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In the Bleak Midwinter (A Rev. Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne Mystery)
$6.99
The first book in this series by Julia Spencer-Fleming features an unlikely combo of "investigators". One of them, Russ Van Alstyne, is the chief of police in a small northeastern town, which means he is in a normal environment when involved in a murder investigation, although murders are unusual in his jurisdiction. But Clare Ferguson is a young and attractive Reverend who moves into town to take control of the parish. From that to playing sleuth is a big step!

Clare gets involved because someone abandons a baby at the church's door asking that the little boy be given to one of the couples that go to church and cannot have babies. When the mother is found murdered soon after that, things heat up and suspects abound, from the couple looking to adopt, to the boyfriend of the victim and many people in between.

The novel is fast-paced and interesting overall. The uncommon duo of investigators provides with added interest, and the author uses the brutal winter in this small town almost as an additional character. It is used as a "murder weapon", an obstacle to action, and an object on which to base some humor, especially when having to do with Clare, her car and dressing habits.

There are a couple of reasons why this novel does not get top marks. One is that the author is a bit obvious when trying to point blame in different directions. It is not as if she is dropping hints, but instead as if she is spelling it out. Something like: "I am telling you to suspect character X now". Moreover, as the story comes closer to the end she starts overusing the twist-and-turn motif. Basically throwing suspects we have not even met before from left and right. The other reason is that even though I liked the characters and the author did a good job developing them, I found that at some points she felt for using the typical "woman makes all the wrong decisions and acts illogically when in danger". And this does not bode well with the image that was built for Clare.

Overall, the minor flaws do not take that much away, and this is one fun and compelling read. I recommend it to those that enjoy cozy mysteries and I am looking forward to reading the next installment.

Alfred Publishing 00-22733 Amid the Cold of Winter - Incorporating In the Bleak Midwinter and Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
$2.95

Insight O'bleak Tweak Jeans Blue Tide 32
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BLEAK 'S Beer and Ale Cascading Pub Wall Clock
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9" Black Plastic Wall Clock. Brand new in box. Precision quartz movement operates on one AA battery (not included). This is not a lighted clock.