Tagged for Murder

# Tagged for Murder ## About the Book In *Tagged for Murder*, the second installment of the Molly Doyle mystery series, Elaine Flinn delivers another expertly crafted mystery that combines the intrigue of the antiques world with murder and mayhem in picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea. When Molly agrees to help with a high-profile estate sale, she expects to find valuable antiques and make some good deals. What she doesn't expect is to find a corpse among the china cabinets and Victorian furniture. Once again, Molly's expertise in antiques and her talent for investigation put her at the center of a dangerous mystery. ## Plot Summary Molly Doyle has settled into her life in Carmel, building her reputation as an honest and knowledgeable antiques dealer. When she's asked to assist with the estate sale of a prominent local family, she jumps at the chance to preview the collection and possibly acquire some exceptional pieces. But the preview turns deadly when a body is discovered in the mansion. The victim is connected to the family's past, and as Molly digs deeper, she uncovers long-buried secrets about stolen artwork, family betrayals, and wartime mysteries. As Molly investigates, she realizes that someone is willing to kill to keep the past buried. With the help of her friend Randolph and the grudging cooperation of the police, she must identify the killer before the estate sale becomes her own final sale. ## Character Development *Tagged for Murder* deepens our understanding of Molly Doyle, showing her growing confidence in her new life while still dealing with the shadows of her past. The book also expands the cast of recurring characters, introducing Emma, Molly's young assistant who would become an important part of future books. The relationship between Molly and Detective Stryker evolves in this book, moving from mutual suspicion to grudging respect and hints of something more. ## The Estate Sale Setting Flinn's expertise shines in her detailed portrayal of an estate sale, from the initial cataloging to the drama of the sale itself. Readers learn about: - How estate sales are organized and conducted - The ethics and protocols of the antiques trade - Identifying valuable pieces among everyday items - The competitive nature of dealers and collectors ## Themes and Style *Tagged for Murder* explores themes of: - Family secrets and their consequences - The weight of history in objects and places - Trust and betrayal in small communities - The persistence of the past in the present Flinn's writing style combines: - Sharp, witty dialogue - Rich descriptions of antiques and settings - Well-paced plotting with fair clues - Humor balanced with genuine suspense ## Critical Reception The second Molly Doyle mystery confirmed Elaine Flinn's place as a rising star in the cozy mystery genre. Critics praised: - The authentic antiques background - Molly's growth as a character - The clever plot construction - The vivid sense of place ## Series Progression *Tagged for Murder* successfully avoids the "sophomore slump," building on the strengths of the first book while adding new layers to both character and setting. It sets up storylines that would continue through the rest of the series while delivering a complete, satisfying mystery. The book ends with Molly more firmly established in Carmel's community, setting the stage for the deeper, more complex mysteries to come in *Deadly Collection* and *Deadly Vintage*.