Framed by a Forgery by Fiona Grace

This was my first book in this 9 book series.

I don’t think you need to read the books in order, I felt fine reading this as a stand alone.  The background of the relationships between characters was quickly mentioned so you could easily understand their importance.

I did have a few problems with the plot.

First, why on earth would Lacey take her father’s side over Tom?  She hasn’t seen this man in 30 years and within one day she is siding with him over Tom (her fiance).  I found that so irritating…If she had at least vented her frustration re: her father’s behavior I could have tolerated it a tad more.  This was a big negative for me.

Second, and most importantly, I can not stand when the murderer is a character out of nowhere.  Yes, the character is mentioned when Lacey goes to the second B&B…BUT, I went back and reread the auction chapter 3 times.  There is no mention of the character being there UNTIL the end of the book when Lacey “remembers seeing him standing against the wall during the auction”.  (Please correct me if I’m wrong and missed that during the chapter of the auction and I will stand corrected with a change in rating).

I consider this a lazy plot twist.

So although you can read this as a standalone, for mainly the 2nd con I rated this 2 stars. 
I don’t foresee myself reading any of the other books in the series.

2/5 stars.

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**