Play Audiobook Sample
In the Bleak Midwinter Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(3.01) - 3,706 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
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.
Download and start listening now!
"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
-
—
Deborah, 4/17/2014
-
" 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 -
" 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 -
" Good bedtime reading. Female Episcopal priest-mystery solver. "
— Jaci, 1/29/2014 -
" Really liking this series, on to the next 7!! "
— LizH, 1/25/2014 -
" 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 -
" This is a book about an episcopal priest and the sheriff that team-up to solve a crime. Very enjoyable. "
— Sherry, 1/3/2014 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" I love this series, I am re-reading in preparation for the latest installment. "
— Heather, 8/26/2012 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" Good moral issues were raised, but, a bit unbelievable behavior from a former soldier. "
— Leslie, 6/10/2012 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" Interesting premise and characters. A little harder-hitting and less religious than I expected. "
— Holly, 8/31/2011 -
" An OK mystery series . . . good for planes and the beach. "
— Abigail, 8/26/2011 -
" I love the characters, setting, and writing of this series. "
— Carole, 7/5/2011 -
" A quick read with good character development. It's nice to have a new author in the mystery section "
— Diane, 5/18/2011 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" Interesting premise. Good mystery----I already downloaded the next one onto my Nook. "
— Lynn, 5/7/2011 -
" Excellent first in a series. Looking forward to reading more. "
— Kim, 4/30/2011 -
" 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 -
" 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 -
" Absolutely loved it. I am hooked on this series and am just getting ready to read the fourth one. "
— Cindy, 4/25/2011 -
" 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
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.