Doctor Makes a Dollhouse

This entertaining mystery heralds the return of Dr. Andrew Fenimore, Philadelphia physician and amateur sleuth, along with that of his loyal nurse, Mrs. Doyle. Not only does this doctor make house calls, but he also finds time to tackle deadly murder cases. Fenimore is called to the small town of Seacrest, when two elderly patients, Judith and Emily Pancoast, request his help investigating the poisoning death of their niece, Pamela, on Thanksgiving. Pamela's murder seems to be tied to the sisters' antique dollhouse, an exact replica of their Victorian house down to miniatures representing each member of the family; moreover, Pamela's doll was found facedown shortly before her death. Fenimore's greatest challenge lies in discovering why Pamela's death and the successive murders all occur on or around holidays, and why they are always heralded by an enactment in the dollhouse. Hathaway's nimble prose provides quick, enjoyable reading, and her setting of the small coastal town verges on perfection. Also of note are her varied characters, from the streetwise teenager Horatio, who helps in Fenimore's office, to the members of the geriatric karate class, led by Mrs. Doyle, that meets in Fenimore's cellar. An unexpected conclusion, mixed with charm and tragedy, tops off this expert tale. Agent, Laura Langlie. (Jan.)