In the Bleak Midwinter Audiobook, by Julia Spencer-Fleming Play Audiobook Sample

In the Bleak Midwinter Audiobook

In the Bleak Midwinter Audiobook, by Julia Spencer-Fleming Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Suzanne Toren Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 8.67 hours at 1.5x Speed 6.50 hours at 2.0x Speed Series: The Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries Release Date: October 2010 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781602831056

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

31

Longest Chapter Length:

43:42 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

10:24 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

25:05 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

9

Other Audiobooks Written by Julia Spencer-Fleming: > View All...

Publisher Description

Clare Fergusson, Saint 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" but also 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 is 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.

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"I've read and enjoyed a lot of mysteries over the years, but I can't recall falling so hard for the first book in a crime series since I read the first Mary Russell novel by Laurie King over 15 years ago. It's all I can do right now to stop myself from going directly to the library and getting all the other books and zipping through them. Rev. Clare Fergusson is most definitely now in my pantheon of literary characters to admire."

— Teresa (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “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
  • “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…A fast-paced plot keeps the guess work going until the very end. Along the way, there is an exceptionally spine-chilling confrontation. The vivid setting descriptions will bring plenty of shivers, but the real strength of this stellar first is the focus on the mystery, which will delight traditional fans.”

    — Publishers Weekly

In the Bleak Midwinter Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.74285714285714 out of 53.74285714285714 out of 53.74285714285714 out of 53.74285714285714 out of 53.74285714285714 out of 5 (3.74)
5 Stars: 7
4 Stars: 16
3 Stars: 9
2 Stars: 2
1 Stars: 1
Narration: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 (5.00)
5 Stars: 1
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 (4.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 1
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Story Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    — Deborah, 4/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The Rev. Clare Fergusson and Rus Van Alstyne mysteries are quick, fun reads. The relationship between the unmarried Rev. Clare and the married Police Chief Russ are quite entertaining. "

    — Peggy, 2/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed this book! The characters had chemistry, substance, and were well- developed. I hope that she has written or is writing more books with them. "

    — Becky, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good bedtime reading. Female Episcopal priest-mystery solver. "

    — Jaci, 1/29/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Really liking this series, on to the next 7!! "

    — LizH, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Finally read the first book of the series and enjoyed reading how the main characters met and Clare's early days as priest. "

    — Sara, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is a book about an episcopal priest and the sheriff that team-up to solve a crime. Very enjoyable. "

    — Sherry, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I got hooked to it, but it wasn't the greatest book ever. Fun, fast paced mystery story. Too much taking the Lord's name in vain. "

    — Morgan, 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " In the Bleak Midwinter is a great first book with a memorable title. The book introduces compelling characters that will be the foundation for an enjoyable mystery series. "

    — Jacqueline, 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I have read all books in this series and they are usuallly pretty good. I like others better than this first one. All mysteries w/ a little romance. Characters continue so best to read in order. "

    — Annette, 12/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Better than most suspense novels I've read in a while...Unusual characters/occupations, very good plot and writing. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes not having guessed who's the murderer from the get go! "

    — Emma, 12/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Oh, absolutely excellent and spot on. Great characters, great pacing, good writing. I am galloping on to her second book right now. "

    — Kathy, 12/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love this series, I am re-reading in preparation for the latest installment. "

    — Heather, 8/26/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great story with captivating characters. Believable, human emotions that challenge the reader as well as the fictional people on the pages. I stayed up all night and downloaded the next in the series. Terrific. "

    — Val, 7/26/2012
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " How could an ex-military helicopter pilot be so stupid? Every time I started getting into the plot she would do something unbelievably stupid. The book had a great premise, but the Reverend is just too stupid for words. "

    — Leah, 7/4/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Good moral issues were raised, but, a bit unbelievable behavior from a former soldier. "

    — Leslie, 6/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Interesting story line, however, too many unbelievable events. Not interested in reading additional books with this mystery-solving duo, but would try this author again. "

    — Kathleen, 5/19/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Though I didn't like the plot of this 1rst book, I like the premise enough that I"ll try a few more. "

    — Martha, 3/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Love this series. A strong female character with enough flaws to make her believable and an equally strong love interest. What's not to like?!! "

    — M, 10/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A truly enjoyable read and I look forward to more mysteries being solved by Clare and Russ. The chemistry between the two of them is undeniable. "

    — Jan, 9/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Interesting premise and characters. A little harder-hitting and less religious than I expected. "

    — Holly, 8/31/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " An OK mystery series . . . good for planes and the beach. "

    — Abigail, 8/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I love the characters, setting, and writing of this series. "

    — Carole, 7/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A quick read with good character development. It's nice to have a new author in the mystery section "

    — Diane, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is one of my favorite mystery writers. She has a new book (One Was a Soldier) but I would start with the first one. "

    — Martha, 5/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I just discovered this series and I am really enjoying it. Great characters and wonderful writing. It reminds me of Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon series. I am ready to start book two in this series. "

    — Kimmie, 5/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Good mystery. I found the main character, Clare the priest to a bit unrealistic. A priest with a military background who is involved with a married police chief investigating two murders--- "

    — Dianne, 5/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I'm not much of a mystery reader but I really liked this, partly because of the tension between Russ and Claire and also because the plot unfolded in a way I didn't feel left behind, as I sometimes do when mysteries are too convoluted. Will definitely read the next one. "

    — Meredith, 5/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " An intriguing mystery with a new women minister, a middle aged chief of police, an abandoned baby and a dead young girl. The main characters are well portrayed and have a common military history that adds to the electricity between them. The mystery was good and the killer not obvious. "

    — Cindy, 5/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Interesting premise. Good mystery----I already downloaded the next one onto my Nook. "

    — Lynn, 5/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Excellent first in a series. Looking forward to reading more. "

    — Kim, 4/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Good book which probably deserved four stars, but there were some egregious editing errors in the book that made me nuts (forth rather than fourth; principal rather than principle). Still a good story overall. "

    — Cynthia, 4/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 4.5 stars. So glad I listened to the many people who recommended this series. I'm not that into mysteries other than the classic cozy writers, but there's such a great relationship being delicately crafted here, as well as a good story. Can't wait for the next one. "

    — willaful, 4/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Absolutely loved it. I am hooked on this series and am just getting ready to read the fourth one. "

    — Cindy, 4/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Just started, ok so far "

    — Kelly, 4/11/2011

About Julia Spencer-Fleming

Julia 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.

About Suzanne Toren

Peter Ganim, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, is an American actor who has appeared on stage, on television, and in film. He has performed voice-over work since 1994.