The Palace Guard by Charlotte MacLeod

In ten words or less: a forgery-stuffed museum is the scene of a murder.

Review: Attractive young widow Sarah Kelling accepts the invitation of Max Bittersohn, an investigator of art thefts, to a concert at the palatial Wilkins Museum. Sarah feels guilty for being drawn to her handsome escort, but the mood is shattered when one of the security guards falls to his death off a balcony into the courtyard. An investigation into the crime reveals that most of the art in the collection is forged--and very good forgeries they are, too.

Sarah and her family of eccentric Boston bluebloods join Max and the police to discover the identity of the killer and the forger.

Why bother? MacLeod has more wildly funny characters in her mysteries than clams in a bowl of chowder. The perfect gentle read for those who appreciate wordplay and the unexpected.