Those of you who haven’t read a Jane Wheel mystery, how lucky you are.  You have six new books stretching before you.  Six stories swirled like a caramel sundae with estate sales, bakelite, Roseville pottery, Jane’s gay friend Tim, her quirky Kankakee parents….I could go on but there’s no need.  It’s all in the books.  And the cherry on top?  Jane’s latest mystery is just out: Scary Stuff.

Jane is the heroine in a series of books by Sharon Fiffer, a writer who lives in the Chicago area. When advertising executive Jane Wheel loses her job, she becomes a picker, someone who searches for vintage collectibles on behalf of dealers.  While shopping the sales at Chicago bungalows or a Barrington estate, Jane inevitably winds up in the basement, pouring over a box of old photos. The history in old photo albums and sewing boxes speaks to her, while her friend Tim catches more profitable fish in the parlor upstairs.  Eventually, Jane’s game is afoot when there’s a mysterious death next door or somewhere within Jane’s sphere.

For me, Sharon’s mysteries aren’t page turners;  they’re the kind of books filled with characters and details to drink slowly so you don’t miss anything.

This Thursday, I’m excited to be going out on a dumpster dive with Sharon.  Crossing my fingers we uncover something good, but not dead.  Will she slip and reveal the end of Scary Stuff (I’m 0n page 26). Will she bring along gloves, or a weapon?  I’ll fill you in on the details Friday.