Bobbie - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$2.99 with 70 percent savings
Digital List Price: $9.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.

Audiobook Price: $15.30

Save: $13.00 (85%)

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Charlotte MacLeod
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Palace Guard (Sarah Kelling & Max Bittersohn Mysteries Series Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Charlotte MacLeod (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 621 ratings
A museum robbery leaves a guard dead, and two Boston sleuths investigate: “If this is your first meeting with Sarah Kelling, oh how I envy you” (Margaret Maron).
  It’s only been a few months since Sarah Kelling’s elderly husband passed away, and she’s struggling to adapt to life as a penniless young widow. To make ends meet, she converts her stately Boston home into a boardinghouse, a decision that brings something even better than money: the company of art-fraud investigator Max Bittersohn. The budding couple is standing on a balcony, recovering from a second-rate concert at a third-rate museum, when something plummets past them. The museum has been robbed, and a guard has fallen to his death. Dozens of priceless paintings have been stolen and replaced with forgeries, and recovering these masterworks will mean tearing the lid off the quiet life of the Boston upper crust. But it’s a chance Sarah and Max must take, lest they join the guard on his long trip down.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 3 of 12
    Sarah Kelling & Max Bittersohn Mysteries
  2. Print length
    204 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    MysteriousPress.com/Open Road
  5. Publication date
    October 2, 2012
  6. File size
    6.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 12 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  3. The Terrible Tide
    Kindle Edition
    $7.99
  5. King Devil
    Kindle Edition
    $1.99
  9. Something Wicked (Andrew Basnett)
    Kindle Edition
    $1.99
  12. Grab Bag: A Collection of Stories
    Kindle Edition
    $7.99
  14. A Hobby of Murder (Andrew Basnett)
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  20. The Fat Lady's Ghost
    Kindle Edition
    $7.99
  21. A Choice of Evils (Andrew Basnett)
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  25. Legend in Green Velvet
    Kindle Edition
    $9.99
  29. Diplomatic Corpse
    Kindle Edition
    $0.99
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

“If this is your first meeting with Sarah Kelling, oh how I envy you!” —Margaret Maron, author of The Buzzard Table  “One of the most gifted mystery authors writing today.” —Sojourner: The Women's Forum “The screwball mystery is Charlotte MacLeod’s cup of tea.” —Chicago Tribune  

About the Author

Charlotte MacLeod (1922–2005) was an internationally bestselling author of cozy mysteries. Born in Canada, she moved to Boston as a child, and lived in New England most of her life. After graduating from college, she made a career in advertising, writing copy for the Stop & Shop Supermarket Company before moving on to Boston firm N. H. Miller & Co., where she rose to the rank of vice president. In her spare time, MacLeod wrote short stories, and in 1964 published her first novel, a children’s book called Mystery of the White Knight.  In Rest You Merry (1978), MacLeod introduced Professor Peter Shandy, a horticulturist and amateur sleuth whose adventures she would chronicle for two decades. The Family Vault (1979) marked the first appearance of her other best-known characters: the husband and wife sleuthing team Sarah Kelling and Max Bittersohn, whom she followed until her last novel, The Balloon Man, in 1998. 

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0099IHEC6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ MysteriousPress.com/Open Road (October 2, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 2, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6.1 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 204 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1504067665
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 621 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Charlotte MacLeod

Charlotte MacLeod

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Charlotte MacLeod (1922–2005) was an internationally bestselling author of cozy mysteries. Born in Canada, she moved to Boston as a child, and lived in New England most of her life. After graduating from college, she made a career in advertising, writing copy for the Stop & Shop Supermarket Company before moving on to Boston firm N. H. Miller & Co., where she rose to the rank of vice president. In her spare time, MacLeod wrote short stories, and in 1964 published her first novel, a children’s book called Mystery of the White Knight.

In Rest You Merry (1978), MacLeod introduced Professor Peter Shandy, a horticulturist and amateur sleuth whose adventures she would chronicle for two decades. The Family Vault (1979) marked the first appearance of her other best-known characters: the husband and wife sleuthing team Sarah Kelling and Max Bittersohn, whom she followed until her last novel, The Balloon Man, in 1998.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
621 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers enjoy the mystery depth of this book, with one review describing it as a delightful story of madcap murder. Moreover, the book is engaging and fun to read, featuring interesting and clever characters. Additionally, customers appreciate the writing quality and find it a great read, with one review highlighting the well-thought-out plot and another noting Sarah's eccentric Boston family.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

17 customers mention "Mystery depth"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the mystery depth of the book, describing it as a great cozy mystery with a good plot that skillfully hides its twists and turns.

"...While there is plenty of action, the book is not for those looking for tough guy antics, teasing sexuality or suspenseful adventure...." Read more

"...These would definitely be considered cozy mysteries, with no violence, bad language or sexual situations. They would be considered a clean read...." Read more

"...This being a mystery series, it is not a surprise to find some of those characters are not as they seem, and the fun lies in figuring out who is..." Read more

"...This book has a great plot and interesting characters." Read more

15 customers mention "Fun to read"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and fun to read, with one customer noting it's a delightful world to immerse yourself in.

"...Charlotte Macleod was both erudite and witty. I look forward to experiencing this series again in ebook form...." Read more

"...There is a leavening of humor, some colorful characters, an interesting plot and an appealing heroine...." Read more

"I have enjoyed every Charlotte MacLeod book that I have ever read, and this one is no different...." Read more

"...The denouement in this particular book is hilarious. Definitely a book for curling up with under grey skies (emotional or in the skies)." Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the interesting characters in the book, with one mentioning the appealing heroine.

"...There is a leavening of humor, some colorful characters, an interesting plot and an appealing heroine...." Read more

"...This book has a great plot and interesting characters." Read more

"I enjoyed the characters and the puzzle, but I was a little lost in time. I wish a clearer time frame had been given...." Read more

"Solid entry in the Kelling mysteries. The characters are better developed and the light setting works nicely for a cozy and screwball mystery, with..." Read more

8 customers mention "Readability"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great read.

"...They would be considered a clean read. If you haven't tried Charlotte MacLeod, you really should. You are in for a treat!" Read more

"...This really is a delightful book, full of whit and sharply drawn characters. However it is a book of its time...." Read more

"...It did keep me reading, and I escaped these crazy times for a while." Read more

"...This is not a story telling review. Just a comment that it was ok...." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book.

"...the series will know the author to be a skilled story teller and adept writer...." Read more

"...Her books are all well-written and fun. There is plenty of humor and excitement...." Read more

"...In terms of well-written, what is wrong with showing a little erudition in writing? Think Dorothy Sayers...." Read more

"...This series is one of several by Charlotte MacLeod, and I love her writing!" Read more

6 customers mention "Characterization"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the characterizations in the book, finding them wonderful and clever, with one customer noting the intelligent series in regard to vocabulary.

"...Charlotte Macleod was both erudite and witty. I look forward to experiencing this series again in ebook form...." Read more

"...of other works in the series will know the author to be a skilled story teller and adept writer...." Read more

"...This really is a delightful book, full of whit and sharply drawn characters. However it is a book of its time...." Read more

"...The values the main characters portray, and indeed live by, are heart warming. The denouement in this particular book is hilarious...." Read more

3 customers mention "Love for sarah"3 positive0 negative

Customers express their love for Sarah and Max, with one mentioning Sarah's eccentric Boston family.

"...not my very favorite of the series, this was another wonderful outing with Sarah and Max and Sarah's eccentric Boston family...." Read more

"I love Sarah and Max. Quirky enough to be fun, good enough mystery to keep you hooked, and actual good writing...." Read more

"Terrific light reading. Love the Max and Sarah books." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Cozy Mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I read this series decades ago and loved it. Charlotte Macleod was both erudite and witty. I look forward to experiencing this series again in ebook form. This is an intelligent series in regard to vocabulary, and culture. A true delight.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Third in a Fine Series
    Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This is the third of the Kelling and Bittersohn books in her series about the now impoverished widow of one of Boston's Blue Bloods and a Jewish art theft investigator. Previously we have learned about the former's marriage to a man old enough to be her father and then her establishment of a Boarding House in the mansion in which they had lived. Somewhere along the way, he has come to live in the house but their romance has progressed slowly because of her views on how soon a bereaved spouse can undertake a full-blooded new romance. Of course, in both previous books murder has somehow been visited to someone who has been in interaction with her. The same, of course, is true of this book which opens with the fall from the upper balcony of one of Boston's landmark museums. The almost couple are attending an event there and, inevitably find themselves, even though somewhat remotely, caught up in the event. That is not the end of their involvement, however, for other events follow which tie them into the life....and death...of the museum.
    Readers of other works in the series will know the author to be a skilled story teller and adept writer. While there is plenty of action, the book is not for those looking for tough guy antics, teasing sexuality or suspenseful adventure. There is a leavening of humor, some colorful characters, an interesting plot and an appealing heroine. It is a series in which there is a progressive development in the lives of the characters involved rather than the Rex Stout Nero Wolfe books in which there is some progression from one book to another but where each of the central characters remain essentially the same over the decades.
    I enjoyed these book on first reading and find them equally appealing some decades later. New readers can jump right in with this book without missing much since necessary background is sketched in. If you afford it, and find your first taste acceptable, you are likely to develop a desire to go back to book one and continue from there. On the other hand, as I pointed out, those seeking taut action, high suspense or descriptive sexuality, should look elsewhere.
    19 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jane Edwards
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great cozy mystery!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I have enjoyed every Charlotte MacLeod book that I have ever read, and this one is no different. I have recently seen that she is referred to as America's Agatha Christie, and I would agree with that characterization.
    Her books are all well-written and fun. There is plenty of humor and excitement. These would definitely be considered cozy mysteries, with no violence, bad language or sexual situations. They would be considered a clean read.
    If you haven't tried Charlotte MacLeod, you really should. You are in for a treat!
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • BelMac
    3.0 out of 5 stars Character development strong...plot, not so much.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This plot was convoluted, but the resolution pretty predictable.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Peg McMahon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Neither pretentious nor prejudiced
    Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I can't help but think some reviewers just get up on the wrong side of the bed. This really is a delightful book, full of whit and sharply drawn characters. However it is a book of its time. It is unfair, I think, to hold a book written 50 years ago to today's PC standards. First, the author - and the main character - are not prejudiced. Just the opposite. They are standing against some of the more common and casual prejudices of the day, as opposed to buying into them. As someone born more than 70 years ago, I can remember people in my own family saying some of the things that air-headed Boston Brahmins say here. But none of this has to do with the heart of the book - a well-written and well thought out who-done-it. In terms of well-written, what is wrong with showing a little erudition in writing? Think Dorothy Sayers. It is pretentious or is it just adding to the fun? I enjoyed recognizing the allusions and drinking in the higher than grade-school level vocabulary. I like this book so much, in fact, that I went back and read books one and two, read this one again and am now moving forward in the series. It's been a long time since I enjoyed a series so much.
    38 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Alison S. Coad
    4.0 out of 5 stars More Fun (And Murder) with Sarah and Max!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    As a treat. Max Bittersohn takes Sarah Kelling to the Madam’s Museum, a venerable institution of artwork left to the city by Mrs. Wilkins, known as “the Madam” after a witticism of one of Sarah’s numerous blue-blood ancestors. Their visit is marred, however, by the sudden death of one of the guards, who apparently leaned too far over a guardrail and plunged to his death a few stories below. That guard had a particular affinity for one of the paintings in his section, and he had been loudly complaining that the painting had “changed” in the days before his death, which leads Max and Sarah to wonder if the death was, indeed, accidental…. In the third novel of this series, we are given a look into Max’s world as opposed to Sarah’s; that is, the world of art, art theft and international intrigue. We are also introduced to some more of Sarah’s innumerable relatives, a boisterous and enigmatic Russian Countess, and several of Boston’s more celebrated philanthropists. This being a mystery series, it is not a surprise to find some of those characters are not as they seem, and the fun lies in figuring out who is more blatantly duplicitous amongst the group! Recommended, but I do think that this is a series where one should begin with the first novel (“The Family Vault”) and carry on from there.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jacqui King
    5.0 out of 5 stars heart-warming crime fiction
    Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    All the Charlotte MacLeod books are such fun to read and this is no exception. Real life? Maybe not but such a delightful world to immerse yourself in. Sarah and Max plus the various members of the Kelling clan make you long to meet them and I would loved to have stayed at Sarah's boarding house. The values the main characters portray, and indeed live by, are heart warming. The denouement in this particular book is hilarious. Definitely a book for curling up with under grey skies (emotional or in the skies).
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • S. M. Burgess
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyable, right to the last page
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 23, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Sarah Kelling is still running her boarding house, while taking some time off to go out with her tenant, Max Bittersohn. Unfortunately, their latest outing - a musical recital at the Wilkes Museum - is interrupted by the untimely death of one of the guards, Joe. It could have been an accident, but then they discover that Joe had been complaining about his favourite painting being different, and then another guard is killed. Naturally, Sarah and Max end up investigating, ably helped by another Kelling cousin (the bird enthusiast, Brooks).

    Apart from the sheer joy of reading more about Sarah and her tenants, you also get to meet Lydia Ouspenska, a supposed-Russian Countess (though she's actually from Chelsea), who forges Byzantine icons while living as high as she can manage.

    As usual, Charlotte MacLeod is entertaining and enthralling. Spend an afternoon or an evening investigating crime with Max and Sarah while visiting the high life (and low lifes) in various parts of Boston.
    Report
  • ありちゃん
    5.0 out of 5 stars BOSTON Brahminの記述は本当なのかこのシリーズ読む度にいつも気になります
    Reviewed in Japan on November 16, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    前にpaperbackで購入したのですが、行くへ不明になってキンドル番をかいました。何ど読んでも楽しみです
    Report
  • bookworm
    5.0 out of 5 stars progress the story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 15, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This story takes Sarah's romance with Max forward and also introduces another eccentric Kelling cousin. As usual with MacCleod, the Boston setting and ancillary characters are appealing and it bears her hallmark humour.
    Report
  • Zena Young
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 3, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Great book
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report