It’s a cold, snowy December in the upstate New York town of Millers Kill, and newly ordained Clare Fergusson is on thin ice as the first female priest of its small Episcopal church. The ancient regime running the parish covertly demands that she prove herself as a leader. However, her blunt manner, honed by years as an army pilot, is meeting with a chilly reception from some members of her … congregation and Chief of Police Russ Van Alystyne, in particular, doesn’t know what to make of her, or how to address “a lady priest” for that matter.
The last thing she needs is trouble, but that is exactly what she finds. When a newborn baby is abandoned on the church stairs and a young mother is brutally murdered, Clare has to pick her way through the secrets and silence that shadow that town like the ever-present Adirondack mountains. As the days dwindle down and the attraction between the avowed priest and the married police chief grows, Clare will need all her faith, tenacity, and courage to stand fast against a killer’s icy heart.
In the Bleak Midwinter is one of the most outstanding Malice Domestic winners the contest has seen. The compelling atmosphere-the kind of very cold and snowy winter that is typical of upstate New York-will make you reach for another sweater. The characters are fully and believably drawn and you will feel like they are your old friends and find yourself rooting for them every step of the way.
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4.5 Stars!
I enjoyed this so much. I finished it in a day. It helps that it was an audiobook and I’ve been busier than ever driving to appointments and completing a house project. Very conducive to listening time.
I found the mystery compelling and not at all easy to figure out, but I’m also not a regular mystery reader. It’s the characters of …
I am adding this author to my list of favorite authors. This story was so good and held my at the edge of my seat at times. Clare Fergusson is the new priest in St. Alban in a conservative Episcopal parish in Millers kill, New York. Clare is a tough ex-Army chopper pilot and nobody’s fool and finds a newborn infant left at the church door which …
I love it when I discover a new mystery series. When I read the description of one of the later books in this one, I was prompted to order book one from the library, and I’m so glad I did.
Episcopal priest Clare Ferguson and Chief of Police Russ Van Alstyne have just met in the small town of Millers Kill, NY. Clare is new to town and getting to …
I love her books, hope she continues to write this series!
This novel is the typical rich kid hangs out with girl from the wrong side of the tracks. The story dragged. I didn’t care for the profanity. I will not be reading more from this author.
I borrowed a copy from my local library. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
This is a great mystery series. mystery set in upstate NY. romance between a female episcopal priest and a chief of police. Great sense of place. Recommended
This author, and this book in particular, was recommended for the compelling writing. I am so glad I’ve begun reading this series. The prose is crystalline. Not a word is wasted. The story continuously moves forward. The final dilemma is diabolical. I can’t say more without giving it away. Whether you read for enjoyment or study good writing, this …
I love this series! And I’m hanging on until the next one of published!
Not the typical love struck characters.
This beautifully written book is the first book in a fantastic mystery series that has the police chief and the new woman Episcopalian priest as the main characters in a small town in upstate New York. The characters are well-developed and the plot is riveting.
I loved this book and I have now read 2 more in the series. The main character is wonderful. I liked all the religious parts which, as an Episcopalian, were spot on. These really added to the story and developed the character.
This is the first of a series, which must be read in order. Great characterizations by the author. The two main characters, Russ and Claire, have to deal with difficult emotional issues as well as solving crime. All of my book buddies have loved this series.
A great story with flawed but wonderful characters. The reverend navigates the complexities of a modern day church and a critical board and church elders when trying for a relationship with the local Chief of Police
Unforgettable
I loved the whole series.
This was the first in a series. The whole series was excellent; good characters, enjoyable stories. Best of all, after a (much too) long wait, there will be a new book in the series come April ’20.
Very good and different characters from the usual man/woman.
This is the first in a series and is excellent!
A wonderful series. Hope the author continues the adventure!
Loved the storytelling, the narrator, the winter setting and the clever Reverend Clare. Awhile back, I had read several books in this series (2, 3, 5 and 8) so I was not sure if I should bother with book 1. But I’m a sucker for a winter setting, and was pleased when the characters, the atmosphere and the storyline immediately drew me in. I love …
The characters in this book are delightful if not a little tiny bit naughty. One is an Episcopal priest and former military helicopter, the other the Sheriff in a mountain town in the mountains of New York. When a baby is left on the steps of the parish church, the two of them work together in solving the mystery. Between his wife and her bishop, …