Title: Dreaming of the Bones
Author: Deborah Crombie
First published January 1, 1997
355 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780061150401 (ISBN10: 0061150401)
Rating: 4.09
Overview
In Dreaming of the Bones, Deborah Crombie once again proves her mastery of British mystery novels. The book follows Scotland Yard superintendent, Duncan Kincaid, as he navigates the delicate balance between his work life and personal life.
Kincaid’s ex-wife, Dr. Victoria McClellan, threatens to upend his life with her biography of poet Lydia Brooke, whose death is starting to look like murder. Crombie’s attention to detail and her understanding of the nuances of Britspeak make this a standout in the genre.
Readers will be on the edge of their seats as Kincaid and his partner, Sergeant Gemma James, unravel the mystery behind Brooke’s death.
About the Author
Deborah Crombie has written 17 novels that follow the adventures of Scotland Yard’s Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and Detective Inspector Gemma James. The upcoming release of her 18th Kincaid/James novel, A BITTER FEAST, is set for October 2019 and will be published by William Morrow.
Crombie resides in McKinney, Texas, with her husband and their furry friends, which consist of two German Shepherd Dogs and two cats. She frequently travels to Britain to conduct research for her books.
Editoral Review
Dreaming of the Bones by Deborah Crombie is a mesmerizing and masterfully crafted thriller that weaves together history, culture, and contemporary issues to create a powerful narrative. Crombie is an accomplished author and her expertise in the genre is readily apparent in the immersive style she employs throughout the book.
The story is set in the urban landscape of contemporary London and follows the investigation of a suspicious death of a young woman who was a member of a theatrical troupe. The main characters of the story are Chief Inspector James Duncan Kincaid and his partner Sergeant Gemma James.
The two of them embark on a journey to find out the truth behind the woman’s death and unravel a complicated web of family secrets, lies, deception, and betrayal. The plot of Dreaming of the Bones is filled with numerous twists and turns that keep the readers on edge, and Crombie’s ability to create suspense is truly extraordinary.
She keeps the readers guessing until the very end of the novel with several unexpected surprises. The characters are all well-developed, complex, and compelling, and the setting is described with a keen eye for detail.
Crombie has a deft hand when it comes to evoking the historical significance of her surroundings. The book paints a vivid picture of modern-day London’s cultural and social diversity, as well as the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The allusions to theater and Shakespearean literature underline the narrative’s innate artistry and passion. Crombie also explores several contemporary issues, such as the challenges of family, the complexities of modern love, and the tension between career and personal life.
The writing in Dreaming of the Bones is simply excellent. The author skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, each with their own unique premise and tempo, while simultaneously keeping the narrative tightly focused on the central mystery.
The pacing is fast and engaging, and the dialogue is witty and insightful. In terms of shortcomings, some of the minor characters feel underdeveloped, and certain plot twists might seem a bit convoluted.
But these minor flaws don’t take away from the overall enjoyment and quality of the novel. Overall, Dreaming of the Bones is a highly engaging and entertaining novel that brings together several key elements of the mystery genre – thrilling suspense, fascinating characters, enigmatic settings, and a major twist.
It is highly recommended for any fan of the genre, as well as anyone interested in contemporary drama, literature, or history. Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5.
— The Washington Post
