In the Bleak Midwinter

By: Julia Spencer-Fleming

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Clare Fergusson, St. Alban's new priest, fits like a square peg in the conservative Episcopal parish at Miller's Kill, New York. She is not just a "lady"; she's a tough ex-Army chopper pilot, and nobody's fool. Then a newborn infant left at the church door brings her together with the town's police chief, Russ Van Alstyne, who's also ex-Army and a cynical good shepherd for the stray sheep of his hometown. Their search for the baby's mother quickly leads them into the secrets that shadow Miller's Kill like the ever-present Adirondacks. What they discover is a world of trouble, an attraction to each other--and murder....

©2002 Julia Spencer-Fleming (P)2010 BBC Audio

Good story...enjoyable

If you could sum up In the Bleak Midwinter in three words, what would they be?

Good book...I will listen to more from the author. Characters are good and the story holds your interest

Who was your favorite character and why?

Rev Clare Fergueson ... I picture her looking like Angela Lansbery

Which character – as performed by Suzanne Toren – was your favorite?

Rev Clare...she made her a very believable character

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No I listen on my drive to work

Any additional comments?

No, just an enjoyable story

Enjoyable

All Julia Spencer-Fleming's books follow the same format. The Reverend gets involved in a situation, goes out on her own to answer questions, gets into trouble and is rescued by the sherriff. However, they are all good reads in that she develops her characters well and the inner turmoil of Claire Ferguson is believeable. The novel moves right along. I really enjoy this author.

Too much profanity

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes if you can tolerate the profanity. I did enjoy the story and narrator, one of my favorite, but the profanity was too much for me. I won't read the rest of the series. I would enjoy the story but not the profanity. Sorry

Who was your favorite character and why?

Claire

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

Many. She is one of my favorite

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

Murder in small town

Any additional comments?

No so sorry I can't listen to the rest of the series.

My favorite series begins here

After reading the entire series, I am now listening to them. Suzanne Toren is spot-on with the voices and I am enjoying them even more with her excellent narration. In the Bleak Midwinter introduces Russ and Clare and by the end of the book (which is so complete with strong characters, a solid mystery and heartwarming humor) you can't wait to start the next one. Clare's military background enables her to hold her own when confronted with danger,changing Russ' initial annoyance with her, to admiration. You'll be rooting for them all the way.
Hopefully, audible.com with offer all of them.

Ice Cold Complex Small Town Police Procedural/Mystery

I really enjoyed this icy, wintery first book in a mystery series set in rural small town upstate New York. The characters and interactions and connections are great. The story is a good one, multi-layered and complicated with twists and turns. The contrast between the tough ex-military southern female Episcopal priest and ex-soldier small town chief of police is engaging. I have high hopes for this series. I really hope Audible offers all the books soon.

I do agree with other reviewers about the narration. Some of the voices are not the best--the men are often over the top growling and the girls sound too squeaky and babyish. I will say all of this improves as time progresses. Worth sticking with it.

This may be one of my new favorite mystery series. We will see how book two goes. A great start!

Love the series!

Looking forward to hearing the rest of the series! Really enjoyed listening to the narrator too!

Superb narrator and excellent story!

So glad I took a friend’s recommendation and started this series! The story was well written and held my interest all the way through. In addition, the narrator was PERFECT. She transitioned among the nuances of accent, gender, age, etc. seamlessly. What a talent!
Ordering up book #2 in the series NOW!

Female Fr. Brown?

I have read the series, and I really like it. As a woman Episcopal priest, I think that’s saying a lot. Listening, I had to get used to Claire’s Southern accent, but it is accurate. Just not what this Yankee hearted in her head.

R

Great book, but the narrator didn't work for me. Clare sounded like she was pulled out of Gone With the Wind and Russ sounded like John Wayne. Just didn't jive with the characters and was distracting. The characters and story and mystery are superb though!

good Christian mystery

great Christian mystery with a lot of twists and turns. good lessons on winter driving