Although A Wealth of Deception is Trish Esden’s second Scandal Mountain Antique Mystery, you can jump right into this series. If you’re a fan of Jane K. Cleland’s Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries, you’re probably going to like this series featuring another antiques expert who starts out on shaky ground.

Although Edie Brown’s Vermont family business, Scandal Mountain Fine Arts and Antiques, had an excellent reputation for years, her experiences and her mother’s have made some reputable dealers a little doubtful about them. Edie was once arrested for selling stolen goods when she rushed into a sale, but she received probation. However, her mother is now in prison for art forgery. Edie moved home to help her Uncle Tuck and his assistant, Kala, with the business. And, the family home and business are in trouble. There’s a failing septic system that will cost money, and, now, a delayed auction which means the money isn’t there at the moment.

When Tuck and Edie go to a woman’s house to appraise her mother’s collectibles, Edie spots a picture that catches her attention. It’s collage art that appears to be by an artist named Vespa, a well-known “outsider” artist. But, the client’s vague stories about her brother and the piece on the wall cause Edie to take a second look, and take some pictures. Edie’s interest and her prowling around for answers leads to a rehabilitation center, an art show, and trouble.

Like Cleland’s series, Esden’s mystery gives readers a glimpse into the work of art and collecting. It’s a dark mystery at times, dealing with mental health issues, art fraud, murder, and attempted murder. It’s a complex mystery with an appealing cast of support characters. Esden just needs a little more time to flesh out the characters. A Wealth of Deception is a fresh story taking the antique mystery world in a new direction.

Trish Esden’s website is https://trishesden.com/

A Wealth of Deception by Trish Esden. Crooked Lane Books, 2023. ISBN 9781639102549 (hardcover), 336p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I read a galley to review for a journal.