Leave the Grave Green
A Duncan Kincaid & Gemma Jones Mystery #9

by Deborah Crombie

     Scotland Yard superintendent Duncan Kincaid is sent to investigate a suspicious drowning in the countryside outside of London at the home of distinguished conductor Sir Gerald Asherton and his wife, Dame Caroline Storm, a renowned soprano. Their son-in-law, Connor Swann's body has slipped through the local lock and drowned. When the body is recovered, the police find suspicious bruises around his neck, and determine this is no accident but a homicide.

Connor's wife and the Asherton's daughter, Julia is separated from Connor who was fond of alcohol and horse races. She shows no emotion or grief at his death. Though they were separated, Connor continued to lunch and maintains connection with Julia's parents.

Kincaid brings in Gemma to help him. Kincaid is fascinated by Julia while Gemma becomes involved with Caroline and opera. The death of Connor recalls the tragedy of 20 years ago. Julia witnessed the drowning of her brother, Matthew, a musical prodigy. Kincaid finds a link between the two incidents. Their investigations lead to a startling and surprising ending.

The mystery is an intriguing one. The description of Matthew's drowning is graphic. The characters are well developed with Kincaid and Gemma struggling to make a place for themselves and each other professionally and personally. The solution is surprising and satisfying. We hope to follow the development of the relationship between Kincaid and Gemma in future novels.

Reviews of other titles in this series

Share in Death #1
Leave the Grave Green #3
Mourn Not Your Dead #4
Dreaming of the Bones #5
Now May You Weep #9
In a Dark House #10
Water Like a Stone #11
Where Memories Lie #12
The Sound of Broken Glass #15