I’ve called this a mystery and yes there is a murder. But unlike M.C. Beaton’s other books, this is not a part of any series. While suspense and puzzles and blind alleys are a part of the story, the really engaging portion is a love story. Nothing mawkish, mind you, but all very English and sweet.

Where did Fellworth’s mother get all that money? What does a long ago train robbery have to do with him and whose portrait is hidden in his mother’s wardrobe? Add one plain lady, one femme fatal, a closet full of skeletons and you have the makings of an interesting read.

Fellworth "Fell" Dolphin grew up in a family lacking the normal love. His parents took good care of him and he never went hungry, but they never had any of the extras. Matter of fact, when his father became ill and later died, Fell had to get a job. His mother took his checks and gave him a small allowance to spend. She was a cold-hearted woman and controlled his life. Then one day he returned from work at the hotel to find his mother dead. Instead of grieving, he feels relieved.

Even before he can decide what he will do, his parents' lawyer calls. Fell finds out that his mother left him a large sum of money. Where did the money come from? They lived like misers. He could have gone to the university. They stole his youth! Fell goes home and begins going through his father's desk to find out more about his parents' financial situation. He finds a cash box full of money. Why would they hide money in the desk? Could it have been gotten illegally?

Aunt Agnes, his mother's sister, comes to call. She is concerned that Fell will need someone to care for him so she has decided to make the sacrifice. Fell is stricken with horror. He immediately tells her that won't be necessary because he is engaged to Maggie, a co-worker at the hotel.

Next he needs to tell Maggie and see if she will go along with his charade. She is a very plain girl and it turns out her home life hasn't been great. She is thrilled with the idea. She ends up moving into Fell's home -- separate rooms of course.

Fell and Maggie begin redecorating his house. Things are going well. They even begin discussing opening a bookstore.

Then Andy Briggs shows up accusing Fell's father of being a part of the old Post Office train robbery.

Now Fell and Maggie begin looking into the old robbery to try to clear his father's name and discover where the money came from. Many things begin to happen. Fell meets Melissa who wants him to invest in her business. Fell is mesmerized by Melissa but Maggie is worried Melissa is only after his money. She tries to alert Fell and he only becomes more upset with Maggie. Maggie has fallen in love with Fell but is worried he is about to throw her out. Then Peter, a local newspaper reporter, comes into the picture. He writes a piece about Maggie and Fell investigating the old robbery. Peter is smitten with Maggie. They begin dating. Fell has no problem with this in the beginning.

Fell's house is vandalized. Is this related to the old robbery?

Fell and Maggie are great characters. Underdogs all the way. You can't help but root for them. This is the first book in a new series by a terrific author. I already like her other two mystery series. This is another terrific series and I can't wait for the next book.

SKELETON IN THE CLOSET By: MC Beaton

Books By: MC Beaton including SKELETON IN THE CLOSET

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