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robinwalter's review against another edition
dark
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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
One of the best of the last few I've read. Tightly plotted with a good balance between the personal interactions and the split-time mystery
ssilberman's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
alidottie's review against another edition
4.0
I always enjoy this series though this one was a little less exciting in its presentation. Probably more of a 3 and a half start book.
melissa_who_reads's review against another edition
5.0
I love books where the echoes of the past come back to haunt the present, and in this book the past that comes back are crimes associated with World War II and the early 1950s. Such a good book about parents and children, life and death, past and present. The mystery works as well, as they piece it together out of both the events of the past and the murders of the present. Really enjoyed it.
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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
jimmacsyr's review
3.0
Enjoyable. Audio version I listened to had some quirks, making it a little hard to follow some details/timelines, but overall a decent read/listen.
jendoyleink's review against another edition
4.0
I realize that I've been reading a lot of romance novels lately, so that's what's on my mind, but even if I hadn't, it would have been hard not to notice that *this* is how you write a love story.
First, the mystery -- first class, as is typical with Deborah Crombie. Solid characters, solid story, and an ending that actually took me by surprise. I'm afraid that anything else I say will be a spoiler, so I'll just leave the mystery part at that.
As to the love story, or stories, I should say, since it seemed to actually track the cradle to grave cycle of relationships by using four different couples to show it. At the core, of course, was Kincaid and James. Not until the very end did it become clear what was happening in their relationship, but I found the ending to be beautiful and touching in a way that I hadn't expected. Then there was the storyline with Gemma's parents, the very tentative relationship (that may or may not have a future) between Doug Cullen and Melody Talbot, and then the relationship that is core to the mystery itself, that of Gemma's friend Erika Rosenthal and her husband, the story of which largely takes place in 1952.
All in all, a rich and engaging book with many layers throughout, that makes me want to go back to the beginning of the series and read it straight through.
First, the mystery -- first class, as is typical with Deborah Crombie. Solid characters, solid story, and an ending that actually took me by surprise. I'm afraid that anything else I say will be a spoiler, so I'll just leave the mystery part at that.
As to the love story, or stories, I should say, since it seemed to actually track the cradle to grave cycle of relationships by using four different couples to show it. At the core, of course, was Kincaid and James. Not until the very end did it become clear what was happening in their relationship, but I found the ending to be beautiful and touching in a way that I hadn't expected. Then there was the storyline with Gemma's parents, the very tentative relationship (that may or may not have a future) between Doug Cullen and Melody Talbot, and then the relationship that is core to the mystery itself, that of Gemma's friend Erika Rosenthal and her husband, the story of which largely takes place in 1952.
All in all, a rich and engaging book with many layers throughout, that makes me want to go back to the beginning of the series and read it straight through.
ladyejayne's review against another edition
An entertaining and well-written addition to the James/Kincaid series.
kit_moonstar's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the fact that this one was more focused on Gemma than Duncan. Not that I don’t like Duncan, but Gemma is the more interesting character to me. Erika is a character that was introduced several books back when Gemma was assigned to Notting Hill, and she’s popped up a few times as a minor character. It was nice to see her more of a focus character. I also liked the fact that Kit was more involved with this one as well. This was also another book where the weaving of the past and present worked really well. Erika’s story past and present is what ties everything together.
Duncan spends a fair amount of time supporting Gemma in this one which is a change of dynamic for them and nice to see. I also like the fact that their personal dynamic seems to finally be settling in well rather than suffering more changes and challenges. While I like the fact that their relationship hasn’t been stagnant, it’s been frustrating when all they seem to have is setbacks. Between this and the last book, it finally feels like it’s not one step forward and two steps back for the couple, and I’m excited to see what might be next for them. Four out of five stars.
Duncan spends a fair amount of time supporting Gemma in this one which is a change of dynamic for them and nice to see. I also like the fact that their personal dynamic seems to finally be settling in well rather than suffering more changes and challenges. While I like the fact that their relationship hasn’t been stagnant, it’s been frustrating when all they seem to have is setbacks. Between this and the last book, it finally feels like it’s not one step forward and two steps back for the couple, and I’m excited to see what might be next for them. Four out of five stars.
git_r_read's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of my favorite series to read/listen to. The growing of the characters, especially Duncan and Gemma is especially wonderful.