A Fountain Filled With Blood

By: Julia Spencer-Fleming

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, Miller's Kill, New York, is about as safe as it gets. That's why Episcopal minister Clare Fergusson is shocked when the July Fourth weekend brings a rash of vicious assaults to the 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 because they are gay.

But when a third assault of an out-of-town developer ends in murder, Clare and Russ wonder if the recent crime wave is connected to the victim's controversial plan to open an upscale spa in Miller's Kill.

But not all things in the tiny town are what they seem - and soon, Clare and Russ are left to fight their unspoken attraction to one another even as they uncover a labyrinthine conspiracy that threatens to turn deadly for them both.

©2003 Julia Spencer-Fleming (P)2009 BBC Audiobooks

Accurate and Decent Story

I read this book; this was a first-time listen. The reader is quite good. As for mysteries, it’s not her best but the characters are well-written. The social issues that the Episcopal Church has wrestled with are well-stated. If you are new to this series, and unfamiliar with the Episcopal Church, some of those have been resolved. One criticism of the reader, the word is crucifer not crucifier. The first is one who carries a cross in the worship service, the second is someone who nails and individual to a cross. Also, in the EC, the word is pronounced Ah-men not Ay-men.

Great Listen

Smart, funny, medium-grisly violence, well developed characters that are not at all perfect. Well narrated too.

the story line of this book is beautifully written

the way the author writes about veterans and their demeanor and memories is so beautiful and respectful. I laughed out loud at her jokes and was shocked by the turns of the story.

Morality Murders in Millers Kill!

Would you listen to A Fountain Filled With Blood again? Why?

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these characters. Julia Spencer-Fleming lets you in - which is a rare thing in most authors. They're all still growing, learning, changing & evolving - which means never a dull moment!

What other book might you compare A Fountain Filled With Blood to and why?

The only other series that comes close is the Chief Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny.

Have you listened to any of Suzanne Toren’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I really like her

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Make a Joyful Noise

A Very Compelling Millers Kill mystery

I am hooked on Julia Spencer-Fleming's Millers Kill mysteries!
A perfect formula of not-too-cozy and not-too-grisly with a touch of romantic suspense. The second book is just as engrossing as the first one, with Clare and Russ working on another case while trying to avoid their mutual attraction to each other.
Suzanne Toren's ability to bring the characters to life with her remarkable range of voices provides a very compelling listening experience.

My kind of story - not wild about the narration

While this is the kind of book I love listening to - interesting, relatable characters and a little action but not too much gore - I agree with those who say the narrator's dialogue for the main characters sounds growly (Russ) and hokey (Claire's Southern accent, which sounds a lot more Georgia than Virginia).

But the story is good enough to make it more than bearable.

Good book, disappointing narrator

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

This is my second book by Julia Spencer-Fleming. I enjoyed the story, but found the narration to be really distracting, especially when the narrator voiced Russ, the chief of police. She made him sound like a cartoon character. Too bad, because the story was fun.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Suzanne Toren?

anyone else

Was A Fountain Filled With Blood worth the listening time?

The story was.

Excellent

The story was great as was the narration. However I do feel that the voice she used for the chief could have been better. It did not take away from the overall story though. I recommend this series!

Great story. Great narration.

Julia Spencer-Fleming has been a cherished author for a long time for me. I have read and reread all of her books. Torren’s narration is consistent, at times funny, and always well done. I love this series.

Not as good as the first book

I like the main characters, but this second book in the series was just boring.