Thanks so much for inviting me to dru’s book musings. I know you love books and I am always happy talking about my job, because I am very lucky in my world of books.
Sometimes I think that life can’t get any better. Take today: it started as a typical morning at Van Alst House where I work as a researcher for Vera Van Alst, reclusive book collector and the most hated woman in Harrison Falls, New York. I awoke in my attic room with the cabbage rose wallpaper and edged my way out from under the flower-sprigged quilt. Walter the Pug, who continues to visit, offered a panting good morning smile. Good Cat purred at the end of the bed. Apparently cat and dog and woman can co-exist in peace.
I cannot believe my good fortune that this wonderful little apartment comes as part of my compensation ‘package’ as well as the two fabulous meals a day. It’s the best job in the world. I’d kind of hit rock bottom after my former boyfriend maxed out my credit cards and drained my bank account. I had to delay my dreams for grad school until I put my life back in order. But after limping home to my uncles and spending some time in my childhood bedroom (back to Hello Kitty and My Little Ponies too) I landed this dream job. It’s a real break for me, as I am the first person in my family to go straight. But that part of my life is a story for another day, as they say.
Now, I’m working on upgrading Vera’s collection of Nero Wolfe mysteries, by the great Rex Stout. I think they should be called the Archie Goodwin books because that dashing and witty Archie is my favorite character. Vera hates it when I say that, but I can’t resist teasing her across the vast Sheraton table over dinner. She, herself, is more than a bit like Nero Wolfe without the charm.
So besides finding fine first editions for Vera’s collection of mysteries from the Golden Age of Detection, I also get to live in a huge, historic home, and eat in the grand dining room every night. If I remember to wear my high leather boots and avoid ankle swipes from Bad Cat, it’s pretty close to heaven. Tonight, we’re having a mountain of gnocchi with fresh grated Parmesan. Signora Panetone, Vera’s cook, is quick to heap our plates. Everything smells wonderful.
Outside, the wind howls and the snow swirls. The temperature plummets. The windows rattle a bit.
But with a sweater on, it’s warm and cozy inside Van Alst House this late November night. In fact, things are perfect until the doorbell rings. But it’s just a doorbell, right? It’s not like a simple DING DONG! could cost a girl her dream job and bring death and destruction all around. Is it?
In retrospect, perhaps if I hadn’t answered it . . .
You can read more about Jordan in The Wolfe Widow, the third book in the “Book Collector” mystery series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The first book in the series is The Christie Curse.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on September 18 for the chance to win a print copy of THE WOLFE WIDOW. The giveaway is open to everyone.
About the author
That shadowy figure Victoria Abbott is a collaboration between artist and photographer, Victoria Maffini, and her mother, Mary Jane Maffini, author of three mystery series. Their Book Collector series blends contemporary mystery, humor and classics from the Golden Age of Detection. Of course, there are also dogs and cats. The Christie Curse, The Sayers Swindle and The Wolfe Widow (September 2014) will be followed by two more book collector mysteries: The Marsh Madness is taking shape now. Be warned!
You can keep up with their characters on the thirtieth of the month over at Killer Characters and their culinary adventures at Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen or by signing up for their newsletter at www.victoria-abbott.com or www.maryjanemaffini.com.
My books are on the way (got the email from Chapters on Friday). Good luck to everybody who enters.
I love this series and the Nero Wolfe series. I can’t wait to read this one.
Interesting! Sounds like fun 🙂
I have the first two in this series, and I loved them !
I LOVED THE nERO wOLFE SERIES WAY BACK MANY.MANY YEARS AGO , SO THIS SOUNDS INTERESTING.
Loved the first book in this series. Need to catch up with the next two.
I’ve read some of her mother’s books and would love to read this series, too!
I love this series and am looking forward to this book especially because of Nero Wolfe. I am a big fan of Nero both in literature and films. I just bought the complete TV series and am enjoying rewatching these episodes. Love Timothy Hutton as Archie!
Sounds wonderful 🙂
Talk about a dream job! Looking forward to this! Thanks!
Always looking for new series to read! This one sounds like my cup of tea. 🙂
I’d love this!
I would love to own this one. All the characters are wonderfully drawn. I can’t wait to know what happens next.
would love to read it; thank you for the chance 🙂
This book sounds so neat….ad of course, I live in upstate NY! Maybe Jordan lives nearby 😉
I would love to read this book—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
I love this series! Jordan is a very unique character and her job is fascinating. I would be thrilled to win a copy of the newest book!
Readers are in for a treat with this 3rd book from Victoria and MJ …… I finally turned out the light last night at 1:15 am, 50 pages from the end of The Wolfe Widow. Lucky commenter Linda K who now has the TV episodes to watch too.
This is a marvelous series. I look forward to this latest installment.
Would love to win!
What a dream job to land. Sounds like my kind of story. Must add another to my TBR list. Thanks for the review.
Love this series. I’m looking forward to the The Wolfe Widow. It’s at the top of my book list!
Sounds very interesting.
Nero Wolfe is my all time favorite detective and I must agree with Jordan about Archie. I must read this series . Question – do I need to read in order? Thanks for the giveaway and I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
Recently read The Sayers Swindle, and looking forward to The Wolfe Widow.
I love this series and would love to win. Thanks for sharing.
I love this series with books on books. Nero Wolfe is also one of my favorite detective series. Looking forward to reading this third one too!!
Wow, that sounds great, thanks for the chance to win.
I simply love this series, and I’ve been anxious for The Wolfe Widow to be released. Sounds like Jordan will have her work cut out!
I am eager to read the latest in this great series.
Nero, Archie and a dark and stormy night….what could be better?
This looks like a truly awesome book…..love the cover all fall like and the cute dog…also love the fact that it has dogs and cats in the story….my very favorite mystery read…can’t wait to read Victoria Abbott’s thrilling books!!!!!
I want one, I love this series.
Sounds like a great series.
Great blog post! I can’t wait to read this.
I love this series! Thanks for the post & giveaway!
How fun! I’m looking forward to checking out this series.
Just finished reading the e-book. Would love to own a hard copy of this enjoyable book!
Sounds like a good read.
I like the rare books tie in for this series. Thanks for the contest.
suefasrrell.farrell@gmail.com
Oops–my email in the previous post is wrong—-bad bad fingers. The correct one is suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Such a wonderful series. All the characters are endearing, even crabby old Vera Van Alst. She loves her books, so you can’t help but love her. Can’t wait to read this next one.
I’m not familiar with this series but I can tell I should get that remedied right away! This sounds like it is right down my alley. Thanks for the chance to win.
thanx for this fun giveaway!!!!
Loved the Christie Curse. Looking foreword to this new one.
We love, love, love the Nero Wolfe books – this sounds like a great series!
I’ve never read a Wolfe story, but would love to read about somebody’s dream job – especially connected to book collections.
Haven’t read any in this series yet. I do have some books by Mary Jane Maffini (organizer series).
contest is closed.