Like many others, I always look forward a new Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James adventure by Deborah Crombie. Spending time with familiar characters and expecting a well-plotted mystery is pretty much a guarantee with each new book in this well-established series.
A weekend in the Cotswolds with DS Melody Talbot's wealthy and influential sounds like a pleasant respite for the Kincaide/James family.
Of course, you know that isn't going to happen. A deadly car crash and some unexplained deaths keep the ball rolling in this latest addition.
Chef Viv Holland's opportunity to cater a luncheon for food bloggers and critics would allow her to display her talents and enhance her reputation, and Viv personally likes Melody Talbot's mother, who is hosting the luncheon.
However, Viv is also struggling with an unpleasant visit from her past and an unhappy eleven-year-old daughter. Additionally, the deaths of two people in the car accident, followed by more mysterious deaths have connections to Viv's pub.
As the connections to both the Talbot's home and Viv's pub continue to occur, Duncan and Gemma join with the local constabulary to find the guilty party and prevent more deaths.
I'm almost tempted to start with the first book and read the entire series again because the characters are so engaging. Not just Duncan and Gemma, but their children, friends, and minor characters. In fact, I'd love to see some of the minor characters again.
This is one of my favorite series not just for the characters, but also for the police procedural aspects.
Read in May. Blog review scheduled for Sept. 16, 2019.
NetGalley/ Harper Collins
Police Procedural. Oct. 8, 2018. Print length: 384 pages.
I don't think I've read a Deborah Crombie book and this one sounds like a great series. And it's good to hear that the characters are engaging enough that you're tempted to start with the first book. :) Given my reading habit, I'll probably dive into the series out of order, hehe. And oh, I've got your postcard!
ReplyDeleteI've been reading this series for years, and I'm always thrilled when a new one arrives. You can start anywhere, Melody--the plots are complete in each book! That postcard arrived more quickly than usual! :)
DeleteFirst of all, Melody, you need to read this series. It's such a good one. I love it and have the goal to reread it (again) at some point. You know, I have one friend who rereads a favorite mystery series of hers every time the author comes out with a new book. Not sure I want to do that, but....I do love the characters and the police aspects that Crombie presents.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kay! I'll definitely check out this series after hearing how much you and Jenclair are enjoying these books. :)
DeleteOne of my favorite aspects are the maps! :)
DeleteYou know it's a good series when you want to start over and read them all again. :D
ReplyDeleteIf only there were enough time to re-read all of our favorite series!
DeleteI've only read the first book in the series and that was some time ago. But I did like it. Just never read on...distracted by other books. :D
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid the distraction of other books is always a problem. Not enough time to read everything! :)
DeleteLooking back on my blog I see that I read and reviewed four of Crombie's books between 2012 and 2017 but haven't read anything by her since. She must be approaching 20 books or so in the series now. It would take some doing to go back and read them in order, but from the four I've read, I'm really tempted to try that sometime.
ReplyDeleteFinding the time to go back and read long series in order is difficult, but I am more likely to do it when I discover a new author or series--which makes re-reading a favorite series less likely. :(
DeleteI've requested for this one so lets see when I will get it, if I do! It sounds a good read.
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it! I'm always so pleased to follow up on characters that have become almost real to me, and Crombie creates characters that I've enjoyed for years. :)
DeleteOh my, I need to know more about this series. You always introduce me to the coolest new authors!
ReplyDeleteThe Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series is a favorite, and I always look forward to new entries. :)
DeleteOh! Yay! I love this series. I don't know if I've read the last one, or if I'm caught up. It's been awhile.
ReplyDelete:) It is a good series, isn't it?
DeleteAh. I see I have the one before this buried on my Kindle! I'll read that next, then I'll be ready for this new one when it drops. Thanks, Jenny!
ReplyDeleteHow nice to find one that you've forgotten about all ready when you need it. Crombie's books are always well-plotted, but I especially like catching up with the familiar characters. :)
DeleteI am glad this was another winner for you, Jenclair!
ReplyDelete:) Always nice to have a new book by a favorite author!
DeleteThank you for reminding me that I need to pick up this series again. I love all of the relationships and how they feel real. I think I've fallen quite behind on this one!
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to fall behind! I'm frequently surprised to find out I've missed one or more books in a series. The nice thing about it is that catching up with a series I like is fun. :)
DeleteI just finished this one, and what a pleasure it was! Crombie's mysteries and settings are always good, but it's that ensemble cast of hers that sets her apart in my mind. How she can juggle coworkers, coworkers' parents, friends, characters just brought in for the mystery, pets, and children, keep them all fresh and interesting yet not bog down the plot? Magic!
ReplyDeleteCrombie is good about making secondary characters flesh out the plots and sneaking in even very minor characters occasionally. It is pretty amazing how she can keep track of all the elements in her series!
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