[bshipp]

I've had similar luck with sqlite, of all things. Unless it's envisioned to handle huge user loads, sqlite does a pretty amazing job of FTS, all contained in a tiny binary that runs when I want and only when I want. I find it very useful for finding nuggets in titles and descriptions, spanning across thousands or millions of records. the index is often double or even triple the size of the database, but its worth it for a query that returns in a heartbeat.

[knighthack]

For static databases (especially where the content is not deleted, or rarely updated) consider using contentless tables or external content tables. The database size remains virtually the same, but you'll have immediate access to almost all FTS features.