Killer Keepsakes Cover Art

"We want to elevate the look," St. Martin's Minotaur publisher, Andrew Martin, told Jane. Jane asks, "Isn't it gorgeous?"

Killer Keepsakes will be out in April 2009. Excerpts of the other Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries are available now.

Cooking Tip from Josie's Mom

Summer Salad

1/2 avocado, chopped

2 beefsteak tomatoes, chopped

1 tab parsley, chopped

1 cup grape tomatoes, halved

 

Set aside.

 

For the dressing:

1 tab pureed roasted shallots
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ tab sparkling water
1 tab Dijon mustard
½ tab minced garlic
¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Place the shallots, mustard, and garlic in a medium bowl.
2. Add half of the vinegar.
3. Add the oil in a steady stream, whisking continually, until the dressing starts to thicken.
4. Add the remaining vinegar and whisk in the rest of the oil.
5. Add the sparkling water.
6. Taste and check the seasoning, adding salt and pepper as desired.
7. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, 1 tab at a time, then toss well, until all vegetables are well coated, but not soggy.

Jane on You Tube

	the trailer for Antiques to Die For
	Jane reading an Excerpt from Deadly Appraisal
	Jane speaking about the writing process)

"I was thrilled—so proud and happy," Jane said when Deadly Appraisal won the David, an annual award for Best Mystery Novel given by attendees at the Deadly Ink Mystery Conference.

Jane's Guest of Honor Interview:
Cool Questions

As the guest of honor at this year's Deadly Ink Mystery Conference, I was interviewed by author Cheryl Solimini. Here are Cheryl's way cool questions and my answers.

1. What is your favorite word?
I have two: haptic and purl. Haptic is a scientific term having to do with tactile sensitivity... but a friend and I have adopted it to mean touchable, as in, "Oh, baby, he's haptic." Purl is a lovely word for a lovely sound—it is the sound a bubbling brook makes.

2. What is your least favorite word?
No. Don't tell me no. If it requires work, let's roll up our sleeves and make it happen, but I hate hearing no.

3. What is your favorite word that sounds like a curse word but isn't?
I don't have one... but I do have a word that sounds vulgar and isn't. I lived in Los Angeles for awhile and was shocked to discover a major thoroughfare named Sepulveda Boulevard. Parents, don't let your children play on Sepulveda.

4. What sound or noise do you love?
Two come to mind. A kitty purring... an intimate sound of approval and affection. You can't make a cat purr, and you can only hear it if you're close by. Also, my husband .... [MORE]

Ask Your Librarian

Antiques to Die For is available in a large print edition, most commonly stocked by libraries. If you would prefer to read a larger font, ask your librarian if they have it. If not, ask them to acquire it. Thanks!

A downloadable podcast of the excerpt is available as well as a text version.

View my blogs, friends, comments, etc. on your favorite blogging site:

	Crimespace
	MySpace

Hannah Barlow and her sister Florence, produced Art Pottery for Royal Doulton's London factory for nearly forty years. Hannah, known for her designs featuring British flora and birds, retired in 1913.

Hannah sketched her design and then incised it into the wet clay. This process was expensive and time-consuming. She marked all her wares with a distinctive monogram.

In recent years, her objects have been selling for $4,000 and up.

Fun facts about other antiques and collectibles are available on Jane's website

Also, want to pit your antiques appraisal skills against those of the professionals? Take the challenge, updated weekly, at What's It Worth? You Be the Judge.

Ask Jane

Q: You gave two keynote speeches in the last week or so. What do you speak about?

A: I customize every speech for every audience. For instance, at this year's New Jersey Association of Library Assistants, I spoke on Killer Antiques, but integrated their theme—Staying Motivated Amidst Change.

Here's a PDF of my mystery-related keynotes.

I also deliver business communications and personal development keynotes.

If your group is looking for a keynote speaker, please contact Jane directly.

Enter Jane's monthly drawing to win an autographed copy of a Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery. PLUS, the lucky winner will receive two Josie Prescott enscribed martini glasses.