To Darkness and To Death

The impending sale of a large tract of Adirondack property brings out the best and the worst in a variety of locals--owners, businessmen eager for profits, environmentalists. Trying to keep everyone in line is Police Chief Russ, who is fighting his own feelings for Episcopalian priest Claire. Suzanne Toren takes advantage of every opportunity to individualize these characters. A special challenge is the property owner whose vocal chords were burned, but there are others, such as Claire's self-righteous supervising cleric and a socially ambitious second wife. The pace goes from slow burn to a truly explosive climax; Toren's narration does likewise. This is a treat. J.B.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

Starred review from May 30, 2005
Set during a single day, Agatha-winner Spencer-Fleming's explosive fourth mystery (after 2004's Out of the Deep I Cry
) takes Rev. Clare Fergusson and Millers Kill, N.Y., police chief Russ Van Alstyne far from the tranquility offered by the Anglican services of morning prayer, Order for Noonday and Evensong. A phone call at 5:15 on a cold November morning leads Clare—ex-army helicopter pilot and rector of St. Alban's Episcopal Church—to join the local search and rescue team to look for the missing sister of recluse Eugene van der Hoeven, head of the 250,000-acre Haudenosaunee estate. On a day when she should be at St. Alban's preparing for the bishop's annual visit, Clare finds herself involved with Russ in an investigation involving brutal beatings, kidnapping and murder. As the day unfolds, Clare and Russ are compelled to examine their own relationship when the diocesan deacon arrives early to discuss a "serious matter" with Clare. Given her seminary training and her army background, it's not surprising that Clare deals with all that comes her way with energy, expertise, sensitivity and humor. Spencer-Fleming has brought alive the people and environs of Millers Kill in another riveting mystery. Agent, Jimmy Vines.

January 15, 2006
Global Woods Products is set to purchase thousands of Adirondack timberland, but some residents of nearby Millers Kill, NY, are less than happy about the sale. Arrogance, greed, and, at times, stupidity combine with kidnapping, assault, and murder to achieve an engrossing, well-written thriller that spans a single day. Clare Fergusson, Episcopal priest, and Russ Van Alstyne, police chief, team up again as a search and rescue becomes a murder investigation. Their ambiguously platonic relationship and mutual attraction are still evident as they work their way through the tangle of events. Less time is given to the interplay between these two characters, which may disappoint some series fans. But overall the riveting plot melds with solid characterization and a fine reading by Suzanne Toren. At times credulity may be stretched a bit as events are connected, yet the solid plot creates an entertaining thriller. Recommended." -Denise A. Garofalo, Astor Homefor Children, Rhinebeck, NY"

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