Shana R. (LynniePennie) reviewed The Body in the Gazebo (Faith Fairchild, Bk 19) on + 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.
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.
Nina W. (moonmystkat) reviewed The Body in the Gazebo (Faith Fairchild, Bk 19) on + 16 more book reviews
The old woman's story was interesting. Faith's persistant "better than everyone else" attitude (She's a food snob & fashion snob & I'm from New York snob)is turn off. When I first started reading the series years ago, I'd hoped that Faith's attitude would mellow over time. No. I don't think I'll be reading any future books in the series.
Joy L. (vintagejoy) -
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!
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!
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.
Karen S. (CacaoBear) reviewed The Body in the Gazebo (Faith Fairchild, Bk 19) on + 87 more book reviews
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.
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.
