Family Album: A Mellingham Mystery

Secrets and unprecedented actions abound in the New England town of Mellingham in this absorbing third in a series. Dowager Catherine Rocklynd decides to sell her family's log cabin to George Frome instead of leaving it to her beloved nephew Edwin. Annalee Windolow, wife of monied Winston, is quietly educating herself on antiques by pumping art appraiser Kelly Kuhn, who follows his own agenda in their dealings. Gwen McDuffy, single mother of two, tries to keep a low profile, especially around the police chief she meets while volunteering at the Arbella Historical Society. Chief Joe Silva, seen last in Double Take, is asked to look into the security of Arbella House, museum headquarters of the society, when Frome suggests someone is stealing valuable antiques. When Frome voices his concerns to the Arbella trustees, Catherine gets woozy and the other board members express disdain. After Frome is found dead in the attic, Silva must determine whether the death is murder or accidental poisoning. In the process, another death occurs, and additional residents of Mellingham come to grips with matters of family, allegiance and identity. (Jan.)