Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James Series #9
Mystery
2003 William Morrow
Finished on January 22, 2022
Rating: 4/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
Though her reputation for delving into the heart of murder is matched only by that of her former partner and current lover, Duncan Kincaid, newly appointed Detective Inspector Gemma James has never thought to question her friend Hazel Cavendish about her past. So it is quite a shock when Gemma learns that their holiday retreat to a hotel in the Scottish Highlands is, in fact, a homecoming for native daughter Hazel -- and an event that has provoked strong reactions from the small community. Something is definitely amiss -- and that something is quite possibly Donald Brodie, the charming if intense Scotsman who is a guest as well.
The truth comes out before long: Hazel and Brodie were once lovers, despite a vicious, long-standing feud between their families, rival local distillers of fine whisky. Their affair was fierce and passionate, and its fire might not have burned out completely. Certainly Brodie, now the domineering head of the family business, believes his "Juliet" still belongs to him alone -- and he's prepared to destroy Hazel's English marriage to make it so.
A brutal murder puts Hazel's very life in peril when she's arrested for the crime. Hazel is the logical suspect, but Gemma knows nothing is simple in this place of secrets and long-seething hatreds. As even more damning evidence piles up against the friend Gemma never truly knew, the investigation into Hazel and Brodie's history begins to take darker, more sinister and tumultuous turns. Gemma knows she will need assistance to unravel this bloody knot -- and so she calls the one man she trusts more than any other, Duncan Kincaid, to join her far from home . . . and in harm's way.
Another winner! I read several of Deborah Crombie's books last year, four of which made my Honorable Mentions list, and it's nice to start off 2022 with another fun read by this talented author. I enjoyed the details about whiskey distilleries and the Scottish Highlands, but as always it was the personal relationships between Gemma, Duncan and Kit that held my interest. In spite of numerous red herrings, I wasn't able to solve the mystery before the murderer's identity was revealed, which is fine with me. I don't like a mystery that's too obvious. On to #10 (In a Dark House)!
I do think the series is uneven, but I even so, the ones that work for me work so well. I'm glad this one was a good one for you! Another example of how involved we can become in the lives of imaginary characters. :)
ReplyDeleteJen, I read eight books in this series in 2021 and hope to wrap it up this year. I think the series has improved with the more recent installments, but we'll see how I feel as I read the remaining books. I still have several left in my stacks!
DeleteI agree with Jenclair that some of the books in the series work better for me than others. However, I find that with almost all of the long-running series that I read and try to stay current with. I remember this one was so interesting to know new and disturbing things about Hazel. Right? I've been caught up with the series for quite a while since it does take the author some time to write a new book. She's working on the next, but not sure when it will come out. I'll be patient. ;-)
ReplyDeleteKay, it was a little shocking to learn those new details about Hazel! I still have 10 more left to read in the series, but if I read one a month, I'll be caught up before her next release. According to Fantastic Fiction, it looks like it will be published in 2023. It's called A Killing of Innocents. So, yes. Patience, my friend. :)
DeleteI haven't read anything by Crombie, this sounds good! I want to know the secrets about Hazel (my mom's name) but I don't read series with this many books anymore.
ReplyDeleteVicki, it's a pretty good series, but there are quite a few books and she's still writing!
DeleteThis series is so tempting but, I vowed I can't start up on any new series unless the author has only written 1-3 books.
ReplyDeleteDiane, she's written close to 20 so far, so I guess you'll have to skip it. Maybe you'll change your mind someday. :)
DeleteI've never read any of her books, obviously I am missing out. My Scottish cousin works for a whiskey company so perhaps this is the one I should read.
ReplyDeleteHelen, it's the 9th in the series, so you'd learn a few spoilers, but I think it'd be ok unless you really hate spoilers.
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