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This “best” deserves the title

December 9th, 2006 Mary K. - Central

Julia Spencer-Fleming’s latest mystery novel, All Mortal Flesh is listed in the recent Publisher’s Weekly list of the 100 best books of 2006 and it deserves the honor. This is the fifth in this excellent mystery series, featuring Episcopalian priest Clare Fergusson and small town police chief Russ Van Alystyne. The series began with Clare’s arrival in Miller’s Kill for her first assignment as a priest. Before that she was a military helicopter pilot; that skill is featured in one of the earlier titles.

With her ties to the community, Clare has gotten involved in criminal cases. Because of that, she has worked closely with Russ, and they have had an immediate attraction to each other. Despite the attraction they struggle to do the right thing. Russ is determined to stay true to his marriage vows and Clare to her religion.

In this book, Russ’s wife is found dead in their house, after he has moved out. The state police are almost immediately called in to handle the investigation since Russ is personally involved, but he cannot distance himself from the police work. Clare is also under suspicion since her relationship with Russ has been widely discussed on the small town gossip grapevine.

There are many surprises in this book; the most shocking ones are right at the end. It almost seems that the series can end here, but I listened to the audiobook (very well read by Suzanne Toren) and there is an author interview at the end. Spencer-Fleming states that she is going to write at least two more books that involve these characters. I can hardly wait to return to Miller’s Kill and see what crime will next involve Russ and Clare and also to see where they go from here.

Entry Filed under: Mystery