23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
a satisfying read, March 13, 2001
If you're a Marion Chesney fan (M.C. Beaton's other pen name), you will enjoy her latest work, "The Skeleton In The Closet." The plot of this novel follows closely most of those that she wrote as Marion Chesney -- the downtrodden protagonist comes into an unexpected windfall, rediscovers the selfishness of his/her family and decides to try and live life instead of cowering away from it. The only difference is that her earlier works that had this basic plot premise were usually regency romances and this novel is set in the 20th century.
Fellworth Dolphin, who had basically given up all his dreams and ambitions in order to look after his parents, discovers upon his remaining parent's death, that his parents were actually quite well off and that he had sacrificed everything for nothing! Going through his parents' things, Fell discovers almost 50, 000 pounds in a strong box. Where did all this money come from? But before he can even begin to investigate more fully, his aunt threatens to move in with him. In a moment of blind panic Fell claims to be engaged and asks his friend Maggie to give credence to the lie and to move in with him. Maggie herself is living a life of unfulfilling drudgery; secretly in love with Fell, she agrees to help him, not expecting very much to come out of this except perhaps for a few beautiful memories. But that is before Fell and Maggie discover that Fell's father might have been involved in a train robbery. Suddenly Fell and Maggie find their lives full of adventure: Fell's home is burgled and their lives threatened. Could all the money Fell inherited be stolen loot? Fell and Maggie are determined to discover where all this money has come from, no matter the cost.
While "The Skeleton In The Closet" does read like a mystery novel, the plot line involving the duo's quest to discover if Fell's father had been part of the train robbery gang is only a subplot. Mostly, this novel is a bittersweet story about two people, Fell and Maggie, who are loners, who have received very little love or respect from their respective families, and who find acceptance, support and ultimately, love in each other. Because they have finally taken control of their lives, both Fell and Maggie blossom. They become more courageous, outgoing and competent. While I did feel some pain for the unrewarding lives that Fell and Maggie had lived hitherto their teaming up with each other, it is I think, difficult to sustain any feelings of pity, because both characters are finally taking control of their lives. I definitely rooted for them to come out on top and for Fell to discover what a gem he had in Maggie. Some readers may not enjoy novels where the main characters are quiet and plain, but I rather like novels that deal with the 'ordinary' people, afterall it can get a little tiring to read about beautiful and talented and witty people all the time.
In it's own way, I found "The Skeleton In The Closet" to be a uplifting and heartwarming novel, and worthy of a five star rating.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Waiting for Agatha, March 18, 2001
Thank you, M.C. Beaton for the wonderful new book "Skeleton in the Closet" i was suffering withdrawal having no more Agatha raisins left to read and along comes this little gem which is perfect from its art work to its final denoument and the hinted promise of more of this new pair. Reading books like this is sitting in the shade on a summer's day with no cares.....
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Mystery-Read threee times for characterization, November 3, 2006
This one off story by M.C. Beaton is outside the stream of her other
series novels which makes it that much more captivating. The careful
development of two outsiders into a loving, caring couple of amateur
detectives is both skillful and touching. The mystery that brings them
together is well done without being too convoluted. The conclusion is
believable and thrilling. Beaton's best book in my opinion
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