Comments on: REVIEW: In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming

By: Book review: In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming | Petrona

Book review: In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming | Petrona — Thu, 03 May 2012 07:00:52 +0000

[...] other reviews of In the Bleak Midwinter at: Murder by Type, Kittling: Books, Dear Author (the reviewer also inspired by Keishon to read this book), S. Krishna’s books and [...]

By: mia madwyn

mia madwyn — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:22:53 +0000

I’m rather glad to know that about the romantic subplot. That’s one thing that made me a little uneasy, the possibility that they might end up with a full-blown love affair between the priest and the married sheriff. While some books might sustain such a situation, this book wasn’t a pot boiler and I had difficulty “going there.” So I guess it’s safe for me to keep reading.

Good discussion.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:36:13 +0000

Janine,is exactly right about the description. I read a number of H. Blaze and spicier books and this is not that, and though each mystery is solved, there is no HEA. Eventually there’s a kiss or two. But this is much more about glances, and inferences, and the exploration of feelings in a society where their respective roles shouldn’t cross paths. It’s what I wish historical romances were. If you enjoy complex mysteries wrapped in scenery and good backstory, then these are the books for you, Kaetrin.

By: Janine

Janine — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:54:25 +0000

Katerin,

I would say that it’s a mystery with very strong romantic elements. The reason I say that is that the mystery is resolved in the first book but I have the sense that the romantic relationship is just beginning here and will continue to be explored as the series progresses. Clare, though a priest, can marry but at the start of the series Russ is married to someone else, so there’s no sex in this first book. The characters fall in love very gradually, without realizing it until close to the end of the book, but their developing relationship is very central to the story.

Others who have read the series can jump in here and say if they agree or disagree with me on the genre question.

By: Kaetrin

Kaetrin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:59:20 +0000

Janine,
Is this book a suspense with romantic elements or is it a romantic suspense? How much romance is in there or is it really about the mystery? I know the heroine is a priest so it would seem there’s not a lot of physical intimacy – is that right? (just trying to get a handle on what sort of book it is so I can decide if it’s my cup of tea or not…)
thank you!

By: Janine

Janine — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:32:41 +0000

Glad you enjoyed the book, Mia.

I'm so glad you don't just stick to recent titles.

Thanks for this feedback. Truthfully, newer books often get my attention first, but I try to make time for older ones occasionally as well.

By: mia madwyn

mia madwyn — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:15:00 +0000

I read this book years ago when it was first published. I liked it (with the same reservations you had, actually, which oddly enough I remembered as soon as you mentioned them at the end of your review). Yet somehow I forgot about it and didn’t pick up the other books.

I’ll have to remedy that now.

I’m so glad you don’t just stick to recent titles.

By: Emily

Emily — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:23:32 +0000

I am an Episcopal priest, so yes, “priest” is the term ;). One of the things I really enjoy about this book, aside from the very strong writing and all the other things you have mentioned, is that it is one of the few books about Episcopal clergy that doesn’t make me wince every other page. (I’m looking at you, Mitford series).

By: Janine

Janine — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:07:46 +0000

Thanks Keishon, and thanks so much for recommending the book!

Jessica — You’re welcome. I hope more people pick these up too.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:31:56 +0000

This is the best book I’ve read in 2008 (and I read about 4 or 5 books a week). I am not a fan of upstate NY (a bad graduate school experience) nor the clergy nor police, but I love these books. The relationship between the characters has me hooked like no other books. The best point in this book comes when one character makes just one reference to Jimmy Carter (an affair in your heart) and you just know everything they are feeling. Thanks for reviewing this on your site. Hopefully more people will pick it up.

By: Keishon

Keishon — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:23:23 +0000

I am *always* excited when friends enjoy the same books that I do. Great review Janine and I look forward to reading your thoughts on the rest of the series whenever you find the time to read and review them for DA.

By: Janine

Janine — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:05:20 +0000

Glad you enjoyed the review, Marta. I agree that the characters are easy to care about and face difficult dilemmas. They seem very real to me as well.

By: Marta Acosta

Marta Acosta — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:49:10 +0000

So glad you reviewed this book in my favorite mystery series! I think Julia Spencer-Fleming’s a terrifically talented writer and her stories and characters just stay with me. The mysteries themselves are beautifully plotted, and Clare and Russ and their troubled friendship (or more) seem very real to me. Spencer-Fleming makes me really care for these characters and want them to figure out solutions to their problems. Not easily done since both characters have strong moral and ethical centers.

By: Janine

Janine — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:34:39 +0000

ArkansasCynthia & jmc — Glad you’re both enjoying the series. And yeah, Keishon is a great book pimper.

MCHalliday — I read an interview with Spencer-Fleming in which she mentioned that she was a member of the Episcopal church, and the unusual title of “priest” is discussed by Russ and Clare in the book, so I think the author likely got this detail right.

By: MCHalliday

MCHalliday — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:48:41 +0000

Ah, oooh, a murder mystery, not easily solved by the reader, with romantic elements! Fantastic!!

Although, I admit the reference to ‘priest’ threw me off, as ministers of faith in the Anglican Church are referred to as ‘vicar’. Perhaps, it is different in the US.

By: jmc

jmc — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:28:38 +0000

Keishon got me started on this series, as well. I wonder if she has a potential alternative career as a book pimp?

Anyway, I really liked this initial book, although I read the series out of order and managed to guess whodunit because of a change in the cast of characters. Still, the series is a welcome addition to those I follow.

By: ArkansasCynthia

ArkansasCynthia — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:26:37 +0000

Just read the last book in the series and sigh, it’s great.

By: Janine

Janine — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:32:28 +0000

Thanks, Sheryl and Rachel. Rachel, I just went to your blog and read your review. It's gotten me really looking forward to the third book.

By: AAR Rachel

AAR Rachel — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:19:57 +0000

I’m so glad you tried this series and liked it (at least the first book), Janine!

I’m on book 4 right now, and just put up my review for book 3, Out of the Deep I Cry.

By: Sheryl Nantus

Sheryl Nantus — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:13:28 +0000

I *heart* this series beyond belief. Well-written, a mature relationship and realistic to the point that I want to MOVE there.

great review and glad for it!!!