ISBN: 0-89296-657-2 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
A slightly macabre comedy full of characters, sympathetic, eccentric, despicable and evil, where the well-known team of Max and Sarah cope with an unexpectedly close dose of villainy.
Reviewed by David on December 31, 1998
Genre: Mystery (Amateur Sleuth, Humor)
Synopsis: Max and Sarah Bittersohn (neé Kelling) have been detecting crimes, with the help and hindrance of their large and colorful families, for many amusing, light and literate books. This time, what starts as a wedding for Max's nephew turns into a mystery involving the reappearance of long-lost (and almost legendary) Kelling family jewelry, attempted burglary, murder and kidnapping. Poor Sarah has her hands full coping with her adorable and hyper-active son, the absence of her husband, and the overwhelming onslaught of the Kellings, their neighbors, friends and enemies.
Full Review: This book, number ten or twelve in the series, has the usual humor through eccentric characters. There is also tension and dread, as the crimes turn from puzzling and annoying to threatening. The book can easily be read by itself, but considerable pleasure in the characters can be derived by reading the earlier books which introduced the many sympathetic characters, especially Sarah and Max.
Note: Charlotte MacLeod has also written several other humorous mystery series (and a few stand-alone novels). All are enjoyable, and some have been published as "Alisa Craig".
Overall: 6; Plot: 5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 5.5;
Copyright date 1998, Warner Books (Mysterious Press), December 1998, Cloth, 280 pages
ISBN: 0-89296-657-2 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com