What a gem! I'm sure Jeffrey Talbot, antique picker and former FBI agent, could tell me its value. If he isn't busy fishing or reviewing inventory for Blanche Appleby's antique shop, All Things Old. Or solving a murder.

You don't have to be an antique collector to enjoy Deborah Morgan's second edition of "an Antique Lover's Mystery," "The Weedless Widow." She does a marvelous job of introducing antiques while weaving a suspenseful and engaging story.

Jeff Talbot is joining his fishing buddies for their annual trip. He is also trying to coordinate the listing and transportation of his latest haul of antiques. When he arrives at the Northwest Territory Bait and Tackle shop for supplies, he joins his fishing friend, the Judge. Together they find their friend and shop owner, Bill Rhodes murdered. Throughout the fishing trip weekend, Jeff finds himself assisting the local sheriff's department in the investigation. Meanwhile in Seattle, his recently acquired antiques are being transported to the warehouse.

While helping the local law enforcement, Jeff forwards pertinent data to his home computer. When he returns home from his fishing trip, he finds Sheila, his agoraphobic wife, missing. Using former FBI resources, friends and Seattle's police, the search for Sheila Talbot begins. As Jeff searches, he finds her disappearance clearly linked to the murder.

The story cleverly weaves antiques and the fishing trip. It describes antique and their values seamlessly, while not burdening the reader with irrelevant or unwanted information. Ms. Morgan grabs your attention and keeps you "hooked" right through to the surprising ending.