I have to admit that the only reason I initially picked up the first book in this series is because the author lives in Portland, Maine. The idea of a book about an Episcopalian priest and a small town police chief didn't really appeal to me. Boy, am I glad that I found that first book! I am loving this series. Unlike many series that begin with a bang and then begin to peter out with subsequent installations, this series has actually gotten better, at least through the first four books. "To Darkness and to Death" actually takes place over the course of about 24 hours in the town of Miller's Kill in upstate New York. Spencer-Fleming tautly weaves several story lines and motives into a final bang that is both surprising and satisfying. The chemistry between Clare and Russ continues to crackle and entice. I have the fifth book in the series sitting here calling my name. I think I had better answer!

Once I begin reading the books in this series...it is impossible to put down!

I just finished this book and enjoyed it a lot. I wish Clare and Russ would eventually get together---maybe in the next book??

A fun read and the characters mess up just like 'real' folks!

This is the 3rd book in the series, with Clare expecting a visit from the bishop, a rescue team has her out looking for a missing person. and Clare is already in hot water with the church. I have read these books in order, and can't wait to read the next one

Wonderful! as are all the book I've read in the Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne series!

I always look forward to a new book from Spencer-Fleming. This is a great series.

Rev. Clare Fergusson gets an early morning call to join a search and rescue operation. She will link up with the local police chief who is her greatest temptation, and also juggle an annual visit from the bishop. Excellent writing and characters.

Set during a single day, Agatha-winner Spencer-Fleming's explosive fourth mystery (after 2004's Out of the Deep I Cry) takes Rev. Clare Fergusson and Millers Kill, N.Y., police chief Russ Van Alstyne far from the tranquility offered by the Anglican services of morning prayer, Order for Noonday and Evensong. A phone call at 5:15 on a cold November morning leads Clare—ex-army helicopter pilot and rector of St. Alban's Episcopal Church—to join the local search and rescue team to look for the missing sister of recluse Eugene van der Hoeven, head of the 250,000-acre Haudenosaunee estate. On a day when she should be at St. Alban's preparing for the bishop's annual visit, Clare finds herself involved with Russ in an investigation involving brutal beatings, kidnapping and murder. As the day unfolds, Clare and Russ are compelled to examine their own relationship when the diocesan deacon arrives early to discuss a "serious matter" with Clare. Given her seminary training and her army background, it's not surprising that Clare deals with all that comes her way with energy, expertise, sensitivity and humor. Spencer-Fleming has brought alive the people and environs of Millers Kill in another riveting mystery.

The Rev Clare books just keep getting better and better.

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