Synopsis: Faith and Tom are still working on their vacation house, to the point that living in it for the entire summer is impossible. This does allow the Fairchild family to get to know Pix's mother, Ursula, much better. During their time in Ursula's house, they learn interesting information about the local lighthouse. Unfortunately, this picturesque setting was the site of a murder. With the feud between the environmentalists and the builders there are lots of suspects.
Review: This was nicely written with several story lines that combine to bring about a realistic and interesting conclusion. ( )

Faith Fairchild, her minister husband Tom, and their two children are vacationing on Sanpere Island, Maine. While Tom remodels their vacation home and the children attend day camp, Faith passes the time by volunteering to help with a local production of Romeo and Juliet. Faith soon senses that all is not well on Sanpere. Developer Harold Hapswell has acquired prime shoreline property and plans to build luxury housing there. The controversy surrounding the development pits groups of residents against each other, primarily those from fishing families who have lived on Sanpere for generations and off-islanders who live on the island year-round, but have no roots there. The summer residents are not immune from the tension, either. When Faith finds a body near the island's lighthouse, seemingly the victim of an accidental death, the atmosphere of conflict leads her to suspect murder. A sub-plot has life imitating art, as the son and daughter ("Romeo" and "Juliet") of the feuding Hamiltons and Prescotts develop an off-stage romance against their families' wishes.

This is a great summer read. If the beach isn't in your summer plans, you can at least enjoy it vicariously with the Fairchilds and their friends! ( )

On Sanpere Island, Maine. Harold Hapswell & Persis Sanford killed.