Ashes to Ashes: A Ludington – van der Berg Mystery

I'm not usually a reader of mystery, but this one caught my attention because it is a story about a pastor, written by a pastor. I love the way the authors weave in the life of clergy and the church, but the mystery is truly compelling, a real who-done-it page-turner. You don't have to be clergy to love it, but clergy will...and so will everyone else.

I loved this book. I am not a big mystery reader and this book did not disappoint. Beautifully written, suspenseful, and witty, but also serious and thoughtful. Great characters, telling detail, and it really made vivid a particular part of Manhattan. I very much look forward to what appear to be more books coming in this series.

My review may be admittedly biased a bit because I've come to know Reverend Lindvall some through the personable anectodes he has put in his sermons over the years, and the short but numerous conversations had in the post church reception line. You can see the personal side of this author revealed through the personalities of the characters, and that makes for a great combination with the writing team's flair for revealing the puzzle pieces through impeccable timing and story telling.

If you’re into mystery novels that keep you on the edge of your seat all the while wrestling with major themes of faith, ethics, and confronting history in all its beauty and horror, then buy this excellently written novel by Michael Lindvall and Madeline Radman. Can’t wait for the next two of this three-part series to be published.

Excellent mystery set in NYC with expanded characters and twists with a unsuspecting ending!!!

This is a very entertaining and finely written murder mystery that was most engaging. I think all who enjoy murder mysteries will find this a great read. I look forward to any future work by the authors.

A behind the scenes look at a pastor’s life entwined with the many characters he encounters, along with an intriguing who-dunnit mystery plot. Michael Lindvall is an amazing story teller and this book is a reflection of his talents. Not a religious book by any means but a church goer will especially enjoy the intricacies of this novel. Takes place in NYC and certainly will appeal to those who live in or are familiar with the city.

Great page turner with interesting twists! I have loved reading other M. Lindvall books - now I will look forward to reading more from M.M. Lindvall.

I was utterly enthralled by this book and found it hard to put down. It is beautifully crafted and entirely believable. It’s a New York novel, rather than a novel set in New York. It celebrates neighbourhoods, restaurants, bridges, churches, architecture, people, voices, manners. The dialogue struck me as pitch perfect, I could almost hear it, as I could almost taste the food. It a ‘detective novel’ of a kind, intelligent, modern and full of unexpected twists. It’s also a profound study of human avoidance, regret and recovery. I’ve enjoyed it immensely - it’s a triumph and deserves an award. I thoroughly recommend it.