Julia Spencer-Fleming pens one of the best mystery series around. I recommend her books most highly and I have read them all, starting with In the Bleak Midwinter. The setting is upstate New York and the region is brought to life in a way that makes a reader feel that they are there. The protagonists, Clare and Russell are adults with histories; both were in the military. Clare is now an Episcopal priest while Russ is the head of the Millers Kill Police Department. Over the course of the series, readers get to know these real, flawed and genuine adults well.
It is best to read this series in order. Long term readers will be ecstatic to spend time with Russ, Clare and those in their world after a long hiatus between the last book and this one. In this entry the main story is complex as it involves three murders; one took place in the 50s, one in the 70s. No spoilers so I can’t say more.
If you know Clare and Russ, I hope that you will be as delighted as I was by their return. If you are new to the series, you are lucky as you have nine books to look forward to. Mystery readers, please check this series out. Ms. Spencer-Fleming, you have not lost your touch!
Many, many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this read in exchange for an honest review.
When my children were in first grade and studying women’s history, they and I learned about Emily Roebling. Until then, I had not known abut this woman who followed through on the work that led to the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge. Both of my children made field trips with their classes and walked over the bridge; one of them continues to walk over the bridge frequently. It is an iconic site in New York.
Happily Ever After is such a sweet series of comics. Readers will adore spending time with this couple as they live together and negotiate their relationship. Many of the strips offer a glimpse of the universals in relationships and many made me smile. This couple could serve as a model for all of us as we try to live well together while confined. Definitely worth a look.
When I was young, there was one museum near my home. I periodically visited there with either my family or school. The highlight of these visits for me was the small collection of Egyptian artifacts. Eventually, I grew up and moved to a very large city with an incredible array of art and artifacts from several of the Egyptian dynasties. I have visited often and I have stood in the Temple of Dendur many times. I’ve read some on the gods and goddesses but I have never read a book like this one.
Mary Stewart is probably the very best writer of classic women’s suspense stories. She is so literate, often beginning chapters with quotes from Shakespeare. The novels contain mystery and romance and are wonderful for escape with their idyllic settings. Highly recommended and available as e books for between $1.99 and $3.99. Worth indulging in.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 