Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
I Books (2002), Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages
Description
A mislaid corpse strikes terror in the hearts of Boston's strangest family Like many old New England families, the Kellings live to die. Although their family vault is spacious and comfortable, for Sarah Kelling's Great-Uncle Frederick it will not do. In his will, he demands to be buried inside the ancient family tomb at Boston Common, which hasn't admitted a new member in over a century. But when the Kellings crack the old vault's door, they find a recently built brick wall. And behind it lays a surprisingly fresh corpsea skeleton with rubies in its teeth. Her name was Ruby Redd, and many years ago she was the toast of Boston's burlesque scene. Her murder case is ice cold, but when Sarah begins investigating it, she finds that the burning passions behind this beauty's death still burn white hot. With the help of art-fraud investigator Max Bittersohn, she will solve the stripper's murder, or take her own place in the family vault.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member sjmccreary
Sarah, a member of a large and wealthy old Beacon Hill family, married her 41-year old distant cousin when her father died when she was 19. Since then, she has lived in her husband's home with his deaf/blind mother. Her husband, Alexander, spends most his time caring for his mother, Aunt Caroline,
This book seems to be set in the 1970's and provides a glimpse into an old Boston family who is living in genteel poverty, although Sarah is puzzled about why Alexander keeps her to such a tight budget, when his branch of the family is recognized as the head of the clan, and her own father left her a sizable inheritance. I'm not a big fan of most cozy mysteries, but I loved this one. Sarah's eyes are opened as she discovers things about her relatives and family friends that she never imagined. Ths is the first book in a series, I believe, and I'll be anxious to read the next installment - there are lots of promising characters here.
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and so was not with Sarah the day she joined another cousin, Aldolphus, in opeing the old family vault in preparation for Uncle Frederick's funeral. They were surprised to discover a brick wall constructed inside the vault door, which hadn't been opened in more than 20 years. When they broke through the brick wall, the skeleton of a woman was laying on the floor. She was quickly identified as Ruby Red, a local exotic dancer from the 1950's who had rubies imbedded in her teeth. Sarah was at first puzzled then suspicious of her husband's stunned reaction at the news. However, the more she digs, the more she learns about her family and its secrets.This book seems to be set in the 1970's and provides a glimpse into an old Boston family who is living in genteel poverty, although Sarah is puzzled about why Alexander keeps her to such a tight budget, when his branch of the family is recognized as the head of the clan, and her own father left her a sizable inheritance. I'm not a big fan of most cozy mysteries, but I loved this one. Sarah's eyes are opened as she discovers things about her relatives and family friends that she never imagined. Ths is the first book in a series, I believe, and I'll be anxious to read the next installment - there are lots of promising characters here.
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LibraryThing member navelos
A quick and entertaining read, but nothing special. I like the main characters and will continue reading the series.
LibraryThing member jetangen4571
historical-fiction, art-fraud, murder, cozy-mystery, situational-humor, verbal-humor
Written in 1982, the details rank as historical. The publisher's blurb is somewhat off, but don't let that stop you from enjoying this delightful cozy! The long suffering Sarah and her beloved older husband
My current copy is audio performed by Andi Arndt who is excellent in character (they all are!) differentiation and conveying attitudes.
Written in 1982, the details rank as historical. The publisher's blurb is somewhat off, but don't let that stop you from enjoying this delightful cozy! The long suffering Sarah and her beloved older husband
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Alexander have been victimized and swindled for years and didn't even know it. Then things get even worse, but there is plenty of humor to lighten it up. If you've never read this book or others in the series, do yourself a favor and read now!My current copy is audio performed by Andi Arndt who is excellent in character (they all are!) differentiation and conveying attitudes.
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LibraryThing member stephanie_M
Narrated by Andi Arndt. A very nice, easy mystery novel. A great start to the series. A young wife, an older husband, and deadly family secrets keep one enthralled until the end.
Even though I *knew* one of the characters was going to die in this novel (because of foreshadowing), and I knew what had
Four stars, and recommended for lovers of mystery.
Even though I *knew* one of the characters was going to die in this novel (because of foreshadowing), and I knew what had
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happened to the family jewels, in a generic way, I was still quite surprised by this little gem of a novel. You might be so, too. Give it a try.Four stars, and recommended for lovers of mystery.
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LibraryThing member debbie13410
This was written in the 1970s. Our techno lives are so different then when we had phone books.
LibraryThing member Kathy89
This was a quick read but a very dated mystery. A very trusting, naïve and put-upon heroine meets a sharp insurance investigator after her husband and mother-in-law are killed in a car crash. Strange noises and things start happening at her home and he helps her get to the bottom of things before
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she finally figures out what has been going on and who is behind it. Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original publication date
1979
Physical description
368 p.; 6.78 inches
ISBN
0743434943 / 9780743434942