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Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James #7
A Finer End
Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his partner Sergeant Gemma James return in another spellbinding novel of mysteries--one contemporary, one ancient--an investigation that will challenge them personally and professionally as no case ever has. From the award-winning author of the acclaimed Kissed a Sad Goodbye...A FINER ENDWhen Duncan Kincaid’s cousin Jack calls from Glastonbury to ask for his help on a rather unusual matter, Duncan welcomes the chance to spend a relaxing weekend outside of London with Gemma--but relaxation isn’t on the agenda. Glastonbury is revered as the site of an ancient abbey, the mythical burial place of King Arthur and Guinevere, and a source of strong druid power. Jack has no more than a passing interest in its history--until he comes across an extraordinary chronicle almost a thousand years old. The record reveals something terrible and bloody shattered the abbey’s peace long ago--knowledge that will spark violence that reaches into the present. Soon it is up to Duncan and Gemma to find the truth the local police cannot see. But no one envisions the peril that lies ahead--or that there is more at stake than they ever dreamed possible.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
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About the author
Deborah Crombie
53 books2,509 followersDeborah Crombie is the author of 17 novels featuring Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and Detective Inspector Gemma James. The 18th Kincaid/James novel, A BITTER FEAST, will be released by William Morrow in October, 2019.
Crombie lives in McKinney, Texas with her husband, two German Shepherd Dogs, and two cats. She travels to Britain frequently to research her books.
Crombie lives in McKinney, Texas with her husband, two German Shepherd Dogs, and two cats. She travels to Britain frequently to research her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 542 reviews
March 17, 2018
A Finer End by Deborah Crombie is a 2001 Bantam/ Random House publication.
This series never fails to surprise me-
Veering away from the traditional British mystery format of previous installments, this seventh book in the Kincaid and James series, takes on an unusual supernatural tint.
Kincaid’s cousin, Jack, finds himself in need of a detective, after the murder of a local woman who is a part of an unusual group of people helping Jack solve a rather unusual cold case.
Duncan and Gemma are still trying to find a balance in their relationship after Duncan discovered he was a father and Gemma accepted a job promotion, meaning they are no longer professional partners. A trip to Glastonbury would be a nice change of pace for them and allow them a chance to be alone without the usual responsibilities.
However, once they arrive the case ends up commanding their full attention as strange goings on that defy logical explanations makes solving the murder more difficult and maybe even more dangerous.
I enjoyed the history of the Monks and the old Abbey, despite the paranormal elements. I don’t begrudge the author for stretching her imagination a little, so I played along, although not entirely good- naturedly.
Duncan and Gemma didn’t seem to have much of a role in the case, not arriving in Glastonbury until late into the story. Their dialogue, even when working the case, was distant and muted and the rhythm they once had professionally seems out of step. Their relationship really did feel strained, and the chemistry between didn’t sizzle and pop, which was disappointing. There is a huge surprise development, however, that could bring them closer together-or it could cause even more strain. But, only time will tell.
As I slowly work my way through this series, determined to catch up with it by the end of the year, I have seen some brilliant writing and plot lines, while some chapters left me unsure of what to think, and now this one has left me scratching my head a little.
I’m still invested in the series, but I have found it to be a little uneven. I do hope it finds a more solid and steady balance from this point forward. This one was okay, but not one of the best installments in the series.
3 stars
This series never fails to surprise me-
Veering away from the traditional British mystery format of previous installments, this seventh book in the Kincaid and James series, takes on an unusual supernatural tint.
Kincaid’s cousin, Jack, finds himself in need of a detective, after the murder of a local woman who is a part of an unusual group of people helping Jack solve a rather unusual cold case.
Duncan and Gemma are still trying to find a balance in their relationship after Duncan discovered he was a father and Gemma accepted a job promotion, meaning they are no longer professional partners. A trip to Glastonbury would be a nice change of pace for them and allow them a chance to be alone without the usual responsibilities.
However, once they arrive the case ends up commanding their full attention as strange goings on that defy logical explanations makes solving the murder more difficult and maybe even more dangerous.
I enjoyed the history of the Monks and the old Abbey, despite the paranormal elements. I don’t begrudge the author for stretching her imagination a little, so I played along, although not entirely good- naturedly.
Duncan and Gemma didn’t seem to have much of a role in the case, not arriving in Glastonbury until late into the story. Their dialogue, even when working the case, was distant and muted and the rhythm they once had professionally seems out of step. Their relationship really did feel strained, and the chemistry between didn’t sizzle and pop, which was disappointing. There is a huge surprise development, however, that could bring them closer together-or it could cause even more strain. But, only time will tell.
As I slowly work my way through this series, determined to catch up with it by the end of the year, I have seen some brilliant writing and plot lines, while some chapters left me unsure of what to think, and now this one has left me scratching my head a little.
I’m still invested in the series, but I have found it to be a little uneven. I do hope it finds a more solid and steady balance from this point forward. This one was okay, but not one of the best installments in the series.
3 stars
April 22, 2024
1.5 stars. Bordering on nonsense. The plot could work with better writing, but the reader must accept all kinds of paranormal phenomena affecting multiple characters to buy into the story. The myths and mysteries surrounding Glastonbury are normally interesting; however, this attempt to base a crime mystery around them is awkwardly contrived. The author seems to have had a struggle as to who the bad guy(s) actually is, and the final pages are exasperatingly keystone cops. The only mystery about this is why these two mostly dithering detectives still have their jobs. Duncan and Gemma are often described as tired and stressed by their personal distractions. Exacerbating their self-imposed mental states is their repeated daily partaking of unappetizing machine sandwiches and other un-nutritional fare that becomes irritating. To overstate this moot point--perhaps if they occasionally picked up a carton of milk, protein bar, or ingested a vitamin supplement now and then to help the energy levels, it might make them seem less idiotic. Also, repetitious and annoying are the frequent references to the difficulties of raising young children as single parents while holding demanding jobs. The excessive parental absences they impose on their kids never abates despite their alleged concerns about it. The time conflicts appear to be mostly due to their apparent lack of scheduling (ever heard of a calendar). I find myself involuntarily feeling sorry for their invisible and rarely mentioned co-workers who must fill in for these two on a regular basis while they run around juggling their various time demands. Not to mention the presence of Gemma's saintly friend/landlord who must pick up the vast majority of her slack, upon request, with no evident compensation--unrealistic in the extreme. Ok, my rant is done.
July 12, 2011
I was disappointed in this one. The main characters live in the area of Glastonbury and form a group to try to understand why a 12th century Glastonbury monk is trying to communicate with one of them via automatic writing in Latin. The setting is marvelous and there is some beautiful writing along the way, but too much of it seems "over the top" in terms of the effect it is obviously supposed to have...mesmerizing, awe-inspiring, creepy...I simply found it in many parts unbelievable and boring. Not because I'm a skeptic, either...
Kincaid and Gemma were the most interesting characters but they aren't onstage very much. As for the rest, it seemed that they spent the book taking turns worrying about each other. Snore...
Kincaid and Gemma were the most interesting characters but they aren't onstage very much. As for the rest, it seemed that they spent the book taking turns worrying about each other. Snore...
May 10, 2017
What a disapointment! I hate it when the author promises a mystery and mixes it up with supernatural events. Improbable and poorly written. I expected more from this author.
July 4, 2012
My favorite of all the novels in this series, which I am reading completely out of order. I love the setting of this one, though Crombie is always careful to carefully research her settings--and to provide lovely maps on the endpages of her books! Glastonbury/Avalon is fascinating, as are the characters who inhabit this version of the town. The menacing and inspiring Tor is central to both the action and the themes of the book, which are, as always with Crombie, nicely elucidated through the epigraphs to each chapter. The character development with Gemma is particularly fine in this one, though I missed seeing Kit and Toby--they were rather left out.
September 27, 2012
I would have given this a 3 but was annoyed by the typical christian misrepresentation of Wiccans. Wicca is the ancient pagan believe in the great Goddess and her consort. There is one rule-rede- of Wicca- And it harm none, do as ye will. Wiccans do not harm humans, animals or the earth itself. There is NO blood sacrifice. That comes from the patriarchal religions like Jewish mythology. Wiccans do not kill people, do not require blood sacrifices and do not kill animals. Most are vegetarians and vegans. Wiccans are peace-lovers, anti-war, and anti-violence. A branch of my family is Wiccan and I grew up in the tradition.
Deborah Crombie essentially created a Goddess and other gods, the Old Ones who demanded blood sacrifice. She needs to look to the Jewish/Christian god for that because Wiccans do no such thing.
I wasn't thrilled with what a tiny part Gemma and Duncan played here either. They didn't show up till the middle and it was more about the other characters.
Gemma worked for and got promoted to Inspector and Duncan whined and complained because she wasn't satisfied being a sergeant and working for him while wanting to work his way to the top. Kit made an appearance at the beginning but Duncan is never home so why bother with his son by his ex? He complains about his ex-wife Victoria's ex husband who is legally the boy's father but he is no better. When he gets him for visits the boy stays home alone.
Gemma really had annoyed me. She is a single mom of a preschool boy. Her ex abandoned her and the child when he was born and disappeared so not to pay child support. It's tough on her. She is a police inspector and a grown woman who has had a baby so I am presuming she should have more sense then to sleep with Duncan while using no birth control. Yet, here she is pregnant and tells Duncan that having his baby is the most important thing in the world.
I am tired of that message being sent to women that we are such losers we can't help getting pregnant and giving up everything to stay home with our man's baby and just forget our goals and plans. Gemma could be a great role model for young women of how a woman can make it as a detective and as a Scotland Yard Inspector at that but no, like that other little fool in this book, 17 year old Faith who was a brilliant student who got knocked up by her teacher, she is too stupid to keep from getting pregnant.
Hello, ladies- inserting a penis into your vagina can and will lead to pregnancy. Go to the doctor, clinic or Planned Parenthood and get the pill, the IUD, a diaphragm, some condoms or another form of birth control and use it faithfully and properly so you too won't be an idiot like Gemma and Faith.
The book otherwise has an interesting story except for the foolishness of the "good" priests from the past trying to send a message that the holy grail is a song that if it is sung will give you a religious thrill and save you from the "evil" of those darned peace loving Wiccans who you should hate because they are different than you and you don't want their religion that you stole elements from to get a toe hold back in town since you won't take in so much money (Wiccans don't beg for money in churches, on the streets, or on religious tv).
Duncan's cousin Jack is the one receiving secret messages from a medieval dead guy about the song of songs. There are two women priests here, an artist who keeps drawing a murdered kid that her husband killed, a guy who can't stand for his sister to date because he wants her all for himself, a pregnant teen, the son of a wealthy writer who abandoned a kid he fathered but who takes up with the pregnant teen, among other assorted fruits and nuts.
Before it was over, I pretty much wanted to kill them all.
Deborah Crombie essentially created a Goddess and other gods, the Old Ones who demanded blood sacrifice. She needs to look to the Jewish/Christian god for that because Wiccans do no such thing.
I wasn't thrilled with what a tiny part Gemma and Duncan played here either. They didn't show up till the middle and it was more about the other characters.
Gemma worked for and got promoted to Inspector and Duncan whined and complained because she wasn't satisfied being a sergeant and working for him while wanting to work his way to the top. Kit made an appearance at the beginning but Duncan is never home so why bother with his son by his ex? He complains about his ex-wife Victoria's ex husband who is legally the boy's father but he is no better. When he gets him for visits the boy stays home alone.
Gemma really had annoyed me. She is a single mom of a preschool boy. Her ex abandoned her and the child when he was born and disappeared so not to pay child support. It's tough on her. She is a police inspector and a grown woman who has had a baby so I am presuming she should have more sense then to sleep with Duncan while using no birth control. Yet, here she is pregnant and tells Duncan that having his baby is the most important thing in the world.
I am tired of that message being sent to women that we are such losers we can't help getting pregnant and giving up everything to stay home with our man's baby and just forget our goals and plans. Gemma could be a great role model for young women of how a woman can make it as a detective and as a Scotland Yard Inspector at that but no, like that other little fool in this book, 17 year old Faith who was a brilliant student who got knocked up by her teacher, she is too stupid to keep from getting pregnant.
Hello, ladies- inserting a penis into your vagina can and will lead to pregnancy. Go to the doctor, clinic or Planned Parenthood and get the pill, the IUD, a diaphragm, some condoms or another form of birth control and use it faithfully and properly so you too won't be an idiot like Gemma and Faith.
The book otherwise has an interesting story except for the foolishness of the "good" priests from the past trying to send a message that the holy grail is a song that if it is sung will give you a religious thrill and save you from the "evil" of those darned peace loving Wiccans who you should hate because they are different than you and you don't want their religion that you stole elements from to get a toe hold back in town since you won't take in so much money (Wiccans don't beg for money in churches, on the streets, or on religious tv).
Duncan's cousin Jack is the one receiving secret messages from a medieval dead guy about the song of songs. There are two women priests here, an artist who keeps drawing a murdered kid that her husband killed, a guy who can't stand for his sister to date because he wants her all for himself, a pregnant teen, the son of a wealthy writer who abandoned a kid he fathered but who takes up with the pregnant teen, among other assorted fruits and nuts.
Before it was over, I pretty much wanted to kill them all.
April 28, 2020
My kind of mystery: series characters I know and care about (and we see their relationship develop), an interesting puzzle, lots of frame--Glastonbury (chapters begin with information about the town, its abbey, tor, and purported burial place of King Arthur), and Druid lore along with New Agers trying to replicate it. In fact there are mysteries past and present. One from the past involving a monk and a secret is revealed through automatic writing by one of the protagonists; the other from the more recent past appears in the paintings by a woman compelled to paint with no idea of what she's painted or why. Both more recent murders involve hit and run accidents decades apart and the power of guilt. Excellent details of location and puzzles--music plays an important role in both stories--and likable characters working out their own relationship. This is one I missed in my haphazard reading of the series earlier, and I'm pleased to discover it now.
May 3, 2010
Ridiculous. In the middle of an established series, the author suddenly interjects the supernatural into the fabula, and we're supposed to accept it as normal. Fortunately, this has not, so far, been carried out in the next three or four in the series.
October 25, 2010
I'm having a difficult time trying to figure out whether I liked this book or not.
I expected it to be the usual murder-mystery story, and was looking forward to it, only then it dives right into this supernatural subplot full of paganism and etc. It threw me for a loop, and I was kind of disappointed. I never like supernatural twists to my murder-mysteries.
The characters are also off, in some ways. They're pretty well developed and well written, but I never start caring about what happens to them. The two 'main characters' (and for all the scene time they get, I use that term loosely) are the blandest of the whole ensemble - the fact that they're reoccurring characters through this book series is not an excuse to be sloppy when writing them - and I, as someone who has never read any other of Crombie's books, have no idea who these two characters are or what makes them tick.
What annoyed me the most, and what most likely ruined the whole reading experience for me, is the character of the vicar. I wonder if Crombie's ever met a vicar, because this once sure doesn't read like one - she drinks, she has premarital sex, and when her boyfriend tells her that he is communicating with the dead she's totally alright with that (she even joins in and encourages it!) as long as he doesn't attempt to contact his late wife.
I found myself growing more and more annoyed the further along I got. It's not a thick book, only about 330 pages, but it felt heavy. I could have done without the flowery descriptions - I get the feeling that Crombie's quite in love with Glastonbury and the Abbey and the old religions, but why does she insist on cramming all the wonderfulness down my throat? Characters are admiring choir music and paintings and old ruins and are getting teary eyed by the loveliness of it all, and all I can do is roll my eyes and try to drag myself through another page of New Age word vomit.
I was going to give this book two stars, but writing this review has made me realize what a chore it was to get through and how relieved I am that it's over. So, yes, one star it is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2020
This book was different, I'll give it that. Far-fetched, too. Unfortunately, for me, the subject matter which consumed the story is not one I'm interested in.
As the series progresses, we spend less and less time with Duncan and Gemma. Not a plus. In "A Finer End", they barely factor into the story until about halfway through the book. Also about halfway, the reason for Andrew's rage became pretty obvious. Don't quite believe he wouldn't be arrested even if Faith didn't want to press assault charges. Since he's a teacher and Faith was his student, couldn't the police arrest him for statutory rape? And I was confused at the end. Did Bram and Garnet purposely hit the little girl or was it accidental?
Finally, it's hard to believe Gemma, a smart, goal-oriented woman, would fail to use birth control pills (or some other form of birth control) at such a critical juncture in her life. She's not Faith, a naive schoolgirl. Neither is she a clueless airhead just sailing through life. Just another part of the story which was unbelievable to me.
All in all, a clusterfuck of a book.
As the series progresses, we spend less and less time with Duncan and Gemma. Not a plus. In "A Finer End", they barely factor into the story until about halfway through the book. Also about halfway, the reason for Andrew's rage became pretty obvious. Don't quite believe he wouldn't be arrested even if Faith didn't want to press assault charges. Since he's a teacher and Faith was his student, couldn't the police arrest him for statutory rape? And I was confused at the end. Did Bram and Garnet purposely hit the little girl or was it accidental?
Finally, it's hard to believe Gemma, a smart, goal-oriented woman, would fail to use birth control pills (or some other form of birth control) at such a critical juncture in her life. She's not Faith, a naive schoolgirl. Neither is she a clueless airhead just sailing through life. Just another part of the story which was unbelievable to me.
All in all, a clusterfuck of a book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2017
I really dislike mystical books and was hugely disappointed in this Kincaid/James book. If you like a straightforward who-dunnit type of detective story with well drawn characters and a believable plot, this isn't for you. To be entirely fair - I skipped over portions of it. It just didn't hold any interest.
April 27, 2014
Why is the author suddenly interjecting this woo woo stuff into a series that I liked?
February 8, 2019
3.5 stars.
With all the interesting woo-woo stuff concerning Glastonbury, the murder mystery in this one is almost incidental.
What I'm curious about is how Gemma's going to deal with all that's happened....so on to the next instalment.
With all the interesting woo-woo stuff concerning Glastonbury, the murder mystery in this one is almost incidental.
What I'm curious about is how Gemma's going to deal with all that's happened....so on to the next instalment.
December 8, 2010
First Sentence: The shadows crept into Jack Montfort’s small office, filling the corners with a comfortable dimness.
DI’s Duncan Kincaid and Gemma Jones travel to Glastonbury, England after a call from Duncan’s architect cousin, Jack Montfort. It appears that Jack may be a conduit via automatic writing, for a medieval monk who wants Jack to find a missing relic. Duncan is not the only one who knows about Jack’s unasked for link to the past. Anglican priest and Jack’s lover, Winnie; Nick, a handsome, young bookstore clerk; Faith, the very pregnant, psychically-sensitive runaway; Garnet, the reclusive, new-age potter, and Simon, a Church-scholar with his own secrets, all join with Jack to uncover what is happening. An attempted murder and an actual murder blend the paranormal with police procedure.
Crombie certainly knows how to capture your attention and draw you straight into the story. From the very first page, Crombie creates a delicious sense of menace and foreboding; a sense of something supernatural at work. This is wonderfully offset by the everyday, very real concerns in Gemma’s and Duncan’s lives and their ever-evolving relationship.
We are well introduced to the cast of characters, learning who they are and how they interconnect. They were rather fascinating and unusual for a mystery. Certainly, they all had pasts and elements of those pasts they wanted to keep from being revealed. However, it was refreshing that there wasn’t an obvious villain in the group. That made the final resolution even more effective when it was revealed.
The history was fascinating and well imparted, from the furnishing in one character’s home to information on the Abbey. Crombie’s descriptions are wonderful. She is an author who paints with words and, in this case, sent me straight to the internet looking for more information. I particularly loved the role music played in the story including Gemma’s reaction to music and the conveyance of when music touches your soul, as well as learning that the word 'enchantment' is derived from the work chant as it was believe music was the strongest magic.
On the other side, I did feel there were some dubious bits of information concerned religion, old and new, and pottery. There were also a couple significant coincidences and a few threads left hanging. I enjoyed the paranormal element but might have found it more interesting to have a non-paranormal resolution.
In summary, we have a story a bit heavy on the paranormal but a captivating plot, lots of viable suspects and excellent plot twists. All in all, it worked for me.
DI’s Duncan Kincaid and Gemma Jones travel to Glastonbury, England after a call from Duncan’s architect cousin, Jack Montfort. It appears that Jack may be a conduit via automatic writing, for a medieval monk who wants Jack to find a missing relic. Duncan is not the only one who knows about Jack’s unasked for link to the past. Anglican priest and Jack’s lover, Winnie; Nick, a handsome, young bookstore clerk; Faith, the very pregnant, psychically-sensitive runaway; Garnet, the reclusive, new-age potter, and Simon, a Church-scholar with his own secrets, all join with Jack to uncover what is happening. An attempted murder and an actual murder blend the paranormal with police procedure.
Crombie certainly knows how to capture your attention and draw you straight into the story. From the very first page, Crombie creates a delicious sense of menace and foreboding; a sense of something supernatural at work. This is wonderfully offset by the everyday, very real concerns in Gemma’s and Duncan’s lives and their ever-evolving relationship.
We are well introduced to the cast of characters, learning who they are and how they interconnect. They were rather fascinating and unusual for a mystery. Certainly, they all had pasts and elements of those pasts they wanted to keep from being revealed. However, it was refreshing that there wasn’t an obvious villain in the group. That made the final resolution even more effective when it was revealed.
The history was fascinating and well imparted, from the furnishing in one character’s home to information on the Abbey. Crombie’s descriptions are wonderful. She is an author who paints with words and, in this case, sent me straight to the internet looking for more information. I particularly loved the role music played in the story including Gemma’s reaction to music and the conveyance of when music touches your soul, as well as learning that the word 'enchantment' is derived from the work chant as it was believe music was the strongest magic.
On the other side, I did feel there were some dubious bits of information concerned religion, old and new, and pottery. There were also a couple significant coincidences and a few threads left hanging. I enjoyed the paranormal element but might have found it more interesting to have a non-paranormal resolution.
In summary, we have a story a bit heavy on the paranormal but a captivating plot, lots of viable suspects and excellent plot twists. All in all, it worked for me.
April 13, 2017
James Montfort has lived in Glastonbury in the shadow of the Tor, a strange hill that looks almost man made. Glastonbury is a place where the "old religion" seems to come to the surface every few years. It's a city of mysticism with ruins of an old abbey with a tortured history, a place that features the legends of King Arthur and also the Holy Grail. When James discovers that he is, apparently, writing unconsciously in Latin, he forms a small group that includes his girlfriend, Winnie, the local Vicar, a well known scholar and a few others. Then Winnie is struck by a hit and run driver.
Then there's Faith, a 17 year old very pregnant young woman who has come to Glastonbury and is working in a local cafe and sleeping in an unheated room above the cafe - until a local artisan tile maker, Garnet, takes her in. Garnet is sure she is here for a reason. A group of "old religion" enthusiasts are looking forward to Halloween or Samhain when Faith's baby is due. But why exactly? And what about this strange automatic writing?
Montfort calls his cousin, Douglas Kincaid, to look into his girlfriend's accident unofficially. Douglas and Gemma come up for a long weekend to investigate and also have a short vacation.
This is another series I've been reading out of order. I read one last year that was the most recent one. They were married and had combined kids.
In this book, they've been together for a while, but Gemma has applied for and accepted a promotion which has severed their partnership. When she is done her training, she accepts a position in the Notting Hill neighborhood of London. Now they are working on a case together again, and Gemma is wondering if she made a mistake. Plus, she's "late."
This particular book was a lot more mystical than I usually like, but the history was enjoyable. The amount of "romance" in the book is well offset by the actual policing that is the main thrust of the book.
The ending took me by surprise, which was fun, and everything gets tied together nicely at the end. This is definitely an enjoyable read.
Then there's Faith, a 17 year old very pregnant young woman who has come to Glastonbury and is working in a local cafe and sleeping in an unheated room above the cafe - until a local artisan tile maker, Garnet, takes her in. Garnet is sure she is here for a reason. A group of "old religion" enthusiasts are looking forward to Halloween or Samhain when Faith's baby is due. But why exactly? And what about this strange automatic writing?
Montfort calls his cousin, Douglas Kincaid, to look into his girlfriend's accident unofficially. Douglas and Gemma come up for a long weekend to investigate and also have a short vacation.
This is another series I've been reading out of order. I read one last year that was the most recent one. They were married and had combined kids.
In this book, they've been together for a while, but Gemma has applied for and accepted a promotion which has severed their partnership. When she is done her training, she accepts a position in the Notting Hill neighborhood of London. Now they are working on a case together again, and Gemma is wondering if she made a mistake. Plus, she's "late."
This particular book was a lot more mystical than I usually like, but the history was enjoyable. The amount of "romance" in the book is well offset by the actual policing that is the main thrust of the book.
The ending took me by surprise, which was fun, and everything gets tied together nicely at the end. This is definitely an enjoyable read.
January 12, 2020
The supernatural emphasis was ridiculous. Not a true mystery and the weakest plot so far in this writer’s series.
November 29, 2020
Again I enjoyed this book as a couple of characters were introduced that will become more central as the series progress.
I found this book concentrated more on the professional lives of Duncan and Gemma and their secondary storyline was put on the back burner. Also a surprising discovery too but that is all I will say.
The supernatural plays a major role in this book and I actually found it quite interesting.
Off to the next book in the series AND JUSTICE THERE IS NONE.
I found this book concentrated more on the professional lives of Duncan and Gemma and their secondary storyline was put on the back burner. Also a surprising discovery too but that is all I will say.
The supernatural plays a major role in this book and I actually found it quite interesting.
Off to the next book in the series AND JUSTICE THERE IS NONE.
November 19, 2012
Other than a slight hiccup here or there I've been loving this entire series from the beginning. I've found that this book is similar to Dreaming of the Bones, which was the only one to this point I didn't rate at five stars right off the bat. While I liked that book in the end I found that the stalwarts of the series, Duncan and Gemma weren't in the book enough for at least half of it. A Finer End is similar, the difference being however is that I just found this book not to be to my liking for several reasons.
Perhaps my biggest complaint with the book was the overall mysticism involved in a major portion of the plot. Automatic writing? Painter's with visions? Pagan rituals? Sometimes I find those things to be interesting, when in the right context but I don't find it works well in the Kinkaid/James framework.
The historical aspects and lore of the location were interesting. There's also several new developments in both the working and romantic aspects of Duncan and Gemma's relationship that are VERY interesting, which has become a staple of the series and a welcome one at that! The actual whodunnit portion is well done as well and it will keep you guessing right up till the end, which is also becoming another staple of this series.
I can't rate this novel higher than a three though because of the problems I mentioned before. Some of the themes are a little too far fetched for this series as it stands and coupled with a distinct lack of Duncan and Gemma for roughly the first 40% of the book and we get a bit of a hiccup in an otherwise great series.
I didn't by any means hate it, I guess I'm just used to loving these novels from start to finish and I was a bit let down. That being said I can't wait to get to the next one to see where Duncan and Gemma go next on their life's journey.
Perhaps my biggest complaint with the book was the overall mysticism involved in a major portion of the plot. Automatic writing? Painter's with visions? Pagan rituals? Sometimes I find those things to be interesting, when in the right context but I don't find it works well in the Kinkaid/James framework.
The historical aspects and lore of the location were interesting. There's also several new developments in both the working and romantic aspects of Duncan and Gemma's relationship that are VERY interesting, which has become a staple of the series and a welcome one at that! The actual whodunnit portion is well done as well and it will keep you guessing right up till the end, which is also becoming another staple of this series.
I can't rate this novel higher than a three though because of the problems I mentioned before. Some of the themes are a little too far fetched for this series as it stands and coupled with a distinct lack of Duncan and Gemma for roughly the first 40% of the book and we get a bit of a hiccup in an otherwise great series.
I didn't by any means hate it, I guess I'm just used to loving these novels from start to finish and I was a bit let down. That being said I can't wait to get to the next one to see where Duncan and Gemma go next on their life's journey.
September 18, 2022
Dear Ms. Crombie,
Please include more Duncan Kincaid and Gemma Jones and less woo woo stuff.
Thank you!
Please include more Duncan Kincaid and Gemma Jones and less woo woo stuff.
Thank you!
May 21, 2017
I realize this is a story which deviates from the usual Kincaid/James plots, because of the spiritual and paranormal elements in it which may make it unbelievable or unacceptable to some Crombie fans. For those friends following me, do NOT attempt to read the Merrily Watkins series of novels by Phil Rickman that I have recommended in Goodreads (well, I enjoyed the first three before I got rather bored with #4 & #5!). I like small touches of paranormal, but nothing over the top!
I won't describe the plot (others do that beautifully), but must admit I liked this novel almost as much as the preceeding ones, and found myself isolating myself to read it greedily. Perhaps this was also because I have family who lived in the area of Glastonbury too. Deborah Crombie is very clever at laying out bits and pieces of information to get us wanting to progress towards the outcome. For a long time I had 3 suspects in view, then 2 were cancelled out, but I was a little disappointed in the rather contrived resolution concerning the 3rd person; the Old Ones and New Age beliefs never really deserved any credence in my personal opinion. However, it was still a very good read, the setting was wonderful and the characters of Duncan and Gemma were as compelling as ever.
I won't describe the plot (others do that beautifully), but must admit I liked this novel almost as much as the preceeding ones, and found myself isolating myself to read it greedily. Perhaps this was also because I have family who lived in the area of Glastonbury too. Deborah Crombie is very clever at laying out bits and pieces of information to get us wanting to progress towards the outcome. For a long time I had 3 suspects in view, then 2 were cancelled out, but I was a little disappointed in the rather contrived resolution concerning the 3rd person; the Old Ones and New Age beliefs never really deserved any credence in my personal opinion. However, it was still a very good read, the setting was wonderful and the characters of Duncan and Gemma were as compelling as ever.
July 3, 2017
I love this series, but this has to be the best of them all (so far). There is a significant supernatural element to the plot which appeals to me, and the fact that it is set in Glastonbury makes it even more interesting. The author is a true master of plot development, as well as relationships of the characters. With each book, I feel as if I get to know the "major players" better and better, which helps me enjoy the whole story even more. The mysteries in this episode extend all the way back to the Norman invasion with the disappearance of a special chant allegedly brought to the island originally by Joseph of Arimathea and held in trust by the monks of the Abbey until the Normans impose their new rules. Then to current times when mystics and frauds have moved into the area, bringing their own problems and mysterious tragedies. Such a great story, I hated to see it end, but at least I know I can look forward to enjoying more books in the series!
March 12, 2018
Deborah Crombie gives us another spellbinding novel of mysteries--one contemporary, one ancient--an investigation that will challenge Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James personally and professionally. The story takes place in Glastonbury UK and we get lots of history about King Arthur who is buried there and the power in that area. There is a connection to the present day characters and the characters from the past. Crombie handles this layered plot along with the ongoing romance between the two main characters with ease. The theme of the story is redemption and hope. It also shows a bit of a struggle between good and evil. You have to suspend your disbelief somewhat in regards to the mythical and spiritual concepts in order to fully enjoy this book. I look forward to reading the next installment of this series and I highly recommend this book to those who love mystery with some history.
January 5, 2013
Ghost monks, The Wicker Man, Wicca's, witchcraft, channeling through paintings and writings, threatening "angels". Weird, weird stuff. Lets not forget about King Author and the controlling evil Tor out for blood and Goddess worship hidden through the worship of Mary and myths about Joseph in Glastonbury all those centuries ago. There was so much weirdness in this "mystery" that its hard to list it all let alone keep it straight, this book was all over the place into weirdness. Very little mystery and very little Duncan and Gemma and family. I honestly just found myself shaking my head in bewilderment at this book and there was some eye rolling involved also...
October 2, 2014
This was the weakest of the Kincaid/James series so far. It took far too long to get into the action and mystery of the plot, and the set-up about Glastonbury just weighed the story down. I'm also not a big fan of the mysticism element that was heavy throughout this one. Since I liked the previous stories, I'm going to keep on in the series and hope that the author returns to what made the earlier books so good.
March 12, 2017
The most disappointing in the series so far. The story about the monk Edmund was never convincing.
July 21, 2020
A Finer End by Deborah Crombie is the 7h book of the Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James mystery series set in contemporary Glastonbury, England, with glimpses of Glastonbury Abbey centuries ago.
Pregnant teenage runaway Faith works in the village bakery owned & run by Buddy. Buddy's close friend Garnet, a loner who lives in an off-the-grid farmhouse, offers Faith a place to stay. Garnet comes to care for Faith as a daughter, does not pressure her to reveal the identity of the baby's father or to reunite with her family.
Architect Jack still grieves for his wife Emily, who died in childbirth. He returned to live in his childhood home in Glastonbury. At a church choir performance, he meets a new friend, Winnie. He's not looking to date, but enjoys her company very much. The healing peace of Jack's life is disrupted when he suddenly begins automatic writing. Messages in Latin from Edmund, a monk of Glastonbury Abbey centuries ago.
Fiona is a local painter; her husband Bram owns a local gallery. She paints when obsessed/compelled to do so. Lately her paintings are scary depictions of monsters surrounding a small child. Normally Bram hangs her pictures in his gallery, and is proud of her success, but these paintings disturb him.
Simon is an academic expert on Glastonbury and its Arthurian legend, including the Holy Grail. His haughty autocratic personality keeps friendship at bay. He's rumored to claim students' work as his own.
To this intriguing mix of relationships add Scotland Yard detectives Duncan & Gemma. They travel to Glastonbury unofficially to help Duncan's cousin. They expect no more than to enjoy a weekend in Somerset together, relieving the daily pressures of work. They are quickly embroiled in a web of mysteries, and key investigators to solve the case(s).
This fascinating story is the best yet in this excellent series. Chapters begin with quotes from architect Frederick Bligh Bond and occultist Dion Fortune. First half of the book sets the stage by describing the lovely and historic region and its legends, as well as personal backstories of key local characters.
A group forms to investigate Glastonbury Abbey history, to solve the riddle of Edmund's messages. An attempted murder followed by a murder fully engage the detectives, who stay on in Glastonbury hoping to solve the mysteries in time to prevent additional deaths. Suspense mounts slowly and gradually to a violent stormy scene on Glastonbury Tor.
Pregnant teenage runaway Faith works in the village bakery owned & run by Buddy. Buddy's close friend Garnet, a loner who lives in an off-the-grid farmhouse, offers Faith a place to stay. Garnet comes to care for Faith as a daughter, does not pressure her to reveal the identity of the baby's father or to reunite with her family.
Architect Jack still grieves for his wife Emily, who died in childbirth. He returned to live in his childhood home in Glastonbury. At a church choir performance, he meets a new friend, Winnie. He's not looking to date, but enjoys her company very much. The healing peace of Jack's life is disrupted when he suddenly begins automatic writing. Messages in Latin from Edmund, a monk of Glastonbury Abbey centuries ago.
Fiona is a local painter; her husband Bram owns a local gallery. She paints when obsessed/compelled to do so. Lately her paintings are scary depictions of monsters surrounding a small child. Normally Bram hangs her pictures in his gallery, and is proud of her success, but these paintings disturb him.
Simon is an academic expert on Glastonbury and its Arthurian legend, including the Holy Grail. His haughty autocratic personality keeps friendship at bay. He's rumored to claim students' work as his own.
To this intriguing mix of relationships add Scotland Yard detectives Duncan & Gemma. They travel to Glastonbury unofficially to help Duncan's cousin. They expect no more than to enjoy a weekend in Somerset together, relieving the daily pressures of work. They are quickly embroiled in a web of mysteries, and key investigators to solve the case(s).
This fascinating story is the best yet in this excellent series. Chapters begin with quotes from architect Frederick Bligh Bond and occultist Dion Fortune. First half of the book sets the stage by describing the lovely and historic region and its legends, as well as personal backstories of key local characters.
A group forms to investigate Glastonbury Abbey history, to solve the riddle of Edmund's messages. An attempted murder followed by a murder fully engage the detectives, who stay on in Glastonbury hoping to solve the mysteries in time to prevent additional deaths. Suspense mounts slowly and gradually to a violent stormy scene on Glastonbury Tor.
July 30, 2024
I know some reviewers didn't like the paranormal aspects of this story, but I found myself rather enjoying it. This novel is different in tone than some of the other books in the series, but I found the variance entertaining rather than off-putting.
The story is set in Glastonbury and while the players (and villain) are very much human, old legends definitely figure into the background of the story. Threads of story revolving around the mysterious decline of an abbey, a lost chronicle, and some modern-day violence all weave together into an interesting tale. The author does a good job evoking her setting and developing characters in a way that gives this book a very definite moodiness. Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James play a less prominent role than usual in this story, but because I so liked the worldbuilding, it still worked for me.
The story is set in Glastonbury and while the players (and villain) are very much human, old legends definitely figure into the background of the story. Threads of story revolving around the mysterious decline of an abbey, a lost chronicle, and some modern-day violence all weave together into an interesting tale. The author does a good job evoking her setting and developing characters in a way that gives this book a very definite moodiness. Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James play a less prominent role than usual in this story, but because I so liked the worldbuilding, it still worked for me.
January 22, 2023
3.5
Now this is the type of improbable, super natural, escapism murder mystery I am talking about! Very much enjoying the slow burn drama between Duncan and Gemma, I wasn't sure how she'd keep it interesting after the will-they-wont-they was wrapped up quickly. Now the books are exploring the real life drama of a long term relationship.
This mystery was really unique in that Duncan and Gemma didn't really play much of a role until the very end. The murder happened halfway through the book, so the story had more to do with the little village and its super-natural forces (yes! magical realism in a murder mystery) for the bulk of the book, with Gemma and Duncan being only peripherally involved until the 11th hour.
Now this is the type of improbable, super natural, escapism murder mystery I am talking about! Very much enjoying the slow burn drama between Duncan and Gemma, I wasn't sure how she'd keep it interesting after the will-they-wont-they was wrapped up quickly. Now the books are exploring the real life drama of a long term relationship.
This mystery was really unique in that Duncan and Gemma didn't really play much of a role until the very end. The murder happened halfway through the book, so the story had more to do with the little village and its super-natural forces (yes! magical realism in a murder mystery) for the bulk of the book, with Gemma and Duncan being only peripherally involved until the 11th hour.
July 7, 2025
It's been awhile since I read a book in this series. They've been a little sparse and hard to find nearby and I wasn't requesting them as library transfers as they were typically coming from the North side of Alberta when I lived in southern Alberta. All that to say I didn't realize how much I missed this series.
This one didn't disappoint with a slightly paranormal twist to the story when Duncan is called in to help his cousin with some issues outside of London. The relationship between Duncan and Gemma continues to develop (complications) so she joins him for part of the trip and gets involved in the investigation as well. Glastonbury is an intriguing location and this mystery didn't really disappoint.
This one didn't disappoint with a slightly paranormal twist to the story when Duncan is called in to help his cousin with some issues outside of London. The relationship between Duncan and Gemma continues to develop (complications) so she joins him for part of the trip and gets involved in the investigation as well. Glastonbury is an intriguing location and this mystery didn't really disappoint.
January 14, 2021
This is the seventh entry in the Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James mystery series. This book was definitely different and Kincaid and James didn't enter the story for quite some time. It takes place in Glastonbury, England which is known for its ancient and medieval sites, many rich in myth. The entire story has a supernatural element. Jack Montfort, a cousin of Duncan Kincaid, asks Duncan to come to Glastonbury after his girlfriend Winnie, an Anglican priest, is almost killed by a hit and run driver. Duncan and Gemma travel there for a little time away, but find more mystery than they'd expected. Jack has been receiving communication from an ancient monk via automatic writing in Latin. There are a host of characters and soon a dead body to contend with. I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as some of the others so far in the series.
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