The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton is a Cross Between Charlie's Angels and an Agatha Christie Mystery

I got more than I bargained for in The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton. Susan L. Tuttle is a new-to-me author, and this book exceeded my expectations. You aren't sure what to expect from this unusual title and simple cover. It's a little Charlie's Angels meets an Agatha Christie mystery with a cast of fascinating characters and a page-turning plot.  

Everleigh Wheaton knows how quickly a reputation can be ruined. She's experienced it time and again in her career. Because of this, she has a well-developed confidence and self-reliance.  After losing another job, she receives a mysterious invitation to the fabled Halstead Manor. Her curiosity and love of a good puzzle/mystery won't allow her to pass up this opportunity.  She meets two other women, Brooke Sumner and Natalie Daughtry who received the same invitation. A strange voice on the phone (How's that for a Charlie's Angels reference?) hires them to be treasure hunters and offers an exorbitant fee. Each of these women were hired because of their specialized expertise which he believes will be a resource in this case.

Everleigh's first assignment is as a traveling nurse to Gertrude Levine, a retired FBI agent with one cold case she can't let go...the Florentine Diamond.  Gertrude's nephew Niles Butler is against Everleigh being hired and intent on proving her wrong. 

As a loner, Everleigh realizes she'll need to work with Brooke and Natalie as they get closer to finding the treasure. Throughout the story Everleigh learns that while she has a great deal of compassion, she holds people at arm's length and doesn't allow them to get close to her. The author built the relationships in this story in a realistic and honest way which I appreciated, and it made you want to root for the characters. 

If mysteries with conspiracy theories and romance are what you love, you NEED to add The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton to your list. 

Book 2 in the Halstead Manor series The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry come out March 18th and I can't wait to read it.

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee