The Body in the Birches

March 23, 2015
Set on Sanpere, a resort island off the Maine coast, Page’s winning 22nd Faith Fairchild mystery (after 2013’s The Body in the Piazza) centers on who will inherit the Birches, a summer “cottage” built in the late 19th century by Josiah and Eleanor Proctor, the great-grandparents of Sophie Maxwell. A year after the death of Sophie’s childless great-aunt, Priscilla McAllister, the prospective heirs are summoned to the Birches by Sophie’s great-uncle-in-law, Paul McAllister. Per his late wife’s request, Paul must decide which Proctor descendant will get the grand house. Could the death of the Birches’ housekeeper, Bev, be related to the fierce competition among the family for Paul’s favor? Meanwhile, caterer Faith, her minister husband, and their two children are summering on Sanpere. When 15-year-old Ben Fairchild, for whom Sophie once babysat, unwittingly puts her life in grave danger, the stakes—and the suspense—rise. Tasty recipes round out the volume. Agent: Faith Hamlin, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.

May 1, 2015

It's the Fourth of July on Sanpere Island, off the coast of Maine. Proctor family members have gathered at The Birches to learn who will inherit the historic summer cottage. Faith Fairchild is also vacationing on the island, staying with her family at her friend Pix Miller's house while their own summer residence is being rebuilt. When Faith discovers the body of the Proctors' housekeeper in the woods, it is assumed that she died of a heart attack. But soon it becomes clear that someone is trying to sabotage the reading of the will. Faith also worries about her own family: her husband's mother is ill; son Ben has overheard things at his summer job that could have serious repercussions; and daughter Amy's new friend Daisy Proctor has her own troubles. VERDICT Reading this enjoyable long-running series is like having a conversation with an old friend. Faith and her family continue to grow, and now having teenagers will test her and Tom's patience. Anyone who likes Joan Hess and Donna Andrews will appreciate this well-crafted mystery (the 22nd after The Body in the Piazza).

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