Ashes to Ashes: A Ludington – van der Berg Mystery

by M.M. Lindvall

In a Manhattan brownstone that has long served as a manse for him and his predecessors, the Rev. Seth Ludington discovers the bones of an infant…49 years dead. With his sidekick, the acid-tonged Harriet van der Berg, Ludington struggles to resolve the mystery of the bones long hidden in the ash pit of his home while trying to outrun a dark secret from his past. The answers he discovers set Ludington onto an ominous path from which he cannot return, forcing him to explore haunting questions of forgiveness and time.

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 20, 2022

Reviews

[Jean M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

couldn’t put it down

A superb combination of intrigue and theology woven together throughout. Set in New York City it gives an insight into living in a Brownstone.
The team of Ludington and van der Berg are believable and work well together. Looking forward to next book in the series!

[Michael Jinkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by a father/daughter authorship team is excellent. The plot is brain-satisfying for devoted mystery readers. The setting, on the “lower” edge of the Upper East Side of New York City, throws the reader a curve ball from page 1. And, in my view, even more importantly: the lead characters are people you actually want to know better. In a manner reminiscent of a theological mystery I read in the 1980s (Exit 36 by Robert Farrar Capon) and of the award-winning novel, Godric by Frederick Buechner, this novel by the Lindvalls deftly invites the reader to explore moral themes. This made the book even more compelling. Agatha Christy and Dorothy Sayers both were able to weave moral reflection into some of their mysteries, but most other attempts have fallen flat. The Lindvalls’ second book, “Earth to Earth” is also very good, but I have to say I enjoyed their debut novel even more. The only problem I had with “Ashes to Ashes” is that I had intended for it to last a week at bedtime, but as the plot thickened I found myself staying up later and later so I could finish it.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This intriguing mystery, set on New York's Upper East Side and featuring a young(ish) Presbyterian pastor and his secretary as sleuths, explores questions of morality and mortality and how they intertwine with grace, in both a religious and nonreligious sense. What makes the book really hum is its broad cast of characters. The authors have (collectively) an excellent ear for the phrases and rhythms of speech favored by different groups in New York and elsewhere. And anyone familiar with the Upper East Side will appreciate their evocation of place, as well. Some readers will enjoy the "behind the scenes" look at the life of a pastor during Lent and Holy Week.

I highly recommend this book (for which, full disclosure, I was a beta reader). However, my recommendation comes with a warning: the copyediting and proofreading are disappointing. With luck both will be improved in the next books in the planned series.

[Kathy Beatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unraveling the mystery that dominates Ashes to Ashes captivated me and Ludington’s lurking secret was intriguing. The psychology of emotions that were portrayed as mostly buried, but raw at times, layered with questions of morality and spiritual discernment created a depth of personal response that will linger with me.

I’m wondering what the next book in the series will bring. I’m looking forward to it!!

[Gail Ricciuti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mystery so well-conceived that I couldn’t put it down! Characters and plot are expertly developed, colorful, and intriguing. Five stars without question!

[John Harnish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clergy will love this novel about a pastor, written by a pastor. Mystery readers will find it to be a real page-turner of a who-done-it. Excellent for both believers and non-believers alike.

[Emily Burniston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick to read, witty, and very intelligent Sherlock style mystery! It will keep you on your toes from beginning to end!

[M.L. Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique mystery surrounding a very cold case turning a pastor and his assistant into amateur sleuths. Fast paced discovery as the pair dig into their own pasts in order to search for the truth. Good characters and well paced story telling.

[Harriet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable mystery with the sleuth and his sidekick being a Presbyterian minister and his secretary. Very Presbyterian and theological based but also entertaining.