How to Read the Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries: Recommended Reading Path
For the most satisfying experience, readers should follow the series in its publication order. While each mystery is resolved within its respective book and can technically be enjoyed as a standalone, the personal and professional lives of the characters evolve chronologically. Reading the series in sequence allows you to experience the natural progression of Josie's relationships—especially with local police chief Ellis and her husband, Ty—the growth of her business, Prescott's Antiques & Auctions, and her integration into the community of Rocky Point.
Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries in Publication Order
Below is the complete chronological list of the Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries novels, including details about the specific antiques and appraisal puzzles at the heart of each case:
- Consigned to Death (2006): After leaving New York under a cloud of scandal, Josie opens her shop in Rocky Point. When a client is murdered, Josie must clear her own name using her knowledge of antiques to trace the killer.
- Deadly Appraisal (2007): Josie hosts a high-profile appraisal gala for a local women's guild, but the event is derailed when a wealthy benefactor is poisoned.
- Antiques to Die For (2008): A friend's sudden death leaves Josie with a mystery centered on a collection of valuable, hidden treasures and a cryptic map.
- Killer Keepsakes (2009): A local resident hires Josie to appraise a collection, but a murder forces Josie to search through vintage heirlooms for a killer's motive.
- Silent Auction (2010): A charity auction goes horribly wrong when a bidder is found dead, and Josie must investigate the authentic provenance of the items on the block.
- Deadly Threads (2011): Vintage textiles and fine lace take center stage when Josie's examination of a historical collection leads her to a web of historical secrets and modern-day murder.
- Dolled Up for Murder (2012): Josie is asked to appraise a rare, valuable collection of antique dolls, but the appraisal turns into a nightmare involving kidnapping and murder.
- Lethal Treasure (2013): Josie discovers a cache of valuable antiques in an abandoned storage unit, only to learn that someone is willing to kill to keep those secrets hidden.
- Blood Rubies (2014): A set of precious ruby jewelry comes to Josie for appraisal, bringing with it a deadly curse of greed, theft, and violence.
- Ornaments of Death (2015): A festive holiday setting turns dark when Josie is called to appraise 17th-century watercolor portraits, leading to a decades-old mystery.
- The Glow of Death (2016): Josie appraises a rare Tiffany lamp with a unique, luminous glass design, only to find herself embroiled in a case involving an unexpected death.
- Antique Blues (2018): The discovery of an antique, hand-carved wooden box leads Josie on a trail of family secrets, betrayal, and murder.
- Hidden Treasure (2020): While renovating a historic Victorian home with her husband, Ty, Josie uncovers a hidden trunk containing a rare jewel-encrusted cat sculpture linked to a long-forgotten disappearance.
- Jane Austen's Lost Letters (2021): Josie acquires a cache of letters that appear to be written by Jane Austen itself, which connects directly to her own late father's past and triggers a dangerous chase.
The Josie Prescott Short Stories
In addition to the fourteen full-length novels, Jane K. Cleland has written several short stories featuring Josie Prescott. These stories were originally published in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and offer quick, engaging puzzles for fans of the series:
- "Killing Time" (2008): A short caper focusing on Josie's early days in Rocky Point.
- "Designed to Kill" (2009): Josie untangles a mystery surrounding mid-century modern design elements.
- "Booked for Death" (2015): A bibliophile's collection leads to a quick-witted investigation.
What to Know Before You Start
Jane K. Cleland’s background as a professional antiques dealer brings an unparalleled authenticity to the series. Each book is filled with real-world appraisal tips, details on how to spot fakes, and historical context about various collectibles, making it a delight for fans of Antiques Roadshow. The tone of the series is classic cozy: it features puzzle-driven plots, low levels of graphic violence, a strong sense of community, and a cast of endearing recurring characters including Josie's assistant Gretchen and her circle of friends in Rocky Point. Cleland is also a renowned writing teacher, and her tight plotting and command of suspense reflect her expertise in the craft.