LeeAnne (Beanbean) reviewed To Darkness and to Death (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 4) on + 56 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
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!
Susie C. (talbot73) reviewed To Darkness and to Death (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 4) on + 22 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A fun read and the characters mess up just like 'real' folks!
Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Helpful Score: 2
I continue to enjoy this series that I began reading such a short time ago. Spencer-Fleming knows how to write pulse-pounding scenes of action and danger while bringing her characters to life. Russ Van Alstyne and Clare Fergusson are two good people who've pledged themselves to help others. They are also falling deeply in love with each other, and this plunges them into a huge briar patch of moral dilemmas. I'd say that it's a treat to watch them walk the tightrope of professional respect and fiery passion except for one tiny fact: Spencer-Fleming not only makes readers feel the characters' attraction, she makes them feel their pain. This is probably the best relationship in crime fiction, and I'm always torn between inhaling the books in this series as quickly as I can to find out what happens to these two, or trying to take some time to savor each one. So far I'm savoring, but it's not easy.
Spencer-Fleming not only provides a top notch story and wonderfully complex characters (one of which is the upper New York state setting), there's also plenty of insight into human nature. She also touches on environmental issues with the estate being handed over to a nature conservancy, showing how this would affect the area's hunters as well as local logging companies and paper manufacturing.
If I have any complaints about this fourth book, it would be that too much time is spent with minor characters and not enough with Russ and Clare. The author is treading a very fine line with the two from a moralistic standpoint, and I know that they can't spend every day in each other's pockets, but when I find myself reading and reading and then thinking to myself, "Hey, where are Russ and Clare?" I know it's been too long between their scenes.
Now that I have that complaint off my chest, I find myself itching to pick up the next book in the series. I'm addicted!
Spencer-Fleming not only provides a top notch story and wonderfully complex characters (one of which is the upper New York state setting), there's also plenty of insight into human nature. She also touches on environmental issues with the estate being handed over to a nature conservancy, showing how this would affect the area's hunters as well as local logging companies and paper manufacturing.
If I have any complaints about this fourth book, it would be that too much time is spent with minor characters and not enough with Russ and Clare. The author is treading a very fine line with the two from a moralistic standpoint, and I know that they can't spend every day in each other's pockets, but when I find myself reading and reading and then thinking to myself, "Hey, where are Russ and Clare?" I know it's been too long between their scenes.
Now that I have that complaint off my chest, I find myself itching to pick up the next book in the series. I'm addicted!
Winston C. (Crabby-doctor) reviewed To Darkness and to Death (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 4) on + 296 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I just finished this book and enjoyed it a lot. I wish Clare and Russ would eventually get together---maybe in the next book??
Brenda W. (brendao) reviewed To Darkness and to Death (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 4) on + 351 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
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.
