This is one of the books on my “most recommended” lists that I actually read relatively recently >>> because it was only released in 2013. It still has a reputation that indicates it is likely to reach “modern Cozy Classic” series, and I think that the reputation in this case is justified.
Jordan Bingham is a recent college graduate returning home to Harrison Falls, located in scenic upstate New York, and needs to find a job quickly. With a Master’s Degree in English and experience handling rare manuscripts, hunting down rare and elusive manuscripts for noted local recluse Vera Van Alst might seem like a dream job, though her potential employer’s cantankerous nature and questionable reputation give her some pause. Still, graduate school caused some serious debt, and living off of her uncles’ charity indefinitely might be possible, but certainly not desirable.
Naturally, the situation becomes much worse very quickly. It turns out Jordan’s predecessor died under mysterious circumstances while hunting down a supposed lost Agatha Christie play. When people he might have interacted with are attacked, it doesn’t take long to realize there’s likely a connection.
One of the most interesting things about this series is Jordan’s family background. Her family, the Kellys (her father was a Bingham, but her Bingham side doesn’t come into play in this entry in the series) are skilled local criminals. Jordan herself has never stepped outside the law (well, not without a good reason). However, with this family connection she has access to a not only a potential pool of confidantes who will help her out but who also have a skill set to perform the breaking and entering and minor swiping of clues that Cozy Mystery sleuths so frequently need.
Another interesting element of this (and further installments) is that each focuses on a classic mystery author. Not all of these are Cozies – but this entry focuses on Agatha Christie, perhaps the most definitive Cozy Mystery author of all time. Details on the classic author’s life are interspersed through the novel as the mystery (and Jordan’s own research, as she’s hardly an expert on mystery novels) progress.
One interesting tidbit is that author “Victoria Abbott” is actually two individuals – Mary Jane Maffini and her daughter, Victoria Maffini. I haven’t read any Mary Jane Maffini books, but considering how strong this series is, I do intend to when I can finally find the time (my “to be read” pile has become truly huge).
It’s sometimes hard to peg what will withstand the test of time when it is originally released, but I certainly hope that this popular series continues for many more entries!
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PS: For those who might have the scales tipped by this sort of detail, there is a recipe included at the end of the book!
Janet N. says
I’ve read all the books in this series and love them! The plotting is excellent and keeps the reader engaged. The added bonus is the humorous situations in which Jordan finds herself. These incidents always give me a chuckle and break up the tension of the dangerous mysteries.
Can you tell us if there are more books coming out after the Hammett Hex?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Janet, unfortunately, I haven’t heard anything about another book after the Hammett Hex. I’d sure like to see this one continue, of course.
Janie says
Me, too. I was just wondering about that myself. Her books normally come out at the end of the year. Another one one that I really like is Jenn McKinley’s London Hatshop Mysteries. This one usually comes out the first few months of the new year. Another one that I have heard nothing about.
Linda MH says
Hi Danna,
I love this series. It’s well written and very entertaining–I especially love her uncles. Do you know if the authors plan to write another one? I’m hoping they will–keeping my fingers crossed!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Linda, I wish I knew! Unfortunately I haven’t heard anything about this series lately.
Emma H says
I love the Victoria Abbotts and the Mary Jane Maffini series either the home de-clutterer. Really well written with believable, interesting characters. Favorites!!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Emma, I certainly enjoyed it as well!
PamB says
This is one of my favorite series. And because it’s more recent (as fast as time goes 2013 is recent to me!) I can stay caught up with new releases.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Pam, there’s definitely something positive about following a series as it is initially published.
Mary Jane and Victoria Maffini aka Victoria Abbott says
Thanks so much for the lovely review and the comments. We feel very happy! We wish we could tell you what is happening with the series. We are waiting to hear if we can continue. If not, we’ll get up to something else fun, we promise!
We do have a free e-newsletter with updates. Sign-up is through our websites. http://www.victoria-abbott.com or http://www.maryjanemaffini.com
Thanks again for your kindness and support! XO
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mary Jane and Victoria, thank you so much for taking the time to post on the blog! I always get a kick out of authors I enjoy reading stopping by to respond to a blog post.
I know we’re all very hopeful and eager to hear of any positive news regarding the future of your series!
Charlene says
Interesting, that this would come up today. I just started this book this weekend.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Charlene, that is an odd coincidence!
Margaret StashEmpress says
Love this series — the uncles are such great characters! And particularly like the tie in with various classic mystery series in each title.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Margaret, I definitely agree – the tie in to classic mysteries is definitely a great element for mystery fans.
Susan J Balk says
This series is one of the best I have read , funny , awesome character,and moves so fast keeps you guessing from page to page.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Susan, I definitely agree!
Carol says
Well, it is now 2019 and there haven’t been any more Book Collector books. 🙁 I loved this series! I don’t give many books 5 star ratings but these are definitely 5 star. I have listened to the audio books while working on different quilts and I will have lovely memories of the stories every time I use one of those quilts!