Dealing in Murder

# Dealing in Murder ## About the Book *Dealing in Murder* marks the debut of Elaine Flinn's beloved character Molly Doyle, a smart, savvy antiques dealer with a mysterious past. When Molly flees Manhattan for the picturesque coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, she hopes to leave her troubles behind and start fresh with a new antiques shop. But her plans for a quiet life are shattered when she discovers a dead body in her shop on opening day. As if that wasn't enough, valuable antiques start disappearing, and Molly finds herself the prime suspect in both the murder and the thefts. ## Plot Summary Molly Doyle, formerly known as Elizabeth Porter, arrives in Carmel seeking a fresh start after a scandal in New York's antiques world. She's taken on managing an antiques shop for an absent owner, hoping to rebuild her reputation and her life. On her very first day, she discovers the body of a local dealer in her shop. The victim, Lorna Jacobs, was not well-liked in the community, giving the police a long list of suspects. But as an outsider with a connection to the victim, Molly finds herself under suspicion. As valuable pieces begin disappearing from estate sales and shops around town, Molly must use her expertise in antiques and her sharp investigative skills to uncover the truth. With the help of Randolph, an elderly British gentleman with his own secrets, she navigates the tight-knit antiques community of Carmel to find a killer. ## Critical Reception *Dealing in Murder* was nominated for the Barry Award for Best First Novel and received widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers praised Flinn's authentic portrayal of the antiques trade and her creation of a compelling, complex protagonist in Molly Doyle. The book was particularly noted for its: - Rich descriptions of antiques and the dealer's world - Authentic portrayal of Carmel-by-the-Sea - Well-crafted mystery with clever clues - Engaging protagonist with depth and humor ## The Antiques Connection One of the unique aspects of the Molly Doyle series is Elaine Flinn's extensive knowledge of antiques, drawn from her own experience as an antiques dealer. This expertise shines through in *Dealing in Murder*, where antiques aren't just window dressing but integral to the plot. Readers learn about: - Identifying authentic pieces vs. reproductions - The cutthroat world of estate sales - Proper handling and valuation of antiques - The history behind various collectibles ## Start of a Series *Dealing in Murder* sets up the world that would captivate readers through four books. It introduces key recurring characters, establishes Molly's backstory, and creates the cozy yet mysterious atmosphere of Carmel that would become a hallmark of the series. The book ends with Molly deciding to stay in Carmel, setting the stage for future adventures in *Tagged for Murder*, *Deadly Collection*, and *Deadly Vintage*.