All Mortal Flesh (Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries) [Hardcover]

Or, perhaps I should quote Russ and say, "Christ on a crutch!" I just finished "All Mortal Flesh," and I am torn between joy at the prize of another Clare/Russ novel and mourning over what I read. This powerhouse fifth entry in the series about the feisty female Episcopal priest and the married police chief of Miller's Kill unreels developments galore for the star-crossed duo. The earlier books revolved around tragedies befalling other denizens of this small upstate New York town. Clare and Russ got involved by virtue of their professions and untangled the murderous mysteries. But those misadventures didn't directly dive-bomb our very human heroes. "All Mortal Flesh" does. It *is* about them; it strikes at them -- and their sympathetic readers -- mercilessly.

The first half of the novel delivers one tremendous jolt and another nearly as high on the shock Richter scale, but then advances as pretty straightforward procedural narrative -- making one wonder why another 150 pages might be necessary. Never fear. Suddenly, after a beautifully emotional scene in which Russ and Clare call upon the healing impetus of forgiveness, everything turns on its axis and the story is off and running again at full tilt. I shall not give any plot switchbacks away, but suffice it to say that as one nears the last pages, there is a certain expectation of how the book will conclude and where that might leave priest and chief. However, it never does to assume, especially with the consummately talented Spencer-Fleming choreographing the action. I felt drained and grieved after reading the final pages. I can only hope that we have not seen the last of Clare Fergussen and Russ Van Alstyne.

It was wonderful to visit with the many familiar faces we've come to know, including the MK police officers, the church assistant, Russ's mom, Father Aberforth, and others. The new woman deacon and woman state police investigator added zing and zest, as did the reporter, Ben Beagle (love that name). And, as always, Spencer-Fleming peppers the pages with humor now and then, adding just the right light seasoning. Still, "All Mortal Flesh" is no comedy. Not. At. All. We are starkly reminded that sometimes the vagaries of life and death blow away the best intentions of the best-intentioned and honorable people.

Read it.

All Mortal Flesh raises Spencer-Fleming's series to a new level. The plot moves quickly, the pacing is brilliant, characters are 3-dimensional and the environment comes alive. Nearly every page introduces a new element of conflict. Nothing goes right for the main characters. Plot twists aqre surprising but logical and the author plays fair. If you read very carefully, the outcome will not be a total surprise: she plants hints all along the way. At the end, we're left sharing the strong emotions of the main characters.

Clare, returning from a weeklong retreat in the woods,gets an urgent message: Russ's wife is dead and he is a logical suspect. She's already under scrutiny from her bishop, who sends a new deacon to provide a combination of parish resource, baby-sitter and spy. All characters -- especially the women -- have contradictions and quirks that move the story along.

I particularly admire the way Spencer-Fleming presents the agony of Clare and Russ: two people who seem born to be soulmates but separated by Russ's marriage and Clare's priestly role.

I'd like to see more of Clare's background incorporated into her everyday life. Ten years as an Army helicopter pilot would be wonderful preparation for counseling and especially for leadership. At the same time, as other readers have noted, she doesn't seem much of a reader (although we get brief references to Purcell and Elgar music - perfect for an Anglican pastor!). Episcopalians tend to like fairly intellectual clergy. When I've visited Episcopal churches, sermons are filled with references to all sorts of books, articles and ideas, seemingly targeted to parishioners with graduate degrees. It's traditionally an upscale denomination. Would an action-oriented former Army pilot fit in? How did she get past the discernment committee, which is mentioned here in another context?

Then again, given the shortage of priests, I wonder if Clare's conduct would really evoke such strong scrutiny, unless the parishioners objected. It would be interesting to get some review comments from Episcopal clergy and/or active members.

For the ordinary reader, Spencer-Fleming has earned her stripes as a breakout author. This book could be a model in a mystery writing course. I'll be eager to see the next one.

"In the Bleak Midwinter" thoroughly hooked me on the series. Luckily, I found this book after the fifth volume was out, because I have literally devoured all five books in about a week.

Julia Spencer-Fleming creates compelling characters in Police Chief Russ Van Alstyne and Anglican Priest, Reverand Clare Fergusson. The pair fall in love in the first book, hopelessly in love--since Russ has been married to a very beautiful woman for the past 25 years.

In this fifth (and hopefully not last) book, Clare and Russ have vowed to stay apart. Clare is under disciplinary action from her archdiocese and gossip in their small NY town is running rampant.

They might have kept that oath to stay apart, save that Linda Van Alstyne's wife is found butchered in their home and of course the Chief is the prime suspect. Clare has to come to help and emotions run wild both wanting to be together and suffering from guilt because of the death.

This description makes the book seem like a romance novel. It's really not---while the characters relationship is key to the plot, the mystery stands above all else and is supported by a strong foundation of secondary plots and characters.

Other reviewers are right. Bring a box of tissue with you when you read this book. It will break your heart.