Author will read at Arts Center

Virginia author and antique appraiser Emyl Jenkins will present her newest mystery novel, "The Big Steal" from 4 - 7p.m. on Oct. 3 at The Arts Center in Orange.
In "The Big Steal," amateur sleuth and antiques appraiser Sterling Glass is back on the job. While investigating a burglary at Wynderly, a fictitious Orange County mansion-turned-museum, Sterling discovers that not everything is as it seems. Fake pieces are hidden among priceless antiques and she stumbles upon one curious finding after another.
The Wynderlys, the well-heeled couple who built this mansion, would never have trafficked in fakes. Or did they? As she digs deeper into the mysteries of Wynderly, Sterling uncovers a history of lies and heartbreak that dates back to its inception.
Virginia author Emyl Jenkins keeps readers racing through this mystery with her keen description of the intricate antiques world and old money intrigue. Sterling Glass is a sassy, daring heroine who is certain to appeal to mystery fans.
Jenkins is a longtime antiques appraiser who has worked at two auction houses and has written numerous books and articles on antiques, as well as a syndicated column. She is the author of "Emyl Jenkins' Appraisal Book," "Emyl Jenkins' Southern Christmas," "The Book of American Traditions," and "From Storebought to Homemade," among others. "The Big Steal" is her second novel, following the 2007 release of "Stealing with Style."
Jenkins shared the genesis of her interest in antiques and Orange County.
"All my life, I've loved things and loved people." She recalls as a child when a new family would come to the neighborhood, she immediately evaluated their belongings and associating possessions with personalities. "Everyone has to have a chair, a table, a bed," she said. "t's the choices of which chair, table or bed you make that says so much about you."
Jenkins, who is originally from Danville, has long been familiar with the Central Virginia region. "I fell in love with Orange County when I was a grad student at the University of Virginia," she says. She often found herself with a classmate touring the back roads and estate homes of the region, fascinated by their majesty and mystery. There are references to Orange, the town and the county, throughout the book.
"I do love the beauty, history, and charm of Orange County and, like Sterling, I look forward to my next visit there," Jenkins said.
"The Big Steal" is published by Algonquin Books. For more information, visit algonquin.com.
The Arts Center in Orange is located at 129 East Main Street in Orange; (540) 672-7311. Visit the website at www.artscenterorange.org or email theartsorange@aol.com. Arts Center hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Saturday.