Step into the quirky, clue-filled world of the Trash ‘N’ Treasures Mysteries, where dusty antiques hide deadly secrets and every garage sale could spark a murder investigation! This cozy mystery series by Barbara Allan follows Brandy Borne, a recently divorced sleuth, and her eccentric mother, Vivian, as they unravel crimes in their charming Mississippi River town of Serenity, Iowa. With humor, heart, and a knack for spotting treasures among trash, this mother-daughter duo has captured readers’ imaginations since 2006.
Blending small-town charm with the thrill of amateur sleuthing, the series offers a delightful escape for fans of lighthearted whodunits. Whether you’re an antique enthusiast or a mystery lover, Trash ‘N’ Treasures Mysteries promises a rollicking ride through a world where every knickknack has a story—and some come with a body count!
How Trash ‘N’ Treasures Mysteries Began
Barbara Allan is the pseudonym for the husband-and-wife writing team of Barbara Collins and Max Allan Collins, a duo with a flair for blending humor and suspense. Launched in 2006 with Antiques Roadkill, the series was inspired by their love of antiques and cozy mysteries. The Collinses, who live in Iowa surrounded by their own ‘trash and treasures,’ crafted Brandy and Vivian as a dynamic pair whose antics mirror their own playful dynamic, giving the series its authentic, lived-in feel.
The idea sprouted from Barbara’s short-story expertise and Max’s experience with hardboiled mysteries like Road to Perdition. They wanted a lighter, fun series that married the thrill of crime-solving with the quirky world of antique hunting, and Trash ‘N’ Treasures was born—a perfect blend of their talents and passions.
The Heart of Trash ‘N’ Treasures Mysteries
The series kicks off with Antiques Roadkill (2006), where Brandy, reeling from divorce, returns to Serenity only to find herself and Vivian entangled in a hit-and-run murder tied to a shady antiques dealer. In Antiques Maul (2007), the duo opens an antiques booth, but a corpse at the mall turns their venture deadly. Antiques Flee Market (2008), a fan favorite that won the 2008 Romantic Times Toby Bromberg Award for Most Humorous Mystery, sees them chasing clues at a flea market after a rare comic book sparks a killing. Later, Antiques Con (2014) takes the duo to a New York comic convention, where a stolen Superman sketch leads to murder.
Themes of family, resilience, and community thread through the series, with Brandy evolving from a reluctant sleuth to a confident detective. Vivian’s theatrical flair and Brandy’s grounded wit create a comedic contrast, while their shih tzu, Sushi, adds charm. The small-town Iowa setting, with its riverfront charm and nosy neighbors, feels like a character itself, grounding the madcap mysteries. Antique tips sprinkled throughout each book educate readers on spotting treasures, making the series a unique blend of education and entertainment.
The cozy mystery style—light on gore, heavy on humor—appeals to readers seeking a fun yet suspenseful escape. The Collinses’ knack for snappy dialogue and surprising twists keeps the plots fresh, even across 22 books, with the latest, Antiques Slay Belles, released in 2024.
Why Trash ‘N’ Treasures Mysteries Resonates
Trash ‘N’ Treasures Mysteries has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning praise from outlets like Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine for its humor and quirky characters. Fans adore the series for its relatable protagonists—Brandy’s everyday struggles and Vivian’s over-the-top antics mirror real family dynamics, making readers feel like part of Serenity’s world. Its blend of antique lore and sleuthing appeals to niche audiences, from collectors to cozy fans, while its light tone offers a refreshing break from gritty thrillers.
The series’ staying power lies in its ability to evolve—Brandy’s growth, Vivian’s sheriff campaign, and new settings like New York keep the stories dynamic. With 22 books and counting, Trash ‘N’ Treasures remains a beloved staple for readers seeking laughter, mystery, and a touch of nostalgia.
- First Book: Antiques Roadkill (2006)
- Latest Book: Antiques Slay Belles (2024)
- Total Books: 22
- Award: Antiques Flee Market won the 2008 Romantic Times Toby Bromberg Award for Most Humorous Mystery
Grab Antiques Roadkill and dive into the Trash ‘N’ Treasures Mysteries’ cozy, clue-filled world! Whether you’re hunting for laughs or a clever whodunit, Brandy and Vivian’s adventures are the perfect find.