03/03/2014
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)

One of the delights of short stories is that the reader can graze. If you start one and it doesn’t grab you, just move to the next. In [SMALL PLATES], however, I finished all I started and wanted more, precisely what great “Small Plates” should do.” — Newark Star Ledger

“A tasty introduction to Agatha Award–winner Page’s popular mystery series.” — Publishers Weekly

“A variety of tasty short morsels that will whet [Page’s] fans’ appetites...Well paced and will leave the reader satisfied, as a good short story should... [A] delectable treat.” — Library Journal

“The perfect accompaniment to the summer vacation or a simple afternoon on the porch swing...delicious.” — Daily News

“Serves up, in miniature, the kinds of old-fashioned puzzle mysteries that fans of writers like Agatha Christie crave.” — Boston Globe

The perfect accompaniment to the summer vacation or a simple afternoon on the porch swing...delicious.

Serves up, in miniature, the kinds of old-fashioned puzzle mysteries that fans of writers like Agatha Christie crave.

One of the delights of short stories is that the reader can graze. If you start one and it doesn’t grab you, just move to the next. In [SMALL PLATES], however, I finished all I started and wanted more, precisely what great “Small Plates” should do.