Book MYView: The Lord is My Shepherd by Debbie Viguie

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.

My thoughts: The first book in the Psalm 23 Mysteries, The Lord Is My Shepherd, will not disappoint mystery lovers. This is a story that will have you on the edge of your seat accusing every character of murder. There were enough red herrings to have me second guessing my choice throughout the whole story.

My only quibble is the culprit was revealed too soon. The tension I felt building for most of the story instantly deflated causing me to wonder how in the world the author was going to hold my interest to the end of the story. I almost felt cheated until she swept me along to the climactic ending.

The motive behind the murders was not easy to wrap in a bow so book clubs will have much to talk about with this story--not to mention the budding romantic friendship of the rabbi and the Christian.

I look forward to the second book in the series. This book comes highly recommend with a warning that it isn't a cozy mystery. There were unsettling scenes involving children.