All Mortal Flesh

Starred review from August 7, 2006
Clare Fergusson, a helicopter pilot turned Episcopal priest, and Russ Van Alstyne, police chief of Millers Kills, N.Y., are suffering in the wake of their affair in Anthony-winner Spencer-Fleming's fifth mystery, her most captivating yet (after 2005's To Darkness and to Death
). After Russ separates from his wife and Clare's Albany superiors chastise her, the "problem priest" vows never to see Russ again. But when Russ's wife is found murdered in the Van Alstynes' home and the New York State police deem him the prime suspect, Clare risks everything to clear his name. The high-stakes plot evolves seamlessly with totally unexpected twists and turns, culminating in a climax that surpasses the drama of previous outings. Clare and Russ continue to struggle with their feelings and the confines of their respective vocations, while interesting new characters join the familiar residents of Millers Kill. Fans, once they start reading, will hang Do Not Disturb signs on their doors.

Starred review from August 15, 2006
When Millers Kill, NY, police chief Russ Van Alstyne tells his wife that he is in love with Clare Fergusson, the Episcopal priest for St. Albans Church, she throws him out. A few weeks later, her mutilated body is found in her kitchen, and suspicion falls upon Russ and Clare. What begins as a cut-and-dried murder mystery turns into something more complex. While Russ becomes too emotional to handle the investigation properly, Clare grows stronger in adversity, displaying remarkable resilience. In her fifth book in the series (after "To Darkness and Death"), the award-winning Spencer-Fleming is at the top of her game. Highly recommended. [See Prepub Mystery, "LJ "6/1/06.]

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2006
Anglican priest Clare Ferguson has become a problem: her relationship with the sheriff of Miller's Kill, Russ van Alstyne, a married man, has become the stuff of gossipmongers and church officials alike. The last thing Clare wants is to lose her parish; the last thing Russ wants is to end his marriage with Linda. Then Linda's disfigured body is discovered in the van Alstyne home, and guess who comes under suspicion? Another shock isn't long in coming: Linda is alive and well. Who was the victim? Why was she murdered? The latest entry in Spencer-Fleming's intelligently written series puts the relationship between Clare and Russ on a new track while once again broaching some thoughtful questions about religion, relationships, and morality in the modern world. That's a far cry (and perhaps a pleasant surprise) from what readers will be expecting given the jacket--which would have better suited an old Victoria Holt gothic than this contemporary mystery with ethical underpinnings. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)