The Body in the Vestibule

I certainly picked the right book to read as my first Katherine Hall Page novel. This book takes Faith Fairchild, her minister husband, and their small son to live in Lyon, France for a short sabbatical. I've loved books in which families go to live abroad ever since a non-fiction book called [book: Cornflakes and Beaujolais] captured my interest in junior high. I'd previously avoided Page's books because the uniformity of titles (they're all called "The Body in the ...) and inclusion of recipes (after the first four books) made me think they might be the gimmicky, "hobby-of-the-month" type of mystery I don't care for. I'm happy to report I was wrong. The setting and characters are lovingly drawn, but besides that, the plots in the two show more books I've read so far are excellent. Engaging characters, many plot twists, and a heroine who is not only inquisitive but resourceful when she finds herself in a tight spot make this a very good book. (There are mouth-watering descriptions of French food, but no recipes; Page began including them in the fifth book of the series). show less

Faith Fairchild, her New England minister husband Tom and their toddler Benjamin get the opportunity to spend a glorious month in Lyon while Tom does research. Faith, once (and future) caterer, naturally adores the fresh, delicious Lyonnaise cuisine, and she soon befriends the local grocers, her neighbors — and even les filles de joie (prostitutes). Indeed, it is one of them who gives Faith a warning after a homeless man is found dead.

No. 4 in this smart cozy series proves as irresistible as the rest, and the European location was a nice change a pace and a look into what life is like in provincial France.

I truly enjoy this series simply because Faith does seem to think that she isn't smarter than the police which is so rare in these type books.
This one irritated me simply because of all the "french" which was fine if it was translated (which it rarely was). Instead, it came across as one of those snobby people that you find at dinner parties that kind of look down their nose at you because you're not sophisticated enough to speak it and thus not worth bothering with. Irritating.

Fourth in the Faith Fairchild cosy mystery series. Faith's husband Tom spent a semester in France while a college student and loved it. One of the friends he made while there suggests he come to Lyon for a month and use the university library to complete research for his Ph.D. Faith, lover of good food, is thrilled about the trip, even though it means traveling with a three-year old and while she is pregnant with her second child. She and Tom have a delightful time with the people and the food, at least until Faith finds the body of a beggar in the building where they are staying. By the time the police come, however, the body is gone. The beggar seems to be back in his usual place the next morning, but Faith believes it is an show more imposter.

So far this series has yet to disappoint. The setting for this one is particularly nice. show less