Wednesday, February 8, 2023

A Killing of Innocents - Deborah Crombie

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! See for yourself - read an excerpt of A Killing of Innocents

6 comments:

Amy said...

I seem to be late to the party for this author and decided to start at the beginning of the series - thanks for the recommendation! Looking forward to a new series!

Kay said...

So happy to hear your experience with A Killing of Innocents. I have it as my next read. I did sneak the first chapter - ha! I totally agree with you about coming to love the characters. I find that in long-running series, I don't always 'love' each and every book the same, but I do always want to 'catch-up' with the characters. Like visiting friends.

Luanne said...

Amy I think you'll love it! I'll watch for your thoughts.

Kay, you've said it well. It is like catching up with old friends. I hope you enjoy this latest.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this series, the people have definitely become friends and I cheer with them, cry with them, and worry over them. So wonderful to have another in the series!

Ann Mason said...

Gemma and Duncan have been in my life since book one. And I’ve read most of the books twice. Debs never disappoints

Luanne said...

Thanks for stopping by Anonymous and Ann. I'm so glad that others enjoy these characters as much as I do!