Book Review: The Body in the Big Apple

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Body in the Big Apple     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Katherine Hall Page
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Culinary   Woman Main Character
Series: Faith Fairchild # 10
Morrow, Nov 1999, $22.00, 239 pp.

At a party she is catering, Faith Sibley meets an old high school crony, Emma Stanstead, nee Morris. Though Faith is elated to see an old friend, Emma seems nervous and frightened. The next day, desperate to talk with a person she trusts, Emma informs Faith that someone is blackmailing her with the fact that she is the daughter of 60’s radical Nathan Fox, who was recently murdered. Apparently, Emma’s spouse Michael has major political aspirations and a blot on his wife’s reputation could end his dreams.

Faith begins to make inquiries to determine who killed Nathan and is extorting money from her friend. Though suspects abound throughout Manhattan, Faith also learns that more than just Emma’s name is at stake. An unknown killer has murdered again and Emma appears to be on the list as a future victim unless Faith uncovers the truth rather quickly.

THE BODY IN THE BIG APPLE is a prequel that provides fans of the Faith Sibley Fairchild mysteries with the intrepid amateur sleuth’s first investigation. Though a bit weak, the story line centers on Faith’s inquiries. The characters are a wonderful bunch of New Yorkers and high society from the perspective of Gen-X’s come across as genuine. Though the plot is thin, ye who have faith in the abilities of Katherine Hall Page will enjoy the novel that provides a glimpse into an unmarried Faith’s early catering days.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner