SARAH WALKED OVER THE MOUNTAIN

The Scott family--launched in America by 18th-century bigamist Andrew and indomitable wife Sarah, who did indeed walk over a wintry mountain (with kids) when she discovered that bigamy--obviously has mighty potent genes, and they're still operative in 1952 Maine, where this downeast domestic wrangle takes place. Granny Scott, 92, is in a dither about her great-grandchildren George and Jesse, the kids of her disappeared grandson Ralph. How can the Scotts wrest the kids away from Ralph's greedy wife Gladys, who believes Ralph dead? (Ralph's brother Paul knows that Ralph just skipped off for good because he'd surely murder Gladys if he stayed around.) Gladys, the town's self-styled medium and s‚ance-leader, is hell-for-leather after Ralph's estate, she beats and starves the kids (except for Walter, now on his own), and even kidnaps her wee grandson for her shady sister's baby ring. Eventually Gladys will be hoist by her own broomstick, and along the way the Scotts and their friends rehabilitate George and Jesse while Paul finds romance--and Walter and his cousin are lost at sea. Ayuh, it's all they-uh: the rock-bound coast, lobstering, deep seas, deep-dish pies--and reliable diversion for veteran Moore's generation-spanning following.