The Body in the Casket: A Faith Fairchild Mystery

Agatha-winner Page’s 24th Faith Fairchild mystery (after 2016’s Body in the Wardrobe) is a cracking good traditional manor house mystery. Faith isn’t enthusiastic about leaving her family for three days to cater the birthday celebration of legendary Broadway impresario Maxwell Dane—at least not until Max offers to pay her more than she has ever earned for a single event. But Max wants Faith for her sleuthing ability as much as for her catering skills. Someone recently had a coffin delivered to Rowan House, Max’s mansion in Havencrest, Mass., and he suspects the grim warning came from one of the people who had roles in his last and most ignominious Broadway production, a spectacular flop entitled Heaven or Hell. Who wants Max dead? Is it the director Max fired, the embittered set designer, the slighted actress who should have had the lead, or one of the other artists whose careers were never the same again? Realistic characters and a pair of intriguing side stories contribute to a satisfying read. Agent: Faith Hamlin, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (Dec.)