Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, Miller’s Kill, New York is about as safe as it gets. That’s why Episcopal minister Clare Fergusson is shocked when the Fourth of July weekend brings a rash of vicious assaults to the scenic town. Even Clare’s good friend, police chief Russ Van Alstyne, is shaken by the brutality of the crimes—especially when it appears that the victims were chosen because they are gay. But when a third assault of an out-of-town developer ends in murder, Clare and Russ wonder if the recent crime wave is connected to the victim’s controversial plan to open an upscale spa in Miller’s Kill. But not all things in the tiny town are what they seem—and soon, Clare and Russ are left to fight their unspoken attraction to one another even as they uncover a labyrinthine conspiracy that threatens to turn deadly for them both …
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"This is a good mystery story. I enjoy watching the characters develop. I do sometimes think that the type of characteristics that lead someone to devote their life to God and the type of characteristics that lead someone to sneak into a strange person's room and snoop through their stuff. But Reverend Clare does her best to seem consistent. I do have a problem with her love interest being married, and 13 years older than her. Talk about obstacles to a happy ending."
— Cacophony (4 out of 5 stars)
“The plot is complicated, and the ethical issues are even thornier. Wisely, Spencer-Fleming treats them with the same delicacy she extends to Clare’s forbidden love.”
— New York Times“Despite the brutal crimes, this is a quiet and civilized story just right for those who enjoy a modern take on the old-fashioned whodunit.”
— Rocky Mountain News“Exciting…keeps the pages turning…Clare’s army background and a plot framed by church rituals add interest to the series.”
— Booklist“Even more action, more plot-twists, and more unconsummated romance than in Clare and Russ’s notable debut.”
— Kirkus“Riveting…Not just fans of ecclesiastical mysteries will have reason to rejoice.”
— Publishers Weekly" NL's ground read. Second in claire series. "
— Donnajo, 2/12/2014" 2nd in the series.. the mystery itself was pretty lame, but enjoyed keeping up with Russ and Clare. "
— Lorna, 2/6/2014" Spencer-Fleming's second thriller to feature the Reverend Clare Fergusson...is every bit as riveting as her first...with eloquent exposition and natural dialogue, the precisely constructed plot moves effortlessly to its dramatic conclusion." "
— Walt, 2/2/2014" Wonderful new type of mystery - priest character in each book - No violence. "
— Lynn, 1/19/2014" This is the 2nd in the series. I liked that we found out more of Russ's background as well as Clair. The sexual tension between the two continues to build. "
— Sheila, 1/11/2014" Wow, does she ever suck you in with a page turning mystery! Great reading. "
— Trish, 1/8/2014" The first worked so well as my workout book, I'm using the second as the same. Of course, that means, with all the travel, I haven't gotten to read it as much the past two weeks, but I'm about half done and really loving it! "
— Angela, 12/30/2013" The plot thickens and the romantic attachment gets stronger! What wonderful trash reading--much better than TV. Well written and interesting plot. Nice character development. "
— Alice, 12/30/2013" Enjoyed this mystery series solved by a female episcopal priest and a married police chief and their complicated relationship. "
— Monica, 12/27/2013" Well written. Good character development- good reflection on faith. Enjoyed it. Quick read "
— TJ, 10/21/2013" Another good book, I am so happy I have found this series. "
— Marybeth, 10/17/2013" Just couldn't get into it. Stopped after 100 pages. "
— Suzanne, 4/9/2013" Well plotted, all-around great read "
— Maureen, 4/9/2013" 4.5/5 Loving the dynamic between the main characters in this series so far. "
— Marg, 4/6/2013" I really REALLY enjoyed this book. I so love Claire and Russ together, and I hope they do end up together, eventually! This was an easy read and Ms Spencer definitely keeps you entertained and wanting to read more. "
— Mary, 3/8/2013" This is a great series. On to the next! "
— Elizabeth, 2/23/2013" These characters are growing on me. "
— Beth, 12/29/2012" This book was decent to me. I kinda of figured stuff out for myself earlier on in the book. "
— Victoria, 8/12/2012" Ehh... Not the best. Not sure I like Clare... Will go to #3 and see if it gets better... "
— Jennifer, 6/12/2012" Not nearly as good as the first book in the series. If not for the two wonderful main characters, and the exhilerating last 100 pages, this read would be a waste. Hoping the next in the series picks up. "
— Michele, 10/26/2011" This is the second book of this series. Just as good a read as the first one. Another good mystery, interesting characters, smart dialogue - great fun. "
— Judy, 7/6/2011" Okay, I wasn't full engrossed as I started this one, and I thought "how can she match her first novel?" But she got me. Great characters, great pacing, and I am now searching for her other mysteries and am so glad there are others to try to find and read. Excellent, excellent, excellent. "
— Kathy, 6/30/2011" Smart, funny, imperfect and interesting characters. Excellent narration. Spencer-Fleming's books sort of remind me of Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire books. Great fun with a little gritty-crime stuff. Can't wait to listen to the next one. "
— Kathy, 4/12/2011" Riveting is the word that comes to mind, especially for the adrenaline rush of those last dramatic scenes. Clare is a strong character--very human and capable of mistakes, but also a tough lady with serious skills. "
— Mary, 3/15/2011" The second good mystery in this series. "
— Jennifer, 3/10/2011" NL's ground read. Second in claire series. "
— Donnajo, 2/18/2011" This is the second in a mystery series featuring an Episcopalian priest (female) and a small town Chief of Police. I found the denouement somewhat over the top, and the on-going romance isn't grabbing me. I'll probably come back and finish the series, but I'm giving the series a rest right now. "
— Nancy, 2/14/2011" Author uses this book to proclaim her views on the church and homosexuality. "
— Sarah, 1/22/2011" Just couldn't get into it. Stopped after 100 pages. "
— Suzanne, 1/8/2011Julia Spencer-Fleming is an Agatha, Anthony, Barry, Dilys, Gumshoe, and Macavity award winner. She studied acting and history at Ithaca College and received her JD at the University of Maine School of Law. Her books have been short-listed for the Edgar and Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice awards. She lives in a 190-year-old farmhouse in Buxton, Maine, with her husband and three children.
Suzanne Toren, award-winning narrator, has over thirty years of experience in narration. She was named a “Golden Voice” by AudioFile magazine in 2019. She has won the American Foundation for the Blind’s Scourby Award for Narrator of the Year, AudioFile magazine named her the 2009 Best Voice in Nonfiction & Culture, and she is the recipient of multiple Earphones Awards. She performs on and off Broadway and in regional theaters and has appeared on Law & Order and in various soap operas.