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Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James #8
And Justice There Is None
Award-winning author Deborah Crombie has elevated the modern mystery novel to new heights of human drama and multilayered suspense with her critically acclaimed tales of intrigue featuring Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and Sergeant Gemma James. In their latest outing, Kincaid and his former partner--and soon-to-be roommate--follow a twisting trail of rage and retribution whose buried roots are about to exact a deadly toll on the living.
And Justice There is None
Gemma James is adjusting to professional and personal changes that include her eagerly sought promotion to the rank of inspector--and a future now intricately entwined with Duncan Kincaid. But her new responsibilities are put to the test when she is placed in charge of a particularly brutal homicide: The lovely young wife of a wealthy antiques dealer has been found murdered on fashionable Notting Hill.
Dawn Arrowood was six weeks pregnant. Her lover, Alex Dunn, a porcelain dealer in London’s bustling Portobello Market, appears absolutely devastated by her death, but Gemma’s the main focus of investigation is soon Karl Arrowood, who had the most powerful motive for killing his unfaithful wife. But this case sets off warning bells for Duncan: it’s far too similar to an unsolved murder in which an antiques dealer was killed in precisely the same way and when the escalating violence claims yet another victim, he and Gemma find themselves at increasing odds with each other--as two separate investigations become linked in the most startling of ways. Their hunt for a killer will traverse the teeming stalls of the city’s antiques markets to a decades-in-the-making vendetta of history and hatred that has been honed to a flawless, deadly point. To solve this case, Gemma and Duncan must walk a merciless razor’s edge through a place where true justice will be a long time coming.
From the Hardcover edition.
And Justice There is None
Gemma James is adjusting to professional and personal changes that include her eagerly sought promotion to the rank of inspector--and a future now intricately entwined with Duncan Kincaid. But her new responsibilities are put to the test when she is placed in charge of a particularly brutal homicide: The lovely young wife of a wealthy antiques dealer has been found murdered on fashionable Notting Hill.
Dawn Arrowood was six weeks pregnant. Her lover, Alex Dunn, a porcelain dealer in London’s bustling Portobello Market, appears absolutely devastated by her death, but Gemma’s the main focus of investigation is soon Karl Arrowood, who had the most powerful motive for killing his unfaithful wife. But this case sets off warning bells for Duncan: it’s far too similar to an unsolved murder in which an antiques dealer was killed in precisely the same way and when the escalating violence claims yet another victim, he and Gemma find themselves at increasing odds with each other--as two separate investigations become linked in the most startling of ways. Their hunt for a killer will traverse the teeming stalls of the city’s antiques markets to a decades-in-the-making vendetta of history and hatred that has been honed to a flawless, deadly point. To solve this case, Gemma and Duncan must walk a merciless razor’s edge through a place where true justice will be a long time coming.
From the Hardcover edition.
Audiobook
First published August 27, 2002
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About the author
Deborah Crombie
53 books2,514 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 478 reviews
May 8, 2018
And Justice There is None by Deborah Crombie is a 2002 Bantam publication.
This eighth installment in the Kincaid and James series righted itself after that truly awful seventh book. Thank goodness, Gemma and Kincaid area back to work on realistic police cases.
Gemma gets the initial call on this case, which involves the murder of Dawn Arrowood, a beautiful, married woman who also happened to be in the early stages of pregnancy. The suspects are plenty as Dawn’s husband, Karl, may have found out she was involved in an extramarital affair, or, of course, it could be Alex Dunn, her lover, a porcelain dealer, or it could have been a random attack. However, Duncan throws an unexpected curve ball into the mix when he explains that Dawn’s murder bore a striking resemblance to another murder, involving an antiques dealer. Could the two cases be connected?
On a more personal note, Gemma and Duncan begin making plans to blend their families in preparation for the new addition to the family, which is a huge step, especially for Gemma. Not only that, they seem to have added new fur baby into the fold, which was a nice addition, for sure.
I really enjoyed this installment. The police procedural cadence is rock solid and is the reason this series gets such high marks. Of course, the relationship between Duncan and Gemma is another reason why this series is so compelling and may be the real reason I keep tuning in even after encountering a few rocky bumps in the road.
This is a nice twisty mystery, is moody, and tense, and a real page turner. I was saddened by some of the events that transpired in the story, but I had a vague suspicion things were heading in that direction, unfortunately. However, I’m hoping there will be better times ahead for all concerned.
Now, I’m on to the ninth installment, hoping the momentum from this one will continue on-
4 stars
This eighth installment in the Kincaid and James series righted itself after that truly awful seventh book. Thank goodness, Gemma and Kincaid area back to work on realistic police cases.
Gemma gets the initial call on this case, which involves the murder of Dawn Arrowood, a beautiful, married woman who also happened to be in the early stages of pregnancy. The suspects are plenty as Dawn’s husband, Karl, may have found out she was involved in an extramarital affair, or, of course, it could be Alex Dunn, her lover, a porcelain dealer, or it could have been a random attack. However, Duncan throws an unexpected curve ball into the mix when he explains that Dawn’s murder bore a striking resemblance to another murder, involving an antiques dealer. Could the two cases be connected?
On a more personal note, Gemma and Duncan begin making plans to blend their families in preparation for the new addition to the family, which is a huge step, especially for Gemma. Not only that, they seem to have added new fur baby into the fold, which was a nice addition, for sure.
I really enjoyed this installment. The police procedural cadence is rock solid and is the reason this series gets such high marks. Of course, the relationship between Duncan and Gemma is another reason why this series is so compelling and may be the real reason I keep tuning in even after encountering a few rocky bumps in the road.
This is a nice twisty mystery, is moody, and tense, and a real page turner. I was saddened by some of the events that transpired in the story, but I had a vague suspicion things were heading in that direction, unfortunately. However, I’m hoping there will be better times ahead for all concerned.
Now, I’m on to the ninth installment, hoping the momentum from this one will continue on-
4 stars
September 15, 2021
3.5 stars
In this 8th book in the 'Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James' series, the detectives investigate the death of a trophy wife and a cold case. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the series is a bonus.
*****
Detective Inspector Gemma James - who was partners with Superintendent Duncan Kincaid at Scotland Yard - has been transferred to Notting Hill Police Station. This eases the situation between Gemma and Duncan, who are romantically involved and moving in together.
The blended family will consist of Gemma and her little boy Toby; Duncan and his pre-teen son Kit; and - as it turns out - a cat and two dogs. In addition, Gemma and Duncan are expecting a child.
Gemma lands a big case at Notting Hill when Dawn Arrowood - the trophy wife of wealthy antique trader Karl Arrowood - is found with her throat slit.
Dawn had been having an affair with a pottery dealer called Alex Dunn, and Karl is suspected of killing his unfaithful wife - but there's no evidence against him.
Moreover, the brutal method of Dawn's death reminds Duncan of the unsolved murder of another woman, and the detective couple is soon working together on the dual cases.....which seem to be connected somehow.
Gemma learns that Dawn and Alex were part of a hippy-ish group of friends who met for coffee at Otto's Café every day. In addition to the lovers, the clique includes a gal who's a veterinarian and a man who runs a shelter for the homeless. The vet is thinking about opening a free clinic for homeless people's pets, which is a very difficult enterprise.
Also on hand are the café's waiter - who knows everyone in the neighborhood, and the café's owner - a Russian immigrant who's known Karl Arrowood for years....and is SURE Karl killed his wife!
As the story unfolds, the detectives' investigations in the present are interspersed with scenes from the past, when two immigrant families - one from Poland and one from the West Indies - became neighbors in Notting Hill.
Over the course of the book, we follow the fates of these Polish and West Indian families, and learn how they're connected to the crimes occurring now - and it's not a pretty picture. It seems that Notting Hill has a history of post-WWII black market shenanigans, along with smuggling antiques and drugs.
On the personal side, we observe Gemma and Duncan moving into their new digs and adjusting to life together; Duncan dealing with custody issues relating to Kit; and Gemma handling that old bugaboo - a male colleague who resents a woman boss and deliberately makes trouble for her.
I enjoyed the book. It's a good mystery that has clues dispersed throughout the narrative, perfect for the astute reader who likes to speculate about 'whodunit.'
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
November 19, 2012
Back on track! I admit that I was a little let down by A Finer End, feeling that the supernatural components of the novel just didn't fit well into the framework of a Kincaid/James novel. Picking up shortly after that, And Justice There is None exhibits a true return to form for Crombie and her wonderful copper duo, featuring a colorful cast of characters, great dialogue, a twisty plot and a years old back story that all serve as well thought out pieces in a great puzzle.
I've noticed yet another trend in the Crombie books over the past few novels. In addition to being about darker subject matters, they also seem to be telling a story within a story. Not only are we treated to the current ongoing investigations of Duncan and Gemma--which in this case involves the recent murder of a successful if not shady antiquities dealer that just so happens to bear eerie similarity to an unsolved vase of Duncan's from several months back--but we're offered pieces of a back story featuring a character that we only know as Angel. Angel's story is just as interesting as the main current time plot. As with all Crombie novels, there's meaning in everything and over time, the 30+ year old story of tragedy that is Angel's tale weaves snugly and intriguingly into the on going investigation.
This book also has more focus on the now pregnant Inspector Gemma James. Previous novels were either more about Duncan or more about the two of them, but now that they're no longer working together and are ready to have child together, we're offered alot of page time towards the furthering of Gemma's character. How she's dealing with no longer working with Kincaid....how she's dealing with the new responsibilities of her job....how she's dealing with all of THAT in addition to try to make sense out of her newly chaotic home life: new house, new baby, the melding of two families as the two look to move in together.
Just great great stuff. This is Crombie at the top of her game.
I've noticed yet another trend in the Crombie books over the past few novels. In addition to being about darker subject matters, they also seem to be telling a story within a story. Not only are we treated to the current ongoing investigations of Duncan and Gemma--which in this case involves the recent murder of a successful if not shady antiquities dealer that just so happens to bear eerie similarity to an unsolved vase of Duncan's from several months back--but we're offered pieces of a back story featuring a character that we only know as Angel. Angel's story is just as interesting as the main current time plot. As with all Crombie novels, there's meaning in everything and over time, the 30+ year old story of tragedy that is Angel's tale weaves snugly and intriguingly into the on going investigation.
This book also has more focus on the now pregnant Inspector Gemma James. Previous novels were either more about Duncan or more about the two of them, but now that they're no longer working together and are ready to have child together, we're offered alot of page time towards the furthering of Gemma's character. How she's dealing with no longer working with Kincaid....how she's dealing with the new responsibilities of her job....how she's dealing with all of THAT in addition to try to make sense out of her newly chaotic home life: new house, new baby, the melding of two families as the two look to move in together.
Just great great stuff. This is Crombie at the top of her game.
October 17, 2025
I am quite a fan of the Inspectors Kincaid/James series and this one does not disappoint. It takes some real concentration to follow the story as there are many characters and the tale is complex, to say the least.
It centers around the British antiques business which is an interesting setting. The wife of a well-known dealer is savagely murdered and that's just the beginning since two more murders will occur. Clues are sparse and something about those involved rings a bell in Kincaid's memory about a murder that he investigated a couple of years earlier. The author jumps between two time frames but does it well.
We also get a look at the personal life of Kincaid and James as they plan to move in together after their long romance. You might think that this would be off-putting but, surprisingly, it is not, as it gives the reader an understanding of the problems that arise between personal life and police work.
An intriguing plot that will keep you guessing. If you like British mystery, this book and series will capture your attention.
It centers around the British antiques business which is an interesting setting. The wife of a well-known dealer is savagely murdered and that's just the beginning since two more murders will occur. Clues are sparse and something about those involved rings a bell in Kincaid's memory about a murder that he investigated a couple of years earlier. The author jumps between two time frames but does it well.
We also get a look at the personal life of Kincaid and James as they plan to move in together after their long romance. You might think that this would be off-putting but, surprisingly, it is not, as it gives the reader an understanding of the problems that arise between personal life and police work.
An intriguing plot that will keep you guessing. If you like British mystery, this book and series will capture your attention.
October 11, 2012
I loved this so much. This may well be my favorite Deborah Crombie book. In this story, Inspector Gemma James is happily pregnant and her relationship with her former partner Superintendent Duncan Kincaid is rapidly moving forward when he surprises her with a fancy house they can move into together with her 4 year old son Toby and his 12 year old son Kit, his cat, Kit's dog, and the new cocker spaniel Geordie that Gemma adopts. The house is available to them for 5 years as the owners have an out of the country work contract for that long.
When the case of a murdered rich woman Dawn Arrowood is assigned to Gemma, Duncan finds the strong similarities between this death and one of his unsolved cases eerily similar and gets permission for Scotland Yard to assist Gemma. There is a backstory that is included in the chapters, a bit of some people's history that will help solve and explain what happens. More people die and the back story helps explain why.
There is quite an interesting cast here and the story is riveting. You'll meet Duncan's new sergeant Cullen, Otto who owns a cafe and might or might not be with the Russian Mafia, Dawn's bastard of a rich husband Karl, Bryony a kind veterinarian, her lecherous boss Gavin, Alex the antique dealer torn between his ex-girl Fern and his married lover Dawn, Marc who feeds the homeless, and a whole slew of people in the back story that runs from 1959 to the 1970's. The killer was not who I thought it would be and this was a totally absorbing story.
As always, the romance between Duncan and Gemma is woven throughout the book. They are now living together and things are cozy but when Gemma miscarries, they must face heartbreak together and there is the matter of Kit. Those who follow the series already know that Kit's mother Victoria had been married to Duncan and left him for one of her professors Ian years earlier. She was pregnant by Duncan with Kit but did not bother to tell him and passed him off as Ian's son. When Ian abandoned them for a nubile graduate student, Duncan came to help Vic with a mystery, she was murdered, and Duncan discovered Kit was his. Just as his relationship with Kit is beginning to flourish and Kit has bonded with Gemma and her little son Toby, Vic's parents become a threat since Ian has moved to Canada to teach. They want to legally get custody of Kit. Duncan realizes he will have to prove paternity to have a chance. He should have done this 3 books back but maybe will in the next book.
Very much worth reading.
When the case of a murdered rich woman Dawn Arrowood is assigned to Gemma, Duncan finds the strong similarities between this death and one of his unsolved cases eerily similar and gets permission for Scotland Yard to assist Gemma. There is a backstory that is included in the chapters, a bit of some people's history that will help solve and explain what happens. More people die and the back story helps explain why.
There is quite an interesting cast here and the story is riveting. You'll meet Duncan's new sergeant Cullen, Otto who owns a cafe and might or might not be with the Russian Mafia, Dawn's bastard of a rich husband Karl, Bryony a kind veterinarian, her lecherous boss Gavin, Alex the antique dealer torn between his ex-girl Fern and his married lover Dawn, Marc who feeds the homeless, and a whole slew of people in the back story that runs from 1959 to the 1970's. The killer was not who I thought it would be and this was a totally absorbing story.
As always, the romance between Duncan and Gemma is woven throughout the book. They are now living together and things are cozy but when Gemma miscarries, they must face heartbreak together and there is the matter of Kit. Those who follow the series already know that Kit's mother Victoria had been married to Duncan and left him for one of her professors Ian years earlier. She was pregnant by Duncan with Kit but did not bother to tell him and passed him off as Ian's son. When Ian abandoned them for a nubile graduate student, Duncan came to help Vic with a mystery, she was murdered, and Duncan discovered Kit was his. Just as his relationship with Kit is beginning to flourish and Kit has bonded with Gemma and her little son Toby, Vic's parents become a threat since Ian has moved to Canada to teach. They want to legally get custody of Kit. Duncan realizes he will have to prove paternity to have a chance. He should have done this 3 books back but maybe will in the next book.
Very much worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2019
4.5 Stars!! This was an excellent book in the Duncan & Gemma series. The mystery was wonderfully plotted, had me guessing right up to the end. I thought I could figure it out but it was always tantalizingly elusive. The ongoing relationship between Duncan and Gemma only gets better with each book. And I love the bitty blurbs on the history of Notting Hill and Portobello Road heading up each chapter!
December 2, 2009
First Sentence: He ran, as so many others ran, the black anorak protecting him from the mist, the reflective patches on his trainers gleaming as he passed under the street lamps.
There are big changes in the lives of Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid. They are expecting a child together, moving into a large new house, having Duncan’s son come live with them and her son, and Gemma has been promoted to Inspector.
Gemma’s first case, in her new position, is the murder of Dawn Arrowood, beautiful young wife of wealthy antiques dealer, Karl. She is also the lover of a young antiques dealer, Alex Dunn, and she is six weeks pregnant. The case is slow in progressing as all Gemma’s suspects have very good alibis. Things become more challenging when Duncan uncovers a past murder that fits the same profile. Now they need to find the link between the two killings.
Crombie is one of a few authors that does a good job combining her protagonists personal and professional lives without becoming overly sappy about the former or losing the tension in the latter. In fact, one thing I enjoy is the slow, almost imperceptible rise in the level of suspense throughout the book. I also appreciate her occasional wry humor as when she talks about real investigations being unlike “American cop shows on the telly, where the tough guys always got their man by the end of the hour.”
Unfortunately, the things that bothered me outweighed the elements I did like. There were redundant references to Dawn meeting Alex, as well as characters feeling an instant recognition toward another, once even a dog. There were a lot of coincidences. A good deal of the book dealt with an unknown narrator telling a story – in italics. One element of the ending was way too predictable but well handled in spite of it and there were several good twists along the way.
While I feel a stronger editor would have been a benefit, I like Crombie’s writing. This was a good, interesting, traditional police procedural and I plan on reading more of her books.
AND JUSTICE THERE IS NONE (Pol Proc-Gemma James/Duncan Kincaid-England-Cont) – G
Crombie, Deborah – 8th in series
Bantam Books, 2002, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9780553109733
There are big changes in the lives of Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid. They are expecting a child together, moving into a large new house, having Duncan’s son come live with them and her son, and Gemma has been promoted to Inspector.
Gemma’s first case, in her new position, is the murder of Dawn Arrowood, beautiful young wife of wealthy antiques dealer, Karl. She is also the lover of a young antiques dealer, Alex Dunn, and she is six weeks pregnant. The case is slow in progressing as all Gemma’s suspects have very good alibis. Things become more challenging when Duncan uncovers a past murder that fits the same profile. Now they need to find the link between the two killings.
Crombie is one of a few authors that does a good job combining her protagonists personal and professional lives without becoming overly sappy about the former or losing the tension in the latter. In fact, one thing I enjoy is the slow, almost imperceptible rise in the level of suspense throughout the book. I also appreciate her occasional wry humor as when she talks about real investigations being unlike “American cop shows on the telly, where the tough guys always got their man by the end of the hour.”
Unfortunately, the things that bothered me outweighed the elements I did like. There were redundant references to Dawn meeting Alex, as well as characters feeling an instant recognition toward another, once even a dog. There were a lot of coincidences. A good deal of the book dealt with an unknown narrator telling a story – in italics. One element of the ending was way too predictable but well handled in spite of it and there were several good twists along the way.
While I feel a stronger editor would have been a benefit, I like Crombie’s writing. This was a good, interesting, traditional police procedural and I plan on reading more of her books.
AND JUSTICE THERE IS NONE (Pol Proc-Gemma James/Duncan Kincaid-England-Cont) – G
Crombie, Deborah – 8th in series
Bantam Books, 2002, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9780553109733
February 9, 2019
3.5 stars.
I found Angel's story so sad, but it took quite a while to figure out how she fits in with the rest of the story. Once I had a glimmer of understanding, it wasn't hard to connect the dots. However, I do admire how Ms Crombie managed to weave the threads together so intricately.
P.S.
I found Angel's story so sad, but it took quite a while to figure out how she fits in with the rest of the story. Once I had a glimmer of understanding, it wasn't hard to connect the dots. However, I do admire how Ms Crombie managed to weave the threads together so intricately.
P.S.
February 8, 2023
Decent British police procedural. 4.5 years ago, I read #2, All Shall Be Well. I rather liked it, but my comments there are equally applicable to this book. "While I enjoyed the book, I found it slow and tedious at times. Further, the conclusion, while pulling together various characters and unresolved questions, also draws a rabbit out of the hat." In this volume, Inspector Duncan Kincaid is still with Scotland Yard, while Gemma Jones is not, but is a local DCI. The main difference operationally is that (1) she is pregnant with his baby and (2) they move in together. Nevertheless, Duncan finds a way to involve himself in the case, and Gemma professes to enjoy working with him again.
I know Crombie has her ardent fans, and that's fine, but the MC's seem kind of drab to me, and their relationship seems to be more one of convenience more than excitement. I won't be rushing out to grab another in the series.
I know Crombie has her ardent fans, and that's fine, but the MC's seem kind of drab to me, and their relationship seems to be more one of convenience more than excitement. I won't be rushing out to grab another in the series.
December 8, 2021
I've read the Crombie Kincaid/James books in order - this is #8. Crombie is OK for the most part. I enjoy her prose, and she draws characters pretty well, the dialog is believable... but. This one drags on... and on... and on... with no apparent progress... and on.... It seems that she can't bear to part with her characters, and can't bear to finish the story, or can't bear to explain the coincidences, and can't bear to explain who is really whom - since names seem to evolve and change for no immediately apparent reason. I've never been able to tolerate those 'mystery' stories where the author essentially 'cheats' in my view - where at the end you find out that the 'harmless neighbor' is really the victim's long lost cousin Ned - come back for revenge after 40 years. Surprise!! Not sure I'll make it through #9... may not live that long... or maybe I won't be able to bear the repetition of the word 'bear.'
12/2021 - I'm re-reading Crombie now - did this one again. I stand by the above, but wanted to add that I'm now also stumped as to who was Alex's Mother/Aunt Jane's sister? If Crombie said somewhere in the endless 'story' - I missed it. If someone comes across it, please let me know!!
12/2021 - I'm re-reading Crombie now - did this one again. I stand by the above, but wanted to add that I'm now also stumped as to who was Alex's Mother/Aunt Jane's sister? If Crombie said somewhere in the endless 'story' - I missed it. If someone comes across it, please let me know!!
April 23, 2017
Back to excellence. I must admit I was worried, considering the previous episode. This one is another must read. New secondary characters, a new area of London, a new life and a great murder plot, that kept me guessing.
February 12, 2023
This was my favorite in the series so far. Lots of suspense-building foreshadowing in both the murder mystery and the relationship between Gemma and Duncan.
(Although the 11 year old serving as nanny to the 4 year old made me nervous. Specially with all those murders going on…)
(Although the 11 year old serving as nanny to the 4 year old made me nervous. Specially with all those murders going on…)
December 11, 2021
L'inspectrice Gemma James enquête sur le meurtre de la femme d'un antiquaire. Cet assassinat a des similitudes avec un crime datant de quelques mois. Gemma va mener l'enquête avec son conjoint, également policier, Duncan. Plusieurs pistes, plusieurs suspects, plusieurs mobiles... l'enquête promet d'être intéressante.
Gemma et Duncan sont des personnages récurrents de l'auteure, mais ce roman peut se lire de façon indépendante. Entre le titre et le sapin sur la couverture, je m'attendais à un thriller de noël, ce qui n'est pas du tout le cas. L'intrigue n'a rien à voir avec les fêtes de fin d'année.
Ce roman mêle une enquête et la vie privée du couple Gemma et Duncan. Cet aspect n'est pas trop présent et donc je n'ai pas été gênée de ne pas avoir lu les tomes précédents. Concernant l'intrigue en elle-même, le suspense est maintenu jusqu'au bout. L'auteure a tissé plusieurs fils et il faut attendre la fin pour comprendre comment ils sont reliés. L'écriture est très fluide, le roman fait presque 500 pages et je ne les ai pas vues passer. Cependant, même si tout s'explique, il y a quelques points de détails qui ne sont pas assez explicités à mon goût.
En bref, un bon roman à suspens, sans trop de violence, qui me donne envie de lire d'autres livres de l'auteure.
Gemma et Duncan sont des personnages récurrents de l'auteure, mais ce roman peut se lire de façon indépendante. Entre le titre et le sapin sur la couverture, je m'attendais à un thriller de noël, ce qui n'est pas du tout le cas. L'intrigue n'a rien à voir avec les fêtes de fin d'année.
Ce roman mêle une enquête et la vie privée du couple Gemma et Duncan. Cet aspect n'est pas trop présent et donc je n'ai pas été gênée de ne pas avoir lu les tomes précédents. Concernant l'intrigue en elle-même, le suspense est maintenu jusqu'au bout. L'auteure a tissé plusieurs fils et il faut attendre la fin pour comprendre comment ils sont reliés. L'écriture est très fluide, le roman fait presque 500 pages et je ne les ai pas vues passer. Cependant, même si tout s'explique, il y a quelques points de détails qui ne sont pas assez explicités à mon goût.
En bref, un bon roman à suspens, sans trop de violence, qui me donne envie de lire d'autres livres de l'auteure.
December 28, 2022
In this entry in a long running police procedural series, Inspector Gemma James and Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid are combining their families and moving into a home of their own. Gemma is pregnant and their relationship has settled into a comfortable routine.
When Gemma catches a case where the victim, Dawn Arrowood, is murdered in the same manner as the victim in an investigation Duncan is working on, they connect the dots wondering if it could be the same perpetrator. We are introduced to a small circle of friends and associates that are connected to an antiques market in the local neighbourhood. They may unknowingly have information that would is pertinent to the case.
These books are more of a cozy police procedural. There is violence and it can be graphic, but not too many details are shared. The investigations always involve a lot of informal chatting with people and the personal lives of the two leads play a significant role in the novels' structures. I enjoy spending time with this duo and catching up on their lives.
When Gemma catches a case where the victim, Dawn Arrowood, is murdered in the same manner as the victim in an investigation Duncan is working on, they connect the dots wondering if it could be the same perpetrator. We are introduced to a small circle of friends and associates that are connected to an antiques market in the local neighbourhood. They may unknowingly have information that would is pertinent to the case.
These books are more of a cozy police procedural. There is violence and it can be graphic, but not too many details are shared. The investigations always involve a lot of informal chatting with people and the personal lives of the two leads play a significant role in the novels' structures. I enjoy spending time with this duo and catching up on their lives.
July 27, 2020
This the 8th Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James mystery and it is filled with HUGE changes, and, of course, murder. Interspersed within the main narrative, is a backstory that makes more and more sense as the book progresses. The action takes place in a neighborhood where friends have become family, and real family is revealed. There are connections within connections, and I never guessed the ending. Love this series!
December 28, 2020
I actually finished this book a few days ago and I would have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Although there was a sad situation which occurred, but not the focal point of the story I would say that I liked this book of all the ones I have read with the duo of Duncan and Gemma.
Of course as per usual I didn’t figure out who the murderer was until it was revealed and that person wasn’t on my radar.
Onto the next book in the series.
Although there was a sad situation which occurred, but not the focal point of the story I would say that I liked this book of all the ones I have read with the duo of Duncan and Gemma.
Of course as per usual I didn’t figure out who the murderer was until it was revealed and that person wasn’t on my radar.
Onto the next book in the series.
December 14, 2022
#8 in the series, but empty shelves in the library forced me to skip 2, but I will proceed. Love the main characters, and her knack for tying the past and present together in a tidy knot!
March 18, 2020
I'm not sure if this book is really 4 stars, but compared to the last one it is. The added info on the metamorphosis of Portobello was very interesting.
June 26, 2018
I’ve read the first eight books in the series, one after the other as though it is one long novel. I really like the characters, and the plot has just the right pace for me; a medium pace, the pace of a mystery. I’ll be starting book nine immediately. The books sitting on my side-table will have to wait till I finish the whole series.
May 9, 2020
Interesting details of Portobello Road area, particularly the market and antiques, are provided in book excerpts at the chapter heads. Crombie moves the story of Kincaid and James right along without providing all the details as their relationship progresses. The focus is on the mystery, but I do enjoy the peering into the lives of the detectives.
February 15, 2019
AND JUSTICE THERE IS NONE by Deborah Crombie is Book #8 in her Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James mystery series.
This book is excellently plotted with very interesting characters and situations. I like the emphasis on location. (In this book we learn about the history of the Notting Hill area of London.) There are layers of ‘back stories’ which all come together at the end.
This period is a very difficult one for Gemma and Duncan’s personal and professional relationship.
All of the ‘endings’ leave the reader with a great sense of sadness.
Highly recommended title and series.
This book is excellently plotted with very interesting characters and situations. I like the emphasis on location. (In this book we learn about the history of the Notting Hill area of London.) There are layers of ‘back stories’ which all come together at the end.
This period is a very difficult one for Gemma and Duncan’s personal and professional relationship.
All of the ‘endings’ leave the reader with a great sense of sadness.
Highly recommended title and series.
February 8, 2019
Initially, this book seemed more like the earlier books where Kincaid and Gemma worked together to solve a crime in London. In the previous book, The pair went out of town where they had no jurisdiction but got drawn into solving a murder case involving Kincaid's cousin. Now that Gemma has been promoted to inspector and is working out of Notting Hill, I think the author will be challenged to find ways to have the two detectives work together.
I ended up not liking this book for multiple reasons.
There were too many characters and it was hard to keep them straight. There were sections interspersed throughout the book that were in italics and were about a character who lived in an earlier time. You know she is tied to the present somehow, but these parallel stories grew tiresome.
When we finally reach the conclusion, events and people conveniently fit together to provide a very contrived ending. The author failed to provide an explanation for how one of the suspects was related to a murdered victim. The plotting just doesn't work.
The ending also is sad and I really wasn't expecting it.
Gemma is the main character in this story. Kincaid plays a supporting role. I feel like the author allows us to know Gemma better throughout the series. I like her. I am fairly ambivalent about Kincaid.
I'm taking a break from this series while I decide if I should keep at it.
I ended up not liking this book for multiple reasons.
There were too many characters and it was hard to keep them straight. There were sections interspersed throughout the book that were in italics and were about a character who lived in an earlier time. You know she is tied to the present somehow, but these parallel stories grew tiresome.
When we finally reach the conclusion, events and people conveniently fit together to provide a very contrived ending. The author failed to provide an explanation for how one of the suspects was related to a murdered victim. The plotting just doesn't work.
The ending also is sad and I really wasn't expecting it.
Gemma is the main character in this story. Kincaid plays a supporting role. I feel like the author allows us to know Gemma better throughout the series. I like her. I am fairly ambivalent about Kincaid.
I'm taking a break from this series while I decide if I should keep at it.
July 7, 2011
I was reading Nina Sankovitch’s Tolstoy and the Purple Chair the other day and came across the following reference to Deborah Crombie, whose novels I’ve been reading lately.
Anne-Marie had just introduced me to the writer Deborah Crombie and her sleuths, Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James. She reread the series while I worked my way through, virgin and loving it.
Crombie’s novels are like that, the kind of books so rich you want to re-read even on your deathbed.
In this murder mystery, set in London’s Notting Hill neighborhood, the murdered woman is an unlikely victim. Young, beautiful, rich, liked by everyone, she is loved by a young antique dealer who wants her to leave her wealthy and powerful husband. Gemma Jones, newly promoted and with her own patch in Notting Hill, thinks the husband killed her. But when he, too, turns up dead, and killed in the same grisly fashion as his wife, Duncan Kincaid’s theory that the person who killed an antiques dealer a few months before is again at work.
The newly introduced characters in this novel are colorful and charming and they will, some of them, remain friends of Gemma and Duncan and their boys in later books.
2011 No 102
Anne-Marie had just introduced me to the writer Deborah Crombie and her sleuths, Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James. She reread the series while I worked my way through, virgin and loving it.
Crombie’s novels are like that, the kind of books so rich you want to re-read even on your deathbed.
In this murder mystery, set in London’s Notting Hill neighborhood, the murdered woman is an unlikely victim. Young, beautiful, rich, liked by everyone, she is loved by a young antique dealer who wants her to leave her wealthy and powerful husband. Gemma Jones, newly promoted and with her own patch in Notting Hill, thinks the husband killed her. But when he, too, turns up dead, and killed in the same grisly fashion as his wife, Duncan Kincaid’s theory that the person who killed an antiques dealer a few months before is again at work.
The newly introduced characters in this novel are colorful and charming and they will, some of them, remain friends of Gemma and Duncan and their boys in later books.
2011 No 102
January 8, 2013
There is no doubt about it, Deborah Crombie is more than capable of writing a compelling and intricately told mystery that unfolds beautifully. I have found this to be so with each of her books that I have read except for her last book, A Finer End. And Justice There Is None,is one of the best so far. A story that is difficult to put down or look away from. This also focused more on Gemma James and I felt like I grasped a better understanding of what motivates her. But...My problem is with, I think, the authors point of view and analysis of what motivates people and causes them to make the choices that they make. Her analysis comes across to me as, your beautiful therefore you are selfish. You've had a bad childhood, exposed to hatred, therefore you will be unbalanced or harmful to others. You've had a good childhood, therefore you will be loving and kind. Your ugly therefore you will be compassionate. I have found in life regardless of outward appearances and circumstances and things,that it all comes down to an individual and their own personal choices in life. Whether for good or for bad...
March 30, 2013
Another case for Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid involves the brutal murder of a wealthy woman in fashionable Nottinghill. Dawn Arowwood was found by her husband in the shrubbery of their expensive home with her throat slashed and a stab wound in the chest. Gemma has a lot on her plate being pregnant, working as an Inspector with the Nottingham police force and moving into a new home with her son Toby, Duncan and his son Kit and adopting a new dog. When it is discovered Dawn was six weeks pregnant and that she had a lover, speculation ran rampant that her successful antique dealer husband was guilty. The lover Alex disappears because word is out that Karl, the husband, is out to kill him. Duncan, working with Scotland Yard, remembers another similar killing of an antique dealer several years ago. While both Gemma and Duncan concentrate on the murder, another one takes place and this time it is the suspect Karl. Deborah does an excellent job of fleshing out the subplots of trouble Kit has with his family and describing the teeming stalls of the city's antique markets underlying the action.
July 2, 2023
This is one of the rare mystery series that has a compelling ongoing personal story between its two leads and great, intricate murders in every installment. In most series either the leads’ backstories leave you wanting or the mysteries are just run-of-the-mill.
This book especially gave a double dose of amazing character development for Duncan and Gemma (New house! Blending their two families! Gemma wants to get married but does Duncan! Gemma has a miscarriage!) and a great mystery involving three murders all connected by one miserable S.O.B. who ruined hundreds of lives and abused every woman he was ever with. Even by the end of it I was reeling at all the shocking developments with the last forty pages being tremendously tumultuous.
Such a good book and I think the best installment I’ve read so far.
This book especially gave a double dose of amazing character development for Duncan and Gemma (New house! Blending their two families! Gemma wants to get married but does Duncan! Gemma has a miscarriage!) and a great mystery involving three murders all connected by one miserable S.O.B. who ruined hundreds of lives and abused every woman he was ever with. Even by the end of it I was reeling at all the shocking developments with the last forty pages being tremendously tumultuous.
Such a good book and I think the best installment I’ve read so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2017
Fantastic! Four and a half stars. I wrote that Kinkaid & James #6 was my favourite so far in the series, but this one is even better, and I've become a total addict. This particular story has such an intricately twisted plot, that it kept me guessing to almost the very end. The main characters are endearing, the setting of Notting Hill and Portobello is interesting (pity there wasn't a little map like others in the series), and the 1960's swinging London flashbacks gently enhance the story. Altogether a very enjoyable read.
Update: 2 years later, I listened to the audiobook and I'm giving this the full whack. Definitely 5 star enjoyment!
Update: 2 years later, I listened to the audiobook and I'm giving this the full whack. Definitely 5 star enjoyment!
July 29, 2012
Maybe I expect too much of Deborah Crombie so was a little disappointed when this book didn't seem to hit the mark as well as some of her earlier ones. I dithered between 3 and 4 stars.It really is a decent mystery but the book is filled with too many coincidences and has a bit of a soap opera feel to the plot so settled on 3 stars.
September 4, 2013
Perhaps my favorite so far but is it really acceptable to leave 12 year old Kit home alone with his 4 year old stepbrother (to be) all day in an unfamiliar house in London with a killer on the loose? Maybe for an hour or two but for several days in a row, including Christmas? Call Grandma James! Wouldn't his grandparents have wanted to see Toby over the holidays?
July 11, 2015
Probably the best in the series so far. Enjoyed it.
But giggled from the first about her 'genius for Brit-speak' or however her publisher phrased it. Even as an intermediate Canadian, that makes me shake my head and snort. The actual Brits must be rolling.
But giggled from the first about her 'genius for Brit-speak' or however her publisher phrased it. Even as an intermediate Canadian, that makes me shake my head and snort. The actual Brits must be rolling.
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