#1 in the Sarah Keeling series: A Crime Club selection, this intrguing tale has been reviewed as "... the very best whodunnit in many a day... Not to be missed." It starts with plans to bury deceased Great-uncle Frederick in the family vault on Beacon Hill. When the vault is opened, there's someone already there that no one could ever expect-the skeleton of a burlesque queen who disappeared thirty years ago! It's up to young Sarah Kelling to hold the shocked family together, and try to find out what happened. What she unravels is a complex murder plot that not only stretches into the past, but also has Sarah marked as a victim!
Larry G. (aardvark) reviewed The Family Vault (Kelling & Bittersohn, Bk 1) on + 157 more book reviews
I've read several of the later books in this series, and always wondered how and under what circumstances Sarah had lost her first husband. This one takes us back to those early days when she and Alexander were married and reveals "the rest of the story." One of the best books in the series.
Margaretann B. (mannsb) reviewed The Family Vault (Kelling & Bittersohn, Bk 1) on + 134 more book reviews
This is the introductory book of this series of characters. They are certsinly that - characters! Sometimes one wants to tell then, "Come on, come on! No one would do that!" The author definately makes people believable. They do get into some "messes" though, that we non-fiction types would not! After completing the book, one feels that another peek at the story participants would be worthwhile.
Be forewarned: This is the first book of a series that was published in 1979. There is a lot of dialogue/description that is setting the stage for more books to come. There was a lot of skimming my way through some of the details. Because it was published in the the late '70's, the way of life and the cost of living was very different. I found it very interesting to think back to those times. I had decided that these 'cozy' mysteries weren't for me any more. Then, about half-way through I got hooked. Now I have to read the next one to see how Sarah's story plays out. Recommend if you are into 'Retro'. Not quite Agatha Christie, but still engaging.
Elizabeth E. (TylerTxRose) reviewed The Family Vault (Kelling & Bittersohn, Bk 1) on + 84 more book reviews
TheCincinnati Post calls this " a First rate suspense whodunit... well written." The series is as charming as it's detective couple SaraH & Max, and her extended & eexcentric family, always make for a fun tale. Booklist says, "Suspense reigns supreme in MacLoeod's murder mystery, as buried family secrets come to light." "Sarah brings down Boston's best as she deadpans her way through family secrets covering embezzlement, blackmail, and murder... in the most delightful way! I have personally read 10 in the series, and have 2 more on my shelf!!!
Kathleen J. (cozyreader) reviewed The Family Vault (Kelling & Bittersohn, Bk 1) on + 101 more book reviews
I love this series and this is the first one. I had read some of the others and not found them to be that interesting , until I read the first one--then I wanted to reread them all.
A difficult read. Plodding plot progression. Little character development
Lorraine T. (mysterylover) reviewed The Family Vault (Kelling & Bittersohn, Bk 1) on + 318 more book reviews
A Sarah Kellings with a 30 year old missing burlesque queen as the corpse.
The first Sarah Kelling and Max Bittersohn mystery. I have others but they are no in as good a condition
