Julia Spencer-Fleming's series featuring Episcopal priest Clare Fergusson and police chief Russ Van Alstyne remains one of my favorites in the mystery world. It's not that the plots are so good -- they're fine, but nothing outstanding -- but rather because spending time with the characters is so pleasing. Their problems might be a little more melodramatic than those faced by us normal folks -- interfering bishops, nosy congregations, dead wives -- but the trick is that Spencer-Fleming makes us care. She has invested her creations with so much life, and made them so likable and real, that we can't help but be drawn into their world. The ups and downs and ins and outs of their relationship keep me coming back each year for more. I'm already looking forward to the next one.
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June 03, 2008
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David J. Montgomery is a writer and critic specializing in books and publishing. He is an emeritus columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times and The Daily Beast, and has also written for USA Today, the Washington Post, and other fine publications. A former professor of History, he lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and two daughters.
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Yep, great characters! Got an ARC a month or so ago,and it was as expected...terrific.
Posted by: Elaine Flinn | June 03, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Does anyone know if she wears pants when she writes?
Posted by: Cosmo Vittelli | June 03, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Gosh, Cosmo...I haven't a clue.
But do you?
Posted by: Elaine Flinn | June 03, 2008 at 03:46 PM