The Christie Curse by Victoria Abbott

Blurb: In 1926, Agatha Christie disappeared—making headlines across the world—only to show up eleven days later at a spa under an assumed name. During those eleven days, did she have time to write a play?
Jordan Kelly needs a new job and a new place to live. She’s back in Harrison Falls, New York, living with her not so law-abiding uncles, in debt thanks to a credit card–stealing ex and pending grad school loans.

Enter the perfect job, a research position that includes room and board, which will allow her to spend her days hunting down rare mysteries for an avid book collector. There’s just one problem: her employer, Vera Van Alst—the most hated citizen of Harrison Falls.

Jordan’s first assignment is to track down a rumored Agatha Christie play. It seems easy enough, but Jordan soon finds out that her predecessor was killed while looking for it, and there is still someone out there willing to murder to keep the play out of Vera’s hands. Jordan’s new job is good…but is it worth her life?

My Review: Upon returning to Harrison Falls, Jordan answers a random ad that leads her to the home of eccentric, wheelchair-bound Vera, and an unusual request - find a play Agatha Christie allegedly wrote during her 11 day disappearance in 1926. She starts to wonder what she's gotten herself into when she learns her predecessor died under suspicious circumstances.

This book is rich in secondary characters, from Vera's cook who just wants everyone to "eat, eat!" to Jordan's uncles and handsome librarian friend.  Even Vera's home is a character with it's turrets, massive library, and hidden passageways. Of course my personal favorites are Walter the adorable pug and Vera's mysterious Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde Siamese cats.

With so many suspicious characters the identity of the killer had me stumped but the motive in the end was a perfect fit for this first Book Collector's Mystery. Dame Agatha would be proud that her works still inspire mystery writers and readers.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher with the request for a review.