The Art of Betrayal by Connie Berry

The Art of Betrayal by Connie Berry
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating; 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Spring is a magical time in England–bluebells massing along the woodland paths, primrose and wild thyme dotting the meadows. Antiques dealer Kate Hamilton is spending the month of May in the Suffolk village of Long Barston, enjoying precious time with Detective Inspector Tom Mallory. While attending the May Fair, the annual pageant based on a well-known Anglo-Saxon folktale, a body turns up in the middle of the festivities.

Kate is even more shocked when she learns the murder took place in antiquity shop owner Ivor Tweedy’s stockroom and a valuable Chinese pottery jar that she had been tasked with finding a buyer for has been stolen. Ivor may be ruined. Insurance won’t cover a fraction of the loss.

As Tom leads the investigation, Kate begins to see puzzling parallels between the murder and local legends. The more she learns, the more convinced she is that the solution to both crimes lies in the misty depths of Anglo-Saxon history and a generations-old pattern of betrayal. It’s up to Kate to unravel this Celtic knot of lies and deception to save Ivor’s business.

A good friend trying to do what’s right and solve a murder all at once!

This is the first Connie Berry book I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. This was a delightful read and easy, too. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. I sped right through in nearly one sitting. This is book three in the series, but doesn’t have to be read in order to be enjoyed. The world building is great and I liked Kate. She’s down to earth and fun, but almost too perfect. Honestly, she’s the kind of character I needed when I picked up this book – I wanted someone to root for. She fit the bill.

This is written in first person, which might not work for all readers, but was fine for me. I liked the budding romance between Kate and Tom, too. This is a cozy, but there’s enough romance that it would satisfy romance readers, too.

If you’re looking for a good book to get lost in, I recommend The Art of Betrayal. I’m off to find books one and two right now.