Product Description

From Jonathan Gash, his 20th Lovejoy mystery and repackage of The Sin Within Her Smile

What begins as an adventure through the world of art and antiques turns out to be a wild and fatal journey in this Lovejoy favorite.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1153651 in Books
• Published on: 1995-05-01
• Released on: 2000-02-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In his 17th appearance ( Paid and Loving Eyes was #16), East Anglia's sexy antiques expert, Lovejoy, steps onto a charity auction block as Slave for a Day. The winning bid--"two thousand guineas, an unbelievable sum"--by an elegant lady wearing pale blue prompts sympathy from his friends. Why? Once again Lovejoy is center stage in a baffling, nefarious scheme, this one hatched by a bunch of greedy rich people. He's off to Mynydd Mal, Wales, driving one of four horse-drawn caravans housing mental patients. Numbered among these are Phillida, pickpocket, shoplifter and mother of baby Arthur (whose diapers Lovejoy frequently changes); Corinda, who's forever taking her clothes off; and shy Boris, who may be having an affair with a royal princess. Members of the syndicate pop up from time to time. Lovejoy enjoys his usual success with the ladies but has less luck figuring out the scam, nearly getting himself blown to bits before nailing it down. This caper requires concentration from readers who must interpret the often obscure lingo and keep straight an unwieldy cast littered with unnecessary and forgettable characters. But even when difficult, Gash delivers more than a fair share of antiques lore, finely timed comedy and, in this case, a dazzling climax.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Lovejoy (Paid and Loving Eyes, LJ 7/93) and his penurious charm become part of another scam-this one involving Early Renaissance Celtic gold and, eventually, murder. Buy for his well-established audience.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Lovejoy's antics have delighted mystery fans for years, and his latest escapade won't change the pattern. He's sold as a slave in a charity auction and ends up on an outing to Wales with a lorry-load of loonies. Of course, no Lovejoy adventure would be complete without a foray into the fascinating world of antiques, and this time, Lovejoy uncovers a scam in priceless Renaissance and early Christian treasures. Much to his dismay, he manages to become involved in a murder or two. But as his loyal fans know, Lovejoy's grumpy demeanor hides a heart of (sometimes) gold, the ability to make children and animals love him unreservedly (adults, especially those of the female sex, are another matter), and a cunning skill at solving even the most complicated antique mysteries. Gash's sometimes cryptic dialogue and confusing plot require some patience--as well as a passing knowledge of British slang--but the effort is well rewarded: the humor is wonderfully funny; the story is splendidly original; Lovejoy, his mates, and his "birds" are outrageously engaging; and there are plenty of intriguing tips about antiques. Emily Melton

Customer Reviews

Lovejoy in Wales
Lovejoy novels are sometimes difficult to read because of the British slang and obscure language that Gash employs. This book is particularly obscure and requires some concentration. There is also a huge cast in the book, and it's difficult to keep everyone straight. But, having said that, it's still worth the effort, but I wouldn't recommend this book for first time Lovejoy readers. In it we have Lovejoy sold at a charity auction as "Slave for a day". He is sold for a huge sum, and he's not sure what's expected of him at all. He actually ends up in a horse-drawn caravan with a bunch of mentally challenged people as they make the trek to Wales to move into a new hospital. The antics of this group as well as the other "trevies" (travelling people in buses and trailers) are quite hilarious. We get a glimpse of Wales as no one else can depict it, as well as a good history lesson from Lovejoy as he explains the origins of the many antiques that he encounters. As I said, still worth the effort.