Dreaming of the Bones

Dreaming of the Bones is a wonderful book, and the title reflects the storyline. The way Ms. Crombie slides in and out of the past with the book is almost dreamlike. In this book, Duncan Kincaid and his Gemma are trying to solve what could have been a five year old murder, but while they're trying to convince the authorities that it was murder and not suicide another death occurs that can't be anything but murder. Kincaid has to determine what happened years and years ago to try to figure out who has committed these murders. In his search he comes upon some truths of his own that will probably change his life completely. It's a voyage of discovery for him as well as revenge. Despite the few discrepancies this book seemed to be more British than the others that I have read in this series. Ms. Crombie should do a bit of research to determine how the English spell "colour", but it did not take away from the story, and I really did enjoy it!

I am reading all of the Kincaid-Gemma books in chronological order. This is the best one yet. I like Crombie's books better than Elizabeth George's. Her characters get on with the crime solving & don't indulge in such navel-gazing & endless angst over their relationships the way George's do. I think the reader should just take this book for what it is -- fiction -- a good mystery & not get onvolved in analyzing the poetry, the letters, & who is supposed to represent whom in real life. Just enjoy it! I can't wait to read the next one.

So how can an author keep the readers interested in the two main characters after they become romantically involved with each other? For Deborah Crombie, it is easy. Bring in Duncan's ex-wife with a several-year-old murder masquerading as a suicide, her 11 year-old son, another murder, and still tie in Duncan and Gemma's explorations of their new relationship. This is a book about shattered dreams, new expectations, surprise revelations, and distorted relationships. DREAMING OF THE BONES is, at times, funny, extremely sad, touching, and infuriating. It is Crombie's most emotionally complex book yet. I couldn't put it down and read it cover-to-cover in one sitting. Enjoy!

New readers and fans of Deborah Crombie will not be disappointed with her fifth installment of the Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James detective team from Scotland Yard. When Duncan receives a call from his ex-wife, Vic, after a twelve year separation, it can only be trouble. Vic, recently abandoned by her husband for a younger model, is writing a biography about a semi-popular poet, Lydia Brooke. During the course of Vic's investigation for her book, she comes across some disturbing evidence that the poet may not have taken her own life five years ago and seeks out Duncan's professional connections for more details. Duncan decides to help Vic, much to the distress of Gemma, Duncan's partner both professionally and personally. Duncan assures Gemma he plans on only obtaining a copy of the police report, but once Vic turns up dead Duncan decides to take a leave of absence to further investigate. Gemma stands by her man and they set out to find her murderer. They conclude that the key to finding her murderer is to determine who didn't want her to continue her exploration of Lydia Brooke's death. As with some author's who keep the reader in the dark about key pieces of information as a means to disguise their inability to write skillfully, Deborah Crombie unveils the facts to the reader as Duncan and Gemma learn them. This skillful writer intersperses letters written by Lydia to her mother as well as private conversations that take place outside of Duncan and Gemma's ears and still pulls off "I can't believe that's who did it" at the end. Deborah Crombie's books are categorized as police procedurals, but within each successive book in the series she adds a dimension to the growing relationship between Duncan and Gemma. While finding Vic's murderer (as well as the murderer of Lydia Brooke) brings closure for Duncan, what Vic leaves behind will change Duncan and Gemma's personal relationship forever. I hope Ms. Crombie doesn't take too long to finish her next installment as readers will be anxiously awaiting to see how Vic's legacy will impact Duncan and Gemma.

Five years ago, the talented Cambridge poet Lydia Brooks apparently committed suicide. Now Victoria McClellan, is writing a biography about the renowned Lydia. However as she digs deeply into the background of the deceased poet, Vic begins to question whether Lydia actually killed herself or was murdered. She turns to her estranged former spouse, Scotland Yard Superintendent Duncan Kincaid for help. Duncan wants nothing to do with the feminist who dumped him over a decade ago. However, her evidence is compelling, so, along with his current lover and partner, Gemma James, he looks at the local police report, which he finds shoddy and its conclusion very shaky. As the two law enforcement officials begin to dig, Vic is murdered. A stunned Duncan and his partner start investigating one current murder and one potentially five year old murder in an effort to uncover a killer, who will do anything to keep a four decade old secret quiet. Deborah Crombie has a well deserved reputation for her Kincaid series. However, her latest entry, DREAMING OF THE BONES, clearly tops her already superior work because the reader has an incredible glimpse into what makes Duncan what he is. His relationships with Gemma and Vic are thoroughly explored, turning the Superintendent into a human being. The story line is exciting, especially the ultimate clue to the killer's identity. Fans of this series will be elated with this book, but will wonder whether Ms. Crombie can top this outstanding novel, let alone match its excellence. Harriet Klausner