Estate of Mind by Tamar Myers

In Estate of Mind: A Den of Antiquity Mystery, Abigail Timberlake buys a crude rendition of Van Gogh's The Starry Night at an auction. While she thinks the painting is worthless, the frame might be salvageable. When she gets home, though, she discovers a hidden masterpiece beneath the painting; a lost treasure called Field of Thistles also by Van Gogh. Others must know or suspect what's going on because suddenly people pour out of the woodwork to lay claim to the painting. When scandal and deaths follow, Abigail has her hands full uncovering the secrets and determining the truth.

This was such a fun read and a welcome break from some meatier and emotional books I've been reading. I love cozy mysteries but they generally get left on my bookshelf because I've got a ton of other books to read. Note to self: I must read more cozy mysteries.

Anyway, this book is part of a series, but it can definitely enjoyed as a standalone book. Myers has a healthy sense of humour and uses it liberally in this book. She uses her knowledge about antiques (she's a collector) to inject authenticity into the story. I found it fascinating. All in all, the book is quick and easy to read with eccentric, likeable characters.

I've read a few books by Myers and while I love them, I'm still not wild about her sometimes overuse of the word "dear". Maybe it's a southern/regional thing. It grates on me a little, but not enough to stop me from reading and enjoying her books.

Recommended. Definitely for fans and other cozy lovers. Others looking for a light, fun read would probably enjoy it, too. Myers has written a couple dozen books and I plan to read them all...one day.

I picked this book up at a charity used book sale a few years ago. I'm so glad I finally got around to reading it.

For more information about this book or to browse inside, please visit the HarperCollins website.

For more information about the author and her other books, please visit Tamar Myers's website. [Caution: Music/beating drums on the home page. Turn down your speakers.]

Estate of Mind by Tamar Myers, Avon (HarperCollins), ©1999. ISBN 9781554685448(Mass Market Paperback), 290p.