I SHALL NOT WANT
Julia Spencer-Fleming
Thomas Dunne Books
ISBN: 0-312-38391-6
978-0-312-38391-6
June 2008
Mystery

Small town cop Russ Van Alstyne and Episcopal priest Clare Fergusson are separated by guilt and grief over the death of Russ's wife. While these emotions keep the two of them apart, their desire and love for each other continue to grow. When a Latino man is murdered, Clare is drawn into Russ's investigation. She helps the migrant community in their town, and after two more bodies are discovered, they fear they have a serial killer on the loose. Throughout the increased tension, their emotions towards each other come to a head and heated words are spoken. But their bodies only know they want each other and they find themselves in each other's arms, even as they try to keep themselves apart.

I SHALL NOT WANT 's unusual heroine, Clare, walks the balance between helping others, and living the life she wants for herself. She is in love with Russ, but they have his dead wife between them. Until they can get her out of the way, their bodies and their hearts will not know their full desire. Then when dead Latinos show up in their town, they are forced to put their relationship to the side and see what is going on. Clare is fearless and selfless. She puts herself in situations that could get herself killed without thinking. When she discovers who is killing the Latino men, and why, she will not stop until she gets to the bottom of it. This is much to Russ's dismay because he feels he cannot do his job, and protect her. This story will lead you on a trail of secrets, love, and how honesty should always be the best policy.

Kathy Fisher
Rating: 4