The Reluctant Detective

This promising first in a new faith-based cozy series from Ockley (the pen name for Rebecca Jenkins, creator of the Regency detective series featuring Raif Jarrett) introduces Faith Morgan, a former policewoman and newly ordained Anglican priest. Faith is visiting St. James parish in Little Worthy when the incumbent clergy person falls dead before her eyes while celebrating the service, a victim of poisoning. One of the first police officers on the scene is her former longtime boyfriend, Ben Shorter. Faith can't help being drawn into the ensuing investigation as she stays on at the request of the local bishop to assist the parish. Ockley draws Faith and Ben well, with credible and engaging tension, though Faith pales in comparison to Julia Spencer-Fleming's mystery-solving Episcopal priest, Rev. Clare Fergusson. Other characters are more or less successful; Faith's mother is pleasantly quirky, while the guilty party is well motivated but underdeveloped. (Apr.)