Antiques From Hell

Book excerpt: The lure of antiques, an unfolding love affair, mystery and malice, set in an achingly beautiful remote location. It’s said that Cross County keeps its secrets. The detective spread out his hands in a gesture of defeat. “They didn’t want our report; they’d do their own investigation. My chief told me to leave things alone, given Cross County’s reputation for insularity and truculence.” Deep in the Appalachians of southern Pennsylvania lies Cross County, its coal mines closed decades ago, leaving it poor and struggling. Until now. Thanks to the rich Marcellus Shale gas deposits, the county is having an economic boom, and the financially strapped Colton Area School District is starting to recover. Then someone sets fire to one of the elementary schools, and among the ashes are found the charred remains of the district Superintendent. Jerry noted the frenetic activity as he drove into Colton to take the job of Acting Superintendent. This wasn’t your usual down-at-the-heels rural school district, he thought, his interest growing. Things were buzzing, and as Superintendent he’d get to harness that buzz to make real improvements in education. And, astonishingly, find himself in love. But he’d also have to deal with old resentments, new opportunism, entrenched loyalties, and a long tradition of … arson. By the author of Antiques To Die For, the first book in a series on antiques and murder.