http://www.reviewingtheevidence.com/r... ( )

Eighth Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James mystery/Brit police procedural in which Duncan and Gemma’s paths cross with two similar murders causing the appearance of a serial killer loose in London. There seems to be a connection with not only the similarities in the way they were killed, but the two victims are both connected in some way with the antiques trade. When their main suspect ends up dead himself, Duncan and Gemma must root out further clues to the culprit—although, in this book, it was fairly clear to me early on who that was. On a personal note, Duncan and Gemma move in together because of Gemma’s pregnancy and there are some adjustments with that, particularly as Kit, Duncan’s thirteen-year-old son, moves in with them as well. I really enjoy the way the author ties the past to the present in her novels—sometimes, as in the previous book, it’s a past that is centuries distant, and other times, as in this book, it’s only as far back as the childhood of some of the characters. There’s only a few books left in the series before I’m caught up—I’m going to have to start hoarding them, I think! ( )

I thoroughly enjoy this series of books. However, I would suggest that Ms. Crombie use more "English" spelling to go along with the English terminology. Maybe it is the Publisher that should be more "English" in these books! ( )

Deborah Crombie is one of the best "British" mystery writers. I have enjoyed every one of her books which combine great characters with clever and interesing plots. ( )

Kincaid and James #8.
"Sergeant Gemma James of New Scotland Yard is adjusting to professional and personal changes that include her eagerly sought promotion to the rank of Inspector - and a future now intimately entwined with Detective Superintendant Duncan Kincaid. But her new responsibilities are put to the test when she is placed in charge of a particularly brutal homicide. The lovely, pregnant, and unfaithful young wife of a wealthy antiques dealer has been found murdered in the driveway of her home on fashionable Notting Hill. With a devastated lover and a jealous husband left in the dead woman's wake, the focus of Gemma's case seems clear. But Duncan has other ideas, and soon the two find themselves at increasing odds with each other, as their separate investigations become linked in the most startling and deadly of ways." - Bantam jacket notes.
A good suspenseful mystery, with the continuing tension of James and Kincaid's relationship during her pregnancy and their moving in together. The strong emotions of the villains, victims and investigators are handled realistically, with loves and losses that will take time to resolve. If you like mysteries with quite a bit of space devoted to the personal lives of the detectives, this is a good series. ( )