The Body in My Bookcase

Graced with recipes from amateur sleuth Faith Fairchild's cookbook-in-progress, and inspired by the real-life burglary of the author's home, this ninth spirited entry continues Page's popular series (The Body in the Fjord, 1997) about the Aleford, Mass., caterer, wife and mother of two. Faith, like everybody else in town, is appalled when 80-year-old Sarah Winslow is found dead after her house is burglarized. After her own home is broken into, Faith decides to solve the crimes. Feeling violated by the loss of many family heirlooms, she begins a search of pawnshops and antique dealers, bringing her into the often corrupt world of antiquing. Her catering firm, meanwhile, is finalizing plans for the wedding of spoiled socialite Stephanie Bullock, whose parents, Julian and Courtney, have been separated and feuding for years. Faith discovers that George Stackpole, a crooked antique dealer, possesses not only many of her stolen goods but a past connection with Julian Bullock, a respected dealer. As she recklessly pursues Stackpole, she places her life in danger. Page's tale is tightly written, with strong characterizations and delightful descriptions of its New England setting. The author braids her various storylines neatly and briskly, right up to the enticing conclusion in which Faith confronts the brains behind the burglaries. Author tour. (Nov.)