Author: Julie Spencer-FlemingFormat: audio, 11 discs, 12 hours, 320 page equivalent
Narrator: Suzanne Toren
Subject: gay bashing, murder, environmental impact from developments
Setting: Upstate New York
Genre: mystery-police procedural + amateur sleuth
Source: Public library Inter-library loan
In this second of the series, Spencer-Fleming gives us another great thriller. I really enjoy the combo of the amatuer sleuth, Clare Ferguson, priest of the local Episcopal Church (and oh, by the way, retired Army helo pilot) and the professional crime fighter, police chief Russ Van Arsdale (oh,by the way, retired Army MP).
The story begins with the vicious attack on the town's Medical Examiner, who just happens to be gay, and shifts quickly to a demonstration against a resort development on the site of some alleged PCBs. Here we meet Russ's mother, a real pistol of an active elder, who gets herself thrown in jail by her son for demonstrating without a permit.
There is more murder and mayhem, and an incredible helo scene (we KNEW sooner or later Clare was going to fly again!). So no spoilers, but this plot was gut churning, and there were enough suspects to keep three police forces busy. I don't do spoilers, so we'll leave the story line there.
The issue of gays and same sex marriage is treated with delicacy and compassion, but in the end, I couldn't quite figure out if the issue of gay bashing was a red-herring to hide the real reason for the crimes.
I do have very mixed feelings about the blossoming romantic relationship between the two main characters however. We have yet to meet Russ' wife--she's always off working on her curtain business, and Spencer-Fleming has the two protagonists playing with fire. I can't wait til book #3 to see if sparks ignite.
Challenges: Support Your Local library 2/50 , Thrillers and Suspense 2/12 , Audio Books 2/20.
Posts
I enjoyed your review Tina. Was the reader easy to understand in this one ?(sometimes I have trouble with foreign accents on audio books)
ReplyDeleteDiane...thanks for asking that question. I usually try to comment on narrator style when i'm doing an audio review. Yes, Suzanne Toren does an excellent job. I really like narrators who are so good, you don't even notice them.
ReplyDeleteIs there something wrong with me that that title made me say "oh, that sounds so nice"?
ReplyDeleteDon't answer, it is a rhetorical question. ;-)
Actually, Caite, I had the same reaction. Spencer-Fleming uses literary allusions for her titles, and they are spelled out as the story develops. In this case...........nah......I don't do spoilers, and you're right LOL,,,you don't want to go there unless you read the book.
ReplyDeleteI have her first book here somewhere, I think bought on your recommendation. How if I could just find it....
ReplyDelete