My brother is a pastor so I am interested in clerical mysteries. Clare Fergusson is an Episcopal priest and not quite like any pastor I know. She is in a relationship with Russ van Alstyne, the town's sheriff. In this story, the only one I have read in the series, Clare has just returned from the war and is in a group counseling with other soldiers who have returned. When one of the soldiers is found dead, and it is believed to be suicide, Clare, some of the other soldiers and Russ try to find out what the real story is. Clare is an unconventional pastor and her lifestyle does not fit that of a pastor which may have been explained in earlier books. She does though jump right in to get things done and she and Russ seem a good team. Spencer-Fleming has a lot of characters but they are engaging and she keeps the plot moving.

This is a very intense look at one Marine's experience dealing with the rigors of combat and then suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. It makes you realize how much soldiers so through and how we need to be supportive.

I gave this to my nephew for Christmas. He recently told me he had finished reading it and was glad I had given it to him. He enjoyed it.