Stealing with Style

Emyl Jenkins

Published By: Algonquin Books

Book Category: Fiction, Mystery & Detective

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Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

I enjoy Southern novels and writers almost as much as I enjoy chocolate. It is nirvana for me to be introduced to a new Southern novelist. Stealing with Style is Emyl Jenkins' debut novel. And a stunning debut it is. The storyline is interesting, the characters are inviting and the information about antiques is absolutely intriguing. I will be extremely disappointed if there isn't another Sterling Glass novel. I particularly enjoyed a bright, knowledgeable and interesting middle-aged heroine, Sterling Glass.

Sterling Glass is a divorced antiques appraiser from a small town in Virginia. Her life has a certain simple rhythm that is satisfying. But when several rare and valuable items begin appearing at the local Salvation Army store, she uncovers an intricate plot involving old Virginia families, their valued treasures, and some people of dubious character in and out of the antique world. And if that isn't enough, she finds herself helping an elderly New York man preserve his family heritage. But to help him she must enter the world of greed and danger.

Sterling Glass is savvy when it comes to antiques. But that skill doesn't always transfer to people, especially dishonest people with hidden agendas. It's that part of her character that makes her all the more interesting and special. There is also the small promise of a future romance. But I'm not sure at this point if the obvious romance choice is so obvious.

A winner: Emyl Jenkins' Stealing with Style.