A review by mojoshivers
Garden of Lamentations by Deborah Crombie

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense 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? Yes

5.0

By far this was the most serialized installment in the series. Concluding the Special Branch mystery that has been featured in the background of the last several books, this provided the much-needed answers as to who was corrupt at the Met, what the corruption entailed, and who the nefarious mastermind was.  Also, I have to say the tying of all the loose threads concerning this storyline was handled deftly. I very much felt the conclusion made sense and all parties involved played relevant roles that befit the character.

As for the other mystery, which for once got relegated to the B plot, it was good as well. I’m only sorry that Gemma got saddled with it and was therefore exempted from the much more interesting corruption plot. It also felt out of character for Duncan to leave his wife in the dark for so long. For much of the book it felt out of character for Duncan not to go straight to her with every development. I understand why it was done, to keep up the two mysteries a book format but it didn’t feel as integrated seamlessly as it could have been.

Here’s hoping the next book sees the couple back on track in terms of presenting a united front and being the definition of an equal partnership.