Murder in the Smithsonian

This is a typical Margaret Truman mystery. The plot is simple, the characters are well-drawn, and we get more of Margaret Truman's wonderful insight into Washington. A law clerk at the Supreme Court is found shot to death while he sits in the chair of the Chief Justice. Lieutenant Martin Teller of the Washington police and Susanna Pincher of the Justice Department investigate the murder. They find that the Supreme Court is not the high-minded place they imagined. It is a hot bed of intrigue, backbiting, and politics, especially under a right wing Chief Justice and President. The law clerk had dug up dirt on all the Justices and was using it claw his way to the White House. Thus, we have plenty of suspects in high places. It makes for a tangled web and a relaxing mystery to read.

Margaret Truman writes mysteries that capitalize on her terrific knowledge of Washington, DC, and impress me by moving right along to a solution. The plots can be a bit intricate, but that's part of the fun. In this story, Dr. Lewis Tunney, a historian, is murdered spectacularly on the balcony above the famous Focault pendulum in the National Museum of American History, during a gala attended by the Vice President of the United States. Captain Mac Hanrahan of the Washington police has the task, filled with political pressure, of solving the murder. He finds that Tunney had learned a devastating secret, and was murdered before he could reveal it. Hanrahan's task is complicated by the arrival in the United States of strong-willed Heather McBean, the Scottish fiance of Tunney. She sets out independently to find who murdered Tunney. But the murderer proceeds to kill others who might know Tunney's secret, and Heather finds herself stalked by the murderer. It all makes an enjoyable story.

Another fascinating book by Margaret Truman.Another well constructed international plot! She obviously know the Smithonian, the world of international art dealers and Museum curators. and she does give the impression of having been in London and Edimburgh. it bring back memories. well researched

Murder is not a subject that one thinks of when one considers the somber, hallowed halls of the stately granite structure that abuts the U. S. Capitol grounds. Yet the author makes the crime in the sacred highest court in the land indeed seem plausible. The reader is spellbound throughout the narrative of this page-turner. The insight into the behind-the-scenes working of the court gives even more credibility to this mystery. This is a welcome addition to the spectular crime series.

Truman does a good job of writing murders in a town which her fauther onced lived in. A Murder happening in the Country's most sacred hall takes you page by page.