A great book by a fantastic author. The writing is excellent and the mystery keeps you turning the pages. Characters are well developed. Highly recommend.

Spring brings beautiful things to mind, flowers blooming, leaves turning green, but does it bring explosions? Well, in this cozy mystery that's par for the course. Beloved character Brandy Borne is back at it again, along side her hilarious mother Vivian. Vivian has decided to run for sheriff, frightening, isn't it? Throw in well-loved Sushi, the shih tzu, and we've got another crackling mystery on our hands!

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I think I enjoyed this book more than usual because Brandy (and more her mother's) over the top antics get less appealing to me as the series goes on and this story had less craziness. Despite the sheer insanity of Vivian running for sheriff, it makes sense that she would.

One really knows who the thief is right from the start, but the rest of the story has some satisfying twists and turns.
I'm definitely interested to see where the next book picks up.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a great book; this is the twelfth book in the Trash n Treasures Mystery series written by Barbara Allan. Brandy Borne’s mom Vivian, decides to run for County Sheriff and roped Brandy to join as the campaign manager. Shortly after the Borne gals receive a valuable signed photo of an old-timey cowboy actor from the elderly aunt of Vivian's political opponent, a massive explosion sends Brandy to the ER and auntie to the grave. With a string of unexplained deaths turning Sunny Meadow into Boot Hill, the ditzy duo--aided by their clever shih tzu Sushi--must lay down the law on a deadly outlaw before someone's elected the next victim, with the Bornes headin' toward their last round-up! This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. If you are looking for a fun book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.

I'm glad I continued with this series. This episode of shenanigans between daughter and mom, Brandy and Vivian, starts with the political campaign aspirations of Vivian for Sheriff! While at the old folks home, collecting items for a fundraiser to fund their campaign, one of the residents is caught in a great explosion. With Brandy and Vivian on the case, you are promised to have a leg-slapping, outrageously, fun time. #netgalley

Fun, interesting and quick read as always. Mother daughter like no other. Mutual respect with a strong characters. The self talk and breaking of the 4th wall are just 2 of the author's devices used to create this enjoyable novel

First off, be prepared to be confused, at least a little bit....or a lot? Such is the wacky world of Vivian and Brandy. Their relationship alone is enough to confuse anybody. Add to that, Vivian decides to run for county sheriff, a job she is in no way qualified for. To raise money for her election, they decide to gather items for a white elephant sale and head on over to the local nursing home. One lady says she won't vote for Vivian but does give her a few nice things as donations. Then her apartment blows up - accident? or murder? Vivian and Brandy dive in with gusto to investigate, no surprise there. After eleven books, this entry carries on with the unusual relationship between Vivian and Brandy with Brandy trying to corral Vivian and Vivian running free and more than a bit wild.
The mystery may not be the strongest but, if you are a long time fan of the series, that's okay because, really, if you are like me, you are here for a visit with a great cast of characters and get your fill of laughter and it sure does deliver.

A fun story with an unsatisfying mystery. I honestly love the unique way the series is written. It is quirky and feels like how someone would actually tell a story. The mystery was just weird. It was hard to follow at times and the ending didn't make a whole lot of sense.

Antiques Wanted: A Trash ‘n’ Treasures Mystery
By Barbara Allan
Kensington
April 24, 2018

Review by Cynthia Chow

Despite having no experience, a history of mental illness, and profoundly less qualified than her opponent, Vivian Borne has thrown her hat into the ring to become Serenity, Iowa’s county sheriff. Her daughter Brandy is certain that Vivian will never be elected, as when did such an obviously incapable candidate with no tax history, questionable emails, and shady foundation funding ever get elected to office? Part of Vivian’s optimistic campaign has been soliciting donations from the local Sunny Meadow Manor assisted living facility, where Harriet Douglas graciously donates a Tiffany Lamp as well a signed photo of old movie cowboy sidekick, Gabby Hayes. Harriet wants to keep the handout on the downlow since it is her nephew who is Vivian’s opponent, but that’s going to be difficult when Harriet’s oxygen tank explodes, killing her and sending Brandy hurtling into a wall.

For once Brandy and the chief of police Tony Cassato are in the “on” phase of their relationship, but it’s going to be tested now that Vivian is convinced that solving the murder (if it is an actual murder) is the key to propelling her into office. Of course, she already knows that nobody really believes a candidate’s promises, and she already has the perfect slogan; “Vivian Borne – born to be sheriff.” Every investigation still needs an inside source, and who better than Vivian herself? So with a bunion surgery keeping her off her feet, Vivian checks herself into Sunny Meadow in order to better interrogate the staff, investigate the alarmingly high death rate, all the while dodging the advances of an amorous suitor.

With the premise that has this entire series is written by Vivian and Brandy not the actual husband and wife team Barbara and Max Allan Collins, the novel delights in meta-commentaries through the Borne women’s narrations. A few recipes are tossed in to keep it within the cozy genre, although they do receive “notes” from their editor to tone down the name-brands and possibly curtail he ramblings on self-driving cars. Brandy may have to battle with her mother for control of the chapters, but both viewpoints always prove to be extraordinarily entertaining as they make hilarious commentary on society. Despite the moments of absurdity, the characters always shine with empathy and relatability. This series continues to be so much fun, mixing mayhem and murder with an abundance of laughter. The last chapter hints at even more adventures to come, meaning that next installment simply can’t come soon enough.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2345377263. Review posted on Goodreads.

Vivian and Brandy, that mother-er grandmother/daughter-no, granddaughter team that blunder their way around town seemingly without a plan, are back. This time Vivian is planning to run for Sheriff against a well liked deputy. To raise campaign funds, they seek donations for a white elephant sale. Surprisingly they get a lot of good items donated, especially after visiting residents in a local nursing home. After one visit, Brandy goes out to the car with Vi, and gets a copy of their latest book to take to the lady who is related to the deputy and won't be voting for Vivian, but still gave them a nce donation and a picture of Gabby Hayes for Vivian to keep. Just as Brandy was approaching the apartment there was an explosion inside and the door blew off as smoke and flames rolled out of the room. Guess she won't be reading that book after all! The question is, did the woman blow herself up by lighting up a cigarette while connected to her oxygen, or was she "helped" by someone?

The book continues with one Vivian plot after another to sniff out the possible murder and run a successful campaign simultaneously. Along the way Vivian and Brandy solve a cold murder case as well as the explosion/"murder" while Vivian recuperates from surgery and an attempt on her life while campaigning.

The madcap fun is accented by the way the author switches the perspective from Brandy to Vivian, especially when Vivian takes over writing. She is likely to go on a tirade about something totally unrelated to the "case" or discussion at hand. I especially like the threats by the editor!

I also like the hints at the end of chapters on how to run a white elephant sale. Just one more way the author gives the illusion that Vivian and Brandy actually know something about antiques.

There is a reason this series has more than a dozen books in it, and that is good characters and twisted but funny plots. Vivian may be wacky and Brandy may frequently viewed as an enabler, but you will chuckle, laugh, and possibly do a face plant while enjoying the latest saga. Good clean entertainment with one foot planted in the past that can be enjoyed by anyone.

I'm feeling a bit torn with this book. I'm a huge fan of this series by the amazingly talented Barbara Allan.
Normally my review would be 5 stars and overflowing with praise.

We all know the mother and daughter team of this series will leave you laughing long after you've finished the book. Brandy and Vivian are two of my favorite protagonists. The colorful personalities and quirkiness make the series a winner.

I didn't find this story as good as all the others.
I found the story to be disjointed and I found myself confused about what was going on.

This will not impact my love for the series. While the story was well written, I had a hard time following along. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

This series can take a bit getting used to with the back and forth between Mother and Daughter. How Brandy puts up with her mother sometimes,,,,,I have no idea. Truly illustrates how family can be. The rodeo being the latest caper they find themselves in, how do they manage? As always fun mystery that makes me laugh.

The cover is so cute, and the description attracted me, but to be honest I had a really hard time following this story. Seemed to jump all over the place, and the voices kept changing and making it really complex to follow. A lot of southern humor that I guess as a yankee I missed too. I am sure I will probably be in the minority here, but struggled to get into this story and would not read again.