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Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James #13
Necessary as Blood
Once the haunt of Jack the Ripper, London's East End is a vibrant mix of history and the avant-garde, where elegant Georgian town houses exist side by side with colorful street markets and the hippest clubs. But here races and cultures still clash, and the trendy galleries and glamorous nightlife disguise a violent and seedy underside.
Sandra Gilles, a young mother, leaves her daughter with a friend and then disappears on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in May. Shortly thereafter, her husband, a Pakistani lawyer, is killed. Scotland Yard detective Gemma James happens upon the scene—and soon she and Duncan Kincaid, her life partner and colleague, are on the trail of a murderer. But the investigation grows darker and more dangerous at every turned corner, and the true prize must be protected at all costs: a beautiful, orphaned little girl, not yet three, whose life now hangs in the balance.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2009
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About the author
Deborah Crombie
53 books2,518 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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June 27, 2019
Necessary as Blood by Deborah Crombie is a 2009 William Morrow publication.
Time to check in with Duncan and Gemma!
This thirteenth installment in the Kincaid and James mystery series begins by reuniting Gemma with her old friends, Hazel and Tim.
When Tim’s friend, Naz, goes missing, he calls Gemma in a panic. Naz’s wife, Sandra also disappeared a short time ago, which makes the situation even more puzzling. Worse still, now that both Naz and Sandra are missing, their adorable three -year daughter, Charlotte, is left all alone.
Eventually, Duncan and Scotland Yard are called in to investigate what has turned into a complicated and complex murder investigation.
Meanwhile, Gemma is worried sick about her mother and feels as though she must follow through with a ‘big wedding’ ceremony although her heart really isn’t in it. She is also extremely worried about Charlotte when it becomes obvious her nearest relatives aren’t fit to care for her.
This is another very solid installment in the series. I enjoyed reading about London’s East End and the Bengali population. The mystery is layered, interesting, and very absorbing. It kept me guessing right up to the end and was topped off with a shocking conclusion.
But, as with all series, the personal lives of the recurring characters, is a very important part of why we enjoy reading series in the first place. I can’t stress my utter surprise at the deeply romantic turn this story took, at one point. Truly wonderful, solidifying my secret crush on Duncan forever.
But, most of all, I was proud of Gemma and her character growth in this chapter of the series. Good for you, Gemma!! You go girl!
While it took a while to grow on me, this series has become one of my favorites. It has taken me over two years to get this far. I pressured myself to hurry up and get caught up with the series, mainly so I could focus on some of the many other series I have started, but now I’m glad I stretched it out. I like the idea of having a ‘Kincaid and James’ mystery at the ready when the mood strikes, so I’m a going to be a little sad when I finally do get caught up. But, until then, I’m going to savor every installment I have left.
4 stars
Time to check in with Duncan and Gemma!
This thirteenth installment in the Kincaid and James mystery series begins by reuniting Gemma with her old friends, Hazel and Tim.
When Tim’s friend, Naz, goes missing, he calls Gemma in a panic. Naz’s wife, Sandra also disappeared a short time ago, which makes the situation even more puzzling. Worse still, now that both Naz and Sandra are missing, their adorable three -year daughter, Charlotte, is left all alone.
Eventually, Duncan and Scotland Yard are called in to investigate what has turned into a complicated and complex murder investigation.
Meanwhile, Gemma is worried sick about her mother and feels as though she must follow through with a ‘big wedding’ ceremony although her heart really isn’t in it. She is also extremely worried about Charlotte when it becomes obvious her nearest relatives aren’t fit to care for her.
This is another very solid installment in the series. I enjoyed reading about London’s East End and the Bengali population. The mystery is layered, interesting, and very absorbing. It kept me guessing right up to the end and was topped off with a shocking conclusion.
But, as with all series, the personal lives of the recurring characters, is a very important part of why we enjoy reading series in the first place. I can’t stress my utter surprise at the deeply romantic turn this story took, at one point. Truly wonderful, solidifying my secret crush on Duncan forever.
But, most of all, I was proud of Gemma and her character growth in this chapter of the series. Good for you, Gemma!! You go girl!
While it took a while to grow on me, this series has become one of my favorites. It has taken me over two years to get this far. I pressured myself to hurry up and get caught up with the series, mainly so I could focus on some of the many other series I have started, but now I’m glad I stretched it out. I like the idea of having a ‘Kincaid and James’ mystery at the ready when the mood strikes, so I’m a going to be a little sad when I finally do get caught up. But, until then, I’m going to savor every installment I have left.
4 stars
October 28, 2012
Duncan and Gemma get married- FINALLY- and I loved the wedding. In this book, poor Gemma told Duncan she just wanted to be married, not get married. The pressure being put on her by her mother, who is very sick with leukemia, her jackass father, and her bitchy sister Cindy- none who appreciate and respect her as they should- to have some Princess Diana fantasy wedding was adding severe pressure to her. As it is, she is a police detective inspector, lives with her police superintendent lover,and they have a teenager and a little boy, 2 dogs and a kitty so she has enough on her plate but there is her mom wanting her to have a big church wedding in white, her dad criticizing her, and her stupid cow of a sister who is a stay at home mom with nothing but time on her hands and none of them seem to understand Gemma is solving murders and making a difference in the world unlike any of the three of them.
I love how teenaged Kit, Duncan's son by his ex-wife, is such a lovely thoughtful compassionate boy. One person he gets to share some compassion with is little Charlotte, almost 3, whose mother disappeared a few months earlier and her Pakistani dad who is murdered. Gemma tries to rescue the child from going to her maternal family who are violent thieves and drug dealers including the nasty vile and racist grandmother.
There are many secrets to uncover- what is going on in that fancy club so exclusive it has no name and where all the servers are young women? Is the vet using ketamine to kill people? What is Gemma's assistant Melody's dark secret and how does it cause problems then help solve the case? This case involves child sex trafficking and it will take the determination of all to solve the mysteries and save the kids.
I love how teenaged Kit, Duncan's son by his ex-wife, is such a lovely thoughtful compassionate boy. One person he gets to share some compassion with is little Charlotte, almost 3, whose mother disappeared a few months earlier and her Pakistani dad who is murdered. Gemma tries to rescue the child from going to her maternal family who are violent thieves and drug dealers including the nasty vile and racist grandmother.
There are many secrets to uncover- what is going on in that fancy club so exclusive it has no name and where all the servers are young women? Is the vet using ketamine to kill people? What is Gemma's assistant Melody's dark secret and how does it cause problems then help solve the case? This case involves child sex trafficking and it will take the determination of all to solve the mysteries and save the kids.
November 16, 2020
The subject matter of human trafficking was not a favorite of mine, but this was done without it being the only plot. There is so much more going on, as there usually is in this wonderful series. The personal/professional lives of Gemma & Duncan and their families, the history and landmarks of the East End, and it's Bengalese culture were all components of the story. While the solving of Sandra's disappearance and murder of her husband would not be easy, as the clues were hard to come by, I still enjoyed the book very much; especially the map!!
November 19, 2009
I have read all the Kincaid/James novels from Crombie and found most of them compelling. Scotland Yard inspectors (i.e. detectives) Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James became a couple several novels back in the series. After that, some of the tension and "kick" of the novels has been lacking. Crombie has spent much of the recent novels, including this one, exploring some of the personal aspects of Kincaid and James's relationship and life together. Their relationships impact their cases and vice versa. On some level, however, I just want to read a mystery without getting too much into the personal relationship of the main characters.
Much of "Necessary as Blood" involves James's extra-emotional involvement with a murder case. While in past novels, James has displayed emotions, she's never been as annoying or sickly sweet about her family as much as in this current tale. The plot revolves around a 3-year old, whose mother went missing a year ago and then her father is murdered. As soon as it became clear that the little girl was an orphan, you knew that somehow she would end up in the melded family of Kincaid & James. Getting to that point though was a bit like overdosing on sugary sweets. Plus, James's attachment to the little girl completely clouds her professional judgment and she makes some simply stupid decisions that I have a difficult time believing that a woman in her position of police authority would make without serious repercussions. A twitch unbelievable.
What did work in this novel was the multi-layered mystery of the mother's disappearance and the father's murder. This made for some interesting leads and twists. While the multiple mystery elements did not, what did not was the solution. Perhaps this was because Crombie offered by a huge, obvious clue fairly early on in the novel. It was so obvious a clue in fact that there was no mistaking it for a red herring, if for no other reason than that the principles completely did not pick up on it despite it's obviousness.
Overall, this was not one of Crombie's best, although it might appeal more to readers who have not read any of the early novels in the Kincaid/James series.
Much of "Necessary as Blood" involves James's extra-emotional involvement with a murder case. While in past novels, James has displayed emotions, she's never been as annoying or sickly sweet about her family as much as in this current tale. The plot revolves around a 3-year old, whose mother went missing a year ago and then her father is murdered. As soon as it became clear that the little girl was an orphan, you knew that somehow she would end up in the melded family of Kincaid & James. Getting to that point though was a bit like overdosing on sugary sweets. Plus, James's attachment to the little girl completely clouds her professional judgment and she makes some simply stupid decisions that I have a difficult time believing that a woman in her position of police authority would make without serious repercussions. A twitch unbelievable.
What did work in this novel was the multi-layered mystery of the mother's disappearance and the father's murder. This made for some interesting leads and twists. While the multiple mystery elements did not, what did not was the solution. Perhaps this was because Crombie offered by a huge, obvious clue fairly early on in the novel. It was so obvious a clue in fact that there was no mistaking it for a red herring, if for no other reason than that the principles completely did not pick up on it despite it's obviousness.
Overall, this was not one of Crombie's best, although it might appeal more to readers who have not read any of the early novels in the Kincaid/James series.
June 17, 2023
Necessary as Blood opens as the body of murdered attorney, Naz Malik, is found, three months after the disappearance of his wife, Sandra Gilles. Gemma finds herself fighting to keep Naz and Sandra's young daughter from falling into the custody of Sandra's unsavory relatives.
There was so much going on in this book! I struggled to keep everything and everyone straight.
Just to end this on a positive note, I still absolutely love Duncan's son, Kit!
There was so much going on in this book! I struggled to keep everything and everyone straight.
Just to end this on a positive note, I still absolutely love Duncan's son, Kit!
April 15, 2015
Depressing with an obvious decision waiting at the end.
Gemma's savior-complex started to wear on me along with the constant mentions of how beautiful Charlotte was (thank god, amirite? eyeroll)
I was more interested in Melody's story than Gemma & Duncan.
Gemma's savior-complex started to wear on me along with the constant mentions of how beautiful Charlotte was (thank god, amirite? eyeroll)
I was more interested in Melody's story than Gemma & Duncan.
April 23, 2013
Every book in the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James offers a crash course on some part of London and its history of change. Occasionally, there is another part of England and even Scotland in the mix, but Deborah Crombie usually has the action and mystery occurring in and around the different areas of London. In this novel Duncan and Jemma find themselves involved in London's East End, particularly the Brick Lane section where Indian/Pakistani/Bengali culture is a strong presence. A young Pakistani man is found murdered three months after his Caucasian wife has disappeared. In addition to solving the murder and disappearance, there is a child at risk, and Gemma becomes her champion in finding a safe haven. Crombie doesn't forget to continue the delicious development of Duncan's and Jemma's relationship. And, once again, the supporting cast of characters and new characters fascinate and engage the reader, creating storytelling at its best.
March 27, 2011
I enjoy Crombie's books in this series but somehow this one did not quite come up to my expectations and I'm not sure why. It may have been that,although the premise was excellent, the story meandered from one suspect to another and the author couldn't seem to decide on whom to pin the crimes and what motive to decide upon. And then, horror of horrors, the perpetrator is someone who just passes through the scenario briefly. Everything falls together and the motive is revealed in the last 20 pages..........that is not up to Crombie's standards. So I guess I do know why it didn't appeal to me.
With all that said, I still like her books and her characters and maybe I was just having a bad day!!!
With all that said, I still like her books and her characters and maybe I was just having a bad day!!!
November 14, 2009
I suspect that had this book been written by another author I would have given it five stars, but it's not quite as good as Crombie's Dreaming of the Bones. On the other hand, not many books are. Gemma and Duncan, she in a local precinct and he at Scotland Yard, both become involved in investigating the murder of a young father whose wife disappeared a few months earlier. There are numerous red herrings on the way to the shocking conclusion. The book is set in the East End of London, where yuppies, artists, working-class people and the underclass coexist precariously. Gemma and Duncan continue to struggle with jurisdictional and ethical conflicts, as well as with their own personal concerns. I was happy to see the growing importance of Melody Talbot and Doug Cullen, respectively Gemma's and Duncan's assistants. Very highly recommended.
March 5, 2013
Necessary as Blood by Deborah Crombie continues the adventures of Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid, a series I always enjoy.
Why would a young woman leave her child with a friend for a short time with every intention of returning and then disappear completely? When her husband, the usual suspect, turns up dead the case becomes more involved.
For some reason, although I always enjoy this series, this one didn't quite measure up to previous books. The character development, an element I usually appreciate in Crombie's work, felt more two-dimensional. So...not my favorite, but not a bad.
Mystery. 2009. 384 pages.
Why would a young woman leave her child with a friend for a short time with every intention of returning and then disappear completely? When her husband, the usual suspect, turns up dead the case becomes more involved.
For some reason, although I always enjoy this series, this one didn't quite measure up to previous books. The character development, an element I usually appreciate in Crombie's work, felt more two-dimensional. So...not my favorite, but not a bad.
Mystery. 2009. 384 pages.
February 28, 2017
A woman disappears, then, three months later her husband is found murdered. And what is Gemma to do about their small child who is now alone?
An interesting story that takes place deep in the heart of London's East End and deals with some of the all too real problems of the area.
Well written, well plotted, and an absorbing read.
Highly recommended.
An interesting story that takes place deep in the heart of London's East End and deals with some of the all too real problems of the area.
Well written, well plotted, and an absorbing read.
Highly recommended.
May 20, 2022
And with this installment I’m back in the groove weight this series. A good mystery plot with an unexpected perpetrator is supported by a satisfying personal subplot.
And to my relief, this features a purely contemporary perspective without zigzags to a portentous historical viewpoint.
I’m tempted to roll straight to the next one on the list.
And to my relief, this features a purely contemporary perspective without zigzags to a portentous historical viewpoint.
I’m tempted to roll straight to the next one on the list.
Read
March 12, 2012Necessary as Blood, by Deborah Crombie, a-minus, Narrated by Jenny Sterling, Produced by Recorded Books, downloaded from audible.com.
This book pays particular attention to East End London, especially along Brick Lane, where several cultures live side by side with some tension. Sandra Gilles is an artist who uses textiles to make three-dimensional art projects. She has become fairly successful selling these art pieces. Sandra is married to a Pakistani solicitor, and they have a mixed race child, Charlotte. Sandra is uneasy about something going on with the sale of her art pieces. She leaves Charlotte with a friend at the flower market for what she thinks will be a few minutes, while she goes to ask questions. She and Charlotte are meeting her husband for lunch. But Sandra never returns for her child, does not meet her husband, and is never seen again. Some weeks later, her husband leaves Charlotte with Hazel’s ex-husband, Tim, for a few minutes while he meets with someone, maybe a client. But he never returns, and his body is found. Gemma, now working for the London police and not for Scotland Yard, is called because her number has been left as a contact in case of trouble. Gemma makes sure to bring it to Duncan’s attention and Scotland Yard becomes involved. While this is not Gemma or Melody’s case, out of their jurisdiction, they are helping Duncan by asking questions of people he cannot ask. Gemma is particularly concerned that Charlotte not fall into the hands of Sandra’s family, from whom she was estranged. Gemma’s mother is very ill, and that is causing problems. Also, there is pressure on Gemma as to when she and Duncan are getting married and what kind of wedding they’ll have. This is a very good book combining the family problems with a page-turner of an investigation. I frankly don’t see how Crombie will continue to have Duncan and Gemma work on cases together when they are no longer employed in the same place. I’m looking forward to the next book as closure is needed on some issues, and I’m hoping things don’t get tame since they’re finally married. I don’t consider that a spoiler since we all knew it was going to happen at some point.
This book pays particular attention to East End London, especially along Brick Lane, where several cultures live side by side with some tension. Sandra Gilles is an artist who uses textiles to make three-dimensional art projects. She has become fairly successful selling these art pieces. Sandra is married to a Pakistani solicitor, and they have a mixed race child, Charlotte. Sandra is uneasy about something going on with the sale of her art pieces. She leaves Charlotte with a friend at the flower market for what she thinks will be a few minutes, while she goes to ask questions. She and Charlotte are meeting her husband for lunch. But Sandra never returns for her child, does not meet her husband, and is never seen again. Some weeks later, her husband leaves Charlotte with Hazel’s ex-husband, Tim, for a few minutes while he meets with someone, maybe a client. But he never returns, and his body is found. Gemma, now working for the London police and not for Scotland Yard, is called because her number has been left as a contact in case of trouble. Gemma makes sure to bring it to Duncan’s attention and Scotland Yard becomes involved. While this is not Gemma or Melody’s case, out of their jurisdiction, they are helping Duncan by asking questions of people he cannot ask. Gemma is particularly concerned that Charlotte not fall into the hands of Sandra’s family, from whom she was estranged. Gemma’s mother is very ill, and that is causing problems. Also, there is pressure on Gemma as to when she and Duncan are getting married and what kind of wedding they’ll have. This is a very good book combining the family problems with a page-turner of an investigation. I frankly don’t see how Crombie will continue to have Duncan and Gemma work on cases together when they are no longer employed in the same place. I’m looking forward to the next book as closure is needed on some issues, and I’m hoping things don’t get tame since they’re finally married. I don’t consider that a spoiler since we all knew it was going to happen at some point.
August 30, 2010
Have you read Deborah Crombie? She’s a native Texan, author of a dozen or so novels, and creator of the mystery series featuring Scotland Yard detective duo Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid. [See more at www.deborahcrombie.com:]
Crombie lives in McKinney, a small town north of Dallas, but has resided in both England and Scotland. Like Elizabeth George, she’s an American who has mastered the art of the modern British mystery. She spends much time in the U.K. researching her novels, and her work is so culturally and geographically authentic you could liken it to that of P.D. James or Ruth Rendell.
Her latest work, Necessary as Blood (Wm. Morrow, 2009), has an eerie beginning. A young mother leaves her toddler with a friend, a flower market vendor, and promptly, mysteriously vanishes. Shortly afterwards, the missing woman’s husband, a Pakistani lawyer, is murdered, leaving the couple’s toddler daughter abandoned and alone – a child who becomes a passionate focus for Gemma.
Gradually, Gemma discovers the corrupt nature of the people the law is bound to entrust the child to – people in whose care she will surely languish and will possibly be brutalized. Secretly, Gemma becomes as involved in the case as her fiancé, Duncan, who’s in charge of the investigation. As the government’s social services machinery inexorably grinds toward an unsuitable outcome, Gemma and Duncan desperately seek not only a killer, but also a better resolution for the child they’ve come to love.
Necessary as Blood is a successful addition to the James/Kincaid series. It’s a fully engaging, satisfying tale that examines a dark and utterly contemporary but age-old subject: child abuse and human trafficking. Yet it culminates in a hopeful conclusion that unites Gemma and Duncan and their personal and professional lives.
Crombie lives in McKinney, a small town north of Dallas, but has resided in both England and Scotland. Like Elizabeth George, she’s an American who has mastered the art of the modern British mystery. She spends much time in the U.K. researching her novels, and her work is so culturally and geographically authentic you could liken it to that of P.D. James or Ruth Rendell.
Her latest work, Necessary as Blood (Wm. Morrow, 2009), has an eerie beginning. A young mother leaves her toddler with a friend, a flower market vendor, and promptly, mysteriously vanishes. Shortly afterwards, the missing woman’s husband, a Pakistani lawyer, is murdered, leaving the couple’s toddler daughter abandoned and alone – a child who becomes a passionate focus for Gemma.
Gradually, Gemma discovers the corrupt nature of the people the law is bound to entrust the child to – people in whose care she will surely languish and will possibly be brutalized. Secretly, Gemma becomes as involved in the case as her fiancé, Duncan, who’s in charge of the investigation. As the government’s social services machinery inexorably grinds toward an unsuitable outcome, Gemma and Duncan desperately seek not only a killer, but also a better resolution for the child they’ve come to love.
Necessary as Blood is a successful addition to the James/Kincaid series. It’s a fully engaging, satisfying tale that examines a dark and utterly contemporary but age-old subject: child abuse and human trafficking. Yet it culminates in a hopeful conclusion that unites Gemma and Duncan and their personal and professional lives.
August 31, 2016
Took me a while to write this review, had to think about it.
This is an okay mystery, but it lacks any real depth insofar as the crime or mystery is concerned. The author spends far too much time on social dynamics, and interpersonal relationships, and that's fine, but it distracts from the mystery, the reasons why two people were killed. I read and read and read hoping to learn more about the suspects, the victims, their relationship to one another, etc. But it was a lot of - not much here. (And it's a fairly lengthy read for a mystery.)
Don't get me wrong, I love interpersonal stuff - it adds interest to any story. But I got weary of the continual descriptions of children at play and the interiors of rooms, and what the main character was going to do about: her mother, her sister, the little girl in her life, her partner, her wedding, her friends, her kids, her dogs, her cat. Blah-blah. Also a lot of 'side plots' or stories that did nothing to enhance the main story, and at least one person who goes 'missing' but is never accounted for.
I will read more from this author, as I know she's well-respected and frequently makes the best-seller charts. (I seldom let one title cause me to stop reading an author outright.) But I want more mystery, less of the social-personal-descriptive patter that this book was filled with. (If I want a read about personal interactions, I'll read a literary novel, romance or a contemporary chick-lit type book.)
One more thing, the main suspects and 'bad guys' are never fully fleshed out and at least one isn't introduced until the last quarter of the book. In a mystery, what was that about? This is definitely not the kind of mystery where the reader can make 'guesses' about who is who and what's really going on.
So, Deborah, count me disappointed, though I'm going to read more of you.
Two stars. Sorry.
This is an okay mystery, but it lacks any real depth insofar as the crime or mystery is concerned. The author spends far too much time on social dynamics, and interpersonal relationships, and that's fine, but it distracts from the mystery, the reasons why two people were killed. I read and read and read hoping to learn more about the suspects, the victims, their relationship to one another, etc. But it was a lot of - not much here. (And it's a fairly lengthy read for a mystery.)
Don't get me wrong, I love interpersonal stuff - it adds interest to any story. But I got weary of the continual descriptions of children at play and the interiors of rooms, and what the main character was going to do about: her mother, her sister, the little girl in her life, her partner, her wedding, her friends, her kids, her dogs, her cat. Blah-blah. Also a lot of 'side plots' or stories that did nothing to enhance the main story, and at least one person who goes 'missing' but is never accounted for.
I will read more from this author, as I know she's well-respected and frequently makes the best-seller charts. (I seldom let one title cause me to stop reading an author outright.) But I want more mystery, less of the social-personal-descriptive patter that this book was filled with. (If I want a read about personal interactions, I'll read a literary novel, romance or a contemporary chick-lit type book.)
One more thing, the main suspects and 'bad guys' are never fully fleshed out and at least one isn't introduced until the last quarter of the book. In a mystery, what was that about? This is definitely not the kind of mystery where the reader can make 'guesses' about who is who and what's really going on.
So, Deborah, count me disappointed, though I'm going to read more of you.
Two stars. Sorry.
March 17, 2010
I think this, the 13th book in the Gemma James-Duncan Kincaid police-procedural series, is one of the best. The story, involving a missing woman artist, the murder of her Pakistani lawyer husband, and the fate of their bright 2-year-old daughter, is compelling. The depiction of London's East End is so effective that I felt as though I were there, the characters are vividly portrayed, the prose is excellent, and there's just the right amount of romance. I really enjoyed the family scenes, and toward the end there's a delightful event that will please longtime fans of the series, followed by another delight on the very last page.
June 23, 2017
Such a colourful and fascinating plot, set in an area I am particularly interested in: London's East End.
The characters, Duncan Kincaid, Gemma James and all their family and friends are even more endearing than ever, as their situations and relationships evolve from one novel to the next. The crimes and mystery depicted are very original and enthralling, and the style of writing flows brilliantly.
This time there was no underlying subplot from the past, yet as we read, we learn quite a bit about the East End's history and its colouful present day mixture of Cockneys and Asians. Great writing!
Re-read: audiobook version, another wonderful experience. Well worth the 5 stars.
The characters, Duncan Kincaid, Gemma James and all their family and friends are even more endearing than ever, as their situations and relationships evolve from one novel to the next. The crimes and mystery depicted are very original and enthralling, and the style of writing flows brilliantly.
This time there was no underlying subplot from the past, yet as we read, we learn quite a bit about the East End's history and its colouful present day mixture of Cockneys and Asians. Great writing!
Re-read: audiobook version, another wonderful experience. Well worth the 5 stars.
February 8, 2017
The disappearance of a lawyer and father prompts an investigation by Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid; when they discover that the wife of the missing man disappeared three months previous, the stage is set for a mystery.
In their personal lives, Gemma and Duncan are engaged, but the pressure being exerted by Gemma's family adds to her uncertainty about staging a big wedding for the gratification of others, when all she really wants is to BE married.
I love this series and its characters; the author has a gift for making them come alive to the reader, and does the same for the London neighbourhoods in which the books are set.
In their personal lives, Gemma and Duncan are engaged, but the pressure being exerted by Gemma's family adds to her uncertainty about staging a big wedding for the gratification of others, when all she really wants is to BE married.
I love this series and its characters; the author has a gift for making them come alive to the reader, and does the same for the London neighbourhoods in which the books are set.
December 20, 2019
Let me say this: I don't like mystery series in which detectives have to spend time finding babysitting arrangements for their children. I stopped reading Ellis for that reason. Now I remember that I stopped reading Crombie for the same reason. Babysitting is a real life problem that is nothing but a huge frustrating headache for the characters, and rarely contributes to the mystery. What's the point? I'll go back to my kid-less Bryant and May series.
Once you add the sick mom, the best friend with psychological issues, cute little Charlotte, and Gemma's wedding worries, the mystery and the family drama have equal weight in this story. It's just not for me.
Once you add the sick mom, the best friend with psychological issues, cute little Charlotte, and Gemma's wedding worries, the mystery and the family drama have equal weight in this story. It's just not for me.
January 22, 2022
This wasn't my favorite installment because of the topic of the particular crime committed. As with all of these books, I know there will be a murder to solve. But there's always a reason that murder happened in the first place. And it is that reason that I did not like this book very much.
CONTINUE READING FOR SPOILER: child trafficking and pedophilia was present in the last third of this book. Ew. While I know that is a problem in our world that should be eradicated and not shied away from (in order to solve), I wasn't expecting it in this "comfortable to me" book series. I felt like a warning label should be attached to this book. It totally ruined the experience for me.
CONTINUE READING FOR SPOILER: child trafficking and pedophilia was present in the last third of this book. Ew. While I know that is a problem in our world that should be eradicated and not shied away from (in order to solve), I wasn't expecting it in this "comfortable to me" book series. I felt like a warning label should be attached to this book. It totally ruined the experience for me.
July 23, 2012
I've read quite a few of the books in this series by Deborah Crombie. Her mystery plots are great and really hold my attention. In this book, the murder involves an artist who has married outside her own race. Crombie handles that subject very well & I was able to easily empathize with those characters.
However, I just don't like her Gemma Duncan character very much. In this book, she comes off as rather selfish & petty, having a real attitude about working with men.
Oh well, the main subject matter was good enough to overcome my character biases.
However, I just don't like her Gemma Duncan character very much. In this book, she comes off as rather selfish & petty, having a real attitude about working with men.
Oh well, the main subject matter was good enough to overcome my character biases.
July 21, 2017
Not sure how she does it, but Ms Crombie continues to crank out amazing stories centered around Duncan and Gemma. I love all the little details about their personal life (the wedding - so perfect!) and the interesting cast of supporting characters (can't wait to see what might be brewing between Melody and Doug!). As usual, the crime/mystery to be solved is engrossing and thought provoking, and the prose are top-notch. Why haven't these books been picked up by the BBC or PBS for a tv series???!!
April 25, 2019
4 stars.
This case was very interesting and the villain mostly off-stage. Gemma seems to be collecting people, which is nice but does make life so much more complex for her.
Would love to be able to see one of those collages, if they were real!
I enjoyed the wedding and it's good to see Hazel getting better. I'm looking forward to seeing how the situation with Charlotte pans out. So on to the next book... :)
This case was very interesting and the villain mostly off-stage. Gemma seems to be collecting people, which is nice but does make life so much more complex for her.
Would love to be able to see one of those collages, if they were real!
I enjoyed the wedding and it's good to see Hazel getting better. I'm looking forward to seeing how the situation with Charlotte pans out. So on to the next book... :)
February 18, 2019
I do love this series, particularly how Crombie builds the relationship of the two protagonists from book to book. That was just as great in this one but I found the subject matter of part of the investigation disturbing which lessened the enjoyment for me.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
January 5, 2023
I think I need to go 4.5.
April 14, 2025
Gemma doubles down on using her mother’s illness as an excuse to not do her job but to work another case that is Duncan’s in this installment. She even involves her own employee in working the case that isn’t hers. Oh yes, it’s true.
And, wait, there’s more.
This wonderful detective is completely unaware of what her friends are planning behind her back (and of her own feelings about an orphaned child). It makes no sense.
What else makes no sense? The fact that I really like this series.
And, wait, there’s more.
This wonderful detective is completely unaware of what her friends are planning behind her back (and of her own feelings about an orphaned child). It makes no sense.
What else makes no sense? The fact that I really like this series.
October 16, 2022
A young artist disappears prior to the opening of this book, leaving her husband and young daughter bereft.
Sandra Malik had taken her daughter, Charlotte, to a farmer's market before meeting her husband, Naz, for lunch. So what happened? Why did Sandra leave Charlotte with a friend and never return?
Five months later, Naz disappears too.
Naz was supposed to meet up with Tim Cavendish, an old college friend, but he never arrived. In a panic over the disappearance, Cavendish calls Gemma James, who knows it's too early for police to go into action but still there is a child to be considered. It is James who makes the decision that the two-year-old girl to his house for the time being until they can discover what has happened to Naz.
The find out soon enough: Naz is dead and the police pathologist believes its murder ... and the case lands into the lap of Scotland Yard's Duncan Kincaid — and Gemma James' life partner.
Together, the two officers and their seconds in command work to find out the story, the clues and the guilty.
For Gemma, the primary concern is the future of little Charlotte. At first, she is in the hands of a foster parent Gemma knows. But suddenly, Sandra's estranged mother — who has never met her daughter's child — has asked for custody. Grandma lives in squalor with her two delinquent sons who are suspected of dealing drugs. Gemma is desperate to find proof that will stop Charlotte being placed with grandma.
Deborah Crombie had written a gripping and tension-filled story that holds onto the reader and never lets them go. There are several layers to this story — not only the disappearance and the murder, but what is going on with the main characters. If you have read any of this series, you are invested in these characters and read the stories as much because you care for Gemma and Duncan as you are with the crime they are working hard to solve. This is good reading.
Sandra Malik had taken her daughter, Charlotte, to a farmer's market before meeting her husband, Naz, for lunch. So what happened? Why did Sandra leave Charlotte with a friend and never return?
Five months later, Naz disappears too.
Naz was supposed to meet up with Tim Cavendish, an old college friend, but he never arrived. In a panic over the disappearance, Cavendish calls Gemma James, who knows it's too early for police to go into action but still there is a child to be considered. It is James who makes the decision that the two-year-old girl to his house for the time being until they can discover what has happened to Naz.
The find out soon enough: Naz is dead and the police pathologist believes its murder ... and the case lands into the lap of Scotland Yard's Duncan Kincaid — and Gemma James' life partner.
Together, the two officers and their seconds in command work to find out the story, the clues and the guilty.
For Gemma, the primary concern is the future of little Charlotte. At first, she is in the hands of a foster parent Gemma knows. But suddenly, Sandra's estranged mother — who has never met her daughter's child — has asked for custody. Grandma lives in squalor with her two delinquent sons who are suspected of dealing drugs. Gemma is desperate to find proof that will stop Charlotte being placed with grandma.
Deborah Crombie had written a gripping and tension-filled story that holds onto the reader and never lets them go. There are several layers to this story — not only the disappearance and the murder, but what is going on with the main characters. If you have read any of this series, you are invested in these characters and read the stories as much because you care for Gemma and Duncan as you are with the crime they are working hard to solve. This is good reading.
July 24, 2012
My brother bought me this book for Christmas. He put a lot of thought into it, lingering in the isle at a big-box-book store, attempting to figure out what his bibliophile sister would love. And he picked out a murder mystery, which, typically, is not my thing. But because he’s a good brother and because I know it is hard to buy books for me – though they are my absolute favorite present to receive (hint hint) – I gave the book a shot. And I was happy I did.
While this book is hailed as a murder mystery, it pushes at the boundaries of its genre (as I find most good books do). Crombie layers the story with hues of love, racism, classism, and – here’s a new one – human trafficking. The story takes place in London’s East End, which was once the prey of Jack the Ripper. Newly dancing with cultural eateries and hip markets and shops, this locale is the scene of the crime.
The victims are intelligent, delightful creatures, which makes their situation more heartbreaking. The main protagonist trying to solve the crime is also likeable but, more importantly, relatable. There are a ton of things going on in her life and she feels like she can barely take a moment to breathe. Sound familiar, moms?
This book was clearly part of a series of crime novels written by Crombie that include the same main characters. Of course, the author provides the reader with most of the necessary details of the past books, so that the story is still enjoyable regardless of your lack of the first few novels. (This back story explanation stuff tends to irk me when I’ve actually read the first few books in a series, but I finally understand the necessity.)
Overall, a good, fast-paced read with unexpected twists in the plot.
While this book is hailed as a murder mystery, it pushes at the boundaries of its genre (as I find most good books do). Crombie layers the story with hues of love, racism, classism, and – here’s a new one – human trafficking. The story takes place in London’s East End, which was once the prey of Jack the Ripper. Newly dancing with cultural eateries and hip markets and shops, this locale is the scene of the crime.
The victims are intelligent, delightful creatures, which makes their situation more heartbreaking. The main protagonist trying to solve the crime is also likeable but, more importantly, relatable. There are a ton of things going on in her life and she feels like she can barely take a moment to breathe. Sound familiar, moms?
This book was clearly part of a series of crime novels written by Crombie that include the same main characters. Of course, the author provides the reader with most of the necessary details of the past books, so that the story is still enjoyable regardless of your lack of the first few novels. (This back story explanation stuff tends to irk me when I’ve actually read the first few books in a series, but I finally understand the necessity.)
Overall, a good, fast-paced read with unexpected twists in the plot.
February 16, 2018
I'm not a huge fan of women authors. That's a huge generalization, but I find it holds true in my case. Deborah Crombie is a good writer. Her plots are believable, people behave in a mostly realistic manner, her dialogue is fairly well written, and the resolution to the mystery is contained in the story with no last minute additions of character or plot points.
So what bothers me about her books? Just little things like Gemma being able to take endless time away from her job to work Duncan's case.
Next, Gemma and Duncan have children. I'm just amazed that they can get unlimited, free childcare at the drop of a hat. It's a little thing, I know, but it just throws off the narrative when they don't even have to scramble to deal with their kids. A couple of times in this book, a babysitter just happened to stop by right when they needed one most, and was more than willing to spend the night on the couch.
The whole scenario of the shopping trip for the green dress left me shaking my head. This woman is super-detective and she didn't find her friend's behavior at all curious?
To avoid a spoiler, I will just say that the resolution of the issue of Charlotte didn't ring true, either.
Still, I've read Crombie books before, and I will read them again, which is not true of most women writers.
So what bothers me about her books? Just little things like Gemma being able to take endless time away from her job to work Duncan's case.
Next, Gemma and Duncan have children. I'm just amazed that they can get unlimited, free childcare at the drop of a hat. It's a little thing, I know, but it just throws off the narrative when they don't even have to scramble to deal with their kids. A couple of times in this book, a babysitter just happened to stop by right when they needed one most, and was more than willing to spend the night on the couch.
The whole scenario of the shopping trip for the green dress left me shaking my head. This woman is super-detective and she didn't find her friend's behavior at all curious?
To avoid a spoiler, I will just say that the resolution of the issue of Charlotte didn't ring true, either.
Still, I've read Crombie books before, and I will read them again, which is not true of most women writers.
May 14, 2019
I listened to this audiobook. Gemma James is a police detective and her soon to be husband is a superintendent at Scotland Yard. Gemma's mother is battling cancer and wants Gemma and Duncan Kincaid to have a church wedding. As Gemma deals with worrying about pleasing her ill mother she finds herself called to her friend Tim's house. Tim's friend, Pakistani lawyer Naz Malik has gone missing, leaving his 3 year old girl with a nanny. Gemma learns that Naz's wife Sandra had also gone missing 3 months earlier. When Naz's body is found Kincaid becomes involved. Gemma is looking for the missing Sandra, Kincaid is looking for a murderer. It seems it may be one and the same perpetrator. Sprinkled in the story are rich descriptions of London's East End with it diverse cultures and tensions arising from the clashes of cultures. What Gemma and Duncan find is a seedy undercurrent of human trafficking and exploitation of young girls. Did Sandra, a collage artist, and Naz stumble on a dirty secret among her wealthy clients? And, not lost in the plot, is poor little Charlotte, who has been left orphaned. Gemma is deeply involved in wanting to save the little girl from being placed with her prejudiced and uncaring grandmother. I enjoyed the book .
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