Book Review: One Was a Soldier: A Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery By: Julia Spencer-Fleming

As a long- time fan of this series, I was very happy to be able to select this upcoming book from the Amazon Vince program for review!

Synopsis: Adjusting to civilian life after a tour in Iraq proves difficult for Rev. Clare Fergusson in Spencer-Fleming's resonant and timely seventh mystery featuring Clare and her not-so-secret lover, police chief Russ Van Alstyne (after 2008's I Shall Not Want). On returning to Millers Kill, N.Y., Clare jumps right back into her duties as priest of St. Alban's Episcopalian Church. But her 18 months flying helicopters in Iraq aren't entirely in the past: she's drinking more and relying on a mix of leftover pills from her Army medical kit. Along with several other returning service members, Clare joins a community support group for veterans. When a member of the group, Tally McNab, apparently shoots herself in the mouth and falls dead into her swimming pool, Clare spearheads an investigation, hounding Russ to consider homicide. Clare and Russ's relationship deepens, while the focus on the struggles of veterans supplies another strong emotional thread.


About the Author JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING is the winner of the Agatha, among many other literary awards. She was born at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, spending most of her childhood on the move as an army brat. She studied acting and history at Ithaca College, and received her J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law. She lives in a 190-year-old farmhouse outside of Portland, Maine, with three children, two dogs, and one husband. Visit her on the Web at www.juliaspencerfleming.com


Review: In some ways this book was a departure for the author, yet a return to her roots. There has always been a military backdrop to the series, as Clare is ex-Army. But in this book the author showcases the issues our soldiers have coming home from a battle zone and adapting to life as they used to know it. She very well showcases the trauma of adjustment and the stress of trying to 'keep things under control', that most veterans have. I was very proud of her for being able to interweave a satisfying mystery into this topic, and produce a very quality book to read! If you have not read any of this 7 book series, I would greatly suggest reading the book (I Shall Not Want) prior to this one at minimum. Only because, even thought the author explains some of the backstory, if you read the last book, you better understand the stressors affecting the characters.


This book is still a quick read, even with the serious topics and issues broached by the author in the book. Personally, I think EVERYONE should read it, to understand what veterans and their families, are facing upon their return from Iraq/Afghanistan. Whether she meant to, or not, the author surpassed just writing a serial mystery and went into required reading. I hope this book ends up on the best seller list for a very long time!



Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book for review purposes, free of charge, from the Amazon Vine Program ! No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about the book!