In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming

I recently read a mystery novel for my Information Needs of Adults class: In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming. I heard about it from the ATLA Contemporary Religious Literature roundtable held at the 2005 Annual Conference. Since I’m currently practicing librarianship in a local church setting, I thought it would be helpful to read something with theological themes. I also thought I’d enjoy a mystery with theological themes more than a romance, which seems to be the most popular Christian Fiction subgenre.

Plot synopsis: Rev. Clare Fergusson, an Episcopalian priest and ex-Army officer, takes her first appointment in Millers Kill, NY, a small upstate NY town. At a time when women priests were fairly new (written in 2002), Clare has her hands full with this small-town Episcopal church where things have been run in a very traditional way for as long as anyone can remember. Two weeks into her new position, a newborn infant is left on the steps of the church. The local police chief, Russ Van Alystyne, is called in to investigate. There is no indication as to who the parents are, but it is suspicious that the baby was left with a note that it be placed in the charge of a couple at the church who have been trying to adopt a baby for several years. When a young girl is found murdered on the bank of a nearby creek, things get even more suspicious. Clare and Russ together investigate the abandoned baby and mysterious murder. I’m not saying anything else because I don’t want to give away what happens.

I was impressed with this book on two levels. One, it was a good mystery. I like to try and guess what’s coming next and if I’m able to guess to accurately then I know the book isn’t that good. A book that can keep me guessing throughout, is a good book because it keeps me thinking and on my toes. This book had me guessing and thinking right up to the end. Some aspects of the plot were predictable, but then there’d be a slight twist or difference in what I imagined was coming and what was actually happening. It was a quick read, with just the right balance of description and dialogue. It’s just a nicely written book. I suppose that’s part of the reason why it won a Malice Domestic award.

The second level on which I was impressed with this book was its theological content. This is the first book I’ve read in a long time that actually handled theological questions in a responsible, well-thought-out manner. As a mainline, slightly liberal, United Methodist, this approach to theology in literature was refreshing. An example, when Clare is talking to the police dispatcher:

Harlene looked embarrassed. “I was going to ask if you believe praying can really help at a time like this.”
Clare folded her hands together and pressed them to her lips. She paused. “I believe that prayer focuses our human thoughts and energies, sends them to the people we’re praying for. I believe that helps, in ways we can’t yet understand.” Harlene looked surprised. She had probably expected a quick yes. Followed by an exhortation to the Almighty to keep everyone safe. “I believe that God hears our prayers, and cherishes them. I believe He answers by sending us His spirit, giving us strength, and peace and insight. I don’t think He responds by turning away bullets and curing cancer. Though sometimes that does happen.”
Harlene frowned. “In other words, sometimes, the answer is no?”
“No. Sometimes the answer is ‘This is life, in all its variety. Make your way through it with grace, and never forget that I love you.’”
Harlene creaked back in her wheeled dispatcher’s chair. “You’re not one of those strict fundamentalist preachers, are you?” (p. 132)

This is just one example of the theological depth of this book. One other thing I was impressed with in regard to its treatment of church life was in the character of Clare. She represents a very human clergy person, complete with faults and vices. She is not the holier-than-thou type of clergy person who is above all other characters, nor is she a stock character that lacks depth. She is a very real person to whom I could identify with as a fellow clergywoman. I was skeptical at first about the ex-Army officer aspect, but it is necessary to make parts of the plot a little more believable, and so it works.

All in all, I would have to say that this book has one of the highest informational values of any of the other books I’ve read for this class. I am considering acquiring this book for my church library and encouraging my congregation to read it. That is how strongly I feel about the theological content of this book. This is definitely a good example of how fiction can have informational value