ARC Review: A Wealth of Deception by Trish Esden

A Wealth of Deception
Author: Trish Esden
Series: A Scandal Mountain Antiques Mystery (Book 2)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (April 18, 2023)

Description: Danger, art, and a touch of romance collide in Trish Esden’s second exquisitely crafted Scandal Mountain Antiques mystery, perfect for fans of Jane K. Cleland and Connie Berry.

Some people are willing to die for their art. Others are willing to kill for it.

When Vermont antique and art dealer Edie Brown discovers an unsettlingly dark collage by the famed reclusive “outsider” artist known only as Vespa, she opens a Pandora’s Box of deception and danger.

Edie teams up with Uncle Tuck and Kala to investigate the background of the collage but only uncover secrets that are more disturbing than the artwork itself. As Edie tracks down the validity of the piece, she stumbles into an art underground where some people are willing to kill to keep their schemes a secret.

Esden expertly crafts a complex cast of characters, a breathtakingly gorgeous setting, and a twisty plot that often poses more questions than answers.

My Thoughts: Edie Brown is desperate to save her family business Scandal Mountain Antiques. It gets harder when she learns that the whole septic system needs to be replaced. When they get a chance to look over things left by an elderly lady, Edie is hoping from things that she can sell quickly and for a good profit. She isn't expecting to find a collage that looks like it has been created by the latest outsider sensation in the art world - Vespa.

The lady selling the things insists that the collage was created by her brother who suffered a traumatic brain injury some years earlier. This sends Edie, her Uncle Tuck, and assistant Kala on a hunt to discover if the brother has just been influenced by Vespa or if there is a hidden conspiracy.

The story was fast-paced and interesting. I like Edie who is dealing with her own past issues and trying to do the right thing for her family. I liked the way the story wove in art collecting, the Russian mob, and Edie's own romance with a police officer who is keeping secrets from her.

Favorite Quote:

Jimmy took his hand from my back. "I don't think they care about the art at all. It's about bragging rights and investments, being seen in high society."

"It's the same with certain people and antiques," I said. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.