Mansions of the Dead

MANSIONS OF THE DEAD by Sarah Stewart Taylor is Book #2 of the Sweeney St. George mystery series.
Sweeney is a noted art historian, a professor, a researcher, whose specialty is the ‘art of death’.
Sweeney is drawn into a murder investigation involving one of her students. When Brad Putnam (of ‘the Putnams’) turns up dead in his Cambridge apartment, the Cambridge Police call on Sweeney St. George’s help in identifying the antique mourning jewelry found at the scene.
We meet a new character in this title, Homicide Detective Timothy Quinn.
We also meet Sweeney’s aunt, Anna, at her Newport cottage, where many personal details of Sweeney’s earlier family life emerge.
I am enjoying this title and series very much. I like the show more interesting, very detailed, very personal characters; the locations (In MANSIONS OF THE DEAD we are out and about in Boston, in Cambridge and Newport, Rhode Island.); and the very fascinating subject of death and mourning.
I like to learn while I read and I have picked up so much fascinating info on graveyards, grave stones, funeral rites, mourning rituals, mourning art, and grief. I particularly liked the discussions of the ‘value of ritual’. I agree with Sweeney when she says, “That’s what ritual does - it kind of puts an end to suffering. It allows you to go on.”
I especially like the prologues - set (in this title) in 1863, which creates a backdrop for both the story, the mystery and the art.
This title and series is highly recommended. ***** show less

loved this book. great mystery and very well written. Will read all the rest of Ms. Stewart Taylor's books.