Reviews

Water Like a Stone by Deborah Crombie

alidottie's review against another edition

4.0

Crombie definitely improved as she wrote this series. This book is as good as the ones just before. you have to pay attention to all the different story lines at the beginning so that you know everyone as their stories converge. It is worth the effort. I like stories that go between different characters experiences.

I like these mysteries because they are not overly intense, but not fluff. They are just a bit gritty without being too gory or violent and she doesn't bother with gratuitous sexual situations that add nothing to the story yet there are loving relationships.

robinwalter's review

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The mystery was very dark, even if the culprit was easy to pick, but the continuing development of the family characters was rewarding. I would still like to see a simpler, less dark murder mystery again, like the early stories in the series 

melissa_who_reads's review against another edition

5.0

Really enjoyed this one. Like the setting - they go to Duncan's family's for Christmas, and things happen. Duncan's sister Juliet is starting a new business and finds a small body; meanwhile, her marriage seems to be falling apart and deeply uncomfortable. Her teenage daughter has issues. Kit has a starring role in this one, and I liked seeing the world through his eyes. Duncan and Gemma are accepted by the local police, though they are on tenuous ground as it is all very unofficial. The ending was satisfactory in all the best ways.

sandin954's review against another edition

3.0

It has been quite a while since I read a book in this series (since 2007) but I was quickly drawn back into the drama of the lead characters' lives, found the mystery plot compelling, and enjoyed the added flavor of the information on the boating community and canals.

stmchester's review against another edition

3.0

I was looking for an engaging mystery, something to distract me from the distressing events of 2020. This book was ok but its plot involved a baby... prefer not to read about that!

kit_moonstar's review against another edition

4.0

This was a great outing. I loved getting to see more of Duncan’s family. His mom had showed up in a previous book but only briefly. It definitely helped explain some aspects of Duncan’s character. Kit also got to play a larger role in this book which was great, even if there were times I wanted to shake him. Then again thirteen year old boys don’t always have the best judgement, and he was not the teenager with the worst judgement in the story. I also liked the fact that this book dealt with some his trauma about his mother’s murder and how he’s healing from that. The mystery itself was interesting, though slightly predictable at times. It was neat to have the main investigator being an old friend of Duncan’s though.

Crombie’s storytelling really excels when she’s focusing on the relationships, and this book in particular showcased that both with Duncan and Gemma’s relationships with folks, but also with the relationships that come to light with the murder. Without giving too many spoilers, relationships are key to figuring out several of the mysteries in the book. This felt like a strong outing compared to the last few books in the series. Four out of five stars.

marlisenicole's review against another edition

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

git_r_read's review against another edition

5.0

It's been a long while, too long really, since I've read or listened to a book from this series. I love reading about Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James. Something about an English mystery that has textured atmosphere to add to the suspense. Agatha Christie got me hooked and the legacy of English, Irish, Scots, Welsh set mysteries have kept me captured.
Each character has a point of view to move the story along, it's not just about the main character/s voice.
Deborah Crombie is fantastic and I will read her books for as long as she keeps writing them.
I've enjoyed watching Duncan and Gemma's relationship build and grow. It's not all happy flowers and picnics. It's rough and tumble, human unease and small jealousies and bits of spite. It's their love for each other that keeps it all in check.
Gemma is going with Duncan to the village where he grew up. She's apprehensive as she's a city girl and this is out in the boonies. There's also trouble with Duncan's son that is causing unease.
Sibling disputes among each set was interesting to view. Brother and sister who haven't seen each other in some time and past jealousies are still there. Brother and sister who are around each other all the time are experiencing upheaval in their household each handle it in their own way. Step-brothers who are still finding their way.
Highly enjoyable and definitely recommend.

notesfromthebookdrop's review

mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

amyfeatonby's review against another edition

adventurous

3.0