‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ is the first book in Julia Spencer-Fleming’s ‘Rev. Clare Fergusson & Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries’, originally published in 2002. The series currently stands at eight books, with a ninth due out in the Fall of this year.
I don’t read much crime fiction, but the series I do read I am unfailingly loyal to – Karin Slaughter’s ‘Grant County’ and ‘Will Trent’ series mostly. Normally Slaughter’s instalments are all the crime-fic I need; occasionally I’ll venture to lightweight “cozy mysteries”, but Slaughter is the only hard-boiled I read religiously and that’s mostly thanks to her books being so cutthroat and gruesome they’re about all I can stomach. Balancing out Slaughter’s macabre explorations is the other reason I stick so closely to her crime series – the characters and their complex relationships. For that reason, whenever I get the occasional whim to go looking for a new crime series to tide me over, I always look for something that also balances the thriller/relationships ratio. And now I think I’ve found it in Spencer-Fleming’s ‘Rev. Clare Fergusson & Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries’.
I do so love discovering a series with a hefty backlist for me to dive into, but before I started the ‘Rev. Clare Fergusson & Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries’, I wanted some assurances that there was some sort of emotional exploration running through the books to propel the characters as much as their search for justice with each new instalment. I can’t read something like ‘Jack Reacher’, I’ve tried, but a series in which a protagonist blows in and blows out of towns and leaves a trail of conquests in his wake (never to be seen again) is just not for me. I want relationships to carry the series, as much as a good whodunit with each new book. So when I read a lengthy (spoiler-y!) review of the series on ‘Heroes and Heartbreakers’, I was thrilled. Janga provides a quote from Spencer-Fleming, about her initial idea for the series;
"I knew I wanted to tell a love story about a brand-new female Episcopal priest and a married small-town chief of police. I knew I wanted it to be smart, and grown-up, and to ask questions like, “What do we sacrifice to honor our commitments?” and “What if finding your soul mate only leads to heartache?” I didn’t know if the ending would be happy or tragic. I didn’t know if I could balance the story of Russ and Clare, and the people of Millers Kill whose lives intersect with theirs, and the demands of a tightly-plotted mystery. I really didn’t know the central question over five—soon to be six—books was going to be: Will they or won’t they?"
That’s the opening to the series in a nutshell - Rev. Clare Fergusson is the new Episcopal priest in the town of Millers Kill, and she meets local police chief Russ Van Alstyne a few months into her job when a baby boy is left on the parish doorstep … when the baby’s suspected mother turns up dead, Clare and Russ work together to solve the mystery.
The whodunit of this first book is a good one that left me guessing till the last chapter. The abandonment of a newborn babe and murder of the baby’s mother – both of which have connections to Clare’s church – means that this case has the new Priest examining her congregation very closely and getting to know them quite intimately.
Of course the real draw-card of this book is the partnership of Rev. Clare Fergusson & Russ Van Alstyne. Clare is an ex fighter pilot, and Russ is a Vietnam Vet quite a few years older than Clare, self-proclaimed atheist and married to boot. These two get along like a house-on-fire from the first – both of them straight shooters who normally play their cards close to their chests, but with one another they find an unlikely and instantaneous friendship … then over the course of this first book, something more heated comes to the surface. Julia Spencer-Fleming weaves a darn good whodunit, but it’s the tangled web of Russ and Clare’s forbidden attraction that has ensured I’ll be delving into her eight-book backlist pronto!
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In the Bleak Midwinter: Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne 1 Kindle Edition
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Review
-"Library Journal" Terrific action scenes...what really distinguishes" In the Bleak Midwinter," however, is the author's skillful portrayal of her protagonist's inner conflict. "-Washington Post Book World" A riveting page-turner from start to finish. -"Publishers Weekly" (starred review) Without ever slighting the central situation of the abandoned mother and her abandoned child, Spencer-Fleming shows admirable resourcefulness in the changes she rings on it. -"Kirkus Reviews" The prose soars...the story twists and turns to the last page. -"Maine Sunday Telegram" One of the most impressive "first" crime novels I've read. A priest, a cop, a baby on the doorstep, and a lot of snow combined with suspenseful results for one great book. -Charlaine Harris, author of "Shakespeare's Counselor" Don't miss this one! You'll be rooting for Clare Fergusson in this engaging and vital mystery. -April Henry, author of the Claire Montrose mysteries and "Learning to Fly" -Superb!- --Library Journal -Terrific action scenes...what really distinguishes In the Bleak Midwinter, however, is the author's skillful portrayal of her protagonist's inner conflict.- --Washington Post Book World -A riveting page-turner from start to finish.- --Publishers Weekly (starred review) -Fleming hits a grand slam with In the Bleak Midwinter. The tension is constant. The dialogue is dead-on. The characters are interesting, thought provoking, and honest. The prose soars above the quality usually found in this genre. To top it all off, the story twists and turns to the last page.- --Denver Rocky Mountain News -Without ever slighting the central situation of the abandoned mother and her abandoned child, Spencer-Fleming shows admirable resourcefulness in the changes she rings on it.- --Kirkus Reviews -Compelling...many twists.- --Romantic Times -Filled with many twists and turns...[a] warm tale.- --Midwest Book Review -The prose soars...the story twists and turns to the last page.- --Maine Sunday Telegram -Julia Spencer-Fleming is already a winner, but she deserves a triple crown. In a strong, distinctive voice, she sets her characters down In the Bleak Midwinter and pits them against public murder, personal demons, and the power of nature itself.- --Kathy Lynn Emerson, author of the Face Down Mysteries -One of the most impressive -first- crime novels I've read. A priest, a cop, a baby on the doorstep, and a lot of snow combined with suspenseful results for one great book.- --Charlaine Harris, author of Shakespeare's Counselor -Don't miss this one! You'll be rooting for Clare Fergusson in this engaging and vital mystery.- --April Henry, author of the Claire Montrose mysteries and Learning to Fly "Superb!" --Library Journal "Terrific action scenes...what really distinguishes In the Bleak Midwinter, however, is the author's skillful portrayal of her protagonist's inner conflict." --Washington Post Book World "A riveting page-turner from start to finish." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Fleming hits a grand slam with In the Bleak Midwinter. The tension is constant. The dialogue is dead-on. The characters are interesting, thought provoking, and honest. The prose soars above the quality usually found in this genre. To top it all off, the story twists and turns to the last page." --Denver Rocky Mountain News "Without ever slighting the central situation of the abandoned mother and her abandoned child, Spencer-Fleming shows admirable resourcefulness in the changes she rings on it." --Kirkus Reviews "Compelling...many twists." --Romantic Times "Filled with many twists and turns...[a] warm tale." --Midwest Book Review "The prose soars...the story twists and turns to the last page." --Maine Sunday Telegram "Julia Spencer-Fleming is already a winner, but she deserves a triple crown. In a strong, distinctive voice, she sets her characters down In the Bleak Midwinter and pits them against public murder, personal demons, and the power of nature itself." --Kathy Lynn Emerson, author of the Face Down Mysteries "One of the most impressive "first" crime novels I've read. A priest, a cop, a baby on the doorstep, and a lot of snow combined with suspenseful results for one great book." --Charlaine Harris, author of Shakespeare's Counselor "Don't miss this one! You'll be rooting for Clare Fergusson in this engaging and vital mystery." --April Henry, author of the Claire Montrose mysteries and Learning to Fly Superb! "Library Journal" Terrific action scenes...what really distinguishes" In the Bleak Midwinter," however, is the author's skillful portrayal of her protagonist's inner conflict. "Washington Post Book World" A riveting page-turner from start to finish. "Publishers Weekly (starred review)" Fleming hits a grand slam with In the Bleak Midwinter. The tension is constant. The dialogue is dead-on. The characters are interesting, thought provoking, and honest. The prose soars above the quality usually found in this genre. To top it all off, the story twists and turns to the last page. "Denver Rocky Mountain News" Without ever slighting the central situation of the abandoned mother and her abandoned child, Spencer-Fleming shows admirable resourcefulness in the changes she rings on it. "Kirkus Reviews" Compelling...many twists. "Romantic Times" Filled with many twists and turns...[a] warm tale. "Midwest Book Review" The prose soars...the story twists and turns to the last page. "Maine Sunday Telegram" Julia Spencer-Fleming is already a winner, but she deserves a triple crown. In a strong, distinctive voice, she sets her characters down "In the Bleak Midwinter" and pits them against public murder, personal demons, and the power of nature itself. "Kathy Lynn Emerson, author of the Face Down Mysteries" One of the most impressive "first" crime novels I've read. A priest, a cop, a baby on the doorstep, and a lot of snow combined with suspenseful results for one great book. "Charlaine Harris, author of Shakespeare's Counselor" Don't miss this one! You'll be rooting for Clare Fergusson in this engaging and vital mystery. "April Henry, author of the Claire Montrose mysteries and Learning to Fly"" "Superb!" -"Library Journal" "Terrific action scenes...what really distinguishes" In the Bleak Midwinter", however, is the author's skillful portrayal of her protagonist's inner conflict." "-Washington Post Book World" "A riveting page-turner from start to finish." -"Publishers Weekly" (starred review) "Fleming hits a grand slam with In the Bleak Midwinter. The tension is constant. The dialogue is dead-on. The characters are interesting, thought provoking, and honest. The prose soars above the quality usually found in this genre. To top it all off, the story twists and turns to the last page."-"Denver Rocky Mountain News" "Without ever slighting the central situation of the abandoned mother and her abandoned child, Spencer-Fleming shows admirable resourcefulness in the changes she rings on it." -"Kirkus Reviews" "Compelling...many twists."-"Romantic Times " "Filled with many twists and turns...[a] warm tale."-"Midwest Book Review" "The prose soars...the story twists and turns to the last page." -"Maine Sunday Telegram" "Julia Spencer-Fleming is already a winner, but she deserves a triple crown. In a strong, distinctive voice, she sets her characters down "In the Bleak Midwinter" and pits them against public murder, personal demons, and the power of nature itself."-Kathy Lynn Emerson, author of the "Face Down Mysteries" "One of the most impressive "first" crime novels I've read. A priest, a cop, a baby on the doorstep, and a lot of snow combined with suspenseful results for one great book." -Charlaine Harris, author of "Shakespeare's Counselor" "Don't miss this one! You'll be rooting for Clare Fergusson in this engaging and vital mystery." -April Henry, author of the Claire Montrose mysteries and "Learning to Fly" "Superb!" -"Library Journal" "Terrific action scenes...what really distinguishes" In the Bleak Midwinter," however, is the author's skillful portrayal of her protagonist's inner conflict." "-Washington Post Book World" "A riveting page-turner from start to finish." -"Publishers Weekly" (starred review) "Fleming hits a grand slam with In the Bleak Midwinter. The tension is constant. The dialogue is dead-on. The characters are interesting, thought provoking, and honest. The prose soars above the quality usually found in this genre. To top it all off, the story twists and turns to the last page."-"Denver Rocky Mountain News" "Without ever slighting the central situation of the abandoned mother and her abandoned child, Spencer-Fleming shows admirable resourcefulness in the changes she rings on it." -"Kirkus Reviews" "Compelling...many twists."-"Romantic Times " "Filled with many twists and turns...[a] warm tale."-"Midwest Book Review" "Superb!" -"Library Journal "Terrific action scenes...what really distinguishes" In the Bleak Midwinter, however, is the author's skillful portrayal of her protagonist's inner conflict." "-Washington Post Book World "A riveting page-turner from start to finish." -"Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Fleming hits a grand slam with In the Bleak Midwinter. The tension is constant. The dialogue is dead-on. The characters are interesting, thought provoking, and honest. The prose soars above the quality usually found in this genre. To top it all off, the story twists and turns to the last page."-"Denver Rocky Mountain News "Without ever slighting the central situation of the abandoned mother and her abandoned child, Spencer-Fleming shows admirable resourcefulness in the changes she rings on it." -"Kirkus Reviews "Compelling...many twists."-"Romantic Times "Filled with many twists and turns...[a] warm tale."-"Midwest Book Review "The prose soars...the story twists and turns to the last page." -"Maine Sunday Telegram "Julia Spencer-Fleming is already a winner, but she deserves a triple crown. In a strong, distinctive voice, she sets her characters down "In the Bleak Midwinter and pits them against public murder, personal demons, and the power of nature itself."-Kathy Lynn Emerson, author of the "Face Down Mysteries "One of the most impressive "first" crime novels I've read. A priest, a cop, a baby on the doorstep, and a lot of snow combined with suspenseful results for one great book." -Charlaine Harris, author of "Shakespeare's Counselor "Don't miss this one! You'll be rooting for Clare Fergusson in this engaging and vitalmystery." -April Henry, author of the Claire Montrose mysteries and "Learning to Fly
--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
About the Author
Julia Spencer-Fleming was born at the Plattsburgh Air Force Base and spent most of her childhood on the move as an Army brat. She lives in a 180-year-old farmhouse outside of Portland, Maine, with her husband, three children, and beloved big dog.
--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
From the Back Cover
Heavy Snow...Icy Desires...Cold-Blooded Murder
Clare Fergusson, St. Alban's new priest, fits like a square peg in the conservative Episcopal parish at Miller's Kill, New York. She is not just a "lady," she's a tough ex Army chopper pilot, and nobody's fool. Then a newborn infant left at the church door brings her together with the town's police chief, Russ Van Alstyne, who's also ex-Army and a cynical good shepherd for the stray sheep of his hometown. Their search for the baby's mother quickly leads them into the secrets that shadow Miller's Kill like the ever-present Adirondacks. What they discover is a world of trouble, an attraction to each other-and murder...
"Superb!"
-"Library Journal
"Terrific action scenes...what really distinguishes" In the Bleak Midwinter, however, is the author's skillful portrayal of her protagonist's inner conflict."
"-Washington Post Book World
"A riveting page-turner from start to finish."
-"Publishers Weekly (starred review)
--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
Clare Fergusson, St. Alban's new priest, fits like a square peg in the conservative Episcopal parish at Miller's Kill, New York. She is not just a "lady," she's a tough ex Army chopper pilot, and nobody's fool. Then a newborn infant left at the church door brings her together with the town's police chief, Russ Van Alstyne, who's also ex-Army and a cynical good shepherd for the stray sheep of his hometown. Their search for the baby's mother quickly leads them into the secrets that shadow Miller's Kill like the ever-present Adirondacks. What they discover is a world of trouble, an attraction to each other-and murder...
"Superb!"
-"Library Journal
"Terrific action scenes...what really distinguishes" In the Bleak Midwinter, however, is the author's skillful portrayal of her protagonist's inner conflict."
"-Washington Post Book World
"A riveting page-turner from start to finish."
-"Publishers Weekly (starred review)
--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
Product details
- ASIN : B00CM9CLKE
- Publisher : Headline (18 June 2013)
- Language : English
- File size : 1766 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 330 pages
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Reviewed in Australia on 2 August 2019
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Loved, loved this series. Waiting for the next book.......so sad to hear Julia's husband had died. The books are well written, entertaining and give a realistic insight into small town policing and the episcopalian church. The politics of both. The storylines grow with each book as does the relationship between Russ and Clare. Well worth reading.
Top reviews from other countries

Layla
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absorbing and left me wanting more
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 October 2017Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this novel. It has the classic pull for me of all good dramas - the unfulfilled yearning of 2 people for one another - made all the more delicious because she is a priest and he is married - one suspects not totally happily! The characterisation is lovely - feisty, surprising woman, rather shell-shocked police chief. The old-fashioned parishioners are clearly in for a bit of a shake-up too! The book isn't particularly taxing, but it was an absorbing read, good on character, and very good on place - very filmic descriptions. I will most certainly read the other 7 books in the series as this one feels as though there will be plenty of fleshing out of the 2 main characters, and already I want to know how their friendship/possible relationship will progress. I also wonder whether Clare will be able to maintain her calling to the priesthood - she clearly had a life before becoming a priest, and I feel she hasn't totally left that behind. I won't spoil the story for other readers by saying any more!! I would certainly recommend this as a lovely story to curl up with on a cold dark evening, and be glad you're in a nice centrally-heated home!!!
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CMB
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thank you Amazon!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 January 2021Verified Purchase
I had just finished the latest Louise Penny book and Amazon had the usual 'If you enjoyed this book you may like Julia Spencer Fleming books etc etc.' So I got a sample, can't get to the library at the moment!
Well, I loved it. Just about to buy the second one. She draws characters so well and a terrific plot too, very much like Louise Penny.
So thank you Amazon, my new favourite.
Well, I loved it. Just about to buy the second one. She draws characters so well and a terrific plot too, very much like Louise Penny.
So thank you Amazon, my new favourite.

Maxine Clarke
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cracking start to series of mysteries set in New York state
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 May 2012Verified Purchase
The words of the famous carol that form the title of this novel also provide the backdrop for events in the town of Miller's Kill, New York - in the far north-east of the United States. A kill, I learnt, is a local name for a creek or shallow river in the farmlands and mountains of the Adirondacks.
This début novel, which won six prestigious awards on first publication, introduces the characters of Russ Van Alstyne, the town's longstanding police chief, and new resident Clare Fergusson, an ex-Army helicopter pilot turned Episcopal priest. The two meet when a newborn baby is found abandoned on the steps of Clare's church, with instructions that he is given for adoption to a couple who worship there regularly. Russ (whose wife is conveniently absent for the whole book) and Clare hit it off; he takes her out on patrol the next evening so she can get to know the town, but when they drive up the snowy paths to the kill, they stumble across the body of a young woman. A woman, it turns out, who has recently given birth.
In the Bleak Midwinter is a novel that draws in the reader, at first by both the vivid characterisation of Russ and Clare as well as by the atmospheric descriptions of the region; but later by the deepening plot, as the case becomes darker and more complex. The pacing is superb, as the confident (then first-time) author avoids the common trap of introducing a cardboard cast and having each one suspected then eliminated as the criminal. Even the over-used device of the "woman in peril" is given a freshly credible treatment.
In addition, though, the author represents unusually well the emotional cost of crimes. She is not afraid to examine the grief of loved ones or the emotions of those desperate to have a child at any cost. Nor is she afraid to demonstrate how Clare provides succour and comfort to the bereaved or the (wrongfully?) accused. Taken together with the unspoken sexual tension between Russ and Clare, both tough yet decent people who have weathered some of life's less fair blows, this novel is an excellent achievement.
This début novel, which won six prestigious awards on first publication, introduces the characters of Russ Van Alstyne, the town's longstanding police chief, and new resident Clare Fergusson, an ex-Army helicopter pilot turned Episcopal priest. The two meet when a newborn baby is found abandoned on the steps of Clare's church, with instructions that he is given for adoption to a couple who worship there regularly. Russ (whose wife is conveniently absent for the whole book) and Clare hit it off; he takes her out on patrol the next evening so she can get to know the town, but when they drive up the snowy paths to the kill, they stumble across the body of a young woman. A woman, it turns out, who has recently given birth.
In the Bleak Midwinter is a novel that draws in the reader, at first by both the vivid characterisation of Russ and Clare as well as by the atmospheric descriptions of the region; but later by the deepening plot, as the case becomes darker and more complex. The pacing is superb, as the confident (then first-time) author avoids the common trap of introducing a cardboard cast and having each one suspected then eliminated as the criminal. Even the over-used device of the "woman in peril" is given a freshly credible treatment.
In addition, though, the author represents unusually well the emotional cost of crimes. She is not afraid to examine the grief of loved ones or the emotions of those desperate to have a child at any cost. Nor is she afraid to demonstrate how Clare provides succour and comfort to the bereaved or the (wrongfully?) accused. Taken together with the unspoken sexual tension between Russ and Clare, both tough yet decent people who have weathered some of life's less fair blows, this novel is an excellent achievement.
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Andi21
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it. Couldn't put it down
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 March 2016Verified Purchase
Loved it. Couldn't put it down.Really enjoyed the character of female priest with a history of army training. What a tantalising mix! The plot had me guessing all the way through to the end. My only question would be - would a priest, new to the town, have enough spare time to be doing that amount of detective work? A minuscule point when measured against how much I enjoyed the story. Will be reading the other books in this series.
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Lee Holton
4.0 out of 5 stars
Much to like about this series and it's obvious from the beginning ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 May 2016Verified Purchase
Much to like about this series and it's obvious from the beginning that the intriguing relationship between the Episcopalian minister Clare and the married police chief is going to drive the plot and keep the reader wondering. This is well written and the wintry setting in Maine is appealingly drawn. I liked i enough to go on and read further books in the series.
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