mandag den 9. maj 2011

Deborah Crombie, Leave the Grave Green (1995)


OBS: at some point today (when the Americans are up and about) I´ll be visiting Margot Kinberg´s brilliant blog, Confessions of a Mystery Novelist as part of my "Liquorice Twist" launch. If you pop over and say hello, Margot and I will be so happy!

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This American novel is the third police procedural featuring Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James from Scotland Yard.

"He´d fallen in, landing on his back with his arms and legs splayed awkwardly ´It´s cold,´ he said, his face registering surprise. He scrabbled towards the bank, laughing, shaking the water from his eyes."


Twelve-year-old Matthew has not even realized yet that he is going to drown, but tragedy hits the family of Sir Gerald Asherton, the conductor, and his wife, the soprano Dame Caroline Stowe when they lose their prodigy. And twenty years later they are struck again when their son-in-law Connor Swann drowns - also in the Thames.

As the police are not sure Swann´s death was an accident, Thames Valley CID call in Inspector Duncan Kincaid and Sergeant Gemma James to take a closer look at the circumstances. And no matter what Sir Asherton and his wife say, Connor Swann does not seem to be universally liked - not even by his own wife, the somewhat capricious Julia, who left him a year ago.

An entertaining and fairly cosy mystery with plenty of British atmosphere, including high tea and scones.

I bought the book myself, and Crombie will be on my radar from now on.

12 kommentarer:

Maxine Clarke sagde ...

These Deborah Crombie novels are very popular but, like Elizabeth George, I get stuck on the "not England as we would know it" aspects, as well as the fact that later novels get slower and more padded. I have read this one (but remember nothing about it!) and a few other early ones but gave up on her a few years ago.

Anonym sagde ...

Dorte - I like Deborah Crombie's work, so I'm glad you enjoyed this one :-). I agree with Maxine that her later stuff is too "filled out," but the earlier ones are really nicely done, I think. Oh, and your wonderful guest post is up over at my place! Thanks for visiting me!

Beth F sagde ...

Sounds like a book I'd like. I've had this series on my radar.

Dorte H sagde ...

Maxine: I agree she is more cosy than realistic, but I like one of those once in a while.

Margot: it was so kind of you to invite me :)

Beth: it was a fine, light read.

Elizabeth Spann Craig sagde ...

She's one of my favorite writers and one of the reasons I chose to write mystery. :)

Kelly sagde ...

I love British mysteries, so this is an author I need to look into a little more closely. Thanks for the review!

Felicity Grace Terry sagde ...

Hello Dorte, Pleased to be back in the land of blogs.

Sounds like a good read though I had to laugh at your comment about high teas and scones.

Dorte H sagde ...

Elizabeth: then we have much to thank her for!

Kelly: I also love that British flavour, and even though I realize it is not quite like the real thing, I enjoy being there ;)

Tracy: oh, don´t you have high teas and scones all the time?
PS: it is good to have you back!

Unknown sagde ...

I love Crombie. I've read a few of her books including this one and find the chemistry between the two characters wonderful.

Dorte H sagde ...

Clarissa: yes, they are a fine team.

Karen Russell sagde ...

The first review on my blog was a Deborah Crombie. :D I really like her, even when she gets long-winded!

Dorte H sagde ...

Karen: I liked this one, and I think I´ll try some more.