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Kissed a Sad Goodbye
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Good book, spoiled by narrator
- By Carole on 12-08-12
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Superintendent Duncan Kincaid is called to investigate the shocking death of a woman found burned beyond recognition in a Victorian warehouse in south London. When his lover and partner, Gemma James, is asked to trace a friend's missing roommate, she and Duncan discover that their cases have several disturbing links. Set against a backdrop of Dickensian Southwark, repository of old secrets, the case plunges Duncan and Gemma into the dark recesses of human relationships. Two women are missing, a little girl is abducted, and no one is really what they seem.
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Gentle murder mystery
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Where Memories Lie
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Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James find themselves drawn into a web of deceit and treachery that has its roots in the turmoil of 1939, as Britain and Germany hover on the brink of war. Gemma learns that her friend Erika Rosenthal lost a valuable brooch during her escape from Berlin. Now that heirloom has turned up at auction, and Erika asks Gemma's help in discovering its whereabouts for the last 50 years.
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When Superintendant Duncan Kincaid takes Gemma, Kit and Toby to visit his family in Cheshire, Gemma is soon entranced with Nantwich town's pretty buildings and the historic winding canal, and young Kit is instantly smitten with his cousin Lally.
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Dreaming of the Bones
- By: Deborah Crombie
- Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin
- Length: 14 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Often compared to both Ruth Rendell and P.D. James, Deborah Crombie is internationally acclaimed for her deftly written mysteries that combine suspense, with lyrical prose. Sharply etched characters further enrich this story of tangled relationships and dark secrets. Twelve years after their divorce, Scotland Yard Superintendent Duncan Kincaid receives a phone call from his ex-wife Victoria asking for his help.
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Good book, spoiled by narrator
- By Carole on 12-08-12
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Now May You Weep
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
A crime of passion strikes close to home when Gemma and her best friend, Hazel Cavendish, travel to Scotland, a land of mists and fine whiskey, of hidden pasts and dangerous secrets, or so Gemma discovers when an unexpected meeting with Hazel's old flame yields shocking - and mortal - consequences. Hazel is the logical suspect, but Gemma knows nothing is simple in this place of secrets and long-seething hatreds.
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In a Dark House
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- By: Deborah Crombie
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Overall
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Superintendent Duncan Kincaid is called to investigate the shocking death of a woman found burned beyond recognition in a Victorian warehouse in south London. When his lover and partner, Gemma James, is asked to trace a friend's missing roommate, she and Duncan discover that their cases have several disturbing links. Set against a backdrop of Dickensian Southwark, repository of old secrets, the case plunges Duncan and Gemma into the dark recesses of human relationships. Two women are missing, a little girl is abducted, and no one is really what they seem.
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When Shetland detective Jimmy Perez finds a body in a hut used by fishermen, it seems to be a straightforward case of suicide. He recognises the victim - a stranger with amnesia who had disrupted a local party the night before his death. Yet this is no desperate act of anguish but the work of a cold and calculating killer. As Perez investigates, he finds himself mired in the hidden secrets of the small Biddista community. Then another body is found. Perez knows he must break the cycle before another death occurs. But this is a crazy time of year, when night blurs into day and nothing is quite as it seems....
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Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James find themselves drawn into a web of deceit and treachery that has its roots in the turmoil of 1939, as Britain and Germany hover on the brink of war. Gemma learns that her friend Erika Rosenthal lost a valuable brooch during her escape from Berlin. Now that heirloom has turned up at auction, and Erika asks Gemma's help in discovering its whereabouts for the last 50 years.
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A disappointment all the way.
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entertaining
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disappointing
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Murder Among Us, Mitchell and Markby Village, Book 4
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One cold November day, a mysterious figure appears on the village green in Three Pines, causing unease, alarm and confusion among everyone who sees it. Chief Superintendent Armand Gamache knows something is seriously wrong, but all he can do is watch and wait, hoping his worst fears are not realised. But when the figure disappears and a dead body is discovered, it falls to Gamache to investigate.
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Mixed feelings
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How the Light Gets In
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The number one New York Times bestseller. A detective. As a fierce, unrelenting winter grips Quebec, shadows are closing in on Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. Most of his best agents have left the Homicide Department and hostile forces are lining up against him. A disappearance. When Gamache receives a message about a mysterious case in Three Pines, he is compelled to investigate -- a woman who was once one of the most famous people in the world has vanished.
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Excellent story, gripping, human and involving.
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The Beautiful Mystery
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- By: Louise Penny
- Narrated by: Adam Sims
- Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
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A MONASTERY. Hidden deep in the wilderness are the cloisters of two dozen monks - men of prayer and music, famous the world over for their glorious voices. A MURDER. But a brutal death throws the monastery doors open to the world. And through them walks the only man who can shine light upon the dark deeds within: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. A MYSTERY. Who among the brothers has become an angel of death?
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The beautiful mystery
- By Alice Mae on 30-05-18
Summary
Reminiscent of Ruth Rendell, multiple award-winning author Deborah Crombie creates graceful mysteries, resonating with lyrical prose, elegant suspense, and finely-drawn characters. This is her darkly irresistible tale of friendship shattered by shocking betrayal, and repercussions that echo down through the years.
A stunningly beautiful young woman is found strangled in London's Mudchute Park, her clothing carefully arranged to preserve her modesty. With that unusual detail in mind, Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his partner Sergeant Gemma James suspect the crime was more than a simple assault gone awry. As they collect the strange facts surrounding her death, they discover the victim's life was a mystery even to those who knew her best.
Internationally-acclaimed author Deborah Crombie brilliantly weaves together events of World War II England with complex problems of present-day London. As British actor Jenny Sterlin's superb dramatization unfolds, you'll understand why this crime novel is as at home on the bookshelf with literary novels as it is with the most baffling whodunit.
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Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- George A Bear
- 21-08-18
A Duncan Kincaid and Jemma James story ( book 6)
The main story is set in the 90s and follows a police investigation into the death of a beautiful woman found in Mudchute Park on the Isle of Dogs, London. Juxtaposed with this story is a 1940's tale of three evacuated children.
Although slightly slow at times, the two stories link together for a dramatic ending.
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- Karen
- 29-11-15
Brilliant
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I would always recommend this book.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Duncan Kincaid.
Which character – as performed by Jenny Sterlin – was your favourite?
Duncan Kincaid.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
When Gemma fell in love.
Any additional comments?
I am always happy when another books comes out.
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- Constance
- 15-12-11
Complex, compelling mystery
This complex mystery connects betrayals and tragedies from the characters' World War 2 past to present day rivalries and grudges. Characters are complex, interesting, and human. Another outstanding entry in the Duncan Kincaid/Jemma James series. Well narrated.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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- Michael
- 22-11-11
Best weaving of past and present into a story.
This is the best example of past and present woven seamlessly into a story I've read in more than fifty years. Normally, a writer's attempt to produce 'great' art falls flat, as the author forgets to entertain while being cleaver. But this time, it was done beautifully.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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- Dorothy
- 03-06-14
Check a map before reading
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I do all of Crombie's. But I found it confusing for the first hour or so. I paused it and did some research before continuing. It takes place on the Isle of Dogs, and if you aren't familiar with that, you won't understand what the author is talking about and the geography of the crime scene. Before listening, take a minute to look it up on a detailed map such as google maps, and zoom in to Mudchute Park and find Ferry Road and the docks. It's a fascinating place with a fascinating history. After looking at the map, take a quick look at the article about it on Wikipedia. You'll find the book much more enjoyable once you are familiar with the scenario.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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- Terry
- 21-04-13
Captivating series, well read
Would you listen to Kissed a Sad Goodbye again? Why?
Perhaps, though I don't tend to read books more than once
Who was your favorite character and why?
Love the interplay between Kincaid and James
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes. I try to save my Audible books for my thrice-weekly walks, as its an investment for me on my limited income, but I had to discipline myself not to listen to this one start to finish in one listen.
Any additional comments?
Deborah Crombie is, in my opinion, right up there with Sue Grafton, Dana Stabenow, Daniel Silva and Ken Follett in her/their ability to catch me up into their stories and hold my attention from beginning to end. And the reader of Crombie's books for Audible, Jennie Sterlin, is the perfect voice for her novels.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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- ACT1
- 20-03-13
Wrong narrator
This is the second Deborah Crombie book I have listened to and with this narrator wont be listening to any more, unfortunately, as her manner is quite at odds with the plotlines. I am sure Jenny Sterlin is a good narrator but her wimpy presentation just doesnt cut it for a police mystery - it sounds like she is declining on a sofa with her smelling salts for much of the time whereas she is supposed to be portraying hard nosed police officers. I think the plots are good, some of the places have significance for me and I was looking forward to listening but if I get any more I will get a different narrator, preferably a male.
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
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- Chalis
- 24-04-14
Excellent Story
This is not a fast paced, action filled adventure. It is a well crafted story, filled with complex characters and relationships. There is a mystery to be solved, but there are also stories to be told. As the story went on I became more and more involved and interested. It's a long book, but the time flew by.
Part of the story involves the difficulties experienced by main characters Jemma James and Duncan Kincaid experience in their personal lives. They struggle with complex issues and don't always make the best decisions at first. For me this makes them seem more "real." Their personal struggles are part of the story, but not the focus of the story.
I enjoyed listening to this story and look forward to listening to more books in this series.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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- richard/sharon
- 27-09-12
Another thought
Additional thought. This author has moved away from the inspector/mystery story and has moved into the area of literary far-ra-ra. Every chapter is preceded by a poetry extract and is not what I want in a mystery story. But I did enjoy it - I simply stomached the superfluous poetic nonsense.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
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- Patricia
- 02-08-10
Terrible narration
I have very much enjoyed listening to the Deborah Crombie series as narrated by Michael Deehy. The new narrator's reading is so slow, with little differentiation among emotions and characters, that I could not listen longer than an hour. Crombie is a good writer and it's a shame to have her work distorted in this way.
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
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- Patricia E. McMahon
- 04-01-17
Such wonderful characters
I love this series. The mysteries are complex and interesting, but it is the people in the books that I really love. I can't wait to start the next book.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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- Marie
- 29-01-13
Complex story is overshadowed by bad parenting
The main mystery in the novel is intriguing and pulls the reader into the story. I can't say the same for the personal problems of the two detectives, Duncan Kincaid and Jemma James, and their cluttered relationship. Duncan Kincaid's lack of attention to a small child staying with him made me dislike him early on. Can he really be so thick as to leave the child unattended for hours? And the fact that Jemma James was having a physical relationship with Kincaid, her superior officer, was so unprofessional that I disliked them both for it. Especially since Jemma had an unfathomable attraction to a street musician. I didn't buy the coincidence of this character being in both the murder plot and in Jemma's plot. I am not sure I will return to Duncan and Jemma. I don't mind flawed characters, I just don't like stupid ones. I did enjoy the narration.
7 of 13 people found this review helpful