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Faith Fairchild #22
The Body in the Birches
At home on Sanpere Island, Maine, caterer and amateur sleuth Faith Fairchild discovers that real estate can be murder, especially when it’s all in the family, in this twenty-third book in the popular mystery series.
The Fourth of July is one of the hottest on record and even the breeze off Penobscot Bay can’t seem to cool things down for Faith Fairchild and the rest of the folks on Sanpere Island. But the fireworks are just beginning. After the celebrations are over, Faith discovers a body in the woods near The Birches, an early twentieth-century “cottage.”
The body is identified as The Birches’ housekeeper, who seems to have succumbed to a heart attack. The death is only one of the dramatic events upending the historic house. A family gathering has been called to decide who will inherit the much loved, and very valuable, estate that has been in the Proctor family for generations. With this much money involved, it’s just a matter of time before trouble arises.
Faith is juggling her own family problems. Her teenage son, Ben, has started a new job as a dishwasher at The Laughing Gull Lodge—learning things that could land him in very hot water. And her daughter Amy is worried about her new friend, Daisy Proctor. Daisy is terrified—convinced that someone is trying to eliminate her mother from getting a share of The Birches. To protect her children, Faith has to find a possible murderer—before he strikes too close to her own home.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2015
182 people are currently reading
854 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Hall Page
54 books462 followersKatherine Hall Page is the author of twenty-five previous Faith Fairchild mysteries, the first of which received the Agatha Award for best first mystery. The Body in the Snowdrift was honored with the Agatha Award for best novel of 2006. Page also won an Agatha for her short story “The Would-Be Widower.” The recipient of the Malice Domestic Award for Lifetime Achievement, she has been nominated for the Edgar, the Mary Higgins Clark, the Maine Literary, and the Macavity Awards. She lives in Massachusetts and Maine with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
June 6, 2015
I received this book from the Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. After reading the description and the positive reviews I was looking forward to a good murder mystery. Several chapters into the story I was put off by the excessive chattiness. I plodded on thinking that the murder would spice things up but that was not to be. The mystery lost in all the attention paid to the family drama. I found that there were too many characters crammed into a relatively short space and I never connected with any of them. Overall I was greatly disappointed and found the novel to be quite boring. I also found the writing rather awkward.
June 18, 2015
The Body in the Birches by Katherine Hall Page is listed as a Mystery. The mystery is who will Uncle Paul decide to give his deceased wife's family property to, as instructed in her will.
I plodded through pages and pages of backstory information wondering when the murder would happen. When Uncle Paul's longtime cook dies, I thought: finally, the business of solving whodunit will begin. But, no, the death was not deemed suspicious.
The cast of characters was long; I lost track of who the family members were due to even more characters ~ the neighbor, Faith, her mother-in-law's illness, teenage issues and so on.
Not my kind of mystery tale at all.
I plodded through pages and pages of backstory information wondering when the murder would happen. When Uncle Paul's longtime cook dies, I thought: finally, the business of solving whodunit will begin. But, no, the death was not deemed suspicious.
The cast of characters was long; I lost track of who the family members were due to even more characters ~ the neighbor, Faith, her mother-in-law's illness, teenage issues and so on.
Not my kind of mystery tale at all.
January 30, 2016
Twenty-first chronologically and twenty-second in the publication order in the Faith Fairchild cooking mystery series in the Faith Fairchild cooking mystery series and usually revolving around Faith, a chef, mother, and wife. The focus is on another family on Sanpere Island and their family dramas over The Birches.
My Take
It's a tale of inheritance and the family battles it can inspire. It's not just Aunt Priscilla's house, but worries that a number of characters have or about which they've heard. The Fairchilds are on the periphery in this tale, although young Ben has his place in the sun in this. The boy is growing up.
Page includes a few red herrings and has left a number of loose threads. Other than that it's a typical Page novel with the fun coming in with the contestants at The Birches. It's not one of Page's better stories although it really is funny to read the lousy behavior and the sucking up done by various family members. How can they not realize how easy it is to see through it? The Body in the Birches does bring up a twisty question about inheriting a family property that everyone has become accustomed to using. Home. A memory people want to hang onto. There is a nifty solution that Page mentions that sounds very practical.
As for the loose threads and unbelievable scenes, Page doesn't make me believe the romance that crops up. It's just suddenly there. Yes, Page has been pushing at Sophie's subconscious with those jealous thoughts, but even those aren't realistic as Page hasn't included Sophie thinking positive thoughts about her supposed love interest. The complication of Ian was "interesting", but lame in the romance arena. I'd have liked an explanation of Rory's obnoxious behavior over the summer. What's revealed at the end of the story doesn't jive with his actions. I have to wonder why the food-loving Faith doesn't make Zach's acquaintance? And what's with that gun in the Lexus Babs insists that Sophie take to Sanpere Island? Then there are the little melodramas. Enough to make me think about some eye-rolling and hope that future Faith Fairchild stories don't continue like The Body in the Birches.
Marian's surprise illness puts a damper on things as does Ben's surge of independence as he grows toward adulthood. It's a minefield of worry for Faith as she tries to suppress her worries about her son and her worries about her mother-in-law.
Oh, boy. Seems Tom is more and more unhappy about Faith's involvement in murder. That case in The Body in the Piazza , 21, was almost the last straw.
Huh. I've always wondered what fairy cakes were.
The Story
It makes for good gossip on the island as the contest over who gets The Birches starts when family gathers to duke it out. It's better than watching TV as the island soap opera begins.
One that turns tragic as people begin to die.
The Characters
The much-put-upon Sophie Maxwell, a lawyer who loves to cook, made some bad choices, but is available to hold her mother's place at The Birches. Babs Proctor Maxwell Rothenstein Williams Harrington is her mother and the oldest sibling; she's on her fourth husband, Ed Harrington. Ian Kendall was that bad choice. A British lawyer with the morals of a snake.
Great-aunt Priscilla Proctor McAllister inherited The Birches and has placed Uncle Paul McAllister in charge of choosing who inherits it in turn. Sophie's great-grandparents, Josiah and Eleanor Proctor, had built The Birches as a summer cottage in the late 1800s. Bev Boynton is the family housekeeper and cook who comes to The Birches with the family every summer. Marge Foster will step in for Bev. Will Tarkington is Uncle Paul's abrasive nephew from Georgia and a trained EMT.
The rest of the family
Simon is Babs' brother, and he's married to Dierdre. The twins, Forbes, a lawyer, and Felicity, the perpetually engaged, are their only children. Barclay "Barks" Smythe-Jones is Felicity's current jerk of a fiancé. (Mary and Daniel were Babs and Simon's parents.) The tie-dye-loving Sylvia is Babs and Simon's cousin. Sylvia's children are the gorgeous Autumn, the manipulative Rory Proctor, and the frustrated, young Daisy. Each has a different father, and Sylvia believes in leaving her children to live their lives as they choose unless she needs their attention.
The core characters of the series include:
Faith, caterer of her own business, Have Faith, is married to the Reverend Thomas Fairchild, and they have two children: the fifteen-year-old Ben and the twelve-year-old Amy. Marian and Dick Fairchild are Tom's parents. Craig, Betsey, and Robert (Michael is his partner) are Tom's siblings. The Reverend Lawrence Sibley is Faith's father. Her sister Hope is married to Quentin, another lawyer, and they have a son. Niki Theodopoulos is Faith's assistant and co-owner.
Ursula Lyman Rowe has a family cottage, The Pines, to which her family comes for the summer. She's invited the Fairchilds to stay while their cottage is being added onto. Pix Miller is Ursula's daughter and Faith's best friend and neighbor in Aleford, Massachusetts. Sam, a lawyer, is Pix's husband. Their children are Mark (married to Becca), Samantha, and Dan. Henry and Arthur are the Miller's golden retrievers. (Dusty had died in January.) Gert Prescott is Ursula's housekeeper at The Pines. The childless Arnie, Pix's brother, is an orthopedic surgeon, married to Claire. Dana Cameron is a surprise for the whole family.
Sanpere Island inhabitants include:
The Laughing Gull Lodge (the Lodge) is…
…one of the premier inn-restaurants in the area and has changed hands frequently over the years. The current owners are the Otises who are hoping that putting their son, Derek, in charge will settle him down. Tyler, one of Nan and Freeman (he calls the dances) Hamilton's grandsons, is a friend of Ben's and both will be working as dishwashers at the Lodge. Mandy Hitchcock is working in the kitchen and will give the boys rides to and from. Leilah is Mandy's mother; Dwayne is her abusive, supposedly disabled father. Sally is a friend of Mandy's near Waterville. The excellent Chef Zach Hale is getting increasingly frustrated.
Seth Marshall was the Fairchilds' original builder of their summer cottage and is building the addition this summer. A single man, Faith enjoys his broad knowledge of the island. Forrest "Fod" Nevells is a local guy who's a wizard at restoring cars. Paul has hopes for his vintage 1973 Triumph Stag. Margie is Fod's wife. Chris Knight is a sailing buddy of Tom's; Kathy is his wife. Dr. Edwin Ricks is a well-known New York psychiatrist who has retired to Sanpere Island. He volunteers with the ambulance corps. Steve Johnson is the harbormaster; Roberta is his wife. Sergeant Earl Dickinson is the go-to detective on Sanpere. Robbie Gray is a fisherman; Kathy is his wife. Captain Robertson will take the Prescott contingent on a puffin tour.
Gillian had been a sympathetic neighbor in London.
The Cover and Title
The cover is gorgeous with its white background and the birches creating a border. The perspective is as a body lying on the ground and looking up with those tall, tall birches reaching to the sky.
The title is the first murder at The Birches, The Body in the Birches.
My Take
It's a tale of inheritance and the family battles it can inspire. It's not just Aunt Priscilla's house, but worries that a number of characters have or about which they've heard. The Fairchilds are on the periphery in this tale, although young Ben has his place in the sun in this. The boy is growing up.
Page includes a few red herrings and has left a number of loose threads. Other than that it's a typical Page novel with the fun coming in with the contestants at The Birches. It's not one of Page's better stories although it really is funny to read the lousy behavior and the sucking up done by various family members. How can they not realize how easy it is to see through it? The Body in the Birches does bring up a twisty question about inheriting a family property that everyone has become accustomed to using. Home. A memory people want to hang onto. There is a nifty solution that Page mentions that sounds very practical.
As for the loose threads and unbelievable scenes, Page doesn't make me believe the romance that crops up. It's just suddenly there. Yes, Page has been pushing at Sophie's subconscious with those jealous thoughts, but even those aren't realistic as Page hasn't included Sophie thinking positive thoughts about her supposed love interest. The complication of Ian was "interesting", but lame in the romance arena. I'd have liked an explanation of Rory's obnoxious behavior over the summer. What's revealed at the end of the story doesn't jive with his actions. I have to wonder why the food-loving Faith doesn't make Zach's acquaintance? And what's with that gun in the Lexus Babs insists that Sophie take to Sanpere Island? Then there are the little melodramas. Enough to make me think about some eye-rolling and hope that future Faith Fairchild stories don't continue like The Body in the Birches.
Marian's surprise illness puts a damper on things as does Ben's surge of independence as he grows toward adulthood. It's a minefield of worry for Faith as she tries to suppress her worries about her son and her worries about her mother-in-law.
Oh, boy. Seems Tom is more and more unhappy about Faith's involvement in murder. That case in The Body in the Piazza , 21, was almost the last straw.
Huh. I've always wondered what fairy cakes were.
The Story
It makes for good gossip on the island as the contest over who gets The Birches starts when family gathers to duke it out. It's better than watching TV as the island soap opera begins.
One that turns tragic as people begin to die.
The Characters
The much-put-upon Sophie Maxwell, a lawyer who loves to cook, made some bad choices, but is available to hold her mother's place at The Birches. Babs Proctor Maxwell Rothenstein Williams Harrington is her mother and the oldest sibling; she's on her fourth husband, Ed Harrington. Ian Kendall was that bad choice. A British lawyer with the morals of a snake.
Great-aunt Priscilla Proctor McAllister inherited The Birches and has placed Uncle Paul McAllister in charge of choosing who inherits it in turn. Sophie's great-grandparents, Josiah and Eleanor Proctor, had built The Birches as a summer cottage in the late 1800s. Bev Boynton is the family housekeeper and cook who comes to The Birches with the family every summer. Marge Foster will step in for Bev. Will Tarkington is Uncle Paul's abrasive nephew from Georgia and a trained EMT.
The rest of the family
Simon is Babs' brother, and he's married to Dierdre. The twins, Forbes, a lawyer, and Felicity, the perpetually engaged, are their only children. Barclay "Barks" Smythe-Jones is Felicity's current jerk of a fiancé. (Mary and Daniel were Babs and Simon's parents.) The tie-dye-loving Sylvia is Babs and Simon's cousin. Sylvia's children are the gorgeous Autumn, the manipulative Rory Proctor, and the frustrated, young Daisy. Each has a different father, and Sylvia believes in leaving her children to live their lives as they choose unless she needs their attention.
The core characters of the series include:
Faith, caterer of her own business, Have Faith, is married to the Reverend Thomas Fairchild, and they have two children: the fifteen-year-old Ben and the twelve-year-old Amy. Marian and Dick Fairchild are Tom's parents. Craig, Betsey, and Robert (Michael is his partner) are Tom's siblings. The Reverend Lawrence Sibley is Faith's father. Her sister Hope is married to Quentin, another lawyer, and they have a son. Niki Theodopoulos is Faith's assistant and co-owner.
Ursula Lyman Rowe has a family cottage, The Pines, to which her family comes for the summer. She's invited the Fairchilds to stay while their cottage is being added onto. Pix Miller is Ursula's daughter and Faith's best friend and neighbor in Aleford, Massachusetts. Sam, a lawyer, is Pix's husband. Their children are Mark (married to Becca), Samantha, and Dan. Henry and Arthur are the Miller's golden retrievers. (Dusty had died in January.) Gert Prescott is Ursula's housekeeper at The Pines. The childless Arnie, Pix's brother, is an orthopedic surgeon, married to Claire. Dana Cameron is a surprise for the whole family.
Sanpere Island inhabitants include:
The Laughing Gull Lodge (the Lodge) is…
…one of the premier inn-restaurants in the area and has changed hands frequently over the years. The current owners are the Otises who are hoping that putting their son, Derek, in charge will settle him down. Tyler, one of Nan and Freeman (he calls the dances) Hamilton's grandsons, is a friend of Ben's and both will be working as dishwashers at the Lodge. Mandy Hitchcock is working in the kitchen and will give the boys rides to and from. Leilah is Mandy's mother; Dwayne is her abusive, supposedly disabled father. Sally is a friend of Mandy's near Waterville. The excellent Chef Zach Hale is getting increasingly frustrated.
Seth Marshall was the Fairchilds' original builder of their summer cottage and is building the addition this summer. A single man, Faith enjoys his broad knowledge of the island. Forrest "Fod" Nevells is a local guy who's a wizard at restoring cars. Paul has hopes for his vintage 1973 Triumph Stag. Margie is Fod's wife. Chris Knight is a sailing buddy of Tom's; Kathy is his wife. Dr. Edwin Ricks is a well-known New York psychiatrist who has retired to Sanpere Island. He volunteers with the ambulance corps. Steve Johnson is the harbormaster; Roberta is his wife. Sergeant Earl Dickinson is the go-to detective on Sanpere. Robbie Gray is a fisherman; Kathy is his wife. Captain Robertson will take the Prescott contingent on a puffin tour.
Gillian had been a sympathetic neighbor in London.
The Cover and Title
The cover is gorgeous with its white background and the birches creating a border. The perspective is as a body lying on the ground and looking up with those tall, tall birches reaching to the sky.
The title is the first murder at The Birches, The Body in the Birches.
abandoned
June 15, 2022Abandoned at 20% as I'm not interested in going any further with this chatty toned story.
(All I’ve heard about are Sophie, and her internal dialogue, and her mother and their convoluted life and relationships….. I started to feel a little swamped by characters - the audio version accentuates this - and the author is still adding more in.)
(All I’ve heard about are Sophie, and her internal dialogue, and her mother and their convoluted life and relationships….. I started to feel a little swamped by characters - the audio version accentuates this - and the author is still adding more in.)
April 22, 2020
Lovely. A fabulous cosy mystery
July 19, 2015
There wasn't much choice at the library, so I saw this pretty cover and the storyline sounded interesting. However, too much talk about something I did not need to know. Facts about this place and that felt cut and pasted. No flow. Characters two dimensional and shallow. Just not my taste.
July 31, 2018
This is the first of Katherine Hall Page’s Faith Fairchild Mysteries I have read, but it will not be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Maine having spent close to 30 summers in The Great State of Maine. Ms. Page’s The Body in The Birches (Faith Fairchild Mystery #22) centers on a summer house on an island close to Bar Harhor, ME, and who will inherit it. The whole family clan is invited for the month of July, and at the end of the month, one person will be chosen to be the one who inherits The Birches. Sounds like a disaster to me & it does become chaos with the assistance of the weather, certain personalities, and the fact that children grow up and older members of families have health problems, but a summer house in Maine - what a lovely thought! Just how far will some members go to achieve this ‘lovely thought’? The characters, the setting, and the author’s writing style make this a grand read! 4.25 stars
May 28, 2015
Just looking at the cover, I knew I would have to read this book. I love trees and an island…in Maine…makes me think of Cape Cod. Too close to home to miss.
Katherine Hall Page is a prolific writer, with many “body” books. How have I not heard of her before?
The Birches on Sanpere Island had been handed down through the generations.This also makes me think of Cape Cod, where cottages are passed down. There are so many things that remind me of the Cape, that I felt right at home. Like the boat parade and the Fourth of July celebrations. Out on the water, I too would be bundled up as if it is winter. The mornings can start out chilly, so layering is a wise move. Katherine draws such vivid pictures with her words, I am able to see as if I am there.
Sophie’s Aunt Priscilla, the owner of The Birches, is dead and Sophie’s mom had sent her there to find out who would inherit The Birches?
The family descends on The Birches like a flock of vultures, as the neighbors watch. The population is uder 3,000, so everyone knows everyone’s business. I think this will get very ugly. Will it read as true crime? We will see.
It doesn’t take long fo the sniping, sucking up and maneuvering begins. It is at times like these that you find out what people are made of. It brings out the best and worst of the characters. They run the gamut, from lawyers to hippies to snobs and yuppies. Some of the characters are loving and giving, helping out because it’s needed and they can. Others spend their time ordering people around like servants and insinuating themselves into conversations and situations without being invited. They are aggressive, selfish, narcissists.
Sophie is a lawyer and a hopeless romantic. Kendall is a lawyer too. The immediate attraction is a recipe for romance, don’t you think? I love that they eat out everywhere, from five star restaurants to the local dive.
Faith and Tom are staying at the Pines while there house is being renovated. Tom is a minister and Faith was raised in the lifestyle, though it seems now dead bodies seek her out.
I know Faith is the crime investigator and the series is names after her, but Sophie was the one who became most important to me.
Faith and Sophie – I feel something special will come of their meeting.
A predictable story, but very character driven for you people lovers out there. A glimpse into the characters lives, from the innocent children to the conniving and greedy adults. There are so many suspects, though one stands out.
Secrets can get you killed. Vermin can lurk right under your nose, justifying their actions, feeling a sense of entitlement, with no remorse. Actions tell a lot about a person.
A wonderful summer mystery, so be sure to add it to your reading list.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Katherine Hall Page is a prolific writer, with many “body” books. How have I not heard of her before?
The Birches on Sanpere Island had been handed down through the generations.This also makes me think of Cape Cod, where cottages are passed down. There are so many things that remind me of the Cape, that I felt right at home. Like the boat parade and the Fourth of July celebrations. Out on the water, I too would be bundled up as if it is winter. The mornings can start out chilly, so layering is a wise move. Katherine draws such vivid pictures with her words, I am able to see as if I am there.
Sophie’s Aunt Priscilla, the owner of The Birches, is dead and Sophie’s mom had sent her there to find out who would inherit The Birches?
The family descends on The Birches like a flock of vultures, as the neighbors watch. The population is uder 3,000, so everyone knows everyone’s business. I think this will get very ugly. Will it read as true crime? We will see.
It doesn’t take long fo the sniping, sucking up and maneuvering begins. It is at times like these that you find out what people are made of. It brings out the best and worst of the characters. They run the gamut, from lawyers to hippies to snobs and yuppies. Some of the characters are loving and giving, helping out because it’s needed and they can. Others spend their time ordering people around like servants and insinuating themselves into conversations and situations without being invited. They are aggressive, selfish, narcissists.
Sophie is a lawyer and a hopeless romantic. Kendall is a lawyer too. The immediate attraction is a recipe for romance, don’t you think? I love that they eat out everywhere, from five star restaurants to the local dive.
Faith and Tom are staying at the Pines while there house is being renovated. Tom is a minister and Faith was raised in the lifestyle, though it seems now dead bodies seek her out.
I know Faith is the crime investigator and the series is names after her, but Sophie was the one who became most important to me.
Faith and Sophie – I feel something special will come of their meeting.
A predictable story, but very character driven for you people lovers out there. A glimpse into the characters lives, from the innocent children to the conniving and greedy adults. There are so many suspects, though one stands out.
Secrets can get you killed. Vermin can lurk right under your nose, justifying their actions, feeling a sense of entitlement, with no remorse. Actions tell a lot about a person.
A wonderful summer mystery, so be sure to add it to your reading list.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
July 6, 2015
This is a murder mystery in which an upper crust New England family descends upon their summer "cottage" on an island off the coast of Maine in order to vie for the inheritance. A neighbor, caterer and minister's wife Faith Fairchild, who has the cozy-mystery penchant for stumbling across corpses, is somewhat involved, but most of the POV is dedicated to one of the "contestants," Sophie, who is licking her wounds after giving up her prestigious law firm job for a love affair that went sour. Then people start dying and the mystery is afoot.
This book has a fabulous premise, an unmistakable sense of place, an engaging writing style, and the gathering of the most self-centered and unlikable suspects, so it should have been great. And yet...it wasn't. Instead it was just OK for this reader, though I have to be fair and admit that I jumped into #22 of a series, so maybe if I was already invested in Faith and her ongoing story, I might have enjoyed it more.
My main problems were three-fold--the first being that I really didn't like the character of Sophie, and we spend an awful lot of time in Sophie's head. The only way I would have accepted this is if the author had pulled a murder-of-Roger-Ackroyd twist on us and made Sophie the murderer, but no, we were actually supposed to sympathize with this judgmental doormat of a character. Honestly, I couldn't stand her. She looked down on everyone, while acting the part of the good-girl martyr, and never stood up for herself. For example, when she says she's going to the market and one relative asks her to pick up some expensive seafood, "without reaching for his wallet," she just does it. Why doesn't she say, "Sure, uncle, but I'm unemployed right now, so I'll need some money?" No, she has to be the martyr.
My second problem was that Sophie's love interests (both her ill-fated fling with an Englishman that caused her to be in her current predicament, and the new one with a snotty mysterious guest at the house) were complete non-starters for me. Authors, please take note: I don't find snotty, condescending men romantic, even if they turn out to have a heart of gold. I find them obnoxious. (Mr. Darcy being the one and only exception to this rule.)
Finally, the ending. OMG, what a fizzle. I can say no more without spoilers.
I give this three stars for being a quick and entertaining read, and I would definitely try another title by this author. But I was still kind of annoyed with it by the ending.
This book has a fabulous premise, an unmistakable sense of place, an engaging writing style, and the gathering of the most self-centered and unlikable suspects, so it should have been great. And yet...it wasn't. Instead it was just OK for this reader, though I have to be fair and admit that I jumped into #22 of a series, so maybe if I was already invested in Faith and her ongoing story, I might have enjoyed it more.
My main problems were three-fold--the first being that I really didn't like the character of Sophie, and we spend an awful lot of time in Sophie's head. The only way I would have accepted this is if the author had pulled a murder-of-Roger-Ackroyd twist on us and made Sophie the murderer, but no, we were actually supposed to sympathize with this judgmental doormat of a character. Honestly, I couldn't stand her. She looked down on everyone, while acting the part of the good-girl martyr, and never stood up for herself. For example, when she says she's going to the market and one relative asks her to pick up some expensive seafood, "without reaching for his wallet," she just does it. Why doesn't she say, "Sure, uncle, but I'm unemployed right now, so I'll need some money?" No, she has to be the martyr.
My second problem was that Sophie's love interests (both her ill-fated fling with an Englishman that caused her to be in her current predicament, and the new one with a snotty mysterious guest at the house) were complete non-starters for me. Authors, please take note: I don't find snotty, condescending men romantic, even if they turn out to have a heart of gold. I find them obnoxious. (Mr. Darcy being the one and only exception to this rule.)
Finally, the ending. OMG, what a fizzle. I can say no more without spoilers.
I give this three stars for being a quick and entertaining read, and I would definitely try another title by this author. But I was still kind of annoyed with it by the ending.
January 16, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This is the kind of story I expect from Katherine Hall Page, a murder mystery with tons of family drama!
This is one of my favorite cozy series. When a series lasts this long the characters are like old friends. Faith and Tom’s children have grown up right before our eyes. It is hard to believe Ben is a teenager, but Tom and Faith seem exactly the same. I would love to have them as neighbors!
We again travel to Maine with the Fairchilds and it is not your typical family vacation. The Proctor family has a home there too, The Birches, and a death in the family means a decision must be made on who will inherit the property. All interested parties have been called to spend the month of July there and then a decision will be made by the family’s oldest member. All the family has gathered to curry favor with Uncle Paul hoping they will be his choice. It isn’t long before the housekeeper is found dead and other “accidents” take place and somehow Faith finds herself right in the middle of the drama.
Faith is also facing some things on her own. Her kids are growing up and she is having a hard time with that plus Tom had to head back home when his mother is rushed to the hospital, leaving Faith on her own on Sanpere Island.
I really enjoyed this story because it focuses on two families but blends them together perfectly. There are several characters and new readers to this series may have a problem keeping them all straight. Many reside in Aleford or have an Aleford connection so they have appeared in previous stories. All these characters give us plenty of suspects too and I was a bit surprised by the ending.
It is hard to keep things fresh in a long running series like this and I truly thought the series had ended with The Body in the Piazza. I was thrilled when I found out about this latest installment. I hope we have many more stories featuring the Fairchild family ahead.
If you are new to this series you really should start at the beginning for maximum reading pleasure.
This is the kind of story I expect from Katherine Hall Page, a murder mystery with tons of family drama!
This is one of my favorite cozy series. When a series lasts this long the characters are like old friends. Faith and Tom’s children have grown up right before our eyes. It is hard to believe Ben is a teenager, but Tom and Faith seem exactly the same. I would love to have them as neighbors!
We again travel to Maine with the Fairchilds and it is not your typical family vacation. The Proctor family has a home there too, The Birches, and a death in the family means a decision must be made on who will inherit the property. All interested parties have been called to spend the month of July there and then a decision will be made by the family’s oldest member. All the family has gathered to curry favor with Uncle Paul hoping they will be his choice. It isn’t long before the housekeeper is found dead and other “accidents” take place and somehow Faith finds herself right in the middle of the drama.
Faith is also facing some things on her own. Her kids are growing up and she is having a hard time with that plus Tom had to head back home when his mother is rushed to the hospital, leaving Faith on her own on Sanpere Island.
I really enjoyed this story because it focuses on two families but blends them together perfectly. There are several characters and new readers to this series may have a problem keeping them all straight. Many reside in Aleford or have an Aleford connection so they have appeared in previous stories. All these characters give us plenty of suspects too and I was a bit surprised by the ending.
It is hard to keep things fresh in a long running series like this and I truly thought the series had ended with The Body in the Piazza. I was thrilled when I found out about this latest installment. I hope we have many more stories featuring the Fairchild family ahead.
If you are new to this series you really should start at the beginning for maximum reading pleasure.
May 2, 2016
Let's just start with, half way through the book I had to look at the cover again to ensure that this was promoted as a mystery. Yep, right there on the cover it states A Faith Fairchild Mystery. The title sounded like a mystery, 'The Body in the Birches', yet 2/3's into the book no murders had taken place, there was no mystery to solve (except for why am I still reading this???)
DULL! DULL! DULL!
The majority of the book is focused on a dysfunctional family who are all vying for Uncle Paul to leave the house to them. And that isn't even a mystery, as you no from the get go who he's going to leave it to. Did you really doubt that he'd leave it to that person? It was so incredibly obvious that even that storyline had absolutely NO tension!
There are an inordinate amount of characters, so many that when the murder did happen, I didn't even remember who the character was...that's how insignificant he/she was to the story. I will admit up front that by the time the murder happened, I was so incredibility bored by the storyline that I went to the last chapter and read who and why. Even that was dull dull dull.
I don't think I've ever used so many adjectives to describe a book...ever! That's just how much I disliked everything to do with this story. It's number 22 in the series so maybe Ms. Page just didn't have the mojo to write something interesting. But I'm not going to find out. This was my first and last of the Faith Fairchild 'Mystery' series I'll ever read. This should never have been promoted as a mystery...it's not!
DULL! DULL! DULL!
The majority of the book is focused on a dysfunctional family who are all vying for Uncle Paul to leave the house to them. And that isn't even a mystery, as you no from the get go who he's going to leave it to. Did you really doubt that he'd leave it to that person? It was so incredibly obvious that even that storyline had absolutely NO tension!
There are an inordinate amount of characters, so many that when the murder did happen, I didn't even remember who the character was...that's how insignificant he/she was to the story. I will admit up front that by the time the murder happened, I was so incredibility bored by the storyline that I went to the last chapter and read who and why. Even that was dull dull dull.
I don't think I've ever used so many adjectives to describe a book...ever! That's just how much I disliked everything to do with this story. It's number 22 in the series so maybe Ms. Page just didn't have the mojo to write something interesting. But I'm not going to find out. This was my first and last of the Faith Fairchild 'Mystery' series I'll ever read. This should never have been promoted as a mystery...it's not!
March 18, 2015
I received this book from the publisher as a review copy and am so glad I've read it. It's a wonderful mystery, full of suspense and interesting characters. Sometimes the latter books in a mystery series can get to seem all the same, but not with the Faith Fairchild mysteries. The author is able to keep the series going with intriguing plot lines and character development.
In this novel, the 22nd in the series, Faith is spending the summer at a friends because her home is being renovated. Just as the summer holidays get going a body is found in the woods next to the Birches, a large family home. One aspect of the novel I really appreciated is that the author doesn't just focus on Faith and her actions, but on the characters that are part of the Birches, the setting in which the mystery occurs. Perhaps this is how the author keeps things fresh.
But, even as the characters that inhabit The Birches vie for who will inherit the property, Faith faces her own issues with a young teen son and an almost-teen daughter. All of this simply adds to the depth of the mystery and doesn't side-track the plot.
As I said, I'm very glad I had the chance to read this mystery. The Faith Fairchild mysteries are fairly new to me, so I will be going back to the one's I've missed and read them with a new enthusiasm. I would recommend this to anyone who loves mysteries.
In this novel, the 22nd in the series, Faith is spending the summer at a friends because her home is being renovated. Just as the summer holidays get going a body is found in the woods next to the Birches, a large family home. One aspect of the novel I really appreciated is that the author doesn't just focus on Faith and her actions, but on the characters that are part of the Birches, the setting in which the mystery occurs. Perhaps this is how the author keeps things fresh.
But, even as the characters that inhabit The Birches vie for who will inherit the property, Faith faces her own issues with a young teen son and an almost-teen daughter. All of this simply adds to the depth of the mystery and doesn't side-track the plot.
As I said, I'm very glad I had the chance to read this mystery. The Faith Fairchild mysteries are fairly new to me, so I will be going back to the one's I've missed and read them with a new enthusiasm. I would recommend this to anyone who loves mysteries.
June 17, 2015
2.5 stars and thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss/Above the Treeline. This cozy mystery is set in New England. Sophie is getting over a hard break-up and her mother wants her to claim the family vacation cottage now that Aunt Priscilla is dead.
Many will find this a really congenial read. It is part of an established series of over a dozen titles thus far. For myself, I found it too chatty; I don't need to see this many characters described in a short space, I would prefer to let their actions speak for them. I also confess that I prefer my mysteries and recipes to be kept in separate books.
For those that like a lighter mystery, this is it. A good beach read along the lines of a Mary Daheim or Mary Higgins Clark-type of tale. If this is what you enjoy, you can get a copy of your own this June when it is released.
Many will find this a really congenial read. It is part of an established series of over a dozen titles thus far. For myself, I found it too chatty; I don't need to see this many characters described in a short space, I would prefer to let their actions speak for them. I also confess that I prefer my mysteries and recipes to be kept in separate books.
For those that like a lighter mystery, this is it. A good beach read along the lines of a Mary Daheim or Mary Higgins Clark-type of tale. If this is what you enjoy, you can get a copy of your own this June when it is released.
July 11, 2019
This Faith Fairchild mystery, set in small town coastal Maine features a wealthy family’s 4th of July vacation centering around the question of who inherits the property. Interesting characters and local descriptions but the "global warming" sermonettes are a bit over the top (not to mention outdated!)
August 24, 2015
Too little Faith Fairchild and too much Sophie Maxwell. It's like that awkward episode of a TV show where they're setting up a spinoff.
July 5, 2020
It was a pretty fun coincidence that I happened to finally read this on Independence Day since the annual celebration anchors this installment of the long-running Faith Fairchild series. Less fun was the wistful, angsty feeling that community picnics and fireworks celebrations are and perhaps belong firmly in the past. Communal eating and shared bunkhouses, and endless summer fun.... It just doesn’t sit right this year. There were also a couple of heavy-handed comments on ecology/climate change that did not ring true as dialogue. And it probably didn’t help that a big draw in this series is usually the many delicious food scenes- this time it was all clams and mussels and lobster rolls and that is just not my thing. Still, despite all this and the somewhat ludicrous Christie-like plot with loads of unlikable and unbelievable secondary characters- it all averages out to a pleasant-enough summer read when you add back in the strong central characters, the emphasis on women’s friendships, and the spectacular Maine setting. I like the bones of the series, so I’ll keep following the adventures of Faith and her family at least a little longer.
April 1, 2017
I found this book fairly interesting. Faith was in Maine with her family when Tom was called about his mother's illness and had to leave. Most of the story concerned Sophie and her large family who were visiting at the Birches near Faith. Sophie's uncle Paul has called the family together to decide who is to inherit the beach home on Sanpere Island since his wife Priscilla had died previously and left instructions in her will that it be handled this way. There are 2 murders and several apparent attempts to murder others as the family members scheme to outdo each other in impressing Paul. There is some romance developing in the story and several other secondary stories in the book. Faith did not play a huge part in in this book. Sophie was a nice character who played a primary role.
February 16, 2022
The Body in the Birches by Katherine Hall Page is the 22nd book in the Faith Fairchild Mystery series. Caterer Faith Fairchild is spending the 4th of July holiday on Sanp[ere Island with her family while at The Birches, the Proctor family have gathered to see which one of them will inherit the house. It is a while since I have picked up this series, having been previously caught up. Thiss would not be one of the better stories. The story moves back and forth between Faith's family and the Proctor family. When a death does occur, it is not suspicious, and there really isn't any mystery until towards the end and Faith is not really involved much in the case at all. Rather disappointing as it is part of the Faith Fairchild Mystery series, but she really does not have much to do with it and is more of a bystander.
October 29, 2018
Faith Fairchild Mysteries are some of my favorite reads! This one was one of the best!
May 21, 2015
A former co-worker introduced me to this series many years ago, more than I care to think about. I've been a fan of the series ever since. Part of the appeal for me is that it's set locally (though this story is set in Maine instead of Massachusetts). I have fun picking out and identifying the real locations and businesses that inspired Page's fictional versions. Although this story is set in Maine, I was delighted to be part of the tour for it.
As I read the story, I kept thinking how the story was more about families than it was about the actual murders- family make up, family fractures, family expectations, etc. Then when I finished the story I read the author's note and she discussed in length the theme of family and the reality of family and the strains inheritance causes. It was a timely topic as I read this story right after my father died. I got rather emotional reading the story at times since it was hitting a nerve. Because the story was so emotional for me, it's hard to disentangle my thoughts about the story from my feelings about it.
The focus is less on the murders and the mystery of who is committing them, as I mentioned, and more about families. Faith is coming to grips with her children growing up and becoming more independent, there's an ailing family member in the Fairchild family, and then all the family angst and drama of the family over at The Birches (they are quite the soap opera!), a subtle yet obvious romance, friendship in varied forms, small town life on an island, etc. I found the storm in the story to be utterly predictable and was disappointed that she used such an obvious story device. But overall, I liked the story. Under the circumstances, I can't really say that I enjoyed it, but I'd like to read it again someday, when my father's death is not quite so raw, as that had a huge impact on my perceptions and reactions.
As far as mysteries go, the story is average, but as a look at families and their strengths and weaknesses, this is a book worth reading.
There are recipes but Faith's cooking is a minor part of the story and her catering business has no part to play this time around. I've never tried any of the recipes in this series, I'm a lazy cook, but they always sound so good. If you've read any of the books, have you tried a recipe? How did it turn out?
As I read the story, I kept thinking how the story was more about families than it was about the actual murders- family make up, family fractures, family expectations, etc. Then when I finished the story I read the author's note and she discussed in length the theme of family and the reality of family and the strains inheritance causes. It was a timely topic as I read this story right after my father died. I got rather emotional reading the story at times since it was hitting a nerve. Because the story was so emotional for me, it's hard to disentangle my thoughts about the story from my feelings about it.
The focus is less on the murders and the mystery of who is committing them, as I mentioned, and more about families. Faith is coming to grips with her children growing up and becoming more independent, there's an ailing family member in the Fairchild family, and then all the family angst and drama of the family over at The Birches (they are quite the soap opera!), a subtle yet obvious romance, friendship in varied forms, small town life on an island, etc. I found the storm in the story to be utterly predictable and was disappointed that she used such an obvious story device. But overall, I liked the story. Under the circumstances, I can't really say that I enjoyed it, but I'd like to read it again someday, when my father's death is not quite so raw, as that had a huge impact on my perceptions and reactions.
As far as mysteries go, the story is average, but as a look at families and their strengths and weaknesses, this is a book worth reading.
There are recipes but Faith's cooking is a minor part of the story and her catering business has no part to play this time around. I've never tried any of the recipes in this series, I'm a lazy cook, but they always sound so good. If you've read any of the books, have you tried a recipe? How did it turn out?
February 7, 2015
In this book, the 22nd in the Faith Fairchild mystery series, Faith and her family arrived on Sanpere Island in Maine for a summerlong visit. Since their own cottage was being renovated, they stayed with Faith's friend, Pix, and her extended family at one of the larger summer homes.
The home next door, The Birches, was owneed by Priscilla, the last of her generation of Proctors. Rather that leave it to one descendant in her will, she requested her husband, Paul, to pick the new owner from the family members.
Sophie Maxwell, the daughter of Babs, the oldest of her generation of Proctors, was sent to the family gathering by her mother Babs, in order to hold Babs place till she could return from a long cruise.
The siblings in attendance, Simon and Sylvia, as well as their kids, all want the house and spend the weeks after the announcement in early July, trying to influence Uncle Paul to give them the property.
However a series of accidents and deaths occur and Faith, an amateur sleuth, helps solve the mystery of who is the culprit.
This is an interesting story about a summer enclave in Maine and the locals and summer folks who are there that summer. The author gives great insight into the manners of the wealthy folk as well as their relationships to their local neighbors.
One thing I found annoying was the similarty of the names Sylvia and Sophie. For the first few chapters ai was confused whenever one of them arrived on the scene. i was not sure if the speaker was Sophie, the young lawyer, or Sylvia, her unconventional aunt.
The home next door, The Birches, was owneed by Priscilla, the last of her generation of Proctors. Rather that leave it to one descendant in her will, she requested her husband, Paul, to pick the new owner from the family members.
Sophie Maxwell, the daughter of Babs, the oldest of her generation of Proctors, was sent to the family gathering by her mother Babs, in order to hold Babs place till she could return from a long cruise.
The siblings in attendance, Simon and Sylvia, as well as their kids, all want the house and spend the weeks after the announcement in early July, trying to influence Uncle Paul to give them the property.
However a series of accidents and deaths occur and Faith, an amateur sleuth, helps solve the mystery of who is the culprit.
This is an interesting story about a summer enclave in Maine and the locals and summer folks who are there that summer. The author gives great insight into the manners of the wealthy folk as well as their relationships to their local neighbors.
One thing I found annoying was the similarty of the names Sylvia and Sophie. For the first few chapters ai was confused whenever one of them arrived on the scene. i was not sure if the speaker was Sophie, the young lawyer, or Sylvia, her unconventional aunt.
August 4, 2015
This is #23 in the series, and I've read them all. I'm not generally a series reader, but started this one by accident of some discarded paperbacks, and have compulsively continued reading about Faith Fairchild since. The author's sense of humor and lack of pretense make this series fun. As a New Englander, I can both appreciate and be skeptical of the highly stereotypical characters. This latest entry is a weak one: too many characters and the plotline is a mess. Faith Fairchild, our Waspy caterer, minister's wife protagonist, is not central to this plot which is why the book tends to be boring. Plus, Faith, who was always a bit narcissistic and naughty, in contrast to her husband, is evolving into a solidly respectable wife and mother. No fun!
February 21, 2016
This book was a huge disappointment for me. It read more like a food diary than a mystery, and by the end I really just didn't care how things turned out.
**I got this book for free from a Goodreads giveaway.**
**I got this book for free from a Goodreads giveaway.**
June 25, 2015
Faith Fairchild murder mystery on island off Maine coast. So many family characters, and friends of, that confusing at times.
Read
November 26, 2015After pages and pages of backstory on dozens of people, none of whom I found interesting, I sent this back to the library.
September 12, 2024
“The Body in the Birches” is a mystery novel but also has a small portion of romance and is written by Katherine Hall Page, and was published in early May in 2015. This novel is set in rural New England and focuses on two different perspectives from two different main characters named Sophie Maxwell and Faith Fairchild that are focused on trying to find out why weird and unexplainable events are happening. Though they have to face their own battles and differing life events, as Faith Fairchild has to deal with her family and how to keep it from becoming dysfunctional and too spread apart, and Sophie Maxwell having to deal with new and old family drama. As well as who will inherit her aunt Prescilla’s land under her uncle Paul’s control on whom will receive it. Although this novel also has a lot of family on the Maxwell’s side and they too get their small moments to live through the terrors of small land drama and living together to fight for the right to own the home of “The Proctors” which is the official honored family name. Some smaller characters on the island are met but the main characters lie within the Proctor and the Fairchild family and how they navigate the months spent together or more over close together.
Personally, although mystery novels are usually something that are rated more highly from me, this novel is different and gets the overall review of two stars out of five; or a four out of ten stars. There are many reasons that relate to why I gave this review, but the biggest for me was that although “The Body in the Birches” was an easier read, the amount of unnecessary characters being added to move the story plot align. This carried through the same with the amount of events that took place, as it made the novel completely unrealistic and boring as too much was going on. The novel as well had so many different side plots to really hold on to and keep track of. This being said, the end of the novel was my favorite part, as it finally actually ended so many unanswered questions that were left unanswered for about two hundred pages, as there was just so much filler about nothing relating to the real theme at hand. Romance, though used very little in this novel, was stale and uninteresting, as there was no real chemistry between the main character Sophie Maxwell and what was her “long lost lover”. Looking positively on this book, I will say that it did have one redeeming quality which lied within the character Autumn as she was the only character with a little bit of true mystery and yet personality, as the rest of the characters were also very much so lacking depth in how they acted and reacted to certain events in this story. So overall, “ The body in a birches” by Katherine Hall page is a book I would only recommend reading if you’re into more predictable storylines.
Personally, although mystery novels are usually something that are rated more highly from me, this novel is different and gets the overall review of two stars out of five; or a four out of ten stars. There are many reasons that relate to why I gave this review, but the biggest for me was that although “The Body in the Birches” was an easier read, the amount of unnecessary characters being added to move the story plot align. This carried through the same with the amount of events that took place, as it made the novel completely unrealistic and boring as too much was going on. The novel as well had so many different side plots to really hold on to and keep track of. This being said, the end of the novel was my favorite part, as it finally actually ended so many unanswered questions that were left unanswered for about two hundred pages, as there was just so much filler about nothing relating to the real theme at hand. Romance, though used very little in this novel, was stale and uninteresting, as there was no real chemistry between the main character Sophie Maxwell and what was her “long lost lover”. Looking positively on this book, I will say that it did have one redeeming quality which lied within the character Autumn as she was the only character with a little bit of true mystery and yet personality, as the rest of the characters were also very much so lacking depth in how they acted and reacted to certain events in this story. So overall, “ The body in a birches” by Katherine Hall page is a book I would only recommend reading if you’re into more predictable storylines.
October 4, 2025
Katherine Hall Page delivers a captivating mix of mystery, tension, and family drama in The Body in the Birches. This four-star read offers great writing, nail-biting suspense, and pure entertainment.
Faith and Tom Fairchild’s summer cottage on Sanpere Island sits under construction, forcing them to stay with Faith’s friend Pix. Nearby, a family navigates a tense transition. After their matriarch died, her will tasks her surviving husband with gathering the relatives to observe their interactions and decide who inherits the estate. Each member puts on their best face, vying for the prize.
The influx of relatives around Independence Day overwhelms the aging housekeeper. When Faith discovers her body, a heart attack seems the cause—but keep reading, and you’ll uncover a darker truth.
Meanwhile, Faith’s 15-year-old son, Ben, develops a full-blown crush on Mandy, an intelligent and practical 18-year-old coworker at his summer job. Mandy never manipulates Ben’s feelings, but when her father dies of an apparent drug overdose, suspicion falls on her—especially after she vanishes from the island. Ben, smitten and loyal, fiercely defends her innocence.
Page crafts this troubled family with such depth that Tolstoy’s adage about unhappy families springs to mind. Their struggles and facades resonate vividly.
Faith faces her own challenges when Tom’s mother suffers a heart attack, pulling him away for much of the story. This leaves Faith to grapple with the mystery and her own emotions, particularly her fixation on her children’s rapid growth toward adulthood. Her inner complaints about this natural process—while relatable—grow repetitive and shrill, detracting from the story’s momentum. Eventually, she embraces the changes, but the journey feels unnecessarily long.
Despite this, Page’s masterful weaving of mystery, tension, and suspense makes this book a fast-paced, rewarding read. The intricate plot and vivid characters keep you hooked, making it a perfect pick for a summer escape—especially in audio format. Kristin Allison’s narration brings the island’s whispers and secrets to life with warmth and precision; as a Denver-based contractor for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, she’s earned her stellar reputation in the blind reading community for turning pages into unforgettable soundscapes. Whether through NLS or commercial platforms like Audible, her voice elevates every twist, making this a must-listen for audio enthusiasts.
Faith and Tom Fairchild’s summer cottage on Sanpere Island sits under construction, forcing them to stay with Faith’s friend Pix. Nearby, a family navigates a tense transition. After their matriarch died, her will tasks her surviving husband with gathering the relatives to observe their interactions and decide who inherits the estate. Each member puts on their best face, vying for the prize.
The influx of relatives around Independence Day overwhelms the aging housekeeper. When Faith discovers her body, a heart attack seems the cause—but keep reading, and you’ll uncover a darker truth.
Meanwhile, Faith’s 15-year-old son, Ben, develops a full-blown crush on Mandy, an intelligent and practical 18-year-old coworker at his summer job. Mandy never manipulates Ben’s feelings, but when her father dies of an apparent drug overdose, suspicion falls on her—especially after she vanishes from the island. Ben, smitten and loyal, fiercely defends her innocence.
Page crafts this troubled family with such depth that Tolstoy’s adage about unhappy families springs to mind. Their struggles and facades resonate vividly.
Faith faces her own challenges when Tom’s mother suffers a heart attack, pulling him away for much of the story. This leaves Faith to grapple with the mystery and her own emotions, particularly her fixation on her children’s rapid growth toward adulthood. Her inner complaints about this natural process—while relatable—grow repetitive and shrill, detracting from the story’s momentum. Eventually, she embraces the changes, but the journey feels unnecessarily long.
Despite this, Page’s masterful weaving of mystery, tension, and suspense makes this book a fast-paced, rewarding read. The intricate plot and vivid characters keep you hooked, making it a perfect pick for a summer escape—especially in audio format. Kristin Allison’s narration brings the island’s whispers and secrets to life with warmth and precision; as a Denver-based contractor for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, she’s earned her stellar reputation in the blind reading community for turning pages into unforgettable soundscapes. Whether through NLS or commercial platforms like Audible, her voice elevates every twist, making this a must-listen for audio enthusiasts.
Read
July 24, 2020At home on Sanpere Island, Maine, caterer and amateur sleuth Faith Fairchild discovers that real estate can be murder, especially when it’s all in the family, in this twenty-second book in the popular mystery series.
The Fourth of July is one of the hottest on record and even the breeze off Penobscot Bay can’t seem to cool things down for Faith Fairchild and the rest of the folks on Sanpere Island. But the fireworks are just beginning. After the celebrations are over, Faith discovers a body in the woods near The Birches, an early twentieth-century “cottage.”
The body is identified as The Birches’ housekeeper, who seems to have succumbed to a heart attack. The death is only one of the dramatic events upending the historic house. A family gathering has been called to decide who will inherit the much loved, and very valuable, estate that has been in the Proctor family for generations. With this much money involved, it’s just a matter of time before trouble arises.
Faith is juggling her own family problems. Her teenage son, Ben, has started a new job as a dishwasher at The Laughing Gull Lodge—learning things that could land him in very hot water. And her daughter Amy is worried about her new friend, Daisy Proctor. Daisy is terrified—convinced that someone is trying to eliminate her mother from getting a share of The Birches. To protect her children, Faith has to find a possible murderer—before he strikes too close to her own home. (less)
Good, as always.
The Fourth of July is one of the hottest on record and even the breeze off Penobscot Bay can’t seem to cool things down for Faith Fairchild and the rest of the folks on Sanpere Island. But the fireworks are just beginning. After the celebrations are over, Faith discovers a body in the woods near The Birches, an early twentieth-century “cottage.”
The body is identified as The Birches’ housekeeper, who seems to have succumbed to a heart attack. The death is only one of the dramatic events upending the historic house. A family gathering has been called to decide who will inherit the much loved, and very valuable, estate that has been in the Proctor family for generations. With this much money involved, it’s just a matter of time before trouble arises.
Faith is juggling her own family problems. Her teenage son, Ben, has started a new job as a dishwasher at The Laughing Gull Lodge—learning things that could land him in very hot water. And her daughter Amy is worried about her new friend, Daisy Proctor. Daisy is terrified—convinced that someone is trying to eliminate her mother from getting a share of The Birches. To protect her children, Faith has to find a possible murderer—before he strikes too close to her own home. (less)
Good, as always.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2017
I’ve had this book for several months, but just worked through it and finished it. It took several attempts and restarts to move past the first 30 pages. There’s so much description and detail that, in the beginning, I had to keep rereading because I didn’t want to miss anything (turns out, I didn’t need to know all that info). There are so many characters to keep track of, and it even goes so far as to tell us the names of someone’s dogs - and that a previous dog had died - and it never amounted to anything! Those are useless facts that slowed the pace of the story. For it to be a murder mystery - and the murder not happen until page 170 ish - (the first death was presumed natural until the last 10 pages) it was slllllloooowwww. The last third of the book was good. I think a family tree somewhere in the beginning of the book would be helpful.
I enjoyed Sophie’s character, but as this is my first book by this author and in this series, I am left wondering how it was even considered a Faith Fairchild mystery? She wasn’t a large part of the story. Felt like it’s setting us up for the next one to be all about Sophie (a spin-off?). Also not much of a murder mystery — more just a family drama. That being said, it had a satisfying ending.
I enjoyed Sophie’s character, but as this is my first book by this author and in this series, I am left wondering how it was even considered a Faith Fairchild mystery? She wasn’t a large part of the story. Felt like it’s setting us up for the next one to be all about Sophie (a spin-off?). Also not much of a murder mystery — more just a family drama. That being said, it had a satisfying ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2022
Thank goodness I had this book in my bag since I was on an airplane and had nothing else loaded on my Kindle!
I enjoy Faith Fairchild books, despite the mysteries being not that compelling. I will say this one had a few threads going on that were interesting, like the fact that
It was a calm read and by this point I know all the characters. Even reading these out of order is fine with me!
I enjoy Faith Fairchild books, despite the mysteries being not that compelling. I will say this one had a few threads going on that were interesting, like the fact that
It was a calm read and by this point I know all the characters. Even reading these out of order is fine with me!
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