Garage Sale Mysteries: Murder In D Minor

Lori Loughlin and her quest for antique treasure takes her to an estate auction of a 92 year old former diplomat who dies and at that age who would seriously question his passing. He was from Austria and in his time in America was a noted philanthropist and patron of the arts.

A very different picture of the deceased emerges as we learn he used his dipomatic position to steal and smuggle a lot of artistic treasure the Nazis lifted from countries they occupied. But where is all that loot now?

It would be quite a haul for our intrepid antique dealer/detective. But even Loughlin realizes this over her head. She also has a detective from Europe on the case as well as a granddaughter seeing her inheritance stolen.

It all comes down to a lot of interest in a player piano that was part of the estate that Loughlin acquired. Lots of interest in that particular antique.

An interesting conclusion and you'll kick yourself when you realize the perpetrator is the only one who could have had the knowledge to make a murder seem like a natural death.

Jenn puts the winning bid on a vintage Welte-Mignon player piano at the estate auction of a wealthy philanthropist, but soon discovers that the late owner may have led a less-than-charitable life before being murdered. He had a difficult relationship with his daughter and granddaughter, Carolyn (Alison Wandzura), and who left behind a more troubled legacy.

An ambitious episode than usual, straying from the murderous tales of jealous lovers and wronged business associates, and taking complicating narrative turns with various unsavory figures on all sides. Unfortunately it can be a bit dull, not very grabbing and just stumbles on at times. Still watchable, but not on the same fine level at the others.

6/10 - my least favorite of Garage Sale Mystery Month, but not bad

This entry of Garage Sale Mysteries is all about restitution as a 92 year old German born gentleman is murdered for the secrets that he had kept. And everyone wants those secrets...which is evident at the auction that takes place after his death. Jen and Dani have the winning bid for a slightly run down player piano and their friend, an elderly woman also of German ancestry, wins the bid on two small landscape paintings.

When Jen's friend is attacked while restoring the piano, it becomes obvious that it is more than just a piano.

Interesting WWII story imbedded in this mystery involving an aggressive Frenchman who works for an international recovery organization, set out to recover art that was misappropriated in and around the war.

The best part of this mystery was the beautiful player piano and the use of a code. Not as much friend and family time in this episode, but still a good showing that fans of the series will enjoy.

There is a nice historic element here that combines classical music, art restitution and WW2. A German man who dies turns out to have left some questionable items including a piano and paintings that may hold some secrets. The villain is obvious but it's still an okay watch. Hopefully they can resurrect the series without Lori Loughlin.