The Body in the Kelp

I came late to this mystery series starting with the newer books first. This volume is the second in the series of cozy mysteries featuring minister's wife, Faith Fairchild, displaced New Yorker and Foodie. This series works in real time as the characters age and evolve as time passes. So it was a bit of a treat to see the characters at younger ages than that to which I was accustomed. The setting for "The Body in the Kelp" was Maine instead of the usual Aleford, MA and offered a rich view of island life Down East. Add a really interesting mystery and you've got a great read. But I must admit I really don't understand what's so offensive about hot dogs and casseroles.

Oh, it’s really two and a half. Really the first 2/3rds are interesting. It’s the denouement that gets me every time. Too surprising, too rabbit out of a hat. The problem with cozies, as much as I love to escape with them, is that the perfectly normal main character keeps turning up dead bodies. Willing suspension of disbelief and all that, my issue with the Faith Fairchild books (all two of them I’ve read so far) is that the ending comes fast and furiously and unlikely.

Faith Fairchild and her toddler Benjamin may be on vacation in Maine, but murder never takes a holiday. Faith has joined her good friend Pix Miller at Sanpere Island, where her family has summered for decades. Two friends, both incomers and potters, inherit a house when a wealthy spinster die and leaves her home to them instead of her family. When one of the lucky heirs turns up dead on the beach, Faith can’t help but snoop around.

I’m not sure I liked the sequel as well as the debut book, but that’s only because The Body in the Belfry was so suspenseful and humorous. I enjoyed the islanders, and it was fun to see baby Benjamin grow up just a little. I don’t want him to grow up too fast, as I want this series to last a nice, long show more time. Looking forward to No. 3, The Body in the Bouillon. show less

Faith, her minister husband, Tom, and son, Ben, rent a cottage on Sanpere Island in Maine for the month of August next door to their good friends Pix, Sam and daughter, Samantha. Sam and Tom leave for the middle weeks and their wives get involved in a murder case when Faith finds a body. But more than that is going on. There are gold coins to find and a treasure map to figure out. I felt this mystery was better than the first volume but I really have not warmed up to Faith yet. She seems a bit snobby and to get easily bored.

I came late to this mystery series starting with the newer books first. This volume is the second in the series of cozy mysteries featuring minister's wife, Faith Fairchild, displaced New Yorker and Foodie. This series works in real time as the characters age and evolve as time passes. So it was a bit of a treat to see the characters at younger ages than that to which I was accustomed. The setting for "The Body in the Kelp" was Maine instead of the usual Aleford, MA and offered a rich view of island life Down East. Add a really interesting mystery and you've got a great read. But I must admit I really don't understand what's so offensive about hot dogs and casseroles.

I enjoy novels that take me on vacation to places I've never been. I love the characters in Page's series. I quilt, when I have time. So The Body in the Kelp was a real treat. An enjoyable book to curl up with on a blustery winter day.

Faith Fairchild #2, city girl vacationing in rural Maine, but trying hard. Some have called her a snob, but I like her. I'm sure to continue with this series.

This entry was interesting because the quilt that Faith bought at auction had so many different patterns in its squares. Clever clues.