Murder at the Library of Congress

I know this about Ms. Truman. She's 83 years old and lives in New York. She was an accomplished pianist who played for crowned heads in Europe and Knot heads in Washington. She's a fine mystery writer who manages in M A T L O C to involve us in a murder at the library which is linked to the heist of a Spanish painting from a museum in Miami and to a killing in Mexico. She also ties in a cryptic diary of Columbus's voyages, written 500 years ago. This is a huge load to stuff in one book-but she does it and does it well. Her writing and organizational skills lead me to believe that this woman should run for President of the U.S. Now I know that Ms. Truman was not married to a former president, so she doesn't have much of a resume. But that name Truman does sound familiar. Even if she wasn't wed to a Chief Executive- I think she has potential. Vote Margaret Truman. I am giving her my vote. FIVE STARS OF FIVE william russo 17 nov 2007

This was my first Margaret Truman mystery, and after reading many of the others, this one is still my favorite. A noted scholar and researcher is murdered at the Library of Congress. A part-time researcher, a famous reporter, and many others in the library solve bits and pieces of the murder. I found this book engrossing, and read the entire thing in one day.

This mystery once again has Annabelle Reed Smith and her husband Mac (he plays a very small part). This was a fun book because it takes us inside the Library of Congress and into the very expensive and illusory world of rare books. I have yet to read a book in this series that I have not liked. I find Margaret Truman to be a bit underrated and ignored in the mystery field. She puts me in mind of Agatha Christie as she also spins a good mystery without all the blood and gore.

Margaret Truman knows Washington, D. C. intimately and this comes through clearly in all the books of her Capitol Crime series. In this book the detailed descriptions of the Library of Congress bring the scenery clearly into the mind of the reader even if one has not been privileged enough to see it first hand. Her protagonist, Annabel Reed-Smith has been allowed to grow in the series and this latest caper of an art theft shows the skill of the author's continuing talent at characterization.

Another interesting and captivating book by Margaret Truman. I hope that the series and the author go on and on.