Avery and her father have been hired to appraise items in the Pennington Manor. Nicholas Pennington is selling the manor and some of the art. This is a big estate with lots of people around, including family and staff. As the Duke takes them on a tour of the estate and antiques that will need an appraisal, he notices a priceless pocket watch missing. As William and Avery continue to look at the antiques, Avery notices one that appears to be a fake. Something is not right. The next day, Avery and her group are invited to dinner along with her Aunt Midge (who is a friend of the Pennington's). Before everyone could assemble, a shriek was heard from outside. Everyone runs outside only to see the Duke's housekeeper Suzanne is laying on the concrete, dead. The police are called. Avery and her boyfriend Art, who is helping his friend investigate the murder are on the prowl. Art's on vacation, so he tags along with Avery and "helps" with the appraisals.

So many suspects, from the family to the staff. Bit house, secret passages, and a great mystery. What's not to love. I have read another book in the series. I really enjoy Avery and her family. The characters are great and the writing style is easy to read. The story caught my attention and kept me guessing.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Peril at Pennington Manor (Avery Ayers Antique Mystery series #2) by Tracy Gardner from Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.
…Murder, mayhem, antiquities, and quirky characters make up this fast paced and fun cozy…
Author Tracy Gardner does it again with her second entry in Avery Ayers Antique Mystery series. Peril at Pennington Manor was another fast-paced fun cozy mystery filled with family drama, murder, and stolen antiquities. Having read and reviewed the first in the series, Ruby Red Herring, this entry did not disappoint. Protagonist Avery Ayres works at her family’s business, Ayers Antiquities and Artifacts Appraisers. Aunt Midge asked Avery and her father to do an appraisal for her dear friend Duke Nicholas, who is ready to put his estate Pennington Manor up for sale. As he gives Avery and her father, William, a tour of the manor, they discover that some of the artifacts have been replaced by fakes and a rare antique pocket watch has been stolen. When the manor’s housekeeper, Suzanne Vicks, is pushed off the roof and falls to her death. Avery believes the thefts and the murder are connected and former flame and police detective Art Smith joins the appraisal team in an undercover capacity, to keep his eyes open while the team works through the manor room by room. When another murder happens at the manor the hunt is on but not before a blackout makes the situation more perilous, leaving both Avery and Art fighting for their lives. Murder, mayhem, antiquities, and quirky characters make up this fast paced and fun cozy. Tracy Gardener has once again crafted a clever fast-paced mystery that is intriguing, highly entertaining and I can’t wait to read more in this series.

Avery Ayers and her team take on an appraisal job at a castle (manor house) in the Hudson Valley. The owner is a friend of her Aunt Midge and it is said that the place is chock full of antiques. The reason for the appraisal is to prepare the manor house and contents for sale. Definitely a plum job for Ayers Antiques and Artifacts Appraisers. Not long after their arrival, while being given a preliminary tour they discover that a valuable gold pocket watch has vanished from a locked case. Is it simple theft? As they ponder this development, the housekeeper dies in a fall - accident? Murder? What connection might her death have to the previous housekeeper?
As Avery and her team start their appraising they realize that a large number of the antiques are really fakes. The list of possible suspects is a long one and motives abound. It makes for an interesting and informative mystery to solve.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Aunt Midge’s friendship with Nicholas Pennington, the Duke of Valle Charme, Avery Ayers and her associates at Antiques and Artifacts Appraised are cataloguing and appraising the contents of a castle-like mansion on the Hudson River. But mayhem ensues when a Viktor Petrova timepiece disappears, and housekeeper Suzanne Vick plummets from a parapet to her death. Then, Avery, and her team discover that many of the duke’s most priceless heirlooms have been replaced by fakes. With Detective Art Smith by her side, can Avery find the culprit before someone else is killed?
This was a great cozy mystery with lots of scenic charm. I loved reading about the mansion with all of the rooms and secret doorways. The author’s descriptions made it easy for me to envision the place. Avery was a very charming, and likeable amateur sleuth. She was fun to read about. The plot was excellent, with clues and red herrings that made it hard to figure out the identity of the culprit. I will definitely read more of this mystery series. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

I felt like this book focused on Avery and her personal and family issues more than the mystery. Which is a shame because the mystery in the first book was SO good.

The author is still talented and I’ll likely read more of her books in the future, but this one let me down a bit.

This is the second book in the series (following Ruby Red Herring). I had not read the previous book, but it was easy to jump in and deal with just this book. Some prior history was discussed, but in a natural way, so you can still go back and enjoy the first book. The book takes us to what was American royalty- the robber barons of early last century and a look at not only their home, but their legacies, while still giving a tidy little mystery that Agatha would approve of! With just the right amount of rom-com and police procedural, it's a fun quick read, perfect for vacation!

This is my first Tracy Gardner book and I found it extremely creative and fascinating. I knew nothing about the world of antique appraisers but I thought the mystery woven within their work was very engrossing. I could envision this book made into a Hallmark Murder Mystery movie. It was the second book in the series so I plan to go back and read the first.

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Timepass read

Avery Ayers and her team at Antiques and Artifacts Appraised got the assignment to appraise and catalog the contents of the Hudson River. The manor (that feels more like a castle) is being sold by the duke, who happens to be a good friend of Aunt Midge (Avery’s aunt).
The first time Avery and her dad William visit the manor, they realize that the Viktor Petrova pocket watch is missing. The duke is stunned but determined to ensure all the antiques are cataloged and accounted for.
On the first day of work, the team ends up being a witness to the death of Suzanne, the housekeeper at the manor. Avery’s instincts tell her it’s not a simple case of accidental death. Detective Art Smith steps into the scene to aid with the investigation and keep Avery safe. Moreover, the duo has to decide the future of their relationship (if there is one).
As more antiques turn out to be fake, the duke ends up in a riding accident, and another employee of the manor is found dead. With the list of suspects including every person in the manor, Avery and Art must sort through the maze to arrive at the truth.
Are the missing antiques and the deaths related? Are there two different criminals to track and unearth? Can the duo solve the cases before they face the bullet?

My Observations:

The book began with an interaction between Avery and Art, and I wasn’t sure of the dynamics. It took me a while to get into the subplot (the family, relationships, etc.). The case, however, was clear enough.
There were quite a few characters to track, which made it a little difficult to stay up to date with the developments concerned with the main plot. Luckily, I wasn’t in a mood to solve the case, which made it easy to go with the flow (and round the rating to 4 stars).
Getting to Avery and Art was nice. I had a better knowledge of their relationship by the end of the book. I would love to know where it heads in the future books.
Avery was intelligent (even if she jumped to conclusions at times). She was nosy too, which is rather a prerequisite to becoming an amateur detective. But the book balanced her sleuthing and antique appraisal work. I learned something about the field. That was fun.
The book has a super friendly dog and seven teeny kittens! Yeah… one kitty is black and white, and another has tiger stripes. Sigh! (Can you see my heart-eyes?)
Tilly appeared childish and strange in the first half. Must be her teenage acting up. Still, I couldn’t understand her sudden shifts in mood.
The pacing was uneven (it slumps in the middle), but the end wrapped up things pretty well. The characters weren’t fully developed, though they serve the intended purpose. No far-fetched theories or solutions, so that’s a plus.

To sum up, Peril at Pennington Manor is a blend of cozy mystery and family drama. The book would make a nice read when you want something that doesn’t demand too much of your energy.
Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Gardner mentions Nancy Drew in the dedication of this book, and that's apt. Although the characters are adults, it reads like YA, including description of cute outfits, family drama and of course a budding romance. In the interest of full disclosure, I'll add that I plucked "Peril at Pennington Manor" off NetGalley because my name is Pennington and I wanted to check out our Manor. Turns out it's perilous. .

A fantastic addition to the series. In the previous book, we saw William (Avery's dad) reconcile with his family. In this book, we learn a bit more about the troubles that William is currently facing - panic attacks and anxiety from the trauma. Meanwhile, Tilly is back two weeks early from her college and avoids questions about her experience in London. Avery is torn between wanting some sort of closure with Hank and wanting to date Art Smith.

The mystery behind the missing artifacts at the Pennington Manor might have something to do with the housekeeper Suzanne's death. But as Avery dives deeper into the mystery, she learns the Duke's family or his employees may have a larger role to play in replacing the antiques with poorly-done replicas.

The mystery behind the missing artifacts and the murder kept me guessing till the end. Excellent character portrayal and storytelling. The side stories of the recurring characters made the read even more enjoyable. I definitely see this book making into my Best books of 2022 list so there is no doubt I would highly recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers.

The second Avery Ayres mystery has her and her family appraising items in the castle-like mansion of Duke Nicholas Pennington. Problems arise almost immediately when it is discovered than a very precious pocket watch has disappeared. They also discover that quite a few of the most valuable antiques have been substituted for with fakes.

Tensions among the family and staff make for a number of suspects. However, the number is reduced by one when the housekeeper is found dead after falling from, or being thrown from, the roof. Investigations become even more difficult with a likely murderer among the suspects.

Avery is assisted by her new boyfriend Detective Art Smith who works undercover as one of the appraisal team which adds some relationship problems to the story. Also adding relationship problems is that Avery's younger sister Tilly has abruptly returned from school in England and isn't eager to explain why. And Avery's father who has recently rejoined the family after time in witness protection is just now adjusting to the death of his wife.

There was a lot going on in this story. I enjoyed the main character and the supporting cast. The mystery was well-done too.

"Peril at Pennington Manner" by Tracy Gardner was a great cozy mystery. It is unique and interesting, and glad that it continues the series started with "Ruby Red Herring."

I was fortunate to get an ARC of #PerilatPenningtonManor from #NetGalley.
I found the book to be well-written and interesting, with a glimpse into the lives of royalty and the troubles that plague them.
The book focuses on antique appraiser Avery and her family, and while it features an intriguing mystery of purloined valuables and compelling relationships, I found that the book doesn't stand as well on its own as it could for those who are unfamiliar with the author. As such, I was easily able to put it aside to finish later, as opposed to anxiously turning the pages to find out who the thief was.
The mystery does feature a number of viable suspects and is set in a manor with secret passages, which is quite intriguing.

This is the second book and I hadn't read the first. It is explained well and I understood the issues from the first book that carried into the second without any problems. Avery Ayers runs the family's appraisal business and is level headed and mature. She doesn't plan on investigating, she is just observant and puts pieces together. Her sister Tilly is back from college for a spell and clearly there is something troubling her. Aunt Midge is a treasure and I love her and am looking forward to more of her character. Detective Art Smith is the romantic interest and is a law enforcment person.

A large part of the story takes place at Pennington Manor and it is a great setting. I love the artwork descriptions sprinkled throughout. The plot initially involves the theft of many artifacts and pieces of art, then a murder occurs and things get dicey. The killer reveal has some good tense moments and the wrapup is satisfying. I'm hoping to fit in the first book between books to catch up.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

Peril at Pennington Manor is the second book in author Tracy Gardner's Avery Ayers Antique Mystery series. I like that the main character and main sleuth is an antiques appraiser. I enjoyed how this background led Avery Ayers to get involved in murder mysteries. I enjoyed seeing Avery back together with Detective Art Smith and seeing Art's protectiveness. Avery's whole family is very likable. I like the whole concept behind this cozy mystery series and look forward to the next book in the series.

Absolutely loved this second installment in the Avery Ayers Antique Mystery series. I hadn't read the first one but, immediately upon finishing this one, I picked up that series debut book.

Avery Ayers and her staff are on site cataloguing and appraising art and antiques at a mansion. Of course, some treasures are missing and, of course, there's a murder or two.

This is a well-plotted and enjoyable cozy and I loved the recurring characters.

Highly recommended to fans of cozy mysteries!!

“Peril at Pennington Manor" is the 2nd instalment in the Avery Ayers Antique Mystery series by Tracy Gardner. I believe this is the first book I have read by her, and it can easily be read as a standalone but I recommend reading in order. I have since purchased book one in the series.

Thanks to Aunt Midge’s unlikely friendship with Nicholas Pennington, the Duke of Valle Charme, Avery Ayers and her associates at Antiques and Artifacts Appraised head off to their most glamorous assignment yet—cataloguing and appraising the contents of a castle-like mansion on the Hudson River. But regal splendor becomes a backdrop to mayhem when the precious Viktor Petrova timepiece disappears—and housekeeper Suzanne Vick plummets from a parapet to her death.

I really liked the setting of Lilac Grove in rural New York, and the manor house on the Hudson River. The main characters are likable, interesting and realistic for the most part. Avery is an independent, strong woman who has been dealt some hardships with the loss of her mother. I’m looking forward to learning more about all the family dynamics (will be reading book one) and seeing what happens in Avery’s love life. I also liked the addition of some cute kittens .

The mystery was interesting and well plotted, with enough twists to keep me interested. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was a mixture of cozy mystery, family drama, and romance. I liked the royal family and the robbery part of the story line. I was very skeptical of the Tillie storyline and the Art and Avery storyline, but in the end those turned out good. I didn’t love the amount of time we spent on those storylines. The dad storyline was enough without taking over the story.
The murder must part wasn’t investigated much. The solution made sense, but it didn’t come about because of investigation. There was a lot of other stuff going on in this book. It could make it easy to have more investigation heavy books in the future or it could be an indication that this will be a cozy series with lots of other stuff going on.
Final note- Art does curse like 3 or 4 times. Some people wouldn’t even consider it a curse, but others might. So if you are extra sensitive to that, I want you to be prepared for that.

Cozy mystery. This is my first book by Tracy and I’m looking forward to more. It was well written and kept me guessing til the end. Even if you didn’t read the first book in the series, you will be able to follow the story.

I'm a big fan of cozy mysteries. So I was super excited to read the second book in the Avery Ayers Antique Mystery series. I loved all the characters and figuring out who did the crime. This was my first book to be read by Tracey Gardner and I cannot wait to read the first in the series.