, LOVED this book... what a great sleuth. Josie Prescott is an antiques appraiser -- and she's smart and savvy... a strong woman. I thought the mystery was clever -- and I think Ty (the police chief and romantic interest) is hot. Does anyone know the author, Jane Cleland?

Pris


I met you at "Bloody Words" conference last weekend where you autographed my copy of your book Consigned to Death.  You asked me to email you when I finished reading it to tell you what I thought.

I Loved it.  I started reading it yesterday afternoon and couldn't put it down.  When I did have to put it down it was all I could do to get other stuff done so I could get back to it.   I love how Josie remembers special words of wisdom from her father.  They are actually good thoughts we should all keep in mind for different situations.

[Spoiler Hidden]

I am looking forward to future books you write especially when they involve this character - Josie.

Thanks. 

With Love from Marc and Diane.


Best Find

Several years ago, I was looking though the breakfont in my dining room and realized I had a very nice, but small collection of teacups and matching saucers. These were given to me by my mother's friend in the early 1960's. I decided I'd like to add to my collection and one of my best friends told me about an antique mall in Woodbridge, VA called Featherstone Antiques. We decided to go with a bunch of friends to scout out this huge mall.

oriental rug

While I was in one of the booths, I spotted a wool oriental rug. The price on the tag read $2.50.!!! Oh my goodness, I couldn't believe it. Needless to say, I went to the front desk and asked the cashier if I was reading the price correctly. She said I was, and that the price was reduced from $10.00!! Yikes. I told her to ring me up right away. This has got to be the best find that I have ever purchased. It sits in the middle of my living room and I love to tell the story of it's purchase to anyone who will listen.

Susan O
Burke, VA

 


Calvin Ingram Fletcher Water Color Painting

I read with great interest the finding of Calvin Fletcher's painting; I'm a former Owen County, Indiana historian and and the mother of an artist and wouild love to know if the finders would sell. 

In the meantime, my favorite find: An old photograph in a flea  market sale that had belonged to the next-door neighbors of my grandparents made when I was a frequent visitor and growing up in the l940's. 

Dixie
Indianapolis, IN


Mandrassi Bronze Sculpture

During my teens, my mom and I had fun looking for antiques on various parts of Long Island. At one point she decided to redecorate the house and hired a local decorator to help. We scoured antique shops for objects to place in a "decorative" fashion. My mom had a marble pedestal table that needed a statue, and we found a nice white 2-1/2 foot statue of a woman leaning on a shephard's crook. We paid $60 for it. When we got it home and started dusting it my mom noticed that some of the white paint was flecking off. At closer scrutiny it appeared metal colored underneath the paint. After many hours of cleaning, we found a beautiful French bronze sculpture, signed in the bronze by the artist, including the foundry mark! The artist, Mandrassi, was fairly famous in turn of the century Paris, and the sculpture was valued at quite a bit more than $60! It's the find of the family, and we still talk about it at family dinners!

Felicia
Huntington Station, NY


Vintage Postcards

I have mail and postcards that my grandmother received and saved over the decades (early 1900's) that must have had sentimental value for her (even postcards and letters with the "old" airmail stamps on them. In her belongings was a telegram (telegraph wire service) she had received. I had never seen such a thing as this because the message and information was printed on small strips of paper and overlaid on the telegraph form. Any value (early 1900's)?

In addition she had a postcard showing the Twin Towers in NY signed by Lee Iaccoca. This postcard was printed in 1983. Any value??
MJD
Phoenix, AZ


German Coffee Cup

I am 73 years old. My greatgrandmother, Sarah Smith Bennett, had one thing she considered a "pretty" in her difficult and poor life -- a coffee cup made in Germany and painted with pink roses. She never used it because it was too precious. She gave it to my grandmother, Nellie Melindy Viola Moore Bennett, who gave it to my mother, Annie May Bennett Melton, who gave it to me, Patricia Ann Melton Hoel. I have inscribed all this on a ribbon, having added my cousin, Jennifer Lawson Harris Worth, who will in turn pass it on to her niece, Harris Ann McInnis. One "pretty" that gives joy and a sense of family to those of us who cherish those things........
Patricia
Bryson City, NC


Rocking Chair

Antiques mean family and history to me. For example... In early 1972, when pregnant for my son, my first child, I was given a rocking chair by my maternal grandmother. She was about 75 years old at the time and said she remembered the chair being in her family when she was a very little girl. My son is 33 now so the chair is 100+. I don't sit in it much, but it holds a prominent position in my living room and in my heart. Each time I look at it, I remember stories my grandmother told me about her childhood and being raised on a farm with 13 siblings including two sets of twins. I remember that my mother loved to spend her childhood summers on that same farm, helping her grandmother - my great-grandmother - in the summer kitchen. The chair brings memories of my son and how we rocked and read books day after day from the time he was born. I worried about the creaking sounds waking him and when I wrote to a newspaper help column, they suggested removing the nails or screws and using something to fill in the holes a bit before reinserting the nails/screws. I forgot to tell them - the chair is pegged, or fitted, no nails, no screws.

And lastly, each time I look at the rocking chair I see 6" high initials - mine - carved in the headrest by my precocious, take-charge little daughter - now 22. They remain there and probably always will. The chair has never been refinished and why should it be? So many memories might be washed away! I do wonder sometimes who made the chair and exactly when, and there is nothing on the chair itself to give any indication. Hmmm, let's see if I have a photo of it somewhere... Found one. If you enlarge the photo, you can just see the "R." carved in the headrest on the right. I couldn't access your blog archives. Is there a password? :) Have a good day.
Kathleen
Corning, NY


Pen and Ink Drawing

Hi, I found a pen and ink illustration that I am convinced is an original Charles Dana Gibson, "The Greatest Game in the World, His Move". It is pen and ink on yellowed paper, you can see the faint pencil marks behind the strokes, especially on the title. It is not signed unfortunately. I found it at an antique store in Siloam Springs, AR. Prints of this original are readily found on the internet by typing in the title.
Marsha
Hominy, OK


Marble Lamp with Crescent Moon and Clouds

Dear Jane, my biggest find has to be this lamp. Well, let me describe it. Let me know if it sounds unusual. It has five pieces. The first, is the bottom. A column of marble maybe 36 inches tall. Then a second piece that fits on top of that, it fits inside, making it look like more of the column, adding about 4 more inches in height. It has a square of marble on top of this. So what you have now is this tall fern stand looking thing of marble, or alabaster. I am not sure of the difference. Then this rectangle piece goes on top of the whole thing, and that has the bulb in it with the plug. Upon this sits these alabaster clouds, and on that fits this alabaster crescent moon, and fitting on top of the moon is a troubadour playing a guitar. It is beautiful when lit(glows from inside) I have no idea anything about it, except it is very old, and all gray marble/alabaster? What do you think? PS I read your book and LOVED it! I can't wait for the second one! Hurry up! One thing I learned, to my dismay, was about the books from book clubs, not worth a dime! Well, maybe a dime! All these years collecting from my book clubs, building up my library, only to find, like the man in your book, they are not worthy!
Bonny
Westlake, OH


Penguins and Other Collectibles

I collect penguins. I have hundreds of penguins. Short ones, fat ones, skinny ones, crystal ones … and brass, silver, pewter, ceramic, plastic, porcelain and, of course, stuffed. I have light switch plates, cups, towels, rugs, music boxes, wall hangings, even one I embroidered.  I try to NOT get more penguins. The hundreds I have take up too much space.  At least I know why I'm a penguin nut – my mother lost my stuffed penguin when we moved when I was six.  To make matters worse, she disavowed all knowledge of my even owning a penguin.  This was back in the days when children (or at least relatively poor children) only had 10 or 15 toys of any kind.  When I was 9, she was going through the old pictures and what was there:  ME AND MY PENGUIN!

So all these years later I am suffering from a surfeit of penguins.  But this trauma left me with another couple of collection addictions.  I also collect old family photos dating as far back as the 1870s. I've interviewed older aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. and identified everyone in all but a dozen or so pictures out of a few hundred. I've scanned them, made a database with the information about who and what is in each picture and when. Now I just need time to finish my web site!  And my final collectible is my mother's and grandmother's very few nic-nacs. Some are dinged, some are ok.  But I can't bear to part with any of them.  Luckily I never buy new nic-nacs (except those darn penguins).  My favorite is a statue made of blue-glazed pottery of a young boy and girl with their arms around each others waists. There is a planter behind them that my mother always kept planted with philodendron. I thought it was a statue of my cousin David and me. David was a year older than me and my special friend, all through the years.  It turns out that the statue was given to my mother by David's mother, my Aunt Ethel, when I was born.  David died over 15 years ago of Aids, so I love that planter because it reminds me of all the fun times David and I had.
penguin
NYC, NY


A Pot to Cook In

Early in my marriage I had wanted to impress my husband and I needed a pot to cook beans in. So, I went to an antique store and found this enameled pot with a lid and one handle. I thought how unusual for a cooking pot to have one handle. Well, I went home thinking I had found an unusual treasure and cooked up a bean dish in the pot and served it to my husband in the pot. He just roared with laughter and politely declined the beans. I learned it was a chamber pot and that would explain the one handle. We decided then to go out and eat.
Linda
Portland, OR


Painting by Calvin I. Fletcher

My wife and I married in 1999. We both sold our homes to buy another one. While helping her pack her miscellaneous items I came across an old painting that had a wooden frame and old wooden back. I knew it was old; it was signed this way: "copied by calvin ingram fletcher 1875 naples". Asked where she got the painting, she said her grandfather had contracted to clean out the coach house of the Fletcher family. He was to take the contents to the city dump and keep anything he wanted. That was in the early forties. He kept the picture. It was given to my wife by her mother when she moved to Florida from Indiana.

When I saw the picture I knew it should have some value since the Fletcher family was a big name in Indiana. I still do not know the value; have not had it appraised. The. frame was in pretty bad shape and the glass was broken. I had it put in a new frame and hung it on our wall. I guess will be our greatest find. Sorta found in the attic, I guess you could say.
Mel & Duana K
Davis, CA


Y Collection

My last name begins with the letter "Y" and as a result, my husband and I collect Ys. We have some in wood, metal, rubber stamps, and even a three-dimensional marble sculpture. It's hard to find new examples, so when we do, you can imagine our excitement. Guess what! I just found one -- an old sign for a ranch called the Bar Y Ranch. Now my dilemma is whether to save it for my husband's Christmas present! A good problem, right?!
Margaret Y.
Sonoma, CA


Grandmother's Legacy

When I was eight, my grandmother died suddenly. It was terrible, because we'd been so close. What I didn't know was that she had left me and my sister $100 each in her will with the instruction that when we were 18, and got the money, we were to use it to buy something that reminded us of her. Isn't that a great idea? I bought a vintage hat box – granny loved hats! My sister bought a gilt picture frame because granny had a piano in her living room covered with photos. Everytime we look at our items, we think of granny. I just love that idea and wanted to share it with others.
Flora P.
Little Rock, Arkansas


Loves Hearts  

I love hearts! My house is filled with them – pillows, dishes, textiles, everything! I just found a gorgeous cut glass ornament that I've hung on clear nylon thread from my dining room window – it's like a prism! I smile everytime I see it! I found it at a flea market for $5.00. I couldn't be happier!
Lee M.
Rochester, MN

© 2005— Jane K. Cleland

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January 11, 2012 7:30
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