The Christie Curse

Jordan Bingham needs a job desperately and lands a position researching for a collector of rare mysteries. Her first assignment is to verify the existence of an unpublished play allegedly written by Agatha Christie. The search puts Jordan in contact with both helpful and hostile residents of Harrison Falls, New York. As she investigates the Christie manuscript's history, she encounters resistance from people who seem determined to keep certain secrets buried in the past. The investigation becomes complicated when deaths occur that mirror Christie's mystery plots. Jordan must navigate academic rivalries, family dynamics, and her own criminal family background while pursuing the truth about the manuscript. The novel explores themes of authenticity versus deception, using the framework of rare book collecting to examine how people construct and protect their personal narratives.

Readers describe this cozy mystery as a solid series starter with an appealing book-collecting premise. The protagonist's background as a former journalist and current book hunter connects well with readers. Likes: - Strong cast of secondary characters, particularly the uncle and housekeeper - Details about book collecting and Christie memorabilia - Fast-moving plot with multiple suspects - Clean content without graphic violence Dislikes: - Some found the protagonist naive and prone to poor decisions - Romance elements feel underdeveloped - Several readers note the mystery solution comes too abruptly - Book collecting details occasionally slow the pacing Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (180+ reviews) Sample reader comment: "A refreshing new series that balances booklore with actual detective work. The Christie connections add depth without overwhelming the story." - Goodreads reviewer

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson A traveling librarian in 1930s Kentucky solves mysteries while delivering books to remote mountain communities.

The Postmistress of Paris by Meg Waite Clayton A woman uses her position at a post office in Nazi-occupied Paris to help smuggle documents and solve crimes.

The Bookshop Murder by Merryn Allingham The owner of a seaside bookshop investigates murders connected to rare books while managing her store.

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner Two women separated by centuries connect through an apothecary shop and its book of secrets to solve historical murders.

The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler A librarian receives an ancient book that reveals dark secrets about his family while he races to break a generations-old curse.

🔍 "Victoria Abbott" is actually a pseudonym for the mother-daughter writing duo of Mary Jane Maffini and Victoria Maffini 📚 The book centers around the mysterious world of book collecting, specifically rare editions of Agatha Christie's works 🏰 The story takes place in Harrison Falls, New York - a fictional town that becomes a character itself with its historic mansions and antiquarian bookshops 💫 This novel launched the "Book Collector Mystery" series, which went on to include five more books following protagonist Jordan Bingham's adventures 🔎 The authors incorporated real elements of Agatha Christie's life and work into their fictional mystery, including references to Christie's famous 11-day disappearance in 1926