Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Helpful Score: 2
First Line: The yahoos came by just after the dinner party broke up.
Small towns have a reputation for being quiet and safe that's not always deserved. The same holds true for Millers Kill, New York. The Fourth of July weekend brings a spate of vicious attacks that have Reverend Clare Fergusson and Police Chief Russ Van Alstyne reeling-- not only because of the brutality but because the victims seem to have been chosen because they're gay.
When the third attack on an out-of-town developer ends in murder, Clare and Russ begin thinking outside the box. Could these attacks be connected to the murder victim's plan to open an upscale spa outside of town? What Clare and Russ don't know is that their thinking is going to lead them straight into danger.
It hasn't been that long since I read-- and fell in love with-- the first book in this series, In the Bleak Midwinter. I wasn't even halfway through that book when I began ordering all the rest of the volumes in the series. I honestly try to pace myself through series, especially when they're as good as this one started out being. After all, the faster I gobble them up, the longer I'll have to wait for the next book to be published. However, I don't feel quite so guilty about reading A Fountain Filled With Blood so soon after the first. You see... I told my husband about In the Bleak Midwinter, and as of the writing of this review, he's already finished all the books in the series. When he found out I was only on the second book, two words came to mind to describe his facial expression: "cat" and "canary."
As I read this book, I see that Clare and I are doomed to disagree about her choice of transportation, but as long as her choice doesn't put her life in danger again, I'll just smile and shake my head. One of the things about this series that has grabbed me by the throat is the sheer power of Spencer-Fleming's characterizations. Clare and Russ are real. I catch myself talking to them as I read. (This time I remember yelling, "Check the helicopter!" several times.) They have wonderful senses of humor. They make mistakes and wonder how they're going to make things right. And neither one is about to stand idly by when someone is in trouble. A Fountain Filled With Blood shows both of these characters in action: Russ in his protective police chief best, and Clare putting her Army helicopter pilot training to good use.
I know I've been praising the characters in this book to the skies, but that's not the only good thing to be found. Spencer-Fleming provides some excellent misdirection throughout as to the true motivations behind the crimes. I didn't put all the pieces together until the action was gearing up for the grand finale.
As much as I've enjoyed the first two books in this series, I'm going to make myself slow down. I don't want to be a whiner, impatiently waiting for the next book to be published. And if you haven't read any of Julia Spencer-Fleming's books, I have only one question for you: What on earth are you waiting for?
Small towns have a reputation for being quiet and safe that's not always deserved. The same holds true for Millers Kill, New York. The Fourth of July weekend brings a spate of vicious attacks that have Reverend Clare Fergusson and Police Chief Russ Van Alstyne reeling-- not only because of the brutality but because the victims seem to have been chosen because they're gay.
When the third attack on an out-of-town developer ends in murder, Clare and Russ begin thinking outside the box. Could these attacks be connected to the murder victim's plan to open an upscale spa outside of town? What Clare and Russ don't know is that their thinking is going to lead them straight into danger.
It hasn't been that long since I read-- and fell in love with-- the first book in this series, In the Bleak Midwinter. I wasn't even halfway through that book when I began ordering all the rest of the volumes in the series. I honestly try to pace myself through series, especially when they're as good as this one started out being. After all, the faster I gobble them up, the longer I'll have to wait for the next book to be published. However, I don't feel quite so guilty about reading A Fountain Filled With Blood so soon after the first. You see... I told my husband about In the Bleak Midwinter, and as of the writing of this review, he's already finished all the books in the series. When he found out I was only on the second book, two words came to mind to describe his facial expression: "cat" and "canary."
As I read this book, I see that Clare and I are doomed to disagree about her choice of transportation, but as long as her choice doesn't put her life in danger again, I'll just smile and shake my head. One of the things about this series that has grabbed me by the throat is the sheer power of Spencer-Fleming's characterizations. Clare and Russ are real. I catch myself talking to them as I read. (This time I remember yelling, "Check the helicopter!" several times.) They have wonderful senses of humor. They make mistakes and wonder how they're going to make things right. And neither one is about to stand idly by when someone is in trouble. A Fountain Filled With Blood shows both of these characters in action: Russ in his protective police chief best, and Clare putting her Army helicopter pilot training to good use.
I know I've been praising the characters in this book to the skies, but that's not the only good thing to be found. Spencer-Fleming provides some excellent misdirection throughout as to the true motivations behind the crimes. I didn't put all the pieces together until the action was gearing up for the grand finale.
As much as I've enjoyed the first two books in this series, I'm going to make myself slow down. I don't want to be a whiner, impatiently waiting for the next book to be published. And if you haven't read any of Julia Spencer-Fleming's books, I have only one question for you: What on earth are you waiting for?
Stephanie S. (punkinema) -
Helpful Score: 2
This is the second Clare Ferguson/Russ Van Alstyne novel by this author; a sequel. There are conservationists and concerned citizens convinced that the water in Miller's Kill is contaminated with PCB's. This concern may shut down a project that could bring jobs and new taxes into the community. Clare and Russ team up when it appears hate crimes have come to their town; first beatings then a murder. Good sequel to the first book and it keeps you guessing who the bad guy/gal is.
K E M. (Rampallion) reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 158 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Second mystery in the series featuring Reverend Clare Fergusson and Chief of Police Russ Van Alstyne.Has a complicated but very interesting plot involving gay-bashing, PCB contamination, helicopter piloting, and small-town life. A very good read even if you haven't read the first one.
Sharon (ShareBear) -
A body is discovered in a park by Clare Fergusson, a local preacher. Russ Van Allstyne the a local policeman works with Clare to find the killer and discover that working close together creates sparks.
Barbara B. (catbookmom) reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 52 more book reviews
I enjoyed the book, but as with the first book in this series, Our Heroine does some really impulsive, careless and sometimes dangerous things. I don't want to write a spoiler review, but her military training should have caused her to be more cautious, take more thought, even if only a second or two, before some of the actions she takes. Interesting characters otherwise, and I like her growing relationship with the top cop.
Cyndi J. (cyndij) reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 1031 more book reviews
It feels dated. Some books fit their time period and you say, yes this is how it was, and while reading that book you're grounded in that reality. I think the situation for LGBTQ people when this book was written was pretty accurate, and it wasn't a million years ago, but I don't feel grounded. It just feels dated to me.
Anyway. I remember liking this the first time around although my memory of it was really hazy. But...I am struck now by how careless, reckless, and impulsive Clare is. Doesn't seem to fit with an ex-Army pilot and now priest. The whole helicopter scene was too, too, unbelievable. And I can't help but speculate how she can afford a Shelby mustang but not a new pair of heels. Ah well. I did like the rest of the plot, especially Russ's mother, and I'll go on to the third.
Anyway. I remember liking this the first time around although my memory of it was really hazy. But...I am struck now by how careless, reckless, and impulsive Clare is. Doesn't seem to fit with an ex-Army pilot and now priest. The whole helicopter scene was too, too, unbelievable. And I can't help but speculate how she can afford a Shelby mustang but not a new pair of heels. Ah well. I did like the rest of the plot, especially Russ's mother, and I'll go on to the third.
Anna W. (cafelady) reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 30 more book reviews
Second in the series. The Rev. Clare Ferguson is confronted with a series of gay bashings as well as her growing attraction to the very much married police chief, Russ Van Alstyne.
Pat L. (Askpat) - reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 108 more book reviews
Episcopal minister Clare Ferguson is shocked when the July Fourth weekend brings a rash of vicious assaults to the small scenic town. Even Clare's good friend, police chief Russ Van alstyne is shaken by the brutality of the crimes, especially when it appears that the victims were chosen becuase they were gay. Not all things in the small town ar what they seem and soon Clare and Russ are left to fight their unspoken attraction to one another, even as they uncover a labyinthine conspiracy that threatens to turn deadly for them both.
Linda A. (Booksat109) reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 79 more book reviews
This is book number 2 in a great series. You will want to revisit Miller's Kill every chance you get. And it's great to know that there are several books in this series to make that happen. Russ and Clare are the star-crossed hero and heroine that always try to do the right thing, which can get them in trouble at times. Love the setting, love the characters, and love just about everything about this series. I highly recommend this book, and all the books in this series to anyone wanting a satisfying mystery.
Jane C. (auntb) reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 20 more book reviews
Remarkable, this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The lady makes it come alive......
Brenda W. (brendao) reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 351 more book reviews
Episcopal minister Clare Fergusson is shocked when murder comes to the small town in Adirondacks where she has sought peace. Excellent writing and characterization.
P.J. C. (mizPJ) reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 172 more book reviews
Julia Spencer-Fleming just keeps getting better.
MARY B. (marykb) reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 21 more book reviews
Episcopal priest and mruder
Deanna S. (cozylady) reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 125 more book reviews
Nestled in the heart ofthe Adirondacks, Millers Kill, NY . is about as safe as it gets, Clare Ferguson is shocked when the July Fourth weekend brings a rash of vicious assaults to the scenic town, This is the 2nd book in the sereis and as good as the first.
I read her first book... In The Bleak Midwinter and really enjoyed the light mystery. I thought this one would be as good since it's a series and the characters were all the same. Not the case at all. Boring might be the best word to describe it. I had hoped it would get better as I stuck with it, but after ready 2/3rds of it I just gave up. Not worth a good rating in my opinion.
Leah G. (LeahG) reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 320 more book reviews
Lots of mystery, action and excitement and what I would call a restrained romance between a priest and a chief of police.
Bonnie S. (HikingNurse) reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 63 more book reviews
Really good mystery and I like the characters very much.
Francis B. reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 8 more book reviews
The story was of the kind that I expected and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. The final twist was anticipated but still enjoyable.
I was surprised, however, that a book featuring a priest as the primary character would contain so much profane and crude/obscene language. I'm not sure that I'll read others in the series.
I was surprised, however, that a book featuring a priest as the primary character would contain so much profane and crude/obscene language. I'm not sure that I'll read others in the series.
Gail L. reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 272 more book reviews
Another good one by this author!
cranbery reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 530 more book reviews
Wonderful book..........this series in great!
Bethany U. (kivrin) reviewed A Fountain Filled with Blood (Rev. Clare Fergusson / Russ Van Alstyne, Bk 2) on + 11 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book and have since ordered more and read them. This is not my favorite of the series, but is still a good book.
