Dual Review: Counterfeit Conspiracies & Marked Masters by Ritter Ames

Series: Bodies of Art, #1
Publisher: Henery Press
Published: February 2nd 2016
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Length: 194 pages



Cozy Mysteries are one of my favorite genres. Maybe it's the years spent watching Murder She Wrote, Diagnosis Murder, Matlock and Dr. Quincy, MD with my grandparents, but they remain one of my favorite genres. And I am always on the look out for my next great cozy mystery to read.

The cover looked interesting, and I do enjoy reading cozies about art. I hadn't read anything by this author before, but Henery Press hasn't let me down yet, so I decided to give this book a try.

I was intrigued from the first that I picked it up. It read so quickly, that I was done almost before I was ready for it. The style reminded be very much of those 1960's, you know the ones where the women and men all dressed in posh, stylish outfits, yet still managed to kick some butt. Except this was updated for present day. I guess what I am trying to say, was that it just felt classy, yet current. I really quite enjoyed it and gave it 4 solid stars.

Netgalley and Henery Press provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Laurel Beacham may have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but she has long since lost it digging herself out of trouble. Her father gambled and womanized his way through the family fortune before skiing off an Alp, leaving her with more tarnish than trust fund. Quick wits and connections have gained her a reputation as one of the world’s premier art recovery experts. The police may catch the thief, but she reclaims the missing masterpieces.

The latest assignment, however, may be her undoing. Using every ounce of luck and larceny she possesses, Laurel must locate a priceless art icon and rescue a co-worker (and ex-lover) from a master criminal, all the while matching wits with a charming new nemesis. Unfortunately, he seems to know where the bodies are buried—and she prefers hers isn’t next.

    

Series: Bodies of Art, #2
Publisher: Henery Press
Published: February 2, 2016
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Length: 199 pages


After reading, and sincerely enjoying, Counterfeit Conspiracies, I was eager to start Marked Masters. However, other commitments kept me from diving in right away. I found that a mixed blessing, mainly because it gave me time to really digest the first book, but also to know that I was going to need to set aside time to properly read this one. With the first book I got lucky; I had a nice chuck of uninterrupted time to really get into the book without any worrying about distractions. I didn't have the going into the second book right away. It took me a couple of tries, but I finally got a chance to really dive in and enjoy this book.

We start shortly after the conclusion of events in book 1. It quickly becomes apparent that there is an overall series mystery, in addition to the one that is the focus of the book. And though the book maintained it's retro-classic feel, I really enjoyed the updated feminist power of our heroine saving not only herself, but the hero as well.  Who says we need a man to save us? Two thumbs up for Girl Power!

Although most cozies are written with a lighter tone, I did enjoy the more drama based feel for these books. Not that they weren't humorous; there were several spots that I couldn't help but giggle with evil glee at Laurel's shenanigans. It's just that the books had a more weighty feel, most probably aided by the international locations in the book. This was once again a 4 star read.

Netgalley and Henery Press provided me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Laurel Beacham made working solo a personal success story and is known for her nerve, instincts, and ability to do whatever necessary to return each priceless masterpiece safely intact. As the world’s leading art recovery expert, she’s thwarted more heists than the average law enforcement professional. Museums applaud her skills. Thieves admire the cunning way she operates.

Her last job landed her the head position over the London branch of Beacham Foundation, but bringing one case to a close only opened a bigger one. More importantly, the new case inextricably ties her to Jack Hawkes, a man smart enough to be her equal but who keeps her trust meter firmly in the red zone. Trying to stop a rumored heist of the century, the pair leap headlong into a plot that gets more dangerous and illusive by the minute. The clock counts down as the bodies and forgeries stack up.