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Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James #18
A Bitter Feast
Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James, have been invited for a relaxing weekend in the tranquil Cotswolds, one of Britain’s most beautiful and historic regions, famous for its rolling hills, sheep-strewn green meadows, golden cottages, and timeless villages that retain the spirit of old England.
Duncan, Gemma, and their children are guests at Beck House, the country estate belonging to the family of Melody Talbot, Gemma’s trusted detective sergeant. No ordinary farmers, the Talbots are wealthy and prominent with ties to Britain’s most powerful and influential. A centerpiece of this glorious fall getaway is a posh charity luncheon catered by up-and-coming chef Viv Holland. After more than a decade in London, Viv has returned to her native Glouscestershire, making a name for herself with her innovative, mouthwatering use of the local bounty. Attended by several dozen of the area’s well-to-do, as well as national food bloggers and restaurant critics, the event could make Viv a star.
But a tragic car accident followed by a series of mysterious deaths could ruin her ascent. Each piece of information that surfaces makes it clear that the killer had a connection with Viv’s pub—and perhaps with Beck House itself.
Does the truth lie in the past? Or is it more immediate, woven into the tangled relationships and bitter resentments swirling among the staff at Beck House and at Viv’s pub? Or is it even more personal, entwined with secrets hidden by Viv, her business partner Bea Abbot, and Viv’s eleven-year-old daughter Grace?
Further revelations rock the Talbots’ estate and pull Duncan and Gemma and their colleagues into the investigation. With so much at stake both personally and professionally, especially for Melody Talbot, finding the killer becomes one of the team’s most crucial cases.
Duncan, Gemma, and their children are guests at Beck House, the country estate belonging to the family of Melody Talbot, Gemma’s trusted detective sergeant. No ordinary farmers, the Talbots are wealthy and prominent with ties to Britain’s most powerful and influential. A centerpiece of this glorious fall getaway is a posh charity luncheon catered by up-and-coming chef Viv Holland. After more than a decade in London, Viv has returned to her native Glouscestershire, making a name for herself with her innovative, mouthwatering use of the local bounty. Attended by several dozen of the area’s well-to-do, as well as national food bloggers and restaurant critics, the event could make Viv a star.
But a tragic car accident followed by a series of mysterious deaths could ruin her ascent. Each piece of information that surfaces makes it clear that the killer had a connection with Viv’s pub—and perhaps with Beck House itself.
Does the truth lie in the past? Or is it more immediate, woven into the tangled relationships and bitter resentments swirling among the staff at Beck House and at Viv’s pub? Or is it even more personal, entwined with secrets hidden by Viv, her business partner Bea Abbot, and Viv’s eleven-year-old daughter Grace?
Further revelations rock the Talbots’ estate and pull Duncan and Gemma and their colleagues into the investigation. With so much at stake both personally and professionally, especially for Melody Talbot, finding the killer becomes one of the team’s most crucial cases.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2019
About the author
Deborah Crombie
50 books2,447 followersDeborah Crombie is the author of 17 novels featuring Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and Detective Inspector Gemma James. The 18th Kincaid/James novel, A BITTER FEAST, will be released by William Morrow in October, 2019.
Crombie lives in McKinney, Texas with her husband, two German Shepherd Dogs, and two cats. She travels to Britain frequently to research her books.
Crombie lives in McKinney, Texas with her husband, two German Shepherd Dogs, and two cats. She travels to Britain frequently to research her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 807 reviews
September 22, 2019
Another fabulous addition to one of my favorite long-running series.
Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his wife Detective Inspector Gemma James recently received an invitation from DS Melody Talbot to her family’s country home for a weekend getaway with the kids. So why does murder, mayhem and black clouds seem to follow them everywhere? Even on the grounds of these beautiful surroundings.
Duncan doesn’t even make it to the estate before being broadsided on a deserted country road. Leaving 2 crash victims dead. Possibly, one who may have actually died prior to the crash itself! Hmmmm...
Once safely back at the Talbot's family home recuperating, Duncan and his wife Gemma take it upon themselves to assist the local police force in the investigation!
I’ve been reading this complete series for years and will say this book can truly stand on its own. Just the same… I believe you’ll find it even more entertaining by starting at the beginning with book one, A Share In Death. With so much development of the characters over the years, you would be missing out on so much! This series is worthy of a binge read!
Thank you to Edelweiss, William Morrow and Deborah Crombie for an ARC to read and review.
Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his wife Detective Inspector Gemma James recently received an invitation from DS Melody Talbot to her family’s country home for a weekend getaway with the kids. So why does murder, mayhem and black clouds seem to follow them everywhere? Even on the grounds of these beautiful surroundings.
Duncan doesn’t even make it to the estate before being broadsided on a deserted country road. Leaving 2 crash victims dead. Possibly, one who may have actually died prior to the crash itself! Hmmmm...
Once safely back at the Talbot's family home recuperating, Duncan and his wife Gemma take it upon themselves to assist the local police force in the investigation!
I’ve been reading this complete series for years and will say this book can truly stand on its own. Just the same… I believe you’ll find it even more entertaining by starting at the beginning with book one, A Share In Death. With so much development of the characters over the years, you would be missing out on so much! This series is worthy of a binge read!
Thank you to Edelweiss, William Morrow and Deborah Crombie for an ARC to read and review.
February 8, 2021
A Bitter Feast by Deborah Crombie is a 2019 William Morrow publication.
Celebrity chefs and Murder!
Gemma and Duncan are set to visit Melody Talbot, at her parent’s posh Cotswold estate. What was meant to be a relaxing time away, quickly spirals into a tragic series of deaths after a car crash Duncan was involved with, leads to the discovery that one of the victims died of poison, and not from the accident. If that wasn’t shocking enough, the victim turns out to be the famed celebrity chef, Fergus O’Reilly.
Meanwhile, Melody’s mother is hosting an event, catered by local chef, Viv Holland. When someone close to Viv is the victim of a hit and run, her former relationship with Fergus comes under intense scrutiny. In the meantime, Melody encounters difficulties in her personal life and Doug takes the heat for interfering.
This latest installment has a different atmosphere- perhaps not quite as dark- but just as absorbing. The celebrity chef and ‘foodie’ angle, is a fresh plot-line I thought worked out well.
The twists are surprising, and while some may have figured out who the murderer was, I was taken completely off guard and found the conclusion to be a little tense.
One other nice part of this installment is the further development of Duncan’s and Gemma’s children, especially the oldest boy, Kit. The only downside was that the concern for Duncan’s health cast a pall over the usual banter between he and Gemma, which I missed.
Occasionally, Duncan and Gemma solve crimes while on holiday, or when visiting friends, and I think it is good to mix things up a little that way. The different location, allows the couple to work as consultants, instead of with assigned cases, and it also allowed the author to segue into a new phase after closing the last big multi-installment thread.
That said, I do hope the series returns to the regular assigned cases which cause Duncan and Gemma to examine their own personal emotions as they manage their household and relationships.
I’ve been reading through this series for several years. I have finally caught up with all the installments and will now have wait with everyone else for the next chapter to be released. I have enjoyed the journey and am looking forward to more time with Gemma and Duncan and the secondary characters we’ve come to know and love.
4 stars
Celebrity chefs and Murder!
Gemma and Duncan are set to visit Melody Talbot, at her parent’s posh Cotswold estate. What was meant to be a relaxing time away, quickly spirals into a tragic series of deaths after a car crash Duncan was involved with, leads to the discovery that one of the victims died of poison, and not from the accident. If that wasn’t shocking enough, the victim turns out to be the famed celebrity chef, Fergus O’Reilly.
Meanwhile, Melody’s mother is hosting an event, catered by local chef, Viv Holland. When someone close to Viv is the victim of a hit and run, her former relationship with Fergus comes under intense scrutiny. In the meantime, Melody encounters difficulties in her personal life and Doug takes the heat for interfering.
This latest installment has a different atmosphere- perhaps not quite as dark- but just as absorbing. The celebrity chef and ‘foodie’ angle, is a fresh plot-line I thought worked out well.
The twists are surprising, and while some may have figured out who the murderer was, I was taken completely off guard and found the conclusion to be a little tense.
One other nice part of this installment is the further development of Duncan’s and Gemma’s children, especially the oldest boy, Kit. The only downside was that the concern for Duncan’s health cast a pall over the usual banter between he and Gemma, which I missed.
Occasionally, Duncan and Gemma solve crimes while on holiday, or when visiting friends, and I think it is good to mix things up a little that way. The different location, allows the couple to work as consultants, instead of with assigned cases, and it also allowed the author to segue into a new phase after closing the last big multi-installment thread.
That said, I do hope the series returns to the regular assigned cases which cause Duncan and Gemma to examine their own personal emotions as they manage their household and relationships.
I’ve been reading through this series for several years. I have finally caught up with all the installments and will now have wait with everyone else for the next chapter to be released. I have enjoyed the journey and am looking forward to more time with Gemma and Duncan and the secondary characters we’ve come to know and love.
4 stars
October 24, 2019
3.5 stars
Thankfully, this book read as a stand-alone novel for me. When I was offered the book, I had no idea that this book was #18 in a series. Luckily for me, Deborah Crombie wrote and intriguing book about murders in the Cotswolds. Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James have been invited to spend the weekend with friends, the Talbot family. They are there for a quiet weekend and to attend a charity luncheon.
Arriving separately from his family, Duncan is involved in a fatal car crash. What's more interesting is that one of the deceased may have been dead prior to the crash. This crash is just the beginning, as the crash is investigated, the reader is introduced to various characters including Viv, a chef who left London to raise her daughter and work in the Cotswolds. Viv also happens to be the Chef preparing the food for the posh charity luncheon.
As the various characters are introduced, it is evident that many have secrets and have secret pasts and interactions with each other. As the investigation progresses, the story is further told through flashbacks to Viv's work history in London.
I found this to be an engaging and compelling read. I really enjoyed it and I have to say it made me want to go back and read the earlier books in the series. I enjoyed how the story was told and getting to know the characters both major and minor. I found this to be a fast read which did not disappoint and may even make you hungry with all the food talk. Plus, if you have never been to the Cotswolds, you may want to take a trip to both Upper and Lower Slaughter.
Thank you to William and Morrow HarperCollins Publishers and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thankfully, this book read as a stand-alone novel for me. When I was offered the book, I had no idea that this book was #18 in a series. Luckily for me, Deborah Crombie wrote and intriguing book about murders in the Cotswolds. Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James have been invited to spend the weekend with friends, the Talbot family. They are there for a quiet weekend and to attend a charity luncheon.
Arriving separately from his family, Duncan is involved in a fatal car crash. What's more interesting is that one of the deceased may have been dead prior to the crash. This crash is just the beginning, as the crash is investigated, the reader is introduced to various characters including Viv, a chef who left London to raise her daughter and work in the Cotswolds. Viv also happens to be the Chef preparing the food for the posh charity luncheon.
As the various characters are introduced, it is evident that many have secrets and have secret pasts and interactions with each other. As the investigation progresses, the story is further told through flashbacks to Viv's work history in London.
I found this to be an engaging and compelling read. I really enjoyed it and I have to say it made me want to go back and read the earlier books in the series. I enjoyed how the story was told and getting to know the characters both major and minor. I found this to be a fast read which did not disappoint and may even make you hungry with all the food talk. Plus, if you have never been to the Cotswolds, you may want to take a trip to both Upper and Lower Slaughter.
Thank you to William and Morrow HarperCollins Publishers and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 24, 2021
I love it when Deborah Crombie takes Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid, his wife, D. I. Gemma James and their family out of London into the countryside. In A Bitter Feast the family, along with Detective Sgt. Doug Cullen, are visiting Melody Talbot family’s country home, Beck House. Melody is Gemma’s friend and Detective Sergeant.
The Talbots own a powerful newspaper. Melody has spent much of her professional and way too much of her personal life hiding this posh background. The latter will eventually come back to bite her thanks to Doug.
While they are visiting, Melody’s mother, Lady Adelaide plans on hosting a charity luncheon featuring an extremely talented local chef, Vivian Holland.
The visit gets off to a tragic start when Duncan is injured in a double fatality car accident. The visit really goes downhill when the police realize one of the car accident victims was actually murdered. Although they have no official status, Duncan and Gemma manage to involve themselves in the investigations.
Crombie presents delightful settings that include Beck House in the Cotswold’s, with its magnificent gardens; the tiny village and a pub beginning to attract a lot of notice for its food.
Duncan and Gemma’s oldest son, Kit, is starting to come into his own as he assists Chef Vivian at the charity luncheon and later at the pub kitchen where she puts out her renowned food. There are fascinating flashbacks of Chef Vivian working in a restaurant kitchen actively on the hunt for a Michelin Star. I now appreciate the complicated ballet of fine dining even more. Maybe some day I will come up with the extra 300 bucks just to be seated in the kitchen at The Inn at Little Washington. Yeah, right.
The secondary characters; of Melody’s family, the people who work at the pub and other villagers are once again the result of Crombie’s artistry with words. In all her books the characters are tied with the central mystery which is tied with the settings as most important for a Michelin Star. Oh wait, wrong awards.
Although I have been reading this series for close to 20 years, it was still an amusing jolt for Crombie’s reminder that in GemmaDuncan world the series has only covered about six years. It is a neat trick and Crombie has adroitly handled the two time lines of reality vs GemmaDuncan world.
I searched high and low for something to be critical about in this review; the best I can come up with is I think Melody acted uncharacteristically a few times.
Read the series or at least some of it so you don’t miss following this compelling couple who have figured out how to combine family, new children, new pets and interesting, loyal friends with their careers. A Bitter Feast does work as a standalone, Crombie knows how to fill in the back-story.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Talbots own a powerful newspaper. Melody has spent much of her professional and way too much of her personal life hiding this posh background. The latter will eventually come back to bite her thanks to Doug.
While they are visiting, Melody’s mother, Lady Adelaide plans on hosting a charity luncheon featuring an extremely talented local chef, Vivian Holland.
The visit gets off to a tragic start when Duncan is injured in a double fatality car accident. The visit really goes downhill when the police realize one of the car accident victims was actually murdered. Although they have no official status, Duncan and Gemma manage to involve themselves in the investigations.
Crombie presents delightful settings that include Beck House in the Cotswold’s, with its magnificent gardens; the tiny village and a pub beginning to attract a lot of notice for its food.
Duncan and Gemma’s oldest son, Kit, is starting to come into his own as he assists Chef Vivian at the charity luncheon and later at the pub kitchen where she puts out her renowned food. There are fascinating flashbacks of Chef Vivian working in a restaurant kitchen actively on the hunt for a Michelin Star. I now appreciate the complicated ballet of fine dining even more. Maybe some day I will come up with the extra 300 bucks just to be seated in the kitchen at The Inn at Little Washington. Yeah, right.
The secondary characters; of Melody’s family, the people who work at the pub and other villagers are once again the result of Crombie’s artistry with words. In all her books the characters are tied with the central mystery which is tied with the settings as most important for a Michelin Star. Oh wait, wrong awards.
Although I have been reading this series for close to 20 years, it was still an amusing jolt for Crombie’s reminder that in GemmaDuncan world the series has only covered about six years. It is a neat trick and Crombie has adroitly handled the two time lines of reality vs GemmaDuncan world.
I searched high and low for something to be critical about in this review; the best I can come up with is I think Melody acted uncharacteristically a few times.
Read the series or at least some of it so you don’t miss following this compelling couple who have figured out how to combine family, new children, new pets and interesting, loyal friends with their careers. A Bitter Feast does work as a standalone, Crombie knows how to fill in the back-story.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 21, 2019
3.5 The married Inspector duo have taken their three children on a vacation. Their destination is the familial home of fellow officer Melody whose parents are minor members of the peerage. The place is beautiful, Melody's parents lovely and welcoming, the gardens to die for, and peace and quiet is their hope. It goes wrong almost from the beginning, an accident with fatalities, which quickly turns into a crime. So much for rest!
I've read and enjoyed this series from the beginning. I love the Kincaid's mixed family, and it was nice to see fifteen year old Kit take on more of a role. The story while intriguing was also rather cluttered. Too much going on and much running here and there, back and forth. Loved all the food talk of course, that is always an interest if mine. So my review os mixed, but since I know all these chara there and their backstories so we'll, I will be on the lookout for the next.
ARC from Edelweiss
I've read and enjoyed this series from the beginning. I love the Kincaid's mixed family, and it was nice to see fifteen year old Kit take on more of a role. The story while intriguing was also rather cluttered. Too much going on and much running here and there, back and forth. Loved all the food talk of course, that is always an interest if mine. So my review os mixed, but since I know all these chara there and their backstories so we'll, I will be on the lookout for the next.
ARC from Edelweiss
October 14, 2019
For those who don’t like anything too dark out of their mystery/thrillers, Deborah Crombie’s newest mystery A Bitter Feast is sure to delight you! With a fascinating mystery but not too much darkness, this is a great October read! What appears to be a vehicular accident leads to the uncovering of a murder (or two) in the quaint setting of Cotswold village.
About the Book
DS Duncan Kincaid and his wife, DI Gemma James, have been invited for a relaxing weekend in the Cotswolds at the family estate of Gemma's detective sergeant Melody Talbot. When a vehicular crash ends in the deaths of two people, things quickly escalate. Chef Viv has left behind her role at Fergus O'Reily's famous Michelin-rated restaurant and is working at a local pub. When A patron of the pub picks Fergus up after noticing he seemed ill and gets into a crash, it becomes clear that Fergus was fatally poisoned prior to the crash.
Does the truth lie in the past? Or is it closer to home, tied up in the tangled relationships and bitter resentments between the staff at Beck House and Viv’s new pub? Or is it more personal, entwined with secrets hidden by Viv and those closest to her?
Reflection
I looked up Lower Slaughter in Gloucestershire, particularly after a character comments on the name and asks if it means what it sounds like (it doesn’t actually, it is apparently derived from the word “slough” which means wetland), and I seriously recommend googling it. It is one of the quaintest, photogenic fairy tale towns I’ve seen and I enjoyed the book much more after seeing it, because the great descriptions came to life in that context. It even has a road that was named the most romantic street in Britain in 2011. How adorable!
It just so happens that the detectives are in Lower Slaughter at the home of Melody’s wealthy parents, and they come across a case. I though Melody’s worries about how she might be perceived differently by her colleagues after they knew the wealthy background she was raised in was an interesting element. In many fields, this wouldn’t be a negative. However, many people in the law enforcement profession are of more humble means than Melody. They do the job because they are passionate about it, not because they think it will bring great wealth.
This is the first I’ve read in the series, but it is actually 18th in the line up. I did think there were a lot of characters, but I got to know them quickly and I had no trouble jumping in. Honestly if I was told this was a standalone, I’d believe it! The mystery is solely contained within these pages, and it’s a good one!
While headed into town, Duncan and Gemma are involved in a vehicular crash that leads to an unexpected murder investigation. There are two victims dead following the crash, and one may have been dead prior to the accident. Quite a puzzle!
One is Fergus, the former boss of Viv, the former chef at his Michelin-star restaurant in Chelsea. Viv is not created the most delectable sounding, high-quality pub food at Lamb, a pub in Lower Slaughter (seriously, mouth-watering descriptions of food). The other victim is Nell, a patron of Lamb who stops to pick Fergus up after she sees him walking down the road sick (at first she thinks he may be drunk).
When it appears that Fergus may have been poisoned prior to the crash, Duncan and his wife Gemma (both detectives), help investigate even though they don’t really have jurisdiction. As the case unfolds, another murder comes to light.
I loved the flashbacks to Viv’s time working in Fergus’s restaurant over a decade earlier. I learned a lot in terms of respect for what it takes to work in such a high-end, fine dining establishment. Those Michelin ratings don’t come easy!
The settings in general were so fun, from the sprawling Beck House (owned by Melody’s parents), to the gardens, the quaint streets, the pub where Viv works, and even the flashbacks to the big city restaurant. Deborah Crombie certainly draws a good setting!
Expect some good gossip into the back story of these characters and their relationships, some delectable food descriptions, an intricately-plotted story, and smooth as butter transitions as we keep up with each character. I loved this mystery!
Thank you to TLC Book Tours and William Morrow for my copy. Opinions are my own.
May 31, 2022
Just excellent. An "outing" to the Cotswolds turns into a murder investigation. The character relationships amid scenes of professional chefs (time tension abounds--characters are always preparing to get ready for the next lunch or dinner service) are done well and are very credible.
Crombie weaves together wonderful roles for not just Gemma and Kincaid but also Kit, and the entire "family" around a chef leading a successful restaurant.
Highly recommended to all mystery readers, especially those who like Agatha Christie and English cozies.
PS LOVED the map!
Crombie weaves together wonderful roles for not just Gemma and Kincaid but also Kit, and the entire "family" around a chef leading a successful restaurant.
Highly recommended to all mystery readers, especially those who like Agatha Christie and English cozies.
PS LOVED the map!
September 5, 2019
I love it when Deborah Crombie takes Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid, his wife, D. I. Gemma James and their family out of London into the countryside. In A Bitter Feast the family, along with Detective Sgt. Doug Cullen, are visiting Melody Talbot family’s country home, Beck House. Melody is Gemma’s friend and Detective Sergeant.
The Talbots own a powerful newspaper. Melody has spent much of her professional and way too much of her personal life hiding this posh background. The latter will eventually come back to bite her thanks to Doug.
While they are visiting, Melody’s mother, Lady Adelaide plans on hosting a charity luncheon featuring an extremely talented local chef, Vivian Holland.
The visit gets off to a tragic start when Duncan is injured in a double fatality car accident. The visit really goes downhill when the police realize one of the car accident victims was actually murdered. Although they have no official status, Duncan and Gemma manage to involve themselves in the investigations.
Crombie presents delightful settings that include Beck House in the Cotswold’s, with its magnificent gardens; the tiny village and a pub beginning to attract a lot of notice for its food.
Duncan and Gemma’s oldest son, Kit, is starting to come into his own as he assists Chef Vivian at the charity luncheon and later at the pub kitchen where she puts out her renowned food. There are fascinating flashbacks of Chef Vivian working in a restaurant kitchen actively on the hunt for a Michelin Star. I now appreciate the complicated ballet of fine dining even more. Maybe some day I will come up with the extra $300 bucks just to be seated in the kitchen at The Inn at Little Washington. Yeah, right.
The secondary characters; of Melody’s family, the people who work at the pub and other villagers are once again the result of Crombie’s artistry with words. In all her books the characters are tied with the central mystery which is tied with the settings as most important for a Michelin Star. Oh wait wrong awards.
Although I have been reading this series for close to 20 years, it was still an amusing jolt for Crombie’s reminder that in GemmaDuncan world the series has only covered about six years. It is a neat trick and Crombie has handled the two time lines of reality vs GemmaDuncan world quite adroitly.
I searched high and low for something to be critical about in this review; the best I can come up with is I think Melody acted uncharacteristically a few times.
Read the series or at least some of it so you don’t miss following this compelling couple who have figured out how to combine family, new children, new pets and interesting, loyal friends with their careers. A Bitter Feast does work as a standalone, Crombie knows how to fill in the back-story.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Talbots own a powerful newspaper. Melody has spent much of her professional and way too much of her personal life hiding this posh background. The latter will eventually come back to bite her thanks to Doug.
While they are visiting, Melody’s mother, Lady Adelaide plans on hosting a charity luncheon featuring an extremely talented local chef, Vivian Holland.
The visit gets off to a tragic start when Duncan is injured in a double fatality car accident. The visit really goes downhill when the police realize one of the car accident victims was actually murdered. Although they have no official status, Duncan and Gemma manage to involve themselves in the investigations.
Crombie presents delightful settings that include Beck House in the Cotswold’s, with its magnificent gardens; the tiny village and a pub beginning to attract a lot of notice for its food.
Duncan and Gemma’s oldest son, Kit, is starting to come into his own as he assists Chef Vivian at the charity luncheon and later at the pub kitchen where she puts out her renowned food. There are fascinating flashbacks of Chef Vivian working in a restaurant kitchen actively on the hunt for a Michelin Star. I now appreciate the complicated ballet of fine dining even more. Maybe some day I will come up with the extra $300 bucks just to be seated in the kitchen at The Inn at Little Washington. Yeah, right.
The secondary characters; of Melody’s family, the people who work at the pub and other villagers are once again the result of Crombie’s artistry with words. In all her books the characters are tied with the central mystery which is tied with the settings as most important for a Michelin Star. Oh wait wrong awards.
Although I have been reading this series for close to 20 years, it was still an amusing jolt for Crombie’s reminder that in GemmaDuncan world the series has only covered about six years. It is a neat trick and Crombie has handled the two time lines of reality vs GemmaDuncan world quite adroitly.
I searched high and low for something to be critical about in this review; the best I can come up with is I think Melody acted uncharacteristically a few times.
Read the series or at least some of it so you don’t miss following this compelling couple who have figured out how to combine family, new children, new pets and interesting, loyal friends with their careers. A Bitter Feast does work as a standalone, Crombie knows how to fill in the back-story.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 30, 2019
I find myself very disappointed in this latest installment in the series. The mystery is really not much of a mystery at all; it's entirely too easy to figure out who did it. The characters Crombie added in this book -- and, by the way, there are now so many minor characters in her books that it's getting very hard to keep track of them all! -- are very one-dimensional, not very complex. (Hmm, perhaps that's why they are so hard to remember). What's more, there were many (many!) unrealistic things that happened in the story. The heavy reliance on backstory started to grate on my nerves, too. All of which adds up to a mere two stars.
February 9, 2022
Always good to check in with Duncan and Gemma, family and friends. Really enjoyed the culinary theme of this murder inquiry and the setting in the Cotswolds instead of their usual London areas. There was certainly a lot of accidents/murders in the few days they spent with Melody's parents!
October 11, 2019
Although this is the 18th book in Deborah Crombie's series featuring two English detectives, she is absolutely not riding on her laurels. The characters are fully drawn, from adults to kids to dogs, the Cotswold setting magical, the mystery engaging--and oh the food! I read it twice just to be sure I didn't miss anything.
November 12, 2019
Well, Duncan, Gemma and their children think they are set for a relaxing weekend in the Cotswolds, but fate has other plans. Duncan is injured in a car crash and before he can recover, he and Gemma find themselves caught up in a couple of local murders..
I really enjoyed this one--I became quite fond of DI Colin Booth, the local detective in charge of the murder investigation. I liked our local chef, Viv Holland, who is somehow central to both deaths.
As always, the author did a great job with fleshing out all the minor characters.
A note of warning: do not read while hungry! The food descriptions are fabulous.
It was nice to catch up with Duncan, Gemma, and their family and friends. While reading this I realized that I had missed an earlier book or two. Must rectify that soonest!
I really enjoyed this one--I became quite fond of DI Colin Booth, the local detective in charge of the murder investigation. I liked our local chef, Viv Holland, who is somehow central to both deaths.
As always, the author did a great job with fleshing out all the minor characters.
A note of warning: do not read while hungry! The food descriptions are fabulous.
It was nice to catch up with Duncan, Gemma, and their family and friends. While reading this I realized that I had missed an earlier book or two. Must rectify that soonest!
February 10, 2020
The latest in Deborah Crombie’s Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James series, A Bitter Feast, is another dependable, good mystery. I’ve now read five of the books interspersed along the timeline of the eighteen-book series and this one fit in well.
There’s never a dull passage because of the incredible intertwining of the mystery she’s telling. That’s probably her best asset as a writer. She takes a new deck, shuffles it, and deals a great mystery every time.
Crombie’s next notable asset is how well she brings her characters to life. Whatever their imperfections, fears, or strengths, she gives them a reason to exist. They each bring something valuable to the story. She’s so true to their basic character that you’ll never see them act out of the essential person they are unless there’s a good reason and that helps make her stories work so well.
She reminds you of their past whether you’ve read the previous books. For example, you see from where Kit has come and he grows, takes on new responsibilities, and matures. He’s a good kid and a real asset to the stories. He’s not perfect, but he takes what he’s got and tries to make it better, a sure trait of a well-written protagonist.
As always, the setting (this one in a Cotswolds village and London) and the story (we have cuisine and the life of a restaurateur in this one) let the reader experience life in the UK and a career that may be vague. There were a couple of turns needed to move the story that I thought came a bit too easy. Yet, I only looked at them as minor inconveniences to the reading. I’m looking forward to the next.
There’s never a dull passage because of the incredible intertwining of the mystery she’s telling. That’s probably her best asset as a writer. She takes a new deck, shuffles it, and deals a great mystery every time.
Crombie’s next notable asset is how well she brings her characters to life. Whatever their imperfections, fears, or strengths, she gives them a reason to exist. They each bring something valuable to the story. She’s so true to their basic character that you’ll never see them act out of the essential person they are unless there’s a good reason and that helps make her stories work so well.
She reminds you of their past whether you’ve read the previous books. For example, you see from where Kit has come and he grows, takes on new responsibilities, and matures. He’s a good kid and a real asset to the stories. He’s not perfect, but he takes what he’s got and tries to make it better, a sure trait of a well-written protagonist.
As always, the setting (this one in a Cotswolds village and London) and the story (we have cuisine and the life of a restaurateur in this one) let the reader experience life in the UK and a career that may be vague. There were a couple of turns needed to move the story that I thought came a bit too easy. Yet, I only looked at them as minor inconveniences to the reading. I’m looking forward to the next.
October 28, 2019
Cotswolds is the setting for this 18th book in the Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James series. The parents of one of Gemma's co-workers has graciously invited them for a visit where some special events are planned. Gemma and the children get there safely via train, but Duncan is involved in a serious road accident close to the house he was driving to. The two people in the car that hit his do expire on the scene. So...the book does open with a bang.
There are a lot of characters in this book, but I would not call it a mystery. I identified the killer in the bunch with ease. Sometimes when that happens it irks, as one wants to hit the forehead with a resounding " Duh!" - like why can't these people figure this out more easily? So...while this made me feel impatient to have so many pages to read through until they all figured it out and caused more people to die and/or be threatened I stayed with it. But it bumped it down a star for me.
I did enjoy the descriptions of the architecture, gardens and cooking, and I suppose there were some heartwarming family scenes though I rarely warm up to those. Maybe I should let go of this series, but I have been reading it for years so maybe I need to see a happy family now and then.
Library Loan
There are a lot of characters in this book, but I would not call it a mystery. I identified the killer in the bunch with ease. Sometimes when that happens it irks, as one wants to hit the forehead with a resounding " Duh!" - like why can't these people figure this out more easily? So...while this made me feel impatient to have so many pages to read through until they all figured it out and caused more people to die and/or be threatened I stayed with it. But it bumped it down a star for me.
I did enjoy the descriptions of the architecture, gardens and cooking, and I suppose there were some heartwarming family scenes though I rarely warm up to those. Maybe I should let go of this series, but I have been reading it for years so maybe I need to see a happy family now and then.
Library Loan
February 21, 2021
Loved every minute of the book. Listened to the audiobook version. I am looking forward to the next instalment of Gemma James, Kincaid and their children. I even enjoyed the jump backs in the past as they are few, and really useful to the development of the plot. Please, Deborah Crombie, don’t make us wait too long for your next novel.
December 19, 2019
Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James and their children ( not sure if there are 2 or 3) go to the Cotswolds for a luxurious fall weekend getaway. Luxurious because this quaint area has become uber chic and populated by wealthy weekend residents. Kincaid travels down by car, while Gemma and the kids go by train. Before he arrives, he is in a serious accident. He has serious but not life-threatening injuries. Occupants of the other car aren't so lucky.
While I generally enjoy this series a lot, this was not one of my favorites. I labeled it a "cozy" rather than police-procedural or crime novel because it has many of the hallmarks of cozy mysteries. There is a "big house" though it is not at the center of the story. The focus is on a big cast of characters and figuring out whether deaths are accidental or murder and who has secrets. There was little focus on Duncan and Gemma's family life which is a feature I enjoy in the novels. Neither Gemma nor Duncan are part of the investigations of the deaths, and there are a few.
I found the big cast of characters hard to keep track of. Most likely this was because I listened to the audiobook as well as the story being organized around an event and restaurant . The highlight of the audio book was the narrator Gerard Doyle, who is one of my favorites. His parents are Irish, and he was raised and educated in England. He does a good Northern Irish accent, and has narrated the Sean Duffy series written by Adrian McKinty.
While I generally enjoy this series a lot, this was not one of my favorites. I labeled it a "cozy" rather than police-procedural or crime novel because it has many of the hallmarks of cozy mysteries. There is a "big house" though it is not at the center of the story. The focus is on a big cast of characters and figuring out whether deaths are accidental or murder and who has secrets. There was little focus on Duncan and Gemma's family life which is a feature I enjoy in the novels. Neither Gemma nor Duncan are part of the investigations of the deaths, and there are a few.
I found the big cast of characters hard to keep track of. Most likely this was because I listened to the audiobook as well as the story being organized around an event and restaurant . The highlight of the audio book was the narrator Gerard Doyle, who is one of my favorites. His parents are Irish, and he was raised and educated in England. He does a good Northern Irish accent, and has narrated the Sean Duffy series written by Adrian McKinty.
October 16, 2019
Full review here: https://wp.me/pajm6f-t6
Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid along with their three kids are invited to spend the weekend with Gemma’s colleague Melanie Talbot and her parents at their weekend mansion The Beck House. Situated in a quaint little Scottish village, it’s the perfect locale to spend the weekend with family! Melanie’s mother, Lady Adelaide Talbot has arranged a luncheon at her house, where the local chef Vivian Holland is said to cater for her guests including a number of food bloggers and journalists. Addie has certainly meant to encourage Viv’s talents and show her off to the world, but somehow disaster strikes in the form of a car accident involving a famous London based Chef and a local woman.
This leaves the entire village shattered and the detective couple are forced to lend their hands in the investigation with the local police DI Booth to avoid more body count. But will it be too late for that?
I totally enjoyed reading this book. In Spite of being a series, it totally worked as a standalone book as it’s very easy to catch up with Gemma and Kincaid and the other characters. Although the book is categorized as a crime thriller, I found myself to be distracted by all the delicious, mouth-watering cuisine, good wine, and the tranquil landscape of Britain’s most beautiful and historic Cotswolds. Author Deborah has made sure her readers doesn’t miss a bit of joy teleporting themselves the gorgeous green meadows and golden cottages, sipping delicious wine and crunching exotic meals!
A Bitter Feast is a chunky book with every character and setting written to the slightest detail. I loved the suspense behind every new character, creating a sense of doubt and mistrust as the story grows. I loved how the author manages to show the same cottage which is mesmerizing in the daylight to be sinister and haunting in the dark! Deborah plays skillfully with words hooking her readers offering food, wine and a mindful of gardening ideas for their own homes! HIghly recommended read of the year. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC. All opinions are solely mine and are no way biased.
Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid along with their three kids are invited to spend the weekend with Gemma’s colleague Melanie Talbot and her parents at their weekend mansion The Beck House. Situated in a quaint little Scottish village, it’s the perfect locale to spend the weekend with family! Melanie’s mother, Lady Adelaide Talbot has arranged a luncheon at her house, where the local chef Vivian Holland is said to cater for her guests including a number of food bloggers and journalists. Addie has certainly meant to encourage Viv’s talents and show her off to the world, but somehow disaster strikes in the form of a car accident involving a famous London based Chef and a local woman.
This leaves the entire village shattered and the detective couple are forced to lend their hands in the investigation with the local police DI Booth to avoid more body count. But will it be too late for that?
I totally enjoyed reading this book. In Spite of being a series, it totally worked as a standalone book as it’s very easy to catch up with Gemma and Kincaid and the other characters. Although the book is categorized as a crime thriller, I found myself to be distracted by all the delicious, mouth-watering cuisine, good wine, and the tranquil landscape of Britain’s most beautiful and historic Cotswolds. Author Deborah has made sure her readers doesn’t miss a bit of joy teleporting themselves the gorgeous green meadows and golden cottages, sipping delicious wine and crunching exotic meals!
A Bitter Feast is a chunky book with every character and setting written to the slightest detail. I loved the suspense behind every new character, creating a sense of doubt and mistrust as the story grows. I loved how the author manages to show the same cottage which is mesmerizing in the daylight to be sinister and haunting in the dark! Deborah plays skillfully with words hooking her readers offering food, wine and a mindful of gardening ideas for their own homes! HIghly recommended read of the year. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC. All opinions are solely mine and are no way biased.
September 6, 2020
Not my favorite but it had its high points. Not ready to stop this series by a long shot.
July 18, 2022
I have not been reading the series but it was an enjoyable police procedural and I loved the husband/wife duo. This was a solid read that stood on its own, and I am looking forward to reading more by this author!
Thank you to William Morrow Books for the finished copy to review.
Thank you to William Morrow Books for the finished copy to review.
June 16, 2019
The wait for Crombie's 18th mystery was well worth it. In A Bitter Feast, she takes Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James - and their three children - for a weekend in the idyllic countryside. Of course murder happens, and more than one. The several storylines are complex and interwoven in the expert way only Crombie can pull off. So are the multiple points of view. I was never confused about whose scene it was.
Gemma and Duncan's teen son Kit plays an important role. Chef Viv's history pops up at intervals to twine in her London past. We are immersed in the difficult lives of professional chefs. We see intimate relationships backfire in alarming ways. You can almost touch and smell the English Cotswalds. And it's all in the service of the story. Crombie unpeels the layers of the puzzle slowly and carefully.
Read this book. It was written by a master, and you'll happily lose sleep turning the pages.
Gemma and Duncan's teen son Kit plays an important role. Chef Viv's history pops up at intervals to twine in her London past. We are immersed in the difficult lives of professional chefs. We see intimate relationships backfire in alarming ways. You can almost touch and smell the English Cotswalds. And it's all in the service of the story. Crombie unpeels the layers of the puzzle slowly and carefully.
Read this book. It was written by a master, and you'll happily lose sleep turning the pages.
January 14, 2021
After a bit of a reading slump, I picked up the latest in Deborah Crombie's Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James series, knowing I'd be served a top-notch read. And boy, was it. I love food fiction paired with a good mystery -- that's what I write, after all -- and this one is worth a Michelin star! (That's a plot point -- see what I did?) Duncan and Gemma and the kids are spending the weekend, with Melody and Doug, at Melody's parents' country place just outside a village with a pub serving unexpectedly good food. A tragedy occurs on the way with implications for everyone gathered for the weekend as well as the pub's owners and staff. Well-paced and compelling, with great characters and enough charm to entice me to take a trip to the Cotswolds -- and yet, there are dangers behind those lovely golden stone garden walls. I'm a sucker for novels that give me emotional experiences and while I don't want to give anything away, this book gave me a doozy.
September 2, 2020
I have a strange relationship with this series--namely, I don't read it as a series. I read some of the books as stand-alones, like this one. Most series, this would drive me crazy, but I really don't care about the hints characters give about the big case last year, or what happened at the railroad terminus. Duncan Kincaid and his wife Gemma James, plus their three kids (some more related than others) are visiting Gemma's detective sergeant, who conceals from most people in her life the fact that her parents are wealthy and influential, at the parents' summer place in the Cotswolds, when a car crashes into Kincaid's car, leaving him not in top form for the rest of the book. The two people in the car in question are both connected with the local pub, and the nervous chef Viv who runs the place. Then the pub's barman is killed in a hit-and-run accident.
February 10, 2020
This is a struggle. I've been working on it for a good month already and I just can't take big chunks out of it at once. There is far too much description that I am finding distracting and there's so much FOOD. If there ISN'T a page that has a description of a meal or snack I celebrate. I just can't work up too much emotion regarding the victims, either. I'm ready for the whole village to be wiped out...
October 14, 2019
There’s a question that surfaces every so often for readers. What books would you want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island. As with most questions concerning favorite books, I fudge a little and give myself some license to expand the question. So, I choose the entire Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid mystery/crime series by author Deborah Crombie. Granted, there are a few other series that would be sitting with my supply of coconuts, but Gemma and Duncan will always be there. Every book in this series has been an immersive experience in exceptional characters, old and new, engrossing setting, and gripping story. Under the direction of Deborah Crombie’s masterful pen, the words flow into phrases, the phrases into sentences, and the sentences into pages of unforgettable journey with two of the best characters in crime fiction. There is life in these stories that sweeps the reader into complete engagement. And, the latest entry in this series, A Bitter Feast (#18), is one of the best books of one of the best series. Yet, having said that last statement, if I were to go back and read an earlier installment in the series, it’s probable that I would also deem it one of the best. How great is that? Always knowing that you will love a book and it will be a best read.
Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and Detective Inspector Gemma James and their three children have been invited to the Cotswold estate of Melody Talbot’s parents. Melody is Gemma’s proved detective sergeant and has always been rather reticent to discuss her wealthy background, Melody’s father being the publisher of a major London newspaper, and her mother being the money behind the paper. So, the invitation to spend a weekend at Beck House in one of England’s most beautiful locations, the Costwolds, is a lovely getaway for Duncan and Gemma, and it’s a step forward for Melody in dealing with blending her two lives. Doug Cullen, Duncan’s right hand man, is also in the guest party. They all arrive in different ways and at different times, and Duncan’s arrival turns out to be quite the perilous one that leads to a busman’s holiday for Duncan and Gemma.
Melody’s mother, Lady Adelaide, is hosting a charity luncheon for the community, catered by the local chef, Viv Holland, who is also the proprietor of the Lamb Pub. Chef Viv has gained a loyal local following after returning from some years in London to her home area and making a concerted effort to use local produce and goods in her dishes. The luncheon could bring national attention to Viv’s culinary skills, something she finally feels ready for. Author Deborah Crombie has created some of the most memorable new characters, those outside of the constant family of characters, in the different books, keeping the series fresh while satisfying readers’ need for the familiar, too. Viv Holland is the latest in those memorable new characters, and A Bitter Feast is very much Viv’s story, as her life past and present connects directly to the plot’s unfolding and resolution.
The problems, as must always arise, start with Duncan’s perilous journey to Beck House when he is involved in an auto crash with two fatalities, one of whom has a history with Chef Viv. Duncan is quite shaken in the crash, but he still gets involved in the investigation into it, as does Gemma. An investigation into the accident becomes necessary mostly due to the discovery that one of the two fatalities, from the same car, was dead before the accident occurred. That particular fatality has ties to Viv when she lived in London and involves information she would rather see stay in the past. But secrets from the past are a hard ghost to keep buried, and when the danger to others intensifies, Viv worries she hasn’t outrun her past.
Told from multiple points of view, it is captivating to see how cleverly all the information comes together to answer all the questions and solve all the mysteries. As I noted earlier, this story belongs to Viv, and it is with Crombie’s smooth transitions readers will travel back with Viv to her London days and what brought her back to the village of Lower Slaughters in Gloucestershire. The inner workings of a high-end restaurant and the food descriptions in the book are fascinating. The artistry and passion of a chef’s work is evident, and the drive to achieve a Michelin star is an intense struggle. Insight into Gemma’s and Duncan’s and the police’s investigation, their process, of the crimes allows the reader to feel the suspense of getting closer to the killer. The staff of Viv’s pub and Viv’s daughter provide additional information that connects to those murdered and the murderer.
Another multiplicity that the author deftly handles is that of a number of intriguing characters. Under Deborah Crombie’s direction, there is never any confusion nor difficulty in remembering the characters, as they are blended beautifully into the thrilling plot. We have Duncan and Gemma and their children—Kit, Toby, and Charlotte—and, readers will enjoy an expanded part for Kit in this story. The characters from Viv’s pub, which she co-owns with Bea Abbott, and Viv’s daughter all play important parts. Then there are Melody’s parents and Melody, their staff, and the village residents helping to move the plot forward, with Melody’s father making introductions between Duncan and the local police. It’s another first-rate cast that performs brilliantly. And, of course, nobody does setting any better than Deborah Crombie. Her books set in the different parts of London make the reader see, feel, and taste the place. She does no less for the Costwolds, bringing the beauty of this tranquil setting right into your heart.
The many fans of this series will heartily attest to the pleasure of reading from book one to this book, #18, and getting to know Gemma and Duncan and the other familiar characters. But, here is the hidden gem to A Bitter Feast. It could be read as a stand-alone story. Again, there’s nothing quite like reading the development of characters from one book to the next, but a reader who hasn’t read the previous 17 novels could read this current book with immense satisfaction. However readers come to A Bitter Feast, long-time fans or new readers, the result is an outstanding read. For me, A Bitter Feast was a delectable feast indeed.
Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and Detective Inspector Gemma James and their three children have been invited to the Cotswold estate of Melody Talbot’s parents. Melody is Gemma’s proved detective sergeant and has always been rather reticent to discuss her wealthy background, Melody’s father being the publisher of a major London newspaper, and her mother being the money behind the paper. So, the invitation to spend a weekend at Beck House in one of England’s most beautiful locations, the Costwolds, is a lovely getaway for Duncan and Gemma, and it’s a step forward for Melody in dealing with blending her two lives. Doug Cullen, Duncan’s right hand man, is also in the guest party. They all arrive in different ways and at different times, and Duncan’s arrival turns out to be quite the perilous one that leads to a busman’s holiday for Duncan and Gemma.
Melody’s mother, Lady Adelaide, is hosting a charity luncheon for the community, catered by the local chef, Viv Holland, who is also the proprietor of the Lamb Pub. Chef Viv has gained a loyal local following after returning from some years in London to her home area and making a concerted effort to use local produce and goods in her dishes. The luncheon could bring national attention to Viv’s culinary skills, something she finally feels ready for. Author Deborah Crombie has created some of the most memorable new characters, those outside of the constant family of characters, in the different books, keeping the series fresh while satisfying readers’ need for the familiar, too. Viv Holland is the latest in those memorable new characters, and A Bitter Feast is very much Viv’s story, as her life past and present connects directly to the plot’s unfolding and resolution.
The problems, as must always arise, start with Duncan’s perilous journey to Beck House when he is involved in an auto crash with two fatalities, one of whom has a history with Chef Viv. Duncan is quite shaken in the crash, but he still gets involved in the investigation into it, as does Gemma. An investigation into the accident becomes necessary mostly due to the discovery that one of the two fatalities, from the same car, was dead before the accident occurred. That particular fatality has ties to Viv when she lived in London and involves information she would rather see stay in the past. But secrets from the past are a hard ghost to keep buried, and when the danger to others intensifies, Viv worries she hasn’t outrun her past.
Told from multiple points of view, it is captivating to see how cleverly all the information comes together to answer all the questions and solve all the mysteries. As I noted earlier, this story belongs to Viv, and it is with Crombie’s smooth transitions readers will travel back with Viv to her London days and what brought her back to the village of Lower Slaughters in Gloucestershire. The inner workings of a high-end restaurant and the food descriptions in the book are fascinating. The artistry and passion of a chef’s work is evident, and the drive to achieve a Michelin star is an intense struggle. Insight into Gemma’s and Duncan’s and the police’s investigation, their process, of the crimes allows the reader to feel the suspense of getting closer to the killer. The staff of Viv’s pub and Viv’s daughter provide additional information that connects to those murdered and the murderer.
Another multiplicity that the author deftly handles is that of a number of intriguing characters. Under Deborah Crombie’s direction, there is never any confusion nor difficulty in remembering the characters, as they are blended beautifully into the thrilling plot. We have Duncan and Gemma and their children—Kit, Toby, and Charlotte—and, readers will enjoy an expanded part for Kit in this story. The characters from Viv’s pub, which she co-owns with Bea Abbott, and Viv’s daughter all play important parts. Then there are Melody’s parents and Melody, their staff, and the village residents helping to move the plot forward, with Melody’s father making introductions between Duncan and the local police. It’s another first-rate cast that performs brilliantly. And, of course, nobody does setting any better than Deborah Crombie. Her books set in the different parts of London make the reader see, feel, and taste the place. She does no less for the Costwolds, bringing the beauty of this tranquil setting right into your heart.
The many fans of this series will heartily attest to the pleasure of reading from book one to this book, #18, and getting to know Gemma and Duncan and the other familiar characters. But, here is the hidden gem to A Bitter Feast. It could be read as a stand-alone story. Again, there’s nothing quite like reading the development of characters from one book to the next, but a reader who hasn’t read the previous 17 novels could read this current book with immense satisfaction. However readers come to A Bitter Feast, long-time fans or new readers, the result is an outstanding read. For me, A Bitter Feast was a delectable feast indeed.
October 24, 2020
I really enjoy this series! I love all the characters and the descriptions of the settings, and the plots are always clever and developed in a way that does not become frantic or rushed as is the case with many mysteries. She takes her time to develop the back stories of the people involved and makes it all the more interesting. In this book, Gemma, Duncan, and their family are visiting Gemma's co-worker Melody Talbot's family on their country manor. A famous chef is involved in a fatal car accident with one of the local ladies, and it soon becomes obvious that there is murder involved. It is not clear exactly what the chef was doing in the lady's car since they didn't know each other at all. Was one of them just in the wrong place at the wrong time? And what was the chef's involvement with the local pub's excellent chef and her daughter? There also happens to be lots of information about food and the work of a chef in this story, which adds to the enjoyment.
October 25, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I've enjoyed every book in the Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James series . I've only recently starting listening to them on audio and that is such a pleasure. I love mysteries set in England. Even though there are now 18 books, I do believe it is important to read them all and in order. There is a huge amount of character development in the main characters, their families, friends, and co-workers.
The previous book Garden of Lamentations had each of the main characters involved in a variety of cases. So they did not have much interaction or time with personal developments, with little time with family and friends. A Bitter Feast is just the opposite with lots of time with family and friends as they are on a family weekend at a co-workers' home. Their co-workers are some of their best friends.
The trip starts with Duncan in a car crash where the other cars' participants die. He and Gemma become involved in figuring out who the people are and why they died since something is off about it. As more deaths occur, they work to find the truth. In addition to the facts, they consider the people involved and their feelings, working with compassion. Duncan and Gemma do such a masterful job both professionally, and personally pitching in with a charity event. Kit gets involved with helping at the event and is so responsible and considerate in his work.
I love everything about these stories from the excellent world building, the well developed multitude of characters, the police aspects of gathering information, the close circle of friends and the family growth. There is so much detail on their emotional journeys with worries about Duncan's injuries and Melody's boyfriend troubles. I look forward to each new one eagerly.
I enjoyed Viv, a new character, who is a chef and single parent, with a difficult past. The food descriptions were fantastic. The incredible descriptions and characters in this small town they visited were excellent and Crombie really brought these characters to life.
Narration:
Gerard Doyle handles this series well and I have enjoyed him with each listen. I loved the English accents, although I don't know if they were accurate. The characters had distinct voices, male, female and the children which felt authentic. I was able to listen at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:
https://soundcloud.com/harperaudio_us...
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I've enjoyed every book in the Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James series . I've only recently starting listening to them on audio and that is such a pleasure. I love mysteries set in England. Even though there are now 18 books, I do believe it is important to read them all and in order. There is a huge amount of character development in the main characters, their families, friends, and co-workers.
The previous book Garden of Lamentations had each of the main characters involved in a variety of cases. So they did not have much interaction or time with personal developments, with little time with family and friends. A Bitter Feast is just the opposite with lots of time with family and friends as they are on a family weekend at a co-workers' home. Their co-workers are some of their best friends.
The trip starts with Duncan in a car crash where the other cars' participants die. He and Gemma become involved in figuring out who the people are and why they died since something is off about it. As more deaths occur, they work to find the truth. In addition to the facts, they consider the people involved and their feelings, working with compassion. Duncan and Gemma do such a masterful job both professionally, and personally pitching in with a charity event. Kit gets involved with helping at the event and is so responsible and considerate in his work.
I love everything about these stories from the excellent world building, the well developed multitude of characters, the police aspects of gathering information, the close circle of friends and the family growth. There is so much detail on their emotional journeys with worries about Duncan's injuries and Melody's boyfriend troubles. I look forward to each new one eagerly.
I enjoyed Viv, a new character, who is a chef and single parent, with a difficult past. The food descriptions were fantastic. The incredible descriptions and characters in this small town they visited were excellent and Crombie really brought these characters to life.
Narration:
Gerard Doyle handles this series well and I have enjoyed him with each listen. I loved the English accents, although I don't know if they were accurate. The characters had distinct voices, male, female and the children which felt authentic. I was able to listen at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:
https://soundcloud.com/harperaudio_us...
October 1, 2019
This terrific mystery series just keeps delivering excellent entries--for characters, plot, and setting. It's highly entertaining, and it also has an interesting subplot of the dynamics of restaurant kitchens. Author Crombie develops new situations with each of these mysteries, so at #18, it is not a rehash of everything that has gone before. My full review is at https://readersforecast.blogspot.com/....
February 20, 2020
I can always binge-read Deborah Crombie's excellent series of Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James. Never a quiet moment in the lives of that lovely couple.
Although this novel takes place far from their beloved London Town, the plot is just as juicy in its beautiful Cotswolds setting. The only downside, now I've finished this book is that I'll have to wait another 2 years or more for the next one to be published!
Although this novel takes place far from their beloved London Town, the plot is just as juicy in its beautiful Cotswolds setting. The only downside, now I've finished this book is that I'll have to wait another 2 years or more for the next one to be published!
March 17, 2020
A great mystery set in an English village. Part of a series that I need to start next
April 15, 2019
Duncan and Gemma Kincaid and their children have been invited to spend a weekend in the Cotswolds with colleague Melody’s parents. Sounds relaxing, but then they find themselves involved in an automobile accident, and learn of several suspicious deaths. What happened to the woman who hit Duncan’s car, and who was the mystery man in the passenger seat? Who would want to deliberately run down a popular villager? And what about the financial irregularities with Lady Addie’s staff? Deborah Crombie is one of my favorite authors--she never disappoints. A Bitter Feast is recommended to anyone who enjoys well-plotted British police procedural. This novel can be read as a stand-alone; however, I suggest reading them in order for maximum enjoyment.
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