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Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James #19
A Killing of Innocents
New York Times bestseller Deborah Crombie returns with a new novel featuring Scotland Yard detectives Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James as they race to solve the shocking murder of a young woman before panic spreads across London.
On a rainy November evening, trainee doctor Sasha Johnson hurries through the evening crowd in London's historic Russell Square. Out of the darkness, someone jostles her as they brush past. A moment later, Sasha stumbles, then collapses. When Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his sergeant, Doug Cullen, are called to the scene, they discover that she's been stabbed.
Kincaid immediately calls in his detective wife, Gemma James, who has recently been assigned to a task force on knife crimes which are on the rise. Along with her partner, detective sergeant Melody Talbot, Gemma aids the investigation. But Sasha Johnson doesn’t fit the profile of the task force’s typical knife crime victim. Single, successful, career-driven, she has no history of abusive relationships or any connection to gangs. Sasha had her secrets, though, and some of them lead the detectives uncomfortably close to home.
As the team unravels the victim's tangled connections, another murder raises the stakes. Kincaid, Gemma, and their colleagues must put even friendships on the line to find the killer stalking the dark streets of Bloomsbury.
On a rainy November evening, trainee doctor Sasha Johnson hurries through the evening crowd in London's historic Russell Square. Out of the darkness, someone jostles her as they brush past. A moment later, Sasha stumbles, then collapses. When Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his sergeant, Doug Cullen, are called to the scene, they discover that she's been stabbed.
Kincaid immediately calls in his detective wife, Gemma James, who has recently been assigned to a task force on knife crimes which are on the rise. Along with her partner, detective sergeant Melody Talbot, Gemma aids the investigation. But Sasha Johnson doesn’t fit the profile of the task force’s typical knife crime victim. Single, successful, career-driven, she has no history of abusive relationships or any connection to gangs. Sasha had her secrets, though, and some of them lead the detectives uncomfortably close to home.
As the team unravels the victim's tangled connections, another murder raises the stakes. Kincaid, Gemma, and their colleagues must put even friendships on the line to find the killer stalking the dark streets of Bloomsbury.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2023
488 people are currently reading
4199 people want to read
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 631 reviews
January 8, 2023
I loved A Killing of Innocents. It hit all the right notes for me -- a twisty mystery that I didn't guess the solution to, a community of suspects rich with humanity and suspicion, tantalizing updates to the lives of Crombie's whole cast of characters, and of course some quality time with Duncan and Gemma and family. This is a terrific 19th installment in a terrific series!
October 25, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley & Wm. Morrow for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a longtime reader of Deborah Crombie's Kincaid & James novels, but, you know, some are better than others. As I age, I find that many of my favorite series are starting to falter and the stories are stale or annoying. This series is not one of those.
Duncan and Gemma have continuously evolved, with changes occurring in their lives that are normal, if not expected - there are no grand tragedies occurring that throw everything into question for several books (looking at you, Elizabeth George), but things do get shaken up every now and then. In the last few books, Duncan and Gemma found themselves embroiled in a case in which parents of a young child both were killed, leaving the girl, Charlotte, orphaned. They opted to become Charlotte's foster parents and that situation continues. Of course, adding a child to the relative chaos of their world has made their life a little crazier, and that is a current that runs through the story and introduces a small B plot that I expect will be addressed in the next book.
This book finds D&G (even though it's not Gemma's case but OF COURSE she gets involved, whatever) as well as Doug and Melody (again, NOT her case, and she takes a little heat for it) and the balance of Duncan's team involved in a murder where a junior doctor is killed in the midst of a bustling rush hour crowd while she cuts through a square to meet her roommate. She's just left a pub where Duncan and Doug were meeting for a drink, and Duncan had noticed her there, apparently waiting for a mate who never shows. The victim's brother seems to be involved in some shady stuff, and that provides plenty of red herring material until another victim falls, an employee of the same hospital. Are the two cases related?
Crombie keeps things moving, and the book is a fast read. There are many threads in the case, but I remained interested in all of them, even when it was clear they were not pursuant to the case. The only B plots that were kind of lame and irritating are the ones surrounding Melody and her ex, the musician. I can *barely* remember the previous plot points from their breakup in the last novel, and I never have been invested in that story, so I was not thrilled to see it rear up again (seriously, does anyone like plots about boomerang relationships? Go to counseling or break up for good, FFS).
Crombie excels at putting together a diverse cast of characters that interact well together. Her vision might be a little happy-clappy (characters from all different backgrounds, and of all different colors, rarely, if ever, have any political or interpersonal strife aside from Gemma's parents, who don't like her home situation (I cannot remember why?). It's nice, don't get me wrong, but I don't imagine it's reflective of reality in England. Still, I appreciate that she makes the effort to show a wide swath of cultures in the UK.
Another solid effort from Deborah Crombie. I will probably read this series for as long as she writes it.
I'm a longtime reader of Deborah Crombie's Kincaid & James novels, but, you know, some are better than others. As I age, I find that many of my favorite series are starting to falter and the stories are stale or annoying. This series is not one of those.
Duncan and Gemma have continuously evolved, with changes occurring in their lives that are normal, if not expected - there are no grand tragedies occurring that throw everything into question for several books (looking at you, Elizabeth George), but things do get shaken up every now and then. In the last few books, Duncan and Gemma found themselves embroiled in a case in which parents of a young child both were killed, leaving the girl, Charlotte, orphaned. They opted to become Charlotte's foster parents and that situation continues. Of course, adding a child to the relative chaos of their world has made their life a little crazier, and that is a current that runs through the story and introduces a small B plot that I expect will be addressed in the next book.
This book finds D&G (even though it's not Gemma's case but OF COURSE she gets involved, whatever) as well as Doug and Melody (again, NOT her case, and she takes a little heat for it) and the balance of Duncan's team involved in a murder where a junior doctor is killed in the midst of a bustling rush hour crowd while she cuts through a square to meet her roommate. She's just left a pub where Duncan and Doug were meeting for a drink, and Duncan had noticed her there, apparently waiting for a mate who never shows. The victim's brother seems to be involved in some shady stuff, and that provides plenty of red herring material until another victim falls, an employee of the same hospital. Are the two cases related?
Crombie keeps things moving, and the book is a fast read. There are many threads in the case, but I remained interested in all of them, even when it was clear they were not pursuant to the case. The only B plots that were kind of lame and irritating are the ones surrounding Melody and her ex, the musician. I can *barely* remember the previous plot points from their breakup in the last novel, and I never have been invested in that story, so I was not thrilled to see it rear up again (seriously, does anyone like plots about boomerang relationships? Go to counseling or break up for good, FFS).
Crombie excels at putting together a diverse cast of characters that interact well together. Her vision might be a little happy-clappy (characters from all different backgrounds, and of all different colors, rarely, if ever, have any political or interpersonal strife aside from Gemma's parents, who don't like her home situation (I cannot remember why?). It's nice, don't get me wrong, but I don't imagine it's reflective of reality in England. Still, I appreciate that she makes the effort to show a wide swath of cultures in the UK.
Another solid effort from Deborah Crombie. I will probably read this series for as long as she writes it.
January 26, 2023
Many thanks to both William Morrow & Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of A Killing of Innocents!
Expected publication February 7, 2023
Trainee doctor Sasha Johnson hurries through the evening crowd in London's historic Russell Square. Out of the darkness, someone jostles her as they brush past. A moment later, Sasha stumbles, then collapses...
I loved reading how Duncan and Gemma are working their way through the challenges of life! Balancing their important careers with raising children isn't easy. I do wish I had read the previous books in the series before jumping in at book #19. There was a slew of characters to keep track of, and I think I failed with a couple of them. I don't think I would recommend reading A Killing of Innocents as a stand-alone. However! Even with not understanding who ALL of the characters were, I found A Killing of Innocents to be a twisty mystery that also had a lot of heart. (I think my favorite part of the book was when Gemma and Jasmine went undercover!)
Now to find some of the older books in the Duncan and Gemma series, so I can be ready when #20 is written and released. 😊
Expected publication February 7, 2023
Trainee doctor Sasha Johnson hurries through the evening crowd in London's historic Russell Square. Out of the darkness, someone jostles her as they brush past. A moment later, Sasha stumbles, then collapses...
I loved reading how Duncan and Gemma are working their way through the challenges of life! Balancing their important careers with raising children isn't easy. I do wish I had read the previous books in the series before jumping in at book #19. There was a slew of characters to keep track of, and I think I failed with a couple of them. I don't think I would recommend reading A Killing of Innocents as a stand-alone. However! Even with not understanding who ALL of the characters were, I found A Killing of Innocents to be a twisty mystery that also had a lot of heart. (I think my favorite part of the book was when Gemma and Jasmine went undercover!)
Now to find some of the older books in the Duncan and Gemma series, so I can be ready when #20 is written and released. 😊
November 5, 2025
I love this series about Kincaid and James, a husband and wife police team in London. These tales also include, besides the crime(s) on which each is working, a look at their personal lives and their children which does not detract from the main plot.
In this story, a young, well respected, and talented hospital physician is stabbed to death in the middle of a crowd. The question is "why?" until another member of the same hospital staff is also murdered in the same manner. And the chase is on and I didn't have a clue as to the "who" and "why".
The author's style is filling the story with so many characters that it is sometimes difficult to keep track of them. When I first started reading this series, that was rather off-putting but the stories are so interesting that I soon got used to it.
It is another of Crombie's winners!
In this story, a young, well respected, and talented hospital physician is stabbed to death in the middle of a crowd. The question is "why?" until another member of the same hospital staff is also murdered in the same manner. And the chase is on and I didn't have a clue as to the "who" and "why".
The author's style is filling the story with so many characters that it is sometimes difficult to keep track of them. When I first started reading this series, that was rather off-putting but the stories are so interesting that I soon got used to it.
It is another of Crombie's winners!
February 26, 2023
enjoyable but uneven
I have always enjoyed Deborah Crombie’s Kincaid/James series. This book has all the regular characters and then some. There’s a believable, engaging plot. So what’s the problem? I would say - too many characters some of whom are meant to add color to the portrait of Gemma & Duncan, but feel forced into the main plot; a never-ending list of the streets, bridges, and tube stops tracing the characters’ routes around the city and meant to add authenticity to the detectives’ investigation but which seems really to be there to convince the reader that the author knows her London; an italicized narrative by an unknown speaker meant to give shape to the story, but which left me scratching my head until almost the end when a big reveal is sprung on the reader. Somehow big reveals that the reader is unprepared for feel forced. Not that any of this makes A Killing of Innocents any less a guilty pleasure.
I have always enjoyed Deborah Crombie’s Kincaid/James series. This book has all the regular characters and then some. There’s a believable, engaging plot. So what’s the problem? I would say - too many characters some of whom are meant to add color to the portrait of Gemma & Duncan, but feel forced into the main plot; a never-ending list of the streets, bridges, and tube stops tracing the characters’ routes around the city and meant to add authenticity to the detectives’ investigation but which seems really to be there to convince the reader that the author knows her London; an italicized narrative by an unknown speaker meant to give shape to the story, but which left me scratching my head until almost the end when a big reveal is sprung on the reader. Somehow big reveals that the reader is unprepared for feel forced. Not that any of this makes A Killing of Innocents any less a guilty pleasure.
February 18, 2023
For ten years, I’ve been reading this great series by Deborah Crombie of novels about British police detectives Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James, first colleagues, now married with children and a glorious, complex patchwork family.
The series follows the personal and professional lives of Duncan and Gemma as they solve complex murder cases in London and sometimes beyond. The novels explore the rich culture and history of England, incorporating elements of mystery, suspense, and romance to create a captivating and engrossing reading experience.
I really liked the believable personal interactions…
»Taking a sip, he closed his eyes for a moment as the warmth spread through him.
When he blinked, he saw that Gemma was watching him, her expression concerned. “Start from the beginning,” she said.«
… as well as the wholesome (despite not trouble-free) family life:
»“He says maybe I can come up for a couple of days over the Christmas hols.”
“Not until after the ballet,” Kincaid said, raising his brows in mock horror.
“No way.” Kit grinned and shrugged himself away from the doorjamb he’d been leaning against. “Well, back to maths.”«
(Well, maybe a bit too wholesome if a kid goes voluntarily back to learning maths!)
With its well-developed characters, intricate plot lines, and atmospheric settings, this series has become a beloved staple of the crime fiction genre for me. This holds especially true since despite the usually grim subject matter there’s no gore or excessive brutality in these novels. I consider them an excellent blend of police procedural and “cosy” crime fiction.
»He sent a text instead, saying he was passing if Kit was ready to go home. The answer was swift.
- Helping Otto until closing.
Kincaid felt an unexpected sense of loss. But a moment later, his mobile dinged again.
- But thanks, Dad. See you later, okay? A row of smile emojis followed.
He walked on with a lighter step.«
And this newest instalment is no exception to this: A young doctor is murdered in a busy square in London with just a young boy as a witness. Soon a complex web of intertwined stories unfolds and we’re following all the protagonists from earlier novels: Of course there are Duncan and Gemma (especially the latter having to juggle responsibilities towards her job and family!) but Doug, Melody and, a “secret” favourite of mine, Sidana are around.
All of them are well-established characters by now but they’re also easily “accessible” to anyone new to this series. The credible and relatable way everyone is acting (within the constraints of complex character) made me, once more, feel connected to each and every protagonist. Consequently, the switching points of view were commendably clear, well executed, cleverly placed and never confusing.
I have only two very minor niggles: The ending, while truly well constructed, exciting and suspenseful (I actually felt worried about those involved!), came a bit too early. The mystery’s pieces went in place logically and sensibly but I wouldn’t have minded a bit more to read. Secondly, there are interjections in italics (I can’t say more to avoid spoilers). Those don’t really add to the story and could easily have been left out.
All in all, a great mystery novel that easily garners four out of five stars!
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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam
The series follows the personal and professional lives of Duncan and Gemma as they solve complex murder cases in London and sometimes beyond. The novels explore the rich culture and history of England, incorporating elements of mystery, suspense, and romance to create a captivating and engrossing reading experience.
I really liked the believable personal interactions…
»Taking a sip, he closed his eyes for a moment as the warmth spread through him.
When he blinked, he saw that Gemma was watching him, her expression concerned. “Start from the beginning,” she said.«
… as well as the wholesome (despite not trouble-free) family life:
»“He says maybe I can come up for a couple of days over the Christmas hols.”
“Not until after the ballet,” Kincaid said, raising his brows in mock horror.
“No way.” Kit grinned and shrugged himself away from the doorjamb he’d been leaning against. “Well, back to maths.”«
(Well, maybe a bit too wholesome if a kid goes voluntarily back to learning maths!)
With its well-developed characters, intricate plot lines, and atmospheric settings, this series has become a beloved staple of the crime fiction genre for me. This holds especially true since despite the usually grim subject matter there’s no gore or excessive brutality in these novels. I consider them an excellent blend of police procedural and “cosy” crime fiction.
»He sent a text instead, saying he was passing if Kit was ready to go home. The answer was swift.
- Helping Otto until closing.
Kincaid felt an unexpected sense of loss. But a moment later, his mobile dinged again.
- But thanks, Dad. See you later, okay? A row of smile emojis followed.
He walked on with a lighter step.«
And this newest instalment is no exception to this: A young doctor is murdered in a busy square in London with just a young boy as a witness. Soon a complex web of intertwined stories unfolds and we’re following all the protagonists from earlier novels: Of course there are Duncan and Gemma (especially the latter having to juggle responsibilities towards her job and family!) but Doug, Melody and, a “secret” favourite of mine, Sidana are around.
All of them are well-established characters by now but they’re also easily “accessible” to anyone new to this series. The credible and relatable way everyone is acting (within the constraints of complex character) made me, once more, feel connected to each and every protagonist. Consequently, the switching points of view were commendably clear, well executed, cleverly placed and never confusing.
I have only two very minor niggles: The ending, while truly well constructed, exciting and suspenseful (I actually felt worried about those involved!), came a bit too early. The mystery’s pieces went in place logically and sensibly but I wouldn’t have minded a bit more to read. Secondly, there are interjections in italics (I can’t say more to avoid spoilers). Those don’t really add to the story and could easily have been left out.
All in all, a great mystery novel that easily garners four out of five stars!
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Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam
March 7, 2023
It was so good to reconnect with Duncan, Gemma, and family, Doug & Melody, et al. This series is one of my favorites: well plotted, characters that you come to care about, great settings, historical tidbits, and multi-layered storylines. The extraordinary and detailed maps in each book put this series over the top-you can see the streets and venues that are described as Duncan and the other detectives search for the resolution to the crimes.
February 20, 2023
A Killing of Innocents - Always enjoy a Kincaid/James mystery. This one wasn’t one of the best but it was still enjoyable. I think the book was a bit bogged down with the multitude of characters needing to have their turn. There was also a continuity error that bugged me. There is a scene where Sidana is meeting with Dr. Kaleem and mentions that Kincaid had seen the victim at a pub. Two chapters later she is shocked to find out that Kincaid and Doug had seen the victim at a pub. It doesn’t have any impact on the outcome of the story but definitely took me out of the story for a bit.
February 1, 2023
I love this series, but this wasn't my favorite. Everyone was working on the case, but they weren't working together.
March 5, 2023
I started reading this series back when it started, and loved all the books,so I was looking forward to this one, the latest. What a huge disappointment.
March 17, 2023
Read the blurb, as it sets up the mystery quite well.
Once again, an excellent mystery, that had me baffled most of the way through the book. I like being baffled! The author is very good at building suspense--dropping a hint and then changing to a different POV, dropping another hint, and so on. It was nice to see Gemma and Duncan working together, even if it was unofficial. I really liked the way the various threads of the case were tied off. An exciting climax and a good wrap-up left me happy.
However, besides the good mysteries, the real reason I keep reading this series is that I really like our main characters, their friends, and co-workers. I want to know what's going on in their lives. I am invested in these people. They lead messy lives, and have problems, but they are always moving forward. I want to see what happens next for all of them. I just hope that it won't be 3 1/2 years before the next book.
Once again, an excellent mystery, that had me baffled most of the way through the book. I like being baffled! The author is very good at building suspense--dropping a hint and then changing to a different POV, dropping another hint, and so on. It was nice to see Gemma and Duncan working together, even if it was unofficial. I really liked the way the various threads of the case were tied off. An exciting climax and a good wrap-up left me happy.
However, besides the good mysteries, the real reason I keep reading this series is that I really like our main characters, their friends, and co-workers. I want to know what's going on in their lives. I am invested in these people. They lead messy lives, and have problems, but they are always moving forward. I want to see what happens next for all of them. I just hope that it won't be 3 1/2 years before the next book.
February 12, 2023
This is not my favorite in this series. There were too many subplots and too many red herrings and too many coincidences. It seemed as if every single person who has ever been in any of these books had to be mentioned, no matter how trivially. I wanted more attention paid to Duncan and Gemma, rather than Melody, Doug, and so on and on and on. I didn't need to know that whoever it was lived near Duncan's old boss. At this point in the series, I don't care about his old boss, and how did this further the plot? Did I really need to know that Doug once had a girlfriend named Stella?
There seemed to be a lot of these unnecessary off mentions of prior characters and events, which slowed the pace and were distracting.
There seemed to be a lot of these unnecessary off mentions of prior characters and events, which slowed the pace and were distracting.
November 1, 2022
Duncan has a new case--a young female doctor has been murdered. Could either her brother or the brother of her roommate know more than they are saying? Then there is another murder of a hospital staff member, and the team wonders how the deaths could be connected. Gemma would like to return to active police work, and is able to help with the case by going undercover with another officer. I've read all of the books in the series and enjoy following these characters. Crombie is a master plotter, and the mystery kept me guessing. I did think this also worked as a stand alone. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
June 13, 2024
It's so exciting when you read a book by a new to you author and realize that months and years of reading that author has opened up to you. For me, Deborah Crombie has joined ranks with Louise Penny and Elly Griffiths in that I want to read everything she's written. Interesting, believable characters, murders most foul, multiple suspects and a twisty plot--what could be better? A lot of the action takes place in Bloomsbury which is where I stayed on my last trip to England so I was familiar with Tube stops, Russell Square and the local area. Loved the book.
January 24, 2023
I won a Giveaway copy of this one from Goodreads. Thanks, Goodreads!
Alas, I was lukewarm on this. That may say more about the other mysteries I've been reading lately than this series of straight-up classic mysteries. Next to mysteries by the likes of Louise Penny (great psychological/moral depth), Kate Atkinson (unique voice/style), Richard Osman (senior citizens), and Christopher Fowler (eccentrics!), as well as historical mysteries (i.e., mysteries set in intriguing "foreign" contexts, in the sense of the past being a foreign country) by Laurie R. King, TJ Kinsey, Jacqueline Winspear, Stephen Spotswood, etc., I feel like this series is lacking something to set it apart from others. All of these have strong character development alongside the mystery plot, for example. I've enjoyed this series in the past but can't quite remember why--maybe the Duncan/Gemma love plot kept me hooked for awhile?
Also, it seemed odd/implausible to me that people Gemma and Duncan know (Wesley, Winnie) could coincidentally be connected to/knowledgeable about the circumstances of this mystery.
Alas, I was lukewarm on this. That may say more about the other mysteries I've been reading lately than this series of straight-up classic mysteries. Next to mysteries by the likes of Louise Penny (great psychological/moral depth), Kate Atkinson (unique voice/style), Richard Osman (senior citizens), and Christopher Fowler (eccentrics!), as well as historical mysteries (i.e., mysteries set in intriguing "foreign" contexts, in the sense of the past being a foreign country) by Laurie R. King, TJ Kinsey, Jacqueline Winspear, Stephen Spotswood, etc., I feel like this series is lacking something to set it apart from others. All of these have strong character development alongside the mystery plot, for example. I've enjoyed this series in the past but can't quite remember why--maybe the Duncan/Gemma love plot kept me hooked for awhile?
Also, it seemed odd/implausible to me that people Gemma and Duncan know (Wesley, Winnie) could coincidentally be connected to/knowledgeable about the circumstances of this mystery.
January 23, 2023
4.5 Stars
So happy to get back into Duncan and Gemmas’s London for more mystery and intrigue!
The Killing of Innocents is the newest novel in the lovely Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James series by Deborah Crombie, which is one of my favorite series ever. Crombie’s books are great mysteries and at the same time quite cozy and I don’t quite know how she does it.
Nineteen books in and I can’t get enough of the Kincaid-James family, the Melody and Doug’s constant drama, the slew of awesome side characters, and the extremely interesting and captivating crime solving, Crombie always delivers a great look at modern London and the new mystery kept me enthralled until the end.
I have to admit that I wish we maybe didn’t get so many POV’s that interrupted one another, causing quite a whiplash and that maybe the story moved a bit quicker, instead of a fast forward at the end and such a quick glimpse of things post mystery solving.
All in all, The Killing of Innocents was a very welcome addition to this amazing series! I really don’t want to ruin the fun, but I do recommend checking out the previous books to get a better feel for the characters and their relationships.
Ps: Book was gifted to me, but all the opinions are completely my own.
So happy to get back into Duncan and Gemmas’s London for more mystery and intrigue!
The Killing of Innocents is the newest novel in the lovely Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James series by Deborah Crombie, which is one of my favorite series ever. Crombie’s books are great mysteries and at the same time quite cozy and I don’t quite know how she does it.
Nineteen books in and I can’t get enough of the Kincaid-James family, the Melody and Doug’s constant drama, the slew of awesome side characters, and the extremely interesting and captivating crime solving, Crombie always delivers a great look at modern London and the new mystery kept me enthralled until the end.
I have to admit that I wish we maybe didn’t get so many POV’s that interrupted one another, causing quite a whiplash and that maybe the story moved a bit quicker, instead of a fast forward at the end and such a quick glimpse of things post mystery solving.
All in all, The Killing of Innocents was a very welcome addition to this amazing series! I really don’t want to ruin the fun, but I do recommend checking out the previous books to get a better feel for the characters and their relationships.
Ps: Book was gifted to me, but all the opinions are completely my own.
February 18, 2023
Waited so long for #19 and then the letdown feels the worst. I missed the intimacy with my favorite characters. Too much was going on in too many directions without a catch up. The ending was abrupt. Let's get Duncan and Gemma back together again.
September 12, 2023
Didn’t realize this was already out. Solid contribution to the series.
February 11, 2023
I had looked forward to reading this book, as Duncan and Gemma have come to be favorite characters of mine. This book just didn’t come to the level of some of Ms. Crombie’s earlier books in this series. It just seemed to be lacking something to me, and even though they solved the crime at the end, the book sort of left me hanging. I wasn’t sure about the Doug, Melanie, Andy story line at all, and the whole thing with the children (although any working mom will understand the dilemma Gemma was facing) was just weirdly handled in my opinion. I hope the next effort is better!
July 10, 2023
This is a great series, in that this is a working couple, they share home responsibilities, they embrace a lot of things that model good behavior, and the cases are usually not overly complex. In this one there are 2 stabbing deaths that happen to two people who work in the same hospital, but occur no where near there. There is a subtext of the trouble people can get into when they don't understand science, and listen to other non-scientists about what to do and how to feel about things that they do not factually understand.
May 12, 2024
I think this series while still enjoyable suffers from having too many characters after being around for so long. I liked it but wish the mystery part had been stronger.
February 6, 2023
A Killing of Innocents by Deborah Crombie is a highly recommended procedural and the 19th book in the series featuring Scotland Yard detectives Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James.
In London's historic Russell Square Sasha Johnson, a trainee doctor at Thomas Coram Hospital, is fatally stabbed. The only witness, a child, just saw someone bump into her and quickly walk away into the crowd. When Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his sergeant, Doug Cullen, are called to the scene, they realize they just saw the women twenty minuted earlier in a pub, seemingly waiting for someone who didn't arrive. As they begin to look into Sasha's background, there doesn't seem to be an obvious motive for someone to want to murder her.
Kincaid immediately calls in his wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James, who is on a task force on knife crimes, and her partner detective sergeant Melody Talbot, to aid in the investigation. Sasha Johnson, however, doesn’t fit the profile of a typical knifing victim. There are several suspects with some ties to Sasha or with people she knows. Sasha herself had secrets she was keeping.
Crombie follows the discoveries in the investigation while also realistically covering the many complications of their personal lives while balancing work and family. Both the story lines are interesting, although the personal complications will be more interesting for fans of the series who really know these characters. At this point in the series all the characters are full realized and well-developed.
The writing is excellent and the case is interesting. The compelling plot keeps the narrative moving along swiftly along. There are many characters and many point-of-view presented which readers of the series will easily follow but those new to the characters may feel a bit overwhelmed. The good news is that A Killing of Innocents can be read as a stand-alone for anyone who is not following the series, just skimming over the personal drama, while those who follow the series will be equally interested in the investigation and personal lives of these characters.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of HarperCollins via Edelweiss.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/0...
In London's historic Russell Square Sasha Johnson, a trainee doctor at Thomas Coram Hospital, is fatally stabbed. The only witness, a child, just saw someone bump into her and quickly walk away into the crowd. When Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his sergeant, Doug Cullen, are called to the scene, they realize they just saw the women twenty minuted earlier in a pub, seemingly waiting for someone who didn't arrive. As they begin to look into Sasha's background, there doesn't seem to be an obvious motive for someone to want to murder her.
Kincaid immediately calls in his wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James, who is on a task force on knife crimes, and her partner detective sergeant Melody Talbot, to aid in the investigation. Sasha Johnson, however, doesn’t fit the profile of a typical knifing victim. There are several suspects with some ties to Sasha or with people she knows. Sasha herself had secrets she was keeping.
Crombie follows the discoveries in the investigation while also realistically covering the many complications of their personal lives while balancing work and family. Both the story lines are interesting, although the personal complications will be more interesting for fans of the series who really know these characters. At this point in the series all the characters are full realized and well-developed.
The writing is excellent and the case is interesting. The compelling plot keeps the narrative moving along swiftly along. There are many characters and many point-of-view presented which readers of the series will easily follow but those new to the characters may feel a bit overwhelmed. The good news is that A Killing of Innocents can be read as a stand-alone for anyone who is not following the series, just skimming over the personal drama, while those who follow the series will be equally interested in the investigation and personal lives of these characters.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of HarperCollins via Edelweiss.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/0...
February 12, 2023
Teamwork and Tea
A KILLING OF INNOCENTS by Deborah Crombie
It takes a team to solve tricky cases, so many leads, confusing motives, missing pieces and witnesses . . . twisty indeed! Believable red herrings are most intriguing, as old cases mesh with new and so many look guilty.
It also takes teamwork to run a busy household, and Gemma and Duncan are stretched thin with ballet rehearsals, nightmares, with Kit helping but also studying and working at the cafe. Solutions depend on listening to good advice from friends. No one can do it all.
Single members of the team have personal problems to work out, and I suspect they will.
London is such a special setting, it’s as if the city itself is another character. Vicarious travel through eloquent descriptions is so enticing that I found myself brewing some “malty” tea to have with a ginger biscuit, not quite brave enough for fancy cocktails, yet.
I highly recommend this, part of a series, but could be read alone. I look forward to more.
A KILLING OF INNOCENTS by Deborah Crombie
It takes a team to solve tricky cases, so many leads, confusing motives, missing pieces and witnesses . . . twisty indeed! Believable red herrings are most intriguing, as old cases mesh with new and so many look guilty.
It also takes teamwork to run a busy household, and Gemma and Duncan are stretched thin with ballet rehearsals, nightmares, with Kit helping but also studying and working at the cafe. Solutions depend on listening to good advice from friends. No one can do it all.
Single members of the team have personal problems to work out, and I suspect they will.
London is such a special setting, it’s as if the city itself is another character. Vicarious travel through eloquent descriptions is so enticing that I found myself brewing some “malty” tea to have with a ginger biscuit, not quite brave enough for fancy cocktails, yet.
I highly recommend this, part of a series, but could be read alone. I look forward to more.
February 8, 2023
4 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a very good mystery/thriller set in London following the investigation of Scotland Yard detectives into the murder of a young medical resident. As they look into the victim's personal life, another stabbing occurs, putting the City in a panic. This is the 19th book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. I admit I was a bit lost on most of the character interplay and their personal lives, but there is enough back story that I got the basics of what was going on. Even though I wasn't familiar with the characters, I still got caught up in what they were going through and liked them.
The writing is well done and the pacing is steady. I was hooked from the start of the book and I was able to read it in two days. The author includes plenty of red herrings that were plausible and it took me a bit to figure out the mystery, which was refreshing. There are so many mysteries out there that are disappointing, so it was wonderful to read one that grabbed my attention and that I really enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bibliolifestyle and William Morrow & Company. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a very good mystery/thriller set in London following the investigation of Scotland Yard detectives into the murder of a young medical resident. As they look into the victim's personal life, another stabbing occurs, putting the City in a panic. This is the 19th book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. I admit I was a bit lost on most of the character interplay and their personal lives, but there is enough back story that I got the basics of what was going on. Even though I wasn't familiar with the characters, I still got caught up in what they were going through and liked them.
The writing is well done and the pacing is steady. I was hooked from the start of the book and I was able to read it in two days. The author includes plenty of red herrings that were plausible and it took me a bit to figure out the mystery, which was refreshing. There are so many mysteries out there that are disappointing, so it was wonderful to read one that grabbed my attention and that I really enjoyed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bibliolifestyle and William Morrow & Company. All opinions are my own.
February 8, 2023
Deborah Crombie writes one of my absolute favorite police procedural series - the Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James novels. The nineteenth entry - A Killing of Innocents has just released.
Kincaid and James are both Scotland Yard detectives, albeit in different departments. Sasha, a young trainee doctor is stabbed as she walks across a square to meet a friend. As it's a knife crime, both of their teams are on the case. But as the case progresses, they realize there's much more to this case than a random stabbing...
Crombie always writes an intriguing, multi layered plot that isn't easy to figure out. It's great fun to try and solve the crimes along with the detectives. I truly appreciate how those crimes are solved in Crombie's books - with a team that uses modern day methods as well as the ' old fashioned' ways. Interviews, intuition, experience etc. Adding to the mystery are some enigmatic missives that appear as italicized chapters. How will they figure into the plot?
But the biggest draw for me are the characters. From one of my previous reviews of this series. "... the most captivating of all, is the large group of characters that appear in each book, their lives changing and growing with every new entry. They're so well drawn, they've become almost real, especially Duncan, Gemma and their children. I feel like I know them. Although others may complain that the domestic details of the characters detracts from a good mystery, I find it gives the story much more depth. I've become invested in their lives and want to see where Crombie takes them from here. Sitting down with the latest feels like catching up with old friends." This is what has me always eagerly awaiting the next book from Crombie.
And no surprise - I loved this latest! The crime is solved, but the door is open for the next book. Can't wait!
Kincaid and James are both Scotland Yard detectives, albeit in different departments. Sasha, a young trainee doctor is stabbed as she walks across a square to meet a friend. As it's a knife crime, both of their teams are on the case. But as the case progresses, they realize there's much more to this case than a random stabbing...
Crombie always writes an intriguing, multi layered plot that isn't easy to figure out. It's great fun to try and solve the crimes along with the detectives. I truly appreciate how those crimes are solved in Crombie's books - with a team that uses modern day methods as well as the ' old fashioned' ways. Interviews, intuition, experience etc. Adding to the mystery are some enigmatic missives that appear as italicized chapters. How will they figure into the plot?
But the biggest draw for me are the characters. From one of my previous reviews of this series. "... the most captivating of all, is the large group of characters that appear in each book, their lives changing and growing with every new entry. They're so well drawn, they've become almost real, especially Duncan, Gemma and their children. I feel like I know them. Although others may complain that the domestic details of the characters detracts from a good mystery, I find it gives the story much more depth. I've become invested in their lives and want to see where Crombie takes them from here. Sitting down with the latest feels like catching up with old friends." This is what has me always eagerly awaiting the next book from Crombie.
And no surprise - I loved this latest! The crime is solved, but the door is open for the next book. Can't wait!
July 6, 2023
I am a huge fan of Deborah Crombie's novels, always impatient to read the next one in the Kincaid and James series. I love the way the murder investigation is mixed up with the ever-evolving personal lives of the main protagonists. So thumbs up for another brilliant story. Now a long wait until the next one...
January 29, 2023
A Killing of Innocents is the nineteenth installment in Deborah Crombie's Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James series. And, it is a worthy addition to this wonderful series.
When junior doctor Sasha Johnson realizes that she has been stood up, she heads through London's Russell Square. After someone in the crowd jostles her while passing, she collapses. Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid receives the call, and he and Detective Sergeant Doug Cullen find that Sasha had been stabbed. Who would want to kill this young doctor? Why? As we follow Duncan's usual investigation into Sasha's family, her roommate, her coworkers, what seems like a straightforward, albeit puzzling, case develops complications and becomes multifaceted. We witness how Duncan and his team find the who and the why.
Although A Killing of Innocents gives us the complex plot development that we have come to expect from Crombie, this book seems to lack a lot of the "extra-plot development" to which we are accustomed; in other words, Duncan's wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James, is largely sidelined in this book. Gemma and her sergeant, Melody Talbot, have been assigned to a task force involving the tracking and identifying of knife crimes. And, although both detectives contribute to the investigation, their participation is minimal; there is no real role for them in this book. However, Crombie has done a nice job capturing the frustration that Gemma experiences with balancing the primary care of their three children with her desire to be solving cases, work at which she excels. And, even though the plot may be more narrow - in the sense of which characters are given an active role - Crombie skillfully works in some continued development to characters who are sidelined in this plot.
I was very excited to have the opportunity to read and review an advanced readers copy of this book. Nonetheless, when I came to the end of A Killing of Innocents, I was very sad. It is a great addition to the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series - and I highly recommend the book and the entire series - but at the end, I realized that my return to Duncan's and Gemma's world was over. Crombie, as always, is masterful, and I anxiously await the next installment in the series.
When junior doctor Sasha Johnson realizes that she has been stood up, she heads through London's Russell Square. After someone in the crowd jostles her while passing, she collapses. Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid receives the call, and he and Detective Sergeant Doug Cullen find that Sasha had been stabbed. Who would want to kill this young doctor? Why? As we follow Duncan's usual investigation into Sasha's family, her roommate, her coworkers, what seems like a straightforward, albeit puzzling, case develops complications and becomes multifaceted. We witness how Duncan and his team find the who and the why.
Although A Killing of Innocents gives us the complex plot development that we have come to expect from Crombie, this book seems to lack a lot of the "extra-plot development" to which we are accustomed; in other words, Duncan's wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James, is largely sidelined in this book. Gemma and her sergeant, Melody Talbot, have been assigned to a task force involving the tracking and identifying of knife crimes. And, although both detectives contribute to the investigation, their participation is minimal; there is no real role for them in this book. However, Crombie has done a nice job capturing the frustration that Gemma experiences with balancing the primary care of their three children with her desire to be solving cases, work at which she excels. And, even though the plot may be more narrow - in the sense of which characters are given an active role - Crombie skillfully works in some continued development to characters who are sidelined in this plot.
I was very excited to have the opportunity to read and review an advanced readers copy of this book. Nonetheless, when I came to the end of A Killing of Innocents, I was very sad. It is a great addition to the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series - and I highly recommend the book and the entire series - but at the end, I realized that my return to Duncan's and Gemma's world was over. Crombie, as always, is masterful, and I anxiously await the next installment in the series.
January 27, 2024
A great addition to a perfect series! Now to wait for the next one.
April 10, 2023
Loved it. One of my favourite series. Such a pity that we’ll have to wait so long for a sequel!
January 31, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Reading a new Deborah Crombie is always a treat. I love slipping into the world of Duncan Kincaid, his wife and fellow police inspector Gemma, and their cobbled together family, friends and co-workers. I’m only sad when I finish and know I have to wait for the next book!
When a young doctor is fatally stabbed in a public square, Duncan and Doug (his sergeant) are called to the scene. The victim was close to family friends of Duncan’s and Gemma’s. Gemma and her sergeant Melody are in new desk jobs and are missing being in the field. When she has the opportunity to go undercover for Duncan’s, Gemma realizes just how much she misses being on a case.
The story is compelling, but it’s the characters and writing that make Crombie’s series a must read.
Reading a new Deborah Crombie is always a treat. I love slipping into the world of Duncan Kincaid, his wife and fellow police inspector Gemma, and their cobbled together family, friends and co-workers. I’m only sad when I finish and know I have to wait for the next book!
When a young doctor is fatally stabbed in a public square, Duncan and Doug (his sergeant) are called to the scene. The victim was close to family friends of Duncan’s and Gemma’s. Gemma and her sergeant Melody are in new desk jobs and are missing being in the field. When she has the opportunity to go undercover for Duncan’s, Gemma realizes just how much she misses being on a case.
The story is compelling, but it’s the characters and writing that make Crombie’s series a must read.
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