Prescott's Antiques: The Newsletter
A periodic newsletter for fans of
Jane K. Cleland's
traditional mystery series featuring Josie Prescott
traditional mystery series featuring Josie Prescott
An Antiques Roadshow for Mystery Fans
Vol. IV, No. 1
Vol. IV, No. 1
Jane's the
Guest of Honor
Guest of Honor
The renowned storyteller, Rebecca Rule, will interview Jane on April 15, 2009 at the Manchester, NH library's annual fundraiser.
"I'm thrilled and honored!"Jane says.
To see Jane's complete tour schedule, click here.
"I'm thrilled and honored!"Jane says.
To see Jane's complete tour schedule, click here.
Blog Excerpt:
Half a Story Made Whole
Half a Story Made Whole
Have you ever known that someone, a friend, an acquaintance, or a co-worker, perhaps, has a secret in his or her background? You know there's something hidden, but you don't know what it is. If you're like me, you fill in the blanks, adding details to explain what you wish you knew. I hate half a story.
There's a well-respected tradition in the mystery writing world of authors' asking "What if...?" questions as a way of plotting. I do it all the time. That's not what I'm talking about here, though. Instead of "What if...?" questions, I construct a story that answers all the questions that already exist.
For instance, Josie Prescott, my antiques appraiser sleuth, hired her assistant, Gretchen, in the first book in the series, Consigned to Death, knowing there was a mystery in Gretchen's past.
Here's an excerpt from Consigned to Death:
It was a Thursday, the day after I'd closed on the warehouse. When I drove up at eight in the morning, she was waiting at my front door wearing a navy blue suit, white blouse, and heels, clutching a Seacoast Star opened to the classifieds with my ad circled in pink highlighter. Observing her as I walked from my car and noting her outfit, I'd hoped she was a prospective client. She gave me a dazzling smile and said, "Hi, are you Josie Prescott? I'm here for the job. I wanted to be first. Am I first?" I hired her forty-five minutes later, an oddly impulsive act for a systematic, research-oriented sort like me. Especially since she was reticent to the point of mysterious about her background. She volunteered.... [MORE]
You're Invited:
Rocky Point
Meets Cabot Cove
in New York City
Meets Cabot Cove
in New York City
Donald Bain & Renee Paley-Bain (writing as Jessica Fletcher) will join Jane at Partners & Crime for the launch of their latest Murder, She Wrote mystery.
Check out the media release... The "light refreshments" refer to, among other things, apple martinis.
In deference to Jessica Fletcher who drinks tea, the martinis will be served in tea cups!
Not in New York? Jane's touring nationally—she'd love to meet you!
Ask Jane
Q: You do a presentation called "Killer Antiques." What's it about?
A: "Killer Antiques" challenges attendees to help appraise some antiques, including a casket purported to have been crafted for St. Thomas Beckett. It's interactive and loads of fun. Here's a brief video so you can get a good idea of what my presentation is about. Also, this flyer provides a more complete description.
Please contact me directly to schedule this presentation—or one of my other presentations for your group!
A: "Killer Antiques" challenges attendees to help appraise some antiques, including a casket purported to have been crafted for St. Thomas Beckett. It's interactive and loads of fun. Here's a brief video so you can get a good idea of what my presentation is about. Also, this flyer provides a more complete description.
Please contact me directly to schedule this presentation—or one of my other presentations for your group!
"Designed to Kill"
Coming June 2009 in
Alfred Hitchock Mystery Magazine
Coming June 2009 in
Alfred Hitchock Mystery Magazine
Here is a sneak peak at the artwork for "Designed to Kill" by noted illustrator Jorge Mascarenhas. Plus you can now read the excerpt.
You can order your copy at Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine.
You can order your copy at Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine.
Killer Keepsakes
Now Available
Now Available
"Absorbing"and "ingenious" —Publishers Weekly.
"Wow!" Jane said when told of their review.
“Cleland's fun, fast-paced story has realistic characters, an original plot and a solidly constructed mystery. She provides an intriguing glimpse into the world of antiques and collectibles."
Romantic Times
Booklist, Kirkus... the reviews have been consistently good.
From New Hampshire to San Mateo and from Minneapolis to Houston, Jane's tour has her crisscrossing the country. She may be coming to an event, store, or library near you during her 50+ city tour. "I hope to meet as many readers as possible! Come on down!" Jane says.
To buy the book, click here.
"Wow!" Jane said when told of their review.
“Cleland's fun, fast-paced story has realistic characters, an original plot and a solidly constructed mystery. She provides an intriguing glimpse into the world of antiques and collectibles."
Romantic Times
Booklist, Kirkus... the reviews have been consistently good.
From New Hampshire to San Mateo and from Minneapolis to Houston, Jane's tour has her crisscrossing the country. She may be coming to an event, store, or library near you during her 50+ city tour. "I hope to meet as many readers as possible! Come on down!" Jane says.
To buy the book, click here.
Don't forget to ask your librarian for Killer Keepsakes. Text and audio excerpts are available on Jane's website.
Antiques Collecting Fact:
Did You Know?
Antiques and Collectibles:
Late Regency
Period Mantle Clock
Did You Know?
Antiques and Collectibles:
Late Regency
Period Mantle Clock
The Regency Period, named for England's Price Regent who ruled in place of his incapacitated father, King George III from 1811 to 1820, is known for its elegant and ornate designs and opulent materials.
This rare library clock is made of bronze and ormolu. Set upon a D-ended base with ormolu paw feet the clock is mounted with ormolu panels and topped by an ormolu Eagle. On either side bronze dogs bark as they try to reach the eagle. The ormolu face is surrounded by the commonly used symbol of longevity and endurance, oak leaves and acorns. Forget-me-not blossoms sit below the dial. Additional decorative enhancements include a lion's head, vines, grapes, a mask of Bacchus, and a cornucopia. Constructed with an eight-day English fusee timepiece movement , signed on the backplate "Purvis North Audley Street, Grosvenor Square." Circa 1820. 14.5 inches high by 13.5 inches wide by 5 inches deep. This unusual object is in excellent, working condition and as such, is likely to sell for between $10,000 and $15,000.
Fun facts about other antiques and collectibles are available on Jane's website: www.janecleland.net
Also, want to pit your antiques appraisal skills against those of the professionals? Take the challenge, updated weekly, at What's It Worth? You Be the Judge.
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