Isn’t it terrific when you find a book series that totally captures you and carries you away for the time you spend reading it? That happened to me starting in November when I began reading Deborah Crombie’s mystery series with her two detectives, Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James. I have just finished the last book (so far!) in the series, book #18, and now hoping there will be another new book in this series before too long!
Here are some of the reasons I enjoyed this series so much:
- The two main characters are two decent, kind, and talented people who grow and change over time. The story of their relationship, and the life they put together as working parents, is as riveting as the mysteries they solve. I like both characters very much!
- Compelling mysteries to be solved by these two talented detectives.
- Very consistent writing all the way through the series. Eighteen books, one after another, and all of them were really well done.
- These stories are also great as audiobooks.
I am very happy to hear that Deborah Crombie is working on book #19! In the meantime, I am ready for another reading adventure…if I can find one as good as this one!
Deborah Crombie ~photo from her web site.
A Fondness For Reading 
You introduced me to Gemma and Duncan and I am so grateful. I recently introduced them to a friend and she is now reading book six. I am eagerly awaiting her next book. Thanks for sharing your reading adventures!
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Thanks, Marlo! I’m glad your friend is enjoying them, too!
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It is wonderful to find a series you can connect with, isn’t it? I was fortunate enough to be part of a mystery book group when I lived in Dallas and Deborah Crombie visited us! She was so nice and just really neat to hear about her story. I’ve fallen quite a bit behind on this series so thank you for the reminder that I need to pick another up!
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Iliana! That is so cool! Lucky you to actually meet her and hear her story!
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Funnily enough I’ve just read book one. Will read on in due course.
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Cath, it must be synchronicity! I actually read the first one ages ago, but didn’t continue on at the time. So I reread it this time and was caught. Timing for me, I guess.
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I really loved these books, too. In the print versions, there are maps of the place featured in the book. I have read that she is a wonder when it comes to being an American with all this knowledge of England! I like to read this way, too. Just go right through a series.
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Nan, it’s been a long time since I just powered through an entire series, and like you I do love to do that! It says on her website that she’s working on the 19th book, so I won’t have to mourn the complete end of the series. That’s hard.
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I think I’ve read the first book in this series, but never went on to read any of the others. I’m currently enjoying Louise Penny’s series and will dive into this one just as soon I finish. So glad to hear that they are all winners, Robin!
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Les, that’s exactly what I did. I read the first one ages ago and it didn’t capture me then. I didn’t even realize that I still had the book! So when I found it again, I decided to give it another try and really enjoyed it this time. I’m going to get back to Louise Penny now. I’m on #7, I think!
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Les, the first one is quite – I don’t know if this is the right word – bland compared to the others. It is different. It is when Duncan and Gemma really get together that the series shines. Their life, their children, their friends become such a major part of the books.
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Thanks for this perspective, Nan. Coincidentally, I felt that Louise Penny’s first book was bland compared to the others. I’m looking forward to reading Crombie’s books once I finish with Penny’s!
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Les, I’m going the opposite direction…finished Crombie and now back to Penny!
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Nan, I completely agree with you.
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I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed this series, Robin. It is one of my favorites and I’ve enjoyed each and every book, both in print and on audio. The only thing is that Crombie takes her time usually in getting out the next book – not a bad thing, just a waiting thing. Ha! I might suggest Julia Spencer-Fleming’s series featuring Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne, set in upstate New York, as one to try. It’s a very good one as well. And have you read Elly Griffiths’ series with Ruth Galloway? Just a couple to think about. LOL
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Thank you, Kay, for your wonderful recommendations! I’ve enjoyed three of Elly Griffith’s series and am looking forward to getting back to Ruth. I haven’t tried any of the others, but they look like I’d enjoy them. So many books to enjoy!
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