I received a free copy of, At Midnight Comes the Cry, by Julia Spencer-fleming, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is set in Millers Kill during the Christmas season, and a lot is going on, not all good. This is not a warm and fuzzy Christmas read at all. This was a good read.

Book review: Julia Spencer-Fleming’s At Midnight Comes the Cry
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

I curled up with At Midnight Comes the Cry expecting hot cocoa and small-town crime. What I got was hot cocoa spiked with adrenaline, dread, and just enough hope to make the cup worth finishing. Julia Spencer-Fleming’s tenth installment in the Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne series may wear a Christmas sweater, but it’s hiding body armor underneath. This is a holiday mystery with teeth—and it bites.

Back in Millers Kill, Clare and Russ are navigating first-time parenthood while trying to find their footing in a new season of life. Russ is no longer the police chief (long story, some politics, a touch of burnout), and Clare is still wrangling sermons, snowstorms, and the spiritual chaos that comes with being a priest during Advent. Their son Ethan is adorable and frequently sticky. The plan is to keep it cozy this year: Christmas lights, local pageants, and maybe one night of full REM sleep. Naturally, that doesn’t happen.

The peaceful parade in nearby Greenwich is derailed by white supremacists handing out pamphlets like poisoned candy canes. One of the women involved—Tiny, a so-called “Trad Wife” with a baby in tow and the haunted eyes of someone trying too hard to believe her husband’s hate is love—catches Clare’s attention. Because of course she does. Clare is genetically incapable of walking away from someone in need, even when it would be safer (and saner) to do so.

Meanwhile, Hadley Knox, officer and single mom extraordinaire, is growing increasingly concerned about Kevin Flynn. He’s her former partner, occasional lover, and currently missing in action. Kevin took an undercover assignment with a militia group, and now no one’s heard from him. Not his department. Not Hadley. Not even the guy at the hardware store who knows everything. Something’s wrong, and Hadley ropes Russ into poking around, unofficially. Because once a cop, always a cop—especially if you’re bored, retired, and slightly allergic to doing nothing.

Then there’s Joy Zhào, a junior lawyer for the New York State AG’s office, conducting her own rogue investigation into extremist groups. She’s young, ambitious, and quietly brilliant, and it’s no surprise when her path intersects with the Millers Kill crew. Add Forest Ranger Paul Terrance to the mix—gruff, loyal, and trying to figure out why his uncle went missing in the woods—and you’ve got a misfit team of would-be heroes pulled together by overlapping threads of dread.

Spencer-Fleming juggles five point-of-view characters here, and somehow it all works. Each one has a distinct voice, and the transitions are seamless. There’s a lot going on—disappearances, extremist camps, Christmas concerts—but the pacing never stumbles. Every chapter pulls you deeper into the woods, where the snow is thick and the stakes are higher than a Christmas angel on a twelve-foot tree.

What really makes this novel shine is how it balances the cozy with the combustible. The relationships are rich and lived-in. Clare and Russ have been through the wringer, but they’re still solid—even when they’re snapping at each other over baby wipes and tactical decisions. Hadley and Kevin’s unresolved tension is both sweet and frustrating in the best way. The dialogue sparkles, full of dry humor and emotional honesty. One moment you’re laughing at a joke about Episcopalians and casseroles, the next you’re bracing for a shootout in the woods.

And the themes? They’re not subtle, but they’re handled with care. The rise of hate groups, the vulnerability of people looking for belonging, the challenge of confronting evil without losing your soul—it’s all in there. The villains are chillingly believable. Some are almost sympathetic, which makes them even scarier. Spencer-Fleming doesn’t reduce anyone to a caricature. She shows how people slide into extremism, how dangerous it is to look away, and how much courage it takes to stand up—not with violence, but with compassion and clarity.

My favorite line? “The trouble started, as it so often does, behind the manure spreader.” It’s a sly, grounded opener that sets the tone perfectly: warm, witty, but laced with warning. That’s this book in a nutshell.

Now, is it perfect? Not quite. Some readers might find the climax a little too neat, or the number of coincidences a bit generous. And if you’re new to the series, you’ll miss some of the emotional depth tied to earlier books. But honestly? That just means you should go back and read them all, starting with In the Bleak Midwinter. You’re welcome.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)

At Midnight Comes the Cry is more than a mystery. It’s a reflection of our moment—messy, hopeful, dangerous, and deeply human. Spencer-Fleming hasn’t just returned to Millers Kill; she’s redefined what this series can be. If you want your thrillers intelligent, your characters layered, and your holiday reads with a side of righteous danger, don’t miss this one.

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Thank you to Netgalley another read.

When I was first started reading this book, it felt like a slow read. However, the story picks up when the search for Kevin Flynn begins and the group goes to the militia camp to find Kevin Flynn. I enjoyed the book once it picked up and the story is suspenseful towards the end but the first part of the book felt hard to read due the slow pace. However, towards the middle of the book, it started picking up and the tension between the characters and the gravity of the situation is palpable.

In a way, this book is dystopian. There is a juxtaposition of cheerful holidays and a militia scheme brewing in the midst of two big holidays. The hatred and motivations of the militia falls all too real as we have seen in history how intense hatred can lead to acts of maleficence. This book serves as a reminder of how unity is a must to avoid such tragedies from unfolding due to the rising of political and national tensions. This is a good book to read when we think of the political and national divide of today.

Suspenseful and provocative novel that highlight groups and individuals that tend to destroy the lives of people as they are prejudiced against all who are not like them. The book is riveting and explosive as it deals with many forces of evil that surround us, along with passionate, caring forces as well. It's an exciting read and I recommend it to all.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for providing the copy of At Midnight Comes the Cry by Julia Spencer-Fleming. Apparently, this is book ten in a series, and I wish I had read the earlier books first. I would have been more familiar with the characters and how they have changed throughout the series. At first, the writing style and the characters read like a cozy mystery. That changed as we got further into the supremacist storyline and the action started. While I got confused about some of the characters who were referred to by their first or last names at different times, this book really kept me interested. If you like action-filled books with good characters, this book is for you. There is religious content, and some unsavory characters, though, 3 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the advance copy. I have read book 1 in this lovely series a few years ago and liked the read. This is book 10 in the series and it took me a moment to get caught up on the charaters but the read was so good that I would say you could read this as a stand alone book. Yetif you read them in order you will have a deeper understanding.
I love how Julia Spencer-Fleming writes; it draws you in and makes you want to read more. She also does an incredible job of developing the characters you want to meet them, not just read about them.
This story deals with some very hard issues. Issues I fear might be relevant to today's political climate, sadly. I found myself on the edge of my seat reading parts of this book and yelling in my mind, don't get involved. But all comes together to create a very thrilling story. Now I need to go back and read the other books in the series.

Readers have waited a long time for a new Clare Ferguson/russ Van Alston book and they won’t be disappointed. Immediately Clare and Russ are faced with a white nationalist spreading hate in a Christmas parade. In this installment, Russ takes a leading role along with deputy Hadley Knox as they investigate the harbingers as well as search for the missing former deputy, Kevin Flynn. The look at white supremicists makes them human (and inhuman) in a way only Spencer-Fleming through Reverend Clare can. Well worth the wait.

This was my first book by Julia Spencer Fleming, and I really enjoyed it.
The characters are likeable, the storyline easy to follow and fast-paced.

My favorite part, however, was that it was set in upstate NY. It was so much fun reading about Albany to familiar towns and locations in the beautiful Adirondacks!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

The latest in the Clare Ferguson series was a long time coming but well worth the wait. Clare and Russ are still very appealing as a couple and the crimes solved in this installment involving a white supremacist militia’s plot are timely and nerve-wracking. Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for providing an e-galley for review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a ARC of this book. It is a gripping, compassionate mystery that hooks you from the first page and never lets go. Set in a vividly rendered Adirondack community, the novel combines a deeply human investigation with resonant themes of faith, loss, and resilience. The focus of the book is highly relevant to current events.

This is the tenth book in this series and the characters
are the book’s greatest strength. Chief of Police Russ Van Alstyne and Reverend Clare Fergusson are drawn with emotional insight and moral complexity; their partnership—professional, respectful, and madly in love—adds richness to the procedural backbone. Supporting characters are well developed, making them and the town itself feel like a characters you care about.

The mystery is meticulously organized, with credible investigative detail and just the right amount of misdirection with its page/turning plot! Pacing is well-handled: moments of tension alternate with quieter, character-driven scenes that deepen the story rather than stall it. The stakes feel real throughout, and the resolution is satisfying without being contrived.

Beyond the mystery, the novel thoughtfully explores grief, redemption, and community. The characters’ vulnerabilities are treated with empathy, never cheapening their pain. The setting—the Christmas season, rural landscapes, and small-town rhythms—adds emotional texture and a strong sense of place.

Overall, this book is intelligent,compassionate, and suspenseful. Fans of character-driven mysteries and atmospheric thrillers will find it very rewarding.

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Years ago I read a few of this series but never kept up. I will have to go back and re-read them. I forgot how the author's use of words pulls you in and sets the tone. A former pilot turned Episcopal minister living in upstate NY (around my old stomping grounds!). To be on top of the plot you do need to have background from the previous books - a thing I will definitely remedy very soon. Another solid read.

The Lighted Tractor Parade includes a group carrying a sign White Families Unite. Claire, an Episcopal priest, goes over to talk to them. She manages to visit with one of the ladies who invites her over for lunch. Claire finds out that her new friend knows people in a militia group. She hopes to find out more about the group. Kevin, a policeman who worked with her husband Russ on the police force, has been missing for two months. He was undercover with a militia group up north. Russ decides to find out if Kevin is with them. This is a great story about how groups can come up with strange incorrect ideas. I liked Claire who could also fly helicopters and assist in gathering information after her stint in the Army. There is plenty of close calls and a great sense of doing what is right. Great book with wonderful characters.

Finally, another Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne mystery! Julia Spencer-Fleming has written 10 wonderful novels in this series now; her last one was five years ago, and I have been waiting for the next ever since.
Reverend Clare Fergusson is a former helicopter pilot, turned minister, living in a small fictional town in New York. Russ Van Alstyne was the head cop in the town, now retired, though he is having a hard time not getting “involved” in local issues. In this novel he gets so “involved” that he ends up captured by a right-wing militia group.
It is Christmas, and Clare is doing her usual running around taking care of the entire population of the town. When a Christmas pageant is crashed by white supremacists, the reader knows that this is going to be the next problem for the duo to solve.
The usual complimentary cast is present – Officers Hadley Knox and Kevin Flynn are still juggling her children and a secret affair. New characters NYS Forest Ranger Paul Terrance and novice lawyer Joy Zhao get caught up in the mystery as to who killed Ranger Terrance’s boss and buried him in the forest. These six would-be heroes work together to try and stop the militia and their hate message before time runs out.
Spencer-Fleming has been on my radar for 12 years since her 2002 novel, In the Bleak Midwinter, won the Dilys, Barry, Anthony and Agatha in 2003. She is a lawyer and writer living in a 190-year-old farmhouse outside of Portland, Maine. Spencer-Fleming says that this MAY BE the last Clare/Russ mystery so I suggest if you have not had the pleasure, you go back and start with In the Bleak Midwinter and read the series through. Lucky you!
My rating: 4 of 5
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review. At Midnight Comes the Cry will be published on November 18, 2025.

This is a welcome addition to Spencer-Fleming's series about Clare Fergusson, a military helicopter pilot turned Episcopal minister. Without too much reliance on earlier stories, this tells about Clare's husband's retirement from being police chief of a small town, and his unofficial involvement in a search for one of his former officers. With Christmas fast approaching, the challenges of caring for their toddler son and Clare's parish duties make for stressful times as Russ must work in the snowy wilderness to try to solve a murder and possible kidnapping.

Julia Spencer-Fleming is known for her beautiful prose, having created a ten-volume series set in the Adirondacks of upstate New York. Starting with her first book, In the Bleak Midwinter, her titles are based on hymns from the Episcopal Church, and many readers have noticed that these titles often reflect the overall theme of each book. This holds true for the tenth book, At Midnight Comes the Cry.

Another of Spencer-Fleming's strengths is her ability to capture a reader's interest with a powerful opening sentence. When I first read from book one, "It was one hell of a night to throw away a baby," I was immediately hooked. In book ten, the opening of the prologue, "The trouble started, as it so often does, behind the manure spreader," provides a similar hook with its sly humor, pulling readers back into the world of Miller's Kill, New York. I chose to contrast these two books because they are both set during the same time of year: the Advent season leading up to Christmas. The dynamics of politics within the town, the parish, and law enforcement in Miller's Kill are so true to life that I've often felt I should be able to find its location on a map.

The series has consistently expanded the lives of its primary and secondary characters. In this volume, the "star-crossed lovers" Kevin Flynn and Hadley Knox are in the foreground. The previous book, Hid from Our Eyes, ended with a cliffhanger: What happened to Kevin? Readers have seen their relationship develop over the series, and now Kevin has disappeared. Another life-changing cliffhanger revolves around Russ Van Alstyne, who is no longer Miller's Kill's Chief of Police. Is he content with being a house-husband and stay-at-home dad for baby Ethan?

Over the course of the series, the vestry—the elected lay members who serve as a guiding board for the rector—has often added to the conflict. In this volume, however, Reverend Clare Fergusson is focusing on her ministry to the unchurched, especially women in need.

This ministry opens the door to the main plot, which pits white supremacy against a diverse population. Clare is introduced to a "Trad Wife" named Tiny, who, in the opening, is still under the influence of her abusive husband. This encounter leads to the unraveling of conspiracy theories, a well-organized militia ready to create havoc, and a breathtaking climax that leaves the reader longing for book eleven.

After a long wait our author takes back once again to Millers Kill with the Reverend Clare with her amazing background history and her husband, Russ, the former chief of police. While Russ is in search for the missing Kevin Flynn, who undercover had infiltrated a group of white supremacists. Clare is trying to help the young wife and child of a white supremacist. Engaging character and intriguing plot. Good read.

I really enjoyed At Midnight Comes the Cry. Great characters, believable story, full of tension. Well done.

At Midnight Comes the Cry is a welcome addition to the Clare and Russ story. The story is set in the month of December, Clare is navigating her first Advent and Christmas as a priest/new mother, and rescuing women from domestic abuse. Her outreach coincides with Russ' search for a young cop who has disappeared into an undercover role in a neo Nazi cell.
The search for Kevin (missing cop) is led by Russ who has just resigned from the Sheriff Department. As Russ gets closer to finding Kevin and infiltrating the Nazi cell, he discovers that this group is planning a violent mass murder somewhere before Christmas. The tension ratchets up at the location and race to protect the target.
This is a mixed rating. 5 Stars for the intertwined themes, the description of paramilitary groups, and the difficulty tracking in December weather.
However I give a 3 Star for the implausible choices: Clare and Russ wrangle Christmas, new parenthood, new marriage, retirement and parish duties then throws themselves into several dangerous/deadly situations.
A more serious criticism is the lead balloon of the climax fell flat with almost no payoff.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. This review is independently written.

The return of Reverend Clare Fergusson and her husband, ex-Police Chief Russ Van Alstyne, after a 5-year gap since the publication of Hid from Our Eyes, is a welcome treat for fans of the unlikely couple. This installment finds them accidentally involved with a White Supremacist group hiding in the wilderness of the Adirondacks. I found the ending satisfying, if a little rushed, but spending time with the couple and their friends was once again, a welcome way to end an evening. (I received a copy of the ARC from the publisher.)

It’s been quite awhile since I read a book by this author but her writing is still magical. She skillfully weaves a story that is not only well written but timely. Her characters are interesting and multifaceted. Even the ‘’villains’ have positive attributes. The protagonists, an Episcopal priest that tries to help everyone and her husband a retired police chief who isn’t all that retired, are well developed. Now I need to go back in the series and read what I’ve missed.