| Shadows
on a Maine Christmas is about Maggie Summer and her Antique
Print business. This year, Maggie's boyfriend, Will, is taking
care of his aging aunt so she drives Maine to be with them.
Will is also an Antique dealer. Will made a point in the last
mystery that he doesn't care for Maggie's recent hobby in
amateur sleuthing. Maggie can't help it; her last experience
gave her feeling of empowerment and she wouldn't turn away
from it if she had a chance to do it again. As luck would
have it, she does, after Will's aunt receives a blackmail
message. The message leads to a murder, and Maggie takes this
opportunity - and Will's acquaintance with a state trooper
- to get involved. In turn, Will takes the time to show Maggie
his plans for his future and his business. Looks like Maggie
has some decisions of her own to make.
Shadows on a Maine Christmas is my introduction to
Wait's Antique Print series. I caught up on bits and pieces
from past titles in this series through the spoilers. I found
the Antique business interesting. I'll certainly look at Antique
Prints differently, now. The series itself seems low key only
in that there are no breath-taking, action-packed, death-defying
scenes. The main character lives a quiet life and enjoys putting
clues together as others might enjoy working a crossword puzzle.
Maggie comes across as a gentle soul, and in this episode,
her relationship with Will comes across as one-sided. I'm
rooting for Maggie to stay true to herself. The author's presentation
of Maine is beautifully written and makes me want to visit
there, but maybe in the summer. Shadows on a Maine Christmas
has plenty of clues, false leads, and an ending I did not
see coming. |
