Hid from Our Eyes

Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne, Book 9

By: Julia Spencer-Fleming

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Length: 13 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

This program includes a bonus conversation with the author

New York Times best seller Julia Spencer-Fleming returns to her beloved Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne mystery series with new crimes that span decades in Hid from Our Eyes.

1952. Millers Kill Police Chief Harry McNeil is called to a crime scene where a woman in a party dress has been murdered with no obvious cause of death.

1972. Millers Kill Police Chief Jack Liddle is called to a murder scene of a woman that's very similar to one he worked as a trooper in the '50s. The only difference is this time, they have a suspect. Young Vietnam War veteran Russ van Alstyne found the body while riding his motorcycle and is quickly pegged as the prime focus of the investigation.

Present-day. Millers Kill Police Chief Russ van Alstyne gets a 911 call that a young woman has been found dead in a party dress, the same MO as the crime he was accused of in the '70s. The pressure is on for Russ to solve the murder before he's removed from the case.

Russ will enlist the help of his police squad and Reverend Clare Fergusson, who is already juggling the tasks of being a new mother to her and Russ' baby and running St. Alban's Church, to finally solve these crimes.

Listeners have waited years for this newest book and Julia Spencer-Fleming delivers with the exquisite skill and craftsmanship that have made her such a success.

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books

"Superb.... Julia Spencer-Fleming makes a triumphant return." (Associated Press)

©2020 Julia Spencer-Fleming (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Excellent and good news

I’m not sure why there are negative comments regarding the narration, this narrator has been consistent from the beginning with each character. Only one character has an accent. I have never found it distracting at all. I was very grateful to hear in the brief commentary at the end of the book, that the next book should be out much sooner than this one. I waited painfully for years this book to come out. Great series and excellent writing. Narrator is also perfect!

Nice addition

It’s been along time since there have been new books in the series so it was nice to revisit these characters and the town of Millers kill. Fans of this series will not be disappointed by this book. The plot moves along at a relatively good pace, but ends with somewhat of a cliffhanger. Looking forward to the next book!

Glad She’s Back

It’s been a long wait for this book in the series and it was well worth the wait. There is a wonderful flow from one book to the next in the Claire/Russ series. Julia Spencer-Fleming is a wonderful author and I absolutely couldn’t put this one down until I finished it. Now, I have to wait for the next one and I’m happy to know that she is already working on it!

Interesting Story Line

I really enjoyed this book and the reading. I can see another book in the making based on the ending. The story line was captivating and characters interesting.

Pronounciation or Spelling

Suzanne, the person who carries the cross is called the crucifer. You keep saying crucifier, who is someone who crucifies another. Julia, I hope you didn’t spell it that way. 🤫 And Suzanne, we say “AH-men” not “AY-men.” My wife who was blind and I read your series on Audible at least twice, and i’ve just finished another round. I have enjoyed each and every one of the books and the narration super every time. I heard your interview and found it very interesting. You both have remarkable, God-given talents. Blessings! Frank from Bath

anticipation is all

the early books before they marry seem to have more substance and more depth, more of a story. This one has it's moments but previous books are more interesting to me.

A worthy addition to the series

I’m a huge fan of this series and was thrilled when the book came out. I was not disappointed. It’s a worthy successor to the series as Clare struggles with the logistics of working motherhood as well as with her personal demons. The novel also gives a great deal of insight into Russ’s youth. The saga of Hadley and Kevin continues with several new twists and a cliffhanger. The mystery revolves around a cold case suddenly turned boiling hot and around small town politics. The MO for the crime struck me as over-the-top, but I give it high marks for originality.
This is the first time I’ve done one of this series on audiobook. It gave me a whole new take on Clare as a southerner. . My only complaint — and this is a problem with most cross-gender narration- is that I didn’t like Russ’s voice. He sounded like an 80-year-old man.
The bonus interview at the end offers personal insight into the author, which I greatly appreciated. She explains why there was such a long gap after the last book. You truly get your money’s worth with this audiobook.

More Russ and Claire❤️❤️

Waited long time for this next book, so worth the wait. More in-depth of Russ and his Mom when he came back from Vietnam. The relationship between Claire and Russ and baby Ethan, so heartwarming, town troubles and Flynn and Hadley and what will happen to them. Once again outstanding narration by Suzanne Toren❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Looking forward to the next👍

Wit, wisdom, and guts galore!

I have read all nine of Julia’s books and can hardly wait to find out where Flynn is and what he is thinking. I am SO thankful I did not stop reading at book 7 when I read several negative reviews. I LOVED the emphasis Julia put on the emotional roller coaster ride felt by many military families in that book. My own husband was born and raised in a military family. He himself served in the Army and in 2004 served in Kuwait with his National Guard troop for the year in which our first grandchild was born. Military life is a challenge not only for the soldiers but also for those who love them. Brava, Julia, for spotlighting them. Every single book in this series has touched me in one way or another. I ADORE Clair’s spunk and courage as much as I empathize with Russ who cannot control her (a situation very close to home for this southern gal). I feared I would wake my husband from a nap when I laughed out loud as Clair was giving birth and let out a barrage of curse words, following with “I always thought giving birth would be a ‘spiritual’ experience!” Julia, thank you for all the lives, stories, wit, and wisdom you have imparted through these books. Do you truly hear the voice of your grandmother in your head at times? I do. Keep up the amazing work. Thanks again! Gara

Poor Ending Ruins Excellent Book

Great book until the author tries to set up future books. The predictability of the actions took away from a book I was enjoying.