In the Bleak Midwinter (A Rev. Clare Ferguson Mystery) (edit title)

• Rated 4 stars

“The first of a series of books that take place in the Adirondacks.”

• Rated 5 stars

“A Rev. Ferguson mystery: A quick read, engaging mystery set in New England. Rev. Clare, new Rector of the Episcopal Church in Millers Kill finds an infant left on the back steps of the church when locking up after evening services as it is beginning to snow. Rev. Clare's compassion, curiosity an military training through a tangle of relationships of the members of her parish and a lasting friendship with the chief of police of this small community.
There are some 6 more mysteries written which feature these characters.
”

• Rated 3 stars

“Something to cool off with at the beach. Quick easy mystery to read. A little bit predictable. I didn't like the underlying romantic tension between the Episcopalian priest and the married police chief.”

• Rated 2 stars

“i just couldn't get in to this book so i didn't read very far. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“Great mystery to start the series with two repeating characters--a police chief and a female Episcopalian minister. It is a page turner. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“loved this series”

• Rated 4 stars

“A new series, and very enjoyable start. A new type of character with Clare, as Anglican priest, in a new parish in upstate New York. Collaborating, only after his stated reluctance, with police chief Van Alstyne, provides for a witty and occasionally contentious relationship for the ex Army helicopter pilot. She is woman of many talents and, very human, characteristics. A fascinating individual and atypical rector. I am going to thoroughly enjoy this series.”

• Rated 4 stars

“I generally don't read mysteries, but the news out there in the world has been just a tad depressing (excluding the election, of course). I needed something light and diverting. This one worked. Nothing pulse-pounding about it, just interesting and well-rounded characters and a serviceable plot. So OK, the mystery isn't all that hard to solve. The pleasure is in getting there. I'm reading another of her books now -- kind of clearing my palate for Richard Russo or Charles Dickens or whoever it is I pick up next.”

• Rated 4 stars

“This first installment of the Rev. Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne mysteries is a solid beginning to a series that looks like it may be quite enjoyable. Clare, our heroine, is a priest in the Episcopal Church, and Russ, our hero, is a cop in small town Millers Kill, in upstate New York. The two of them would seemingly have little in common, yet they find themselves drawn to the other's perspective and company.

Here the mystery concerns a baby who is left abandoned on Clare's doorstep and the child's mother who is, eventually, found murdered. Clare, since she found the infant, feels personally responsible for it and tries to make sure that one of the families in her parish will get custody. However, when the girl is found and the violence unexpectedly escalates, Clare can't help but question her judgment...and get involved in solving the mystery.

The rest of the review is here:

http://grerp.blog-city.com/in_the_bleak_midwinter_by_julia_spencerfleming.htm”

• Rated 2 stars

“Ok story, I read the whole thing but I won't be reading any more by this author.”