Out of the Deep I Cry

Two mysteries, one current, one set in the 1930s, are skillfully woven in this second series entry featuring Episcopal priest Clare Fergusson and her unrequited heart throb, Police Chief Russ Van Alstyne. Unfortunately, this production makes for painfully slow listening, in part due to Spencer-Fleming's highly detailed prose. It takes three hours of setup before the plot kicks off. A bigger problem is Suzanne Toren's reading style; too serious and proper, it fails to capture the fun, irony, or flirtatiousness of the well-written dialogue. Many of Toren's characterizations tend toward stereotypes--the women sound indignant, the men gruff and disgruntled. If you're patient to get through the early part of the story, the end is riveting and rewarding. If not, read this one in ink. E.S. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

Starred review from March 8, 2004
In Agatha winner Spencer-Fleming's triumphant third novel (after 2003's A Fountain Filled with Blood
), Clare Fergusson, Anglican priest and ex-army helicopter pilot, and Sheriff Russ Van Alstyne investigate the hidden secrets, past and present, of a prominent Millers Kill, N.Y., family—and must also face the hidden secrets of their own hearts. When the roof of St. Alban's Episcopal Church springs a leak that threatens to destroy a beautiful stained-glass window, Clare calls an emergency vestry meeting only to discover that paying for the repairs is more complicated than she expected. Mrs. Marshall, a wealthy parishioner, agrees to donate the money, though it will mean the withdrawal of funds from the town health clinic. Shortly after hearing the news, Dr. Rouse, the clinic's respected director, disappears under baffling circumstances. Since her first outing, In the Bleak Midwinter
(2002), Clare has grown in complexity, as shown in a number of exquisitely described scenes between her and Russ in the church. The season of Lent serves as a most fitting backdrop, starting with Ash Wednesday and culminating in the Great Easter Vigil. The author expertly portrays the power of grief, guilt, greed and love and their effect on good people in a story as chilling as the month of March in Millers Kill. A subtle sense of humor further enhances this poignant and provocative mystery. (Apr. 21)

Forecast:
A national author tour soon after Easter can only help build Spencer-Fleming's fan base among mystery-loving Episcopalians and readers of thoughtful, sensitive fiction generally.

April 1, 2005
What starts out as an effort to repair a leaking roof that threatens a stained glass window at St. Alban's Episcopal Church becomes an investigation into the disappearance of the town doctor. Anglican priest and former army helicopter pilot Clare Fergusson teams with married Sheriff Russ van Alstyne to look into what happened to the physician. Along the way, the town gossips of Millers Kill, NY, speculate on Clare and Russ's relationship, and long-buried secrets of the Ketchum family threaten to surface and reveal a painful tale of obsession and retribution. The backdrop of the Lenten season in this Adirondack community provides a suitable framework as the tale jumps from past to present. Suzanne Toren's clear and well-paced reading adds to this poignant and powerful mystery. Recommended. -Denise A. Garofalo, Astor Home for Children, Rhinebeck, NY

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