Splendor in the Glass: A Den of Antiquity Mystery

Abigail Timberlake has gotten married to Greg Washburn who quit his job as a policeman in Charlotte to become a shrimp fisherman. Since there aren't a lot of shrimp in Charlotte that haven't already been breaded and fried the newlyweds move to Charleston. Abby has always wanted to be a South of Broad resident and she buys a house that does indeed make her a SOB (South of Broad). The people who live there always refer to themselves this way, and very proudly I might add. She leaves her Charlotte antique shop in the capable hands of her assistant and opens her second shop in the Holy City. No, not Rome, Charleston has so many churches that it has gained that nickname. The Rob-Bobs soon make the move themselves and Abby's mother has moved in with Abby and Greg so most of her old crew is still around for Abby's adventures. To make it all the more cozy, CJ is in Charleston for a visit. Of course to have any social standing at all in Charleston one not only has to live South of Broad but also has to have had three hundred years worth of Charleston ancestors. Abby, like the other newcomers is referred to as being from "off" but at least she's not a Yankee. They are referred to a s being from "way off." That being the case, Abby is thrilled when she is invited to have tea with the grand matron of Charleston society. She's even more thrilled when she finds that the lady in question has a priceless glass collection that she wants Abby to sell for her, but the thrill dies quickly because the owner of the collection is poisoned shortly after Abby's visit. The death of any little old lady that Abby visits seems to be a recurring theme in this series. This is of course the key to the whole plot for if Abby weren't a suspect in these murders she would have no reason to poke around in an attempt to clear herself. As usual, Abby's investigation almost gets her killed and she fingers the killer almost by accident, but the mystery in this book is a much better one than in some of the previous books. As is also normal for these books there are laughs a plenty; most of which come from CJ and Abby's mother Mozella. One never knows from book to book just what Mozella will come up with next and in this book she becomes an art aficionado. At least she becomes an aficionado of velvet art and has her eye on a new painting for Abby's living room. It is a velvet depiction of Jesus and Elvis riding a horse and is entitled, "Two Kings." Chasing the horse on foot are the Three Stooges with Marilyn Monroe bringing up the rear waving a Confederate flag. Mrs. Myers has a wonderful sense of humor and these books are a great deal of fun. The characters are always one of a kind and the endings are often a great surprise. This entry in the series is no exception. On the other hand, this author was able to lend a deep sense of atmosphere to the previous books but fell a little short with this one. Charleston has so much atmosphere though that I'm sure that this will improve in the

Being from Charleston, I'm thrilled that my favorite sleuth, Abby Timberlake (now Washburn) has relocated to my town. And thank heavens she brought Mama and the cat along with her. And a husband who is runs a shrimp boat! (hope we'll have a mystery on the boat someday...)Welcome to Charleston, Abby!

I always enjoy Tamar Myers' work. I think CJ, and in general the eccentricities of the characters are what makes this book good. To me, a good mystery is a good book first and a good mystery second.Myers' sense of humor is one of the things that makes her mysteries worth reading. She is primarily a comic writer, with a strong sense of place and of character. The mystery is secondary - which to my mind is the way it should be. I suspect that living outside the U.S. during her early life has given her an outsiders eye; she sees stuff that is invisible to most of us because we take it for granted.

Tamar Myers has done it again! Her quirky, yet lovable, characters make these novels so much fun to read. Readers who enjoyed the Southern Sisters series by the late Anne George would find both of Tamar Myers' series enchanting.

Tamar Myers latest novel is a delighfully fun read!! What a pleasure to read a mystery and get to giggle all the way through! Living just outside of Charleston myself I can assure you that Mrs. Myers has it right - names that are spelled one way and pronounced another, old society, being from "off" and "way off," and lots of crazy characters! I am more than happy to welcome Abby Timberlake Washburn and her quirky friends and relatives to Charleston and I hope they stay for a very long time. I've recommended this book to all my friends and am eagerly awaiting the next installment!