The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23 Mysteries Series #1) »

Cindy’s church is getting ready to celebrate Easter, and Jeremiah’s Temple is preparing for Passover when Cindy literally stumbles over the body of an unknown man lying dead in the sanctuary. The church was locked, and a bloody cross necklace on the floor seems to be the only clue. The killer is likely a member of the congregation, but there are hints that similar deaths have happened in the past. Are Cindy and Jeremiah dealing with a serial killer? They have to unravel the clues before Easter Sunday arrives and more people die.

Cindy and Jeremiah come from two different worlds, even though they work right next door to each other. Cindy is a strong Christian who lives a normal but somewhat dull life, working as a church secretary. Jeremiah is a Reformed rabbi with a mysterious past full of danger and excitement. But one eventful Easter/Passover week, the two find themselves working together to solve a murder and stop a serial killer from striking again. Solving the mystery should put an end to their alliance, but the church secretary and the rabbi quickly find themselves enmeshed in another mystery. Soon the two form a friendly alliance and friendship, exploring personal history and faith and growing closer with each passing adventure. Despite their differences Cindy and Jeremiah find a lot of common ground.

Publishers Weekly

Prolific fantasy and YA author Viguié (coauthor of the Wicked series) adds a new genre with this mystery, a sort of cozy but not entirely. Church secretary Cindy Preston stumbles over a dead body at First Shepherd Presbyterian; racing almost immediately to her aid is Jeremiah Silverman, rabbi of the neighboring synagogue, who can bust some pretty good moves from having spent his youth in Israel. It’s clear soon enough that the events of Christian Holy Week, which coincide with the celebration of Passover for Silverman and his congregants, have special significance for the killer, and Cindy, Jeremiah, and Det. Mark Walters work to solve the mystery while the killer continues. Many elements are blended: murder mystery, comical church staff, a soupçon of romantic tension, interfaith exploration, backstories that get a tad of exposure (series writer Viguié knows how to lay groundwork for follow-ups). The result is uneven, although promising enough to draw fans; some Christian fiction readers might question the serial-killer plot element. (Mar.)