Out of the Deep I Cry: A Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne Mystery

Spencer-Fleming's writing amazes me. She manages to skillfully weave the mystery in with the humdrum details of her character's life to create a rich, real novel that keeps you turning pages. Rev. Clare Fergusson's church is in trouble. The ceiling's literally fallen in and there's no money anywhere to fix it. Just as the Rev turns to a board member Lacey Marshall to turn over part of a trust that was being used by the town's free clinic to the church for urgent repairs, the clinic's physician disappears under suspicious circumstances. This whole situation is so similar to the disappearance of the father of Mrs. Marshall's. Both mysteries weave together and echo each other in eerie ways. I suggest you allot time to finish this book, because you are not going to want to wait to see the ending. So far, every book in this series has been great. I'm very much looking forward to the next.

This is a compelling story that I could not put down. I wish the next one were available so I could continue, but, alas, I have to wait a while. I advise any new readers to start with the first in the series and read them in order. This book impressed me with the interweaving of past and present, showing how events have their fruition in unexpected ways, reaching into the future and intersecting other sequences in a kind of inevitability. The only possible weakness I found was that I did not quite buy into the scene in which the Ketcham children are denied the ministrations of a physician. I think any parent would have to be physically restrained, not merely intimidated, in order to delay going for help. The romance between Clare and Russ is quite believable and a relief from the usual tripe that passes as romance. These are mature, moral people who know exactly what is happening and the consequences that might obtain, yet feel the overpowering urges of their attraction for each other. It is comforting to read of a strong friendship between a man and woman that is based on something other than hormones.

I've enjoyed all of the previous Rev. Clare Fergusson novels and this one was no different. Ms. Spencer-Fleming gets better and better with each book in this series. I enjoy this author and her series for several reasons which include great characterization, great church politics, towns people who populate her world and the ever-growing relationship between Clare and the police chief, Russ Van Alstyne. If you haven't started this series yet - your in for a treat. Start by reading the first book, IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER.

Julia Spencer-Fleming's Out of the Deep I Cry is the third book featuring the Rev. Clare Fergusson, an Episcopal priest, and her good friend, Chief of Police Russ Van Alstyne. As with the first two books in the series (all three named after hymns), Out of the Deep contains an absorbing plot, with all the necessary touches of intrigue and suspense. This is the author's best story yet, a contemporary mystery with roots in the past, presented with the flair and polish of the finest artisan. Even better than the plots, though, are the wonderful characters Spencer-Fleming creates. The relationship between her two main players, especially, is so touching and authentic that the ending is enough to make even the hardest heart melt. Reviewed by David Montgomery, Chicago Sun-Times

In her third book Spencer-Fleming develops characters you really know and care about. The tension between the priest and policeman is defined and the reader can feel their personal tension. Secondary characters are also expanded meaningfully. There is more than one plot taking place in different time periods, but all is masterfully woven together. A very unique and interesting page turner.