Search - The Body in the Gazebo (Faith Fairchild, Bk 19)

This is just another great book in a super series. Katherine Hall Page just gets better with each book. this is a series that I recomend reading in order. I'm anxious for the next one to come out.

While I enjoy the Faith Fairchild mysteries for the most part, this was not one of the better stories. I found there were too many things going on in this book. In the beginning, Ms. Page tended to "spoon-feed" us back history a little too much, and by the end, she was glossing over situations that really could have been expanded upon. There seemed to be a lack of focus in this story, and found myself wondering if I was supposed to be solving a mystery, or if I was just along for the ride ...

I really am starting to have a Love/Hate relationship with this series.

I LOVE the character development that has taken place (and continues to take place) throughout the entire series. Not just the main characters, but the supporting cast as well. Ms. Page's characters are well-drawn, and they experience personal growth on a normal (beleivable) scale.

I HATE that the author can't seem to help herself when it comes to including social and political commentary in her stories. In MY opinion, her setting does not lend itself easily to this subject matter. Although she does not seem to be "pushing" a particular point of view in this book, she relies rather heavily on references to "today's situation" ... which is all well and good if one is reading the book around when it was written, and is socially aware enough to make the connection. However, two years from now (if a reader were to pick up this extensive series) the references could be meaningless.

Five stars for this latest in the Faith Fairchild mystery series.

Faith finds herself tackling two mysteries; one regarding missing money in the discretionary funds in Tom's church, where he has the only access to the account. The second is a mystery that took place many years ago and is rearing it's ugly head now. Pix (Faith's best friend) is on her way to Charleston to meet her soon to be in-laws, as her son is going to be married in a few short weeks. Pix is in for a real surprise there! Added to all this is the angst Faith's daughter is going through in school ~ a great read!