Through the Evil Days

September 16, 2013
In Agatha-winner Spencer-Fleming’s eighth Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne mystery (after 2011’s One Was a Soldier), the individual personal dramas of her leads overshadow the detective work. Clare, an Episcopal priest, and new husband Russ, the police chief of Millers Kill, N.Y., are looking forward to a week’s honeymoon. Meanwhile, Clare’s pregnancy, which began before their wedding, places her career in jeopardy, and Russ learns that his department may be completely eliminated. Clare’s condition evokes conflicting feelings in Russ, whose first wife suffered numerous miscarriages. Russ also fears that Clare’s substance abuse before learning she was pregnant will harm the baby. With all those issues to work through, the story’s central crime—an act of arson aimed at covering up a double murder—almost recedes into the background. While the couple’s complex relationship will engage readers, the very pregnant Clare’s active involvement in getting the bad guys strains credulity. Author tour. Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency.

February 15, 2014
The latest entry in Spencer-Fleming's series finds Clare and Russ heading up to a secluded cabin on a frozen lake for their long-delayed honeymoon. But as fans of this series know, it won't be that simple. Murder, arson, kidnapping, violent drug dealers, and a deadly ice storm that immobilizes everything and everyone combine to create an edge-of-your-seat thriller, with Clare and Russ fighting for their lives. As with the other books in the series, the plot is solid, but the characters are the main attraction, as they try to navigate complex, realistic emotional issues. Suzanne Toren continues her run of this series, admirably bringing vibrancy to the characters. VERDICT Recommended for mystery fans, as well as those who enjoy the books of G.M. Malliet and Elly Griffiths.--Donna Bachowski, Orange Cty. Lib. Syst., Orlando, FL

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