Prescott’s Antiques: The Newsletter
A periodic newsletter for fans of
Jane K. Cleland’s
traditional mystery series
featuring Josie Prescott
An Antiques Roadshow for Mystery Fans |
Vol. I, No. 10 |
Antiques Collecting Fact:
Did You Know?
Highboys, also called chest-on-stands, were introduced in England in about 1660. Charles II, restored to the monarchy at that time, returned to England with many foreign craftsmen.
By the early 18th century, the highboy had evolved into the tall boy – or chest-on-chest. The first tallboys were made of veneered or burl walnut, but by the middle of the century, mahogany veneers had become commonplace.
Be alert for mismatched pieces. Sometimes a chest was placed on a different stand for practical reasons, but the mismatch does diminish the object's value. To confirm that the two parts are original:
- Check that the visible wood and decorative details on both parts match.
- Confirm that the backboards are of the same wood and of similar quality and craftsmanship.
- Examine drawers looking for extra holes which indicate that handles have been changed.
- Look at the dovetailing on the drawers to ensure they’re fabricated in the same manner.
Deadly Appraisal Cover
Got Peppy!
ARCs (advanced reading copies) are sent to the media and others, such as booksellers, for review purposes. The cover art of Deadly Appraisal reflects the new branding strategy: The Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries are traditional, fun, and filled with antiques lore.
St. Martin’s Minotaur decided the purple color was too somber—so they retooled the cover in a bright yellow.
The goal is for the book to "pop" off the shelf. What do you think? Do you like the yellow? How about the blue of the paperback of Consigned to Death.
Unpublished Fact
About Josie
Josie hates her feet.
At the beach, I look at all those woman with their pretty little feet and polished toenails and I feel terrible. My feet are too big and too calloused and just overall ugly!"
"I like Josie’s feet," Ty Alverez says. "They’re cute."
Jane’s Spring 2007
Book Tour
Is Coming Together
Starting with a launch event in New York City on 17 April 2007, Jane will again embark on a national tour that includes conferences, bookstores, and libraries.
"I love meeting booksellers," Jane explains. "And I love meeting book readers! Take a look at my schedule. I hope you’re able to come and say hello.
Cooking Tip from
Josie’s Mom
"The secret to browning a roast chicken is to sprinkle paprika liberally before baking – and frequent basting."
Jane's the New
MWA/NY President
Effective this month, Jane assumes the presidency of the Mystery Writers of America/New York Chapter. "It’s an honor to take on this role, and I thank the members for the confidence they're showing in me," Jane says.
The first two initiatives that Jane is highlighting include:
| • | Recording programs. Each session will be professionally recorded and will be available on our brand new website as an audio podcast — MP3 files ready for downloading. [The website isn't up quite yet, but it will be soon!] |
| • | Establishing a Library Relations Committee. We're committed to building ongoing, strategic relationships with librarians throughout our region. |
"While frequent changes in leadership help ensure fresh approaches," Jane adds, "we need to protect and preserve the institutional history and traditions as we set off in new directions. And we will!"
Any questions about the MWA/NY Chapter? You can reach me any time at jane@janecleland.net or 212.332.9976.
The Source of New Ideas
"One of the questions I'm asked most often," Jane says, "is where my ideas come from. On the one hand, I don't know--how can I--in its essence, it's a mysterious process! On the other hand,
well, I've been thinking about it, and think I have the answer!"
Ratcheting Up the Sense of Menace
On the one hand, adding menace is easy:
| • | A glance through narrowed eyes |  |
| • | Pursed lips | |
| • | Words hissed, not spoken | |
| • | Threats, veiled or open | |
| • | A kitchen knife unexpectedly found next to the TV | |
| • | Shadows which might be hiding — what? |
On the other hand, the menace must grow slowly over time, steadily, becoming ever more complex and layered -- and that's hard.
"As with many things," Jane says, "less is more. A room that appears empty, and then you hear a click and know that you're not alone, for instance, is, to me, more frightening than a seen, known enemy rushing at you with guns blazing."
Jane is finishing up the third Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery, Lethal Legacy [St. Martin's Minotaur, April 2008], and is, she says, enjoying adding menace. "My goal isn't to frighten people per se, but certainly I want them to experience the events as Josie does."