Russ Van Alstyne and Episcopal priest Clare Fergusson have stayed apart because Russ can't overcome the guilt and grief of his wife's death. But when a local Latino man is murdered, Clare ends up smack in the middle of the investigation because of volunteer work she's been doing in the community with the migrant population.

Russ tries to ignore the fierce longing he feels every time Clare is around. Most of the time he's successful at diminishing what he feels, hiding it in the guilt over how his wife died, and how he didn't save her. Now, added to his torment, is a dead body that has something to do with his sister's dairy farm, and Clare just won't stay out of the way.

Add in the local crazies and hot heads, and you're set for a read that's hard to put down. I have not read this entire series and wish that I'd had more background on Russ and Clare. But it was such a good book, I intend to go back and read those other books. Ms. Spencer-Fleming creates realistic characters and a plot that will keep you tense and guessing. Very good.