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Curiosity Shop #2
The Curious Case of the Cursed Dice
An Ancient Lock, Cursed Dice, and a New Villain
Cecilia and Clarence have their work cut out for them when a pair of cursed dice result in bad luck....of the fatal kind. Not only that, but an ancient lock is needed to keep the Cabal, an evil secret society, from stealing the artifacts. When Celilia and Clarence are captured by the Cabal, they must rely on a new acquaintance to rescue them. But is she working with the Cabal? And what secrets does she hide?
Find out in the second installment of this fast moving and thrilling adventure mystery series.
Cecilia and Clarence have their work cut out for them when a pair of cursed dice result in bad luck....of the fatal kind. Not only that, but an ancient lock is needed to keep the Cabal, an evil secret society, from stealing the artifacts. When Celilia and Clarence are captured by the Cabal, they must rely on a new acquaintance to rescue them. But is she working with the Cabal? And what secrets does she hide?
Find out in the second installment of this fast moving and thrilling adventure mystery series.
- GenresMystery
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2017
226 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Constance Barker
279Ìýbooks201ÌýfollowersConstance Barker lives in the Midwest with her husband and two Akitas where she can look out from her screened porch onto a wooded area brimming with activity. Since she was a young girl she read mysteries, often given to her by her grandmother. She loved figuring out who the culprit was and sometimes she was right and other times startled at who the author picked as the assailant. Now she enjoys writing mysteries herself. When she isn't writing stories, she can be found in her favorite vacation spot, Las Vegas or shopping for bargains.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 7, 2017
This would have been more enjoyable if one could like the main character more. She is way to concerned with outdoing her partner than doing things correctly. She does come around in the end so I gave it a 3. If there is another in the series I will give it another shot. It's pretty light reading and just skims surfaces of the characters. There is no depth so we will see what develops in future offerings
June 29, 2024
Cecelia is a selfish brat
October 7, 2017
Not nearly as good as the first book.
Lots of typos and the story was bland compared to the first of the series. Don't think I will be reading the next one.
Lots of typos and the story was bland compared to the first of the series. Don't think I will be reading the next one.
July 11, 2017
Cecilia and Clarence are back with another quest for a mysterious artifact. This time they are in Sin City-that's right folks, Las Vegas, Nevada! In the taxi ride to the hotel they read a newspaper article about three people who had won big money at casinos recently, only to go on to have freak accidents resulting in their deaths. Cecilia figures out that the connection must be a pair of cursed dice, and immediately sets her hopes on finding them. Clarence wants only to find the lock that they have come to retrieve. He is hoping the lock will be the answer to keeping artifacts contained back in the shop to eliminate trips to the Grand Storehouse. The less they can do to attract the Cabal, the better.
This trip, both Clarence and Cecilia think "their" artifact is more important than the other one, and they end up going off to search alone in different directions. It becomes a competition no one is winning until an odd coincidence brings them back together working on a joint recovery. From there it is exciting to see how the individuals involved can help the other and the unexpected way they work together and decide what the ultimate artifact to get really is.
Wonderful new characters bring so much to the plot and resolution. Changes in Clarence and Cecilia show their growth as Antique Dealers and friends. The setting and even the taxi driver seem so vivid that you can almost imagine this all being true! But the twists and turns and surprising escape that make the story so enjoyable also tell me we aren't in Kansas any more!
Fun for all ages and nothing to be embarrassed about regarding language or explicit romance. Recommended for all ages. If you haven't read the first book in the series, be sure to start with that one; The Curious Case of the Cursed Spectacles.
This trip, both Clarence and Cecilia think "their" artifact is more important than the other one, and they end up going off to search alone in different directions. It becomes a competition no one is winning until an odd coincidence brings them back together working on a joint recovery. From there it is exciting to see how the individuals involved can help the other and the unexpected way they work together and decide what the ultimate artifact to get really is.
Wonderful new characters bring so much to the plot and resolution. Changes in Clarence and Cecilia show their growth as Antique Dealers and friends. The setting and even the taxi driver seem so vivid that you can almost imagine this all being true! But the twists and turns and surprising escape that make the story so enjoyable also tell me we aren't in Kansas any more!
Fun for all ages and nothing to be embarrassed about regarding language or explicit romance. Recommended for all ages. If you haven't read the first book in the series, be sure to start with that one; The Curious Case of the Cursed Spectacles.
July 10, 2017
The chasing of impossible things that can't exsist continues... Simple items that are lucky charms ??OR artifacts cursed with profound consequences ?!? This may only be book 2 but Curiosity Shop Cozy Mysteries series is Rock Solid !!! Constance Barker Never Fails to capture readers and keep them enthralled. Interrupting reader before the end could get you 'cursed' ;). The Curious Case of the Cursed Dice has the new(ish) Antique Dealers in action packed peril from page 1. In Destiny's Point, Uncle Mason's legacies, the Curiousity Shop, being an Antique Dealer, passed on in book 1, The Curious Case of the Cursed Spectacles. Cecilia, niece and shop owner, relies on instincts, improvising and impulses. Rushes to implement. Clarence, shop manager, relies on plans, focus and goals. Then implements. What a great team. If they could quit competing for leadership. Maybe Edgar, a translucent Victorian man bound to a pen, can help them survive the dangers of being Antique Dealers. The thrill factor increases throughout the book. Leading to promises of unpredictable twists and turns for future stories. The book ends not as a cliffhanger but possibilities. More Wondrous, Exciting Adventures. Oh...Lila Twill, friend or foe. MORE of her !!! I received this book as an ARC. I am voluntarily posting this review.
September 3, 2018
Great Story Concept
I really liked the story and the fact Cecelia and Clarence went after two potentially cursed artifacts in Las Vegas, my favorite place to vacation. And I liked that the evil Cabal was worked into the storyline. What I did not like was the constant bickering and competing between the two. And I seriously disliked Cecelia's snide remarks to Clarence. Very unprofessional and dangerous given their circumstances. But the issues between them seemed to have been worked out at the end of the book so I am going to give book 3 a read. I really like the story concept of finding and containing dangerous objects and circumventing the evil intent of the Cabal.
I really liked the story and the fact Cecelia and Clarence went after two potentially cursed artifacts in Las Vegas, my favorite place to vacation. And I liked that the evil Cabal was worked into the storyline. What I did not like was the constant bickering and competing between the two. And I seriously disliked Cecelia's snide remarks to Clarence. Very unprofessional and dangerous given their circumstances. But the issues between them seemed to have been worked out at the end of the book so I am going to give book 3 a read. I really like the story concept of finding and containing dangerous objects and circumventing the evil intent of the Cabal.
May 30, 2018
Easy Reading Sweetness
The Curiosity Shop Cozy Mystery series is, well, cozy. Light reading, lots of inane banter between characters, short on mystery. Just the thing to cleanse the palate after a round of the serious grisly gruesome serial killer tough guy hero police procedural terror filled bloody books that I love!
The Curiosity Shop Cozy Mystery series is, well, cozy. Light reading, lots of inane banter between characters, short on mystery. Just the thing to cleanse the palate after a round of the serious grisly gruesome serial killer tough guy hero police procedural terror filled bloody books that I love!
July 31, 2017
Nicely written, good plot, increasingly developed characters who are becoming Good friends.
Like the idea of the cursed objects expanding our reality. Their intricacies are brilliant. Can't wait for the next volume.
Like the idea of the cursed objects expanding our reality. Their intricacies are brilliant. Can't wait for the next volume.
September 4, 2017
Curiosity shop cozy mystery
This is another winner. The second book was as great as the first book. I highly recommend her books to everyone who loves magic and ghosts. She writes wonderful storylines and great characters in every book. Diana Romano
This is another winner. The second book was as great as the first book. I highly recommend her books to everyone who loves magic and ghosts. She writes wonderful storylines and great characters in every book. Diana Romano
September 20, 2017
It's a good read
The trouble with series books such as these is that they follow the same formula. I enjoy them in the moment, yet, at the same time waffle about whether or not to get on with the next one. Undecided as of now about the 3rd one.
The trouble with series books such as these is that they follow the same formula. I enjoy them in the moment, yet, at the same time waffle about whether or not to get on with the next one. Undecided as of now about the 3rd one.
March 19, 2018
A great adventure series
If you love the television show, The Librarians, this is the series for you. There is danger, excitement, curses, a ghost and so much more. Don't miss this series, it is great fun. I can't wait to read more.
If you love the television show, The Librarians, this is the series for you. There is danger, excitement, curses, a ghost and so much more. Don't miss this series, it is great fun. I can't wait to read more.
July 15, 2017
Just as good if not better than the first book. The characters are endearing and you do become invested in them. Cecilia and Clarence are off again. Can't wait for the next book.
July 31, 2017
Curiosity Shop
Both of the curious spectacles and dice were very good mysteries . They held my interest to the end of the stories. Can't wait for the next curious shop mystery.
Both of the curious spectacles and dice were very good mysteries . They held my interest to the end of the stories. Can't wait for the next curious shop mystery.
August 17, 2017
A fun series
Well-defined characters, both principal and secondary, and a clever and unusual premise. I'm looking forward to #3 in the series.
Well-defined characters, both principal and secondary, and a clever and unusual premise. I'm looking forward to #3 in the series.
September 1, 2017
Awesome
Love these characters. The stories are great and I love the unusual things they go after. Can't wait to read more.
Love these characters. The stories are great and I love the unusual things they go after. Can't wait to read more.
October 31, 2017
Dice
Book2 was just as good as book 1. Several new characters were added in this episode. I suspect at least two will pop up again somewhere during the series. A very good read.
Book2 was just as good as book 1. Several new characters were added in this episode. I suspect at least two will pop up again somewhere during the series. A very good read.
November 12, 2017
Wowsa
Wow excellent book set adventurous read.
Keep up the writing of these books. The character development is amazing. These stories work for every age
Wow excellent book set adventurous read.
Keep up the writing of these books. The character development is amazing. These stories work for every age
July 7, 2018
Will they have enough luck to fulfil their task?
Terrific. Having tried to leave the antique shop behind she now finds herself back in the midst of adventure again. The vault in the shop needs repairs but a good lock would be extra helpful. Therefore the two new partners find themselves taking a trip to Vegas. However although he is determined to get the lock her attention is turned to an item that seems to give players unbelievable good luck but then seems to have the adverse effect. Both split up to pursue their item leading both into failing. It is only when they and another woman act in accord do they manage to get the items. Will they keep them and who is the collector who has possession of the items. Wi they live to fight another day or will this be the end of the line. Great fast paced action, easy to read and the romance takes on a green tinge.
Terrific. Having tried to leave the antique shop behind she now finds herself back in the midst of adventure again. The vault in the shop needs repairs but a good lock would be extra helpful. Therefore the two new partners find themselves taking a trip to Vegas. However although he is determined to get the lock her attention is turned to an item that seems to give players unbelievable good luck but then seems to have the adverse effect. Both split up to pursue their item leading both into failing. It is only when they and another woman act in accord do they manage to get the items. Will they keep them and who is the collector who has possession of the items. Wi they live to fight another day or will this be the end of the line. Great fast paced action, easy to read and the romance takes on a green tinge.
September 26, 2017
These books have a fun premise but fail in the execution. The dialogue is odd. The switches on point of view are poorly done. I'll pass on the rest.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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