Shana R. (LynniePennie) reviewed on 6/7/2011 + 169 more book reviews

This is this first book that I've ever read in the Faith Fairchild Mystery series. You should have no trouble getting to know the characters even if you haven't read another of this series. It wasn't difficult to get to know Faith, Tom, Pix, Ursula, Niki and the other various characters in Aleford. I couldn't wait to start reading this because, the cover intrigued me, the mystery described was in the 1920's & it sounded really interesting.

Honestly, I had to really make myself keep reading this book through the first 100 pages. Throughout these first 100 pages the main mystery (Ursula's story) was barely touched on. Those first pages were mainly about Pix and her son's upcoming marriage and meeting her soon to be son's in-laws. It felt like the author was trying to provide too much information on a few of the characters for people who hadn't read this series before. After reading so many details about Pix's soon to be son's in-laws and the upcoming wedding plans I felt like it was a bit of an information overload. I kept wondering "where's more of Ursula's story?". After the first 100 pages Ursula's story picks up the pace and it kept me interested and wanting to read on.

In this book there's basically 3 other subplots going on at the same time of Ursula's story (the main mystery). There's an embezzlement found at the church where Faith's hubbie Tom is pastor, Pix's son's marriage and her knowing her son's soon to be father-in-law and Faith's assistant Niki's pregnancy that she has been hiding from her husband. The story kept going from present-to-past and story-to-story, sometimes all in one chapter. In my opinion, I think this book would've been better with just one subplot or just sticking to Ursula's story.


Also, at times the main character Faith seems to be a bit of a snob. At times she talks as though that anyone who is less financially blessed than her or anyone less educated is a tasteless clod. Of which, she at times prides herself on. Of course many of the suspects are poor, uneducated, have filthy homes and have "bad taste". I found it odd since she was a pastor's wife.'

Overall, it's still a good cozy type mystery which, after the first 100 pages was pretty interesting. Ursula's story was great and the descriptions of the old homes and the traditions of that era were really well done. Also, there's some tasty recipes included in the book. I really enjoyed this book when Ursula's story was being told. I'd probably read another of this series but, only if I stumble upon one.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details