In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming

This is the first book in the Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne mystery series and WOW. I finished it on June 20th (the summer solstice) and enjoyed it so much that as of this writing, I’ve finished the second book in the series and I’ve moved on to book 3. And I’m a slow reader.

Reverend Clare Fergusson is a newcomer to the small town of Millers Kill, NY, and she’s finding that the Adirondack town is a world away from her home state of Virginia.

For one thing, the winters are a whole lot worse. It’s a cold December night when Clare finds a baby abandoned on the front steps of St. Alban’s, her new parish church. There’s a note with the baby, detailing the mother’s wish that a certain couple at St. Alban’s adopt the child.

Enter Millers Kill police chief Russ Van Alstyne. He’s a tough, no-nonsense Vietnam vet who doesn’t quite know what to make of the young, newly-ordained priest (in fact, he had no idea women could even be priests). It’s not long before he realizes that whatever he thought about priests, female or not, Clare does not fit the mold.

(She, too, is a military veteran, having flown helicopters in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of Captain prior to attending seminary. She knows a thing or two about tenacity and bravery and resourcefulness—and it seems Chief Van Alstyne has met his match.)

Not long after Clare discovers the baby, she and Chief Van Alstyne find the body of the baby’s mother. Thus begins a frantic search for answers about the mother’s identity, the father’s identity, the killer, and the reasons behind behind the whole tragic affair.

What did I like best about this story?

How much time do you have? Just kidding. I’ll keep it short.

First, the characters were exceptionally well-drawn. From the main characters to the secondary and tertiary roles, everyone feels three-dimensional and real. The relationship between Clare and Russ can be testy at times, but that doesn’t obscure the friendship that’s growing between them. Or the attraction. Russ describes himself as happily married, but there’s an undeniable force between him and Clare that is fascinating to watch unfold. And in terms of forbidden love, can there be any higher stakes than a married man and a priest?

Second, the plot not only follows an extraordinary mystery, but the author has thrown roadblocks into Clare’s way in the form of her extremely conservative church members and vestry committee. Her attempts to solve the mystery, as well as her goal of creating and funding a program for unwed mothers, do not sit well with her flock.

And third, the setting is impeccable. I grew up in northern New York, so I know what a long, cold winter looks like. The author has nailed it—from the driving conditions to the bitter, slicing wind to the heavy snow to the fierce beauty of it all.

And best of all, there’s a book 2 … and beyond.

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This month I’m celebrating Christmas in July with a sale! The Worst Noel is just $1.99 for July only (and free in Kindle Unlimited!). Please note, it’s only available as an ebook on Amazon. If you haven’t read it yet, now is a great time to grab a copy. Read it now or wait until the holidays! And remember, you can always gift an ebook to a friend or family member, too.

Click the book cover or the link below and enjoy!

Find The Worst Noel here on Amazon.

To my readers in the United States, have a happy and safe July 4th!

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See you next time!

Amy