Small Plates

This story collection offers a tasty introduction to an Agatha Award–winner Page’s popular mystery series that started with 1990’s The Body in the Belfry. Caterer Faith Fairchild, the New England minister’s wife and accidental sleuth who stumbles over bodies on a regular basis, appears in most of the nine selections. Highlights include “Sliced,” about a reality TV cooking challenge; “The Ghost of Winthrop,” which concerns a missing will; and “The Would-Be Widower,” in which a man plots to dispose of his wife. While these appetizers will whet the appetites of new readers, series fans may find themselves feeling hungry for a full meal. Fortunately, the book ends with a special Christmas novella, “The Two Marys,” whose frightening back story leads to a heartwarming outcome that should send every reader away fully satisfied. As the name of Faith’s catering business reminds us: “Have Faith.” Agent: Faith Hamlin, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. (May)