Review: The Marriage Casket

The third book in the Antique Lover's Mystery series by Deborah Morgan is entitled "The Marriage Casket."

In The Marriage Casket, Jeff purchased two buildings full of possible antiques, but as he begins his inventory, he finds evidence underneath a rug indicating the owner's death was not natural. As the police begin their investigation, Jeff is unable to get to his antiques because they are part of the crime scene. He finds himself returning to antique picking to meet day to day expenses. He, along with their loyal butler, Greer, attempt to maintain the high level of tradition for the holidays, without Sheila's help as she has withdrawn to her bedroom. Her agoraphobia has escalated due to the kidnapping at the end of Weedless Widow (if you haven't read it, get thee to a bookstore now). Also, Sheila's adrenaline-driven sister arrives to help out.

The detective focuses his investigation on the nephew (Nathan Rose) of the victim. He was the only heir and his fingerprints were on the weapon, his work tool belt. But Jeff believes in his innocence. He is a hard working, father, whose son is in the hospital, and his wife is expecting a baby soon, too. Jeff steps in and helps keep Nathan out of jail. Then at risk to himself, he continues investigating the murder. He finds correspondence in an antique marriage casket that provide him with some clues to the mystery.

At first I was disappointed in The Marriage Casket's lack of adventure, or maybe another way to put it is, less action than in the first two books. We see a more hassled and harried Jeff. He's making lists, doing errands and chores. Worrying.

Don't misunderstand, there is adventure. Sheila's sister coming to stay and help provides enough adventure for a mini-series alone. And there is action. Now this is where the antique expert keeps digging to find the valuable antique at the flea market.

Jeff Talbot is swamped with the everyday responsibilities of life, then additional burdens keep piling on. Throughout all of this turmoil, Jeff sees the need to help others around him. He sees the nephew cannot be the murderer, so he takes extra steps to help him out in court. Then he works with the detective to find the murderer. All the while, putting himself at risk.

Though there wasn't a great trip to a beautiful, isolated island, or the annual fishing trip, I found a great message. In the middle of deadlines and responsibilities, and the world falling down around him, Jeff still took care of what needed to be done, and took the extra step for a fellow human being. I think that's pretty cool in a world of bombs, terrorism, corporate scandals and hate crimes. It may be a fiction novel, but it is a great story, very well told.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Sandi - RAM

Book Review: The Marriage Casket