Rating: 
Summary: All things old are new again --
Review: Okay, I'll admit it. I'm automatically predisposed to like any book set on Mackinac Island. (After all, my own two were set there, although at least one hundred fifty years earlier than this one.) But when I started reading Death is a Cabaret, I didn't know a good portion of it would take place at that grand Grand Hotel. The book--plot, characters, writing, everything--is entirely worthy of that dignified and unique setting. It's just simply marvelous. And, if I didn't know better, I'd swear the author had been in my car listening as my daughter explained about Michigan's picturesque license plates. Of course, I also like stories set during the days of Napoleon and Josephine, too, and although this is a modern story, the love of Napoleon for his Josephine plays a major part in the plot. Finally, one more caveat--I love reading books which allow the reader to learn about new things, if the reader is so inclined. This book is brimming over with love-and lore--of the world of antiques, as well as antique collectors. Jeff Talbot, now in his mid-thirties, had spent his early working years with the FBI, but a lack of action sent him on his way to a new career--becoming a very good antique 'picker'. He's inherited a wonderful old house in Seattle, providing him with a suitable place to keep all his own treasures, plus affording him the background he needs in his new world. He's married to Sheila, one of the more intriguing characters I've ever encountered in the world of fiction, who is certainly a more than able side-kick. One of Jeff's best customers is the 70-something Blanche Appleby, who, more than almost anything in the world, wishes to reclaim an antique tea set that had been sold out from under her, some fifty years earlier. Of course, it isn't just any old tea set. No, this one had been commissioned by Napoleon for Josephine, and differed from most of the examples of that period in having two cups and saucers rather than just one. This made it a 'cabaret' rather than a 'solitaire' or 'déjeuner'. Replete with swans (for Josephine)and bees (for Napoleon) and gilt (for them both) it was a truly fitting example of the art of Sevres, even if only an imaginary creation, especially for this story. The Cabaret is to be the highlight at an auction that will end a weekend antique festival held annually on Mackinac Island. Antique lovers and collectors come from around the world to participate, including two of Jeff's acquaintances from Seattle. When one of them is found murdered, Jeff finds himself helping the very capable Island police force to investigate. Another death follows, opening up more of the past history for many of the participants at the festival. The ending, with the unmasking of the killer was unexpected, and perhaps a tad out of left field, but still satisfactory. Overall, this was a very enjoyable reading experience, and I, for one, eagerly await Jeff's next adventure! And, it is to be hoped, many more after that.
Rating:
Summary: A Collector's Mystery
Review: While we often like and admire the heroes in the books we read, how often do we have an opportunity to identify with the hero? That's just Deborah Morgan has given the mystery loving collectors of the world. Jeff Talbot, an ex-FBI agent turned antiques picker, not only takes the reader through the process of solving a murder, but also introduces us to the wonderful world of antiques and collecting. The plot is well developed, the story is believable, the good guys are likeable, the bad guys are despicable, and most of all this book is a FUN read. If you love mysteries, you should read this book. If you love antiques and collecting, you owe it to yourself to read this book!
Rating:
Summary: WOW
Review: Wow! That is the first word that came to my mind when I started Death is a Cabaret...wow, the first word that came to my mind when I was an hour into the book, and had to rewind my son's cartoon video just so I could have another small amount of time to read read read!...wow, the first word that came to my mind when I finished the book! This is an excellant job of a new author in a scenery that is a long time coming! I love the characters, whom I feel like I already know! I am pacing the floor waiting for the next in the series! WOW!
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