Hid from Our Eyes: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery (Fergusson/Van Alstyne Mysteries)
By: Julia Spencer-Fleming
Rating: 5 of 5
This is the first book in this series that I have read. I have already purchased the first book to go back and understand who the characters ended up where they are now.
Even though it is ninth entry, it can be read-alone and you won’t miss any of the action due to lack of understanding. The author deftly brings in elements from prior books without giving anything away that would spoil reading those books.
The book is told in three time periods: 1952, 1972 and present day. In each of these times, there is an identical murder victim found. In each case, there doesn’t seem to be evidence and it baffles those who are investigating the murders. The first two murders have stood as cold cases for decades.
The three periods are brought together by a hand-off of responsibility for keeping the peace in the area. The current Sheriff is Russ Van Alstyne who was a suspect in the second murder.
He is determined to investigate and also solve the murder in which he was a suspect. His wife, Reverend Clare Fergusson assists him.
Clare is also trying to juggle her work and her need to spend time with her baby. She is fighting her addictions and is having a hard time with the pressure of work, home life and, simply life in general.
The whodunnit was really interesting and because of this book, I will be reading the whole series and if the author writes another one, I will definitely be reading that one as well. As there is a bit of cliff-hanger, I am in hopes that there will be a number 10 in the series.
I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.
This is the first book in this series that I have read. I have already purchased the first book to go back and understand who the characters ended up where they are now.