Jack in the Pulpit — Cynthia Riggs

The untimely death of four residents upsets the serene month of September on Martha's Vineyard. Victoria Trumbull, who, despite any aches and pains of her ninety-two years, possesses the sharpest mind on the island, was present when the first body dropped, apparently after eating something disagreeable. In fact, all four people appear to have died after eating gifts of food.

Each was also a generous contributor to the local church, now in transition between old and new ministers, both named Jack, and both included on the list of possible suspects. Adding to the mystery is some strange activity in the local graveyard, which may not be related to the deaths at all. But with her keen insight, Victoria makes the connection between the victims and the circumstances of their deaths, which leads to a dramatic unmasking of a surprise culinary killer.