In the Bleak Midwinter

By: Julia Spencer-Fleming

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Clare Fergusson, St. Alban's new priest, fits like a square peg in the conservative Episcopal parish at Miller's Kill, New York. She is not just a "lady"; she's a tough ex-Army chopper pilot, and nobody's fool. Then a newborn infant left at the church door brings her together with the town's police chief, Russ Van Alstyne, who's also ex-Army and a cynical good shepherd for the stray sheep of his hometown. Their search for the baby's mother quickly leads them into the secrets that shadow Miller's Kill like the ever-present Adirondacks. What they discover is a world of trouble, an attraction to each other--and murder....

©2002 Julia Spencer-Fleming (P)2010 BBC Audio

R

Great book, but the narrator didn't work for me. Clare sounded like she was pulled out of Gone With the Wind and Russ sounded like John Wayne. Just didn't jive with the characters and was distracting. The characters and story and mystery are superb though!

good Christian mystery

great Christian mystery with a lot of twists and turns. good lessons on winter driving

On the fence about this author

After completing Louise Penny's brilliant latest book, I was on the hunt for another great crime writer and the Louise Penny Facebook group recommended this writer. So, I jumped at it. It's nowhere near the caliber of Louise Penny's writing but little is. I found the narrator so darned annoying that it was hard to get past her annoying interpretation of these characters. I did find the heroine a bit of a stretch and the police chief is a sexist throwback. And yet, I do wonder if there could be an improvement on the narrator's part in future books and that perhaps the heroine priest finally figures out she's living near the Canadian border and perhaps will figure out how to dress for the winter. I mean, really? The narrator made the heroine sound like a southern belle (very annoying) and the police chief sound like he swallowed razor blades for breakfast. I will try the second book out of curiosity.

Unique characters, extraordinary narration

Army helicopter pilot turned episcopal priest transplanted into snowy climate from the south. Straight but not narrow is the best way I can describe her approach to religion. She is heartfelt and loving but aware of her own human frailties. Her partnership with the chief of police is two lonely leaders in difficult jobs looking for companionship.
I love this series, of which this is the first.

Enjoyed the book -- horrible narrator

I enjoyed the book -- good whodunit. But hated the narrator -- really want to listen to the remaining books in the series, but noticed they all have the same narrator, so will pass and read instead.

Good idea; mediocre book

Are people really thrown by the existence of women ministers these days? Are ministers really allowed to touch newly discovered homicide victims because they are moved to do so? Many questions arise, not the least of which is how accurately basic police procedure is depicted in this novel. Anyway, the story may be better than I so far think it is, several hours in, but I can no longer stand listening to the honeyed tones of the minister's caricature of a Southern accent. The basic narration is fine; had the actor stuck closer to her normal voice and not overacted every character the listening experience, if not the book, would be much better.

Note: The review headlined "Terrible" below by one "Charlotte" gives away a major--maybe THE major--plot point. Don't reviewers know not to do that?

Great character development

As a cradle Anglican, I appreciated Claire’s character. Julia Spencer-Fleming is a wonderful narrator with the exception of Russ’ voice which I found grating. Well worth listening to, enjoy.

Loved this book! Captivating.

Can't wait to see what else is in store for Clare & Russ. They make a good couple.

Excellent beginning

author and narrator meant to be together to share the very good beginning of a hopefully intriguing series of reverent and sherific tales.

Narrator nails it

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I love the way the narrator portrays the different characters. This book is wonderful - unexpected relationships.