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Newly appointed Detective Inspector Gemma James has never thought to question her friend Hazel Cavendish about her past. So it is quite a shock when Gemma learns that their holiday retreat to a hotel in the Scottish Highlands is, in fact, Hazel's homecoming -- and that fellow guest Donald Brodie was once Hazel's lover, despite a vicious, long-standing feud between their rival, fine whiskey distilling families. And the fires of a fierce and passionate affair may not have burned out completely show more -- on Brodie's part at least, since he's prepared to destroy Hazel's marriage to win back his "Juliet." But when a sudden, brutal murder unleashes a slew of sinister secrets and long-seething hatreds, putting Hazel's life in peril, Gemma knows she will need help unraveling this very bloody knot -- and calls for the one man she trusts more than any other, Duncan Kincaid, to join her far from home ... and in harm's way. show lessTags
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Detective Inspector Gemma James is happy to be invited for a 4-day long weekend in the Scottish Highlands by her friend and former landlady Hazel; they will be visiting one of Hazel’s old college chums, whose husband offers cooking courses at their homestead. Gemma is somewhat surprised to learn that a neighbour, Donald, is Hazel’s former lover, and when he turns up dead, Gemma has to wonder how well she knows her good friend after all…. There are various complications in "Now May You Weep," both in the main story and in the ongoing saga of Gemma, her partner Duncan Kincaid and their children, but the focus is largely on the Scottish characters, which is refreshing. One major problem I had with this book in the series, however, is show more that Hazel has always been portrayed as the most contented person on the planet, happy and secure in her marriage and in her work as a therapist, but suddenly in this book she confesses to having felt half-dead inside since the end of her relationship with Donald some 10 years earlier; it seems to me that Ms. Crombie is willing to completely change the personality of her characters if it suits the story she wants to tell, which I find objectionable. I’m giving this series a rest at the moment, and eventually will have to decide how much I want to continue with it. Sigh. show less
Of all the books I've read in the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series, this is my favorite so far. This particular entry in the series leans more toward the cozy genre. Gemma has accepted an invitation from friend and former neighbor Helen Cavendish to participate in a weekend cookery course in the Scottish Highlands. After their arrival, Gemma is surprised to learn that Helen has past ties to the area, to their hosts, and to some of the fellow guests. When one of the weekend guests is murdered, Gemma finds out what it is like to be the investigated rather than the investigator. Helen seemingly has a motive for the murder and was unaccounted for at the time of the murder. Out of loyalty to her friend, Gemma tries to be helpful to the show more local authorities without interfering with the investigation. While Duncan provides moral support and some assistance, the book primarily features Gemma.
The author weaves a second story throughout the book, a historical account that ties into the main plot. I've read other books that use this technique and I usually find it irritating. Typically I'm more interested in one of the stories, and I resent the interruption in the narrative that I'm most interested in. This time, I was equally interested in both stories, and I liked the way that the author brought both the historical and present narratives to a climax at the same moment. show less
The author weaves a second story throughout the book, a historical account that ties into the main plot. I've read other books that use this technique and I usually find it irritating. Typically I'm more interested in one of the stories, and I resent the interruption in the narrative that I'm most interested in. This time, I was equally interested in both stories, and I liked the way that the author brought both the historical and present narratives to a climax at the same moment. show less
Now You May Weep by Deborah Crombie is the 9th book in her series that features Scotland Yard Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and DI Gemma James. Gemma accepts an invitation to join her friend Hazel on a cooking weekend in the Scottish Highlands. It isn’t until the women arrive and meet the other guests that Gemma learns that Hazel’s purpose for being there is to test the waters between herself and her old love, Donald Brodie, a local distillery owner. When someone murders Donald, Hazel becomes the prime suspect and although Gemma wants to help her, she must tiptoe around the local authority, who obviously wants her to stay out of the investigation.
Meanwhile, Duncan, at home in London with their two boys, receives notice that his show more ex-Mother-in-Law is seeking custody of Kit, the son of his first wife. Although by appearance, it seems obvious that Kit is Duncan’s natural son, he was brought up believing himself the son of his mother’s second marriage. Kit is in a fragile state having been abandoned or overlooked most of his life. He appears to be resistant to getting a DNA test and Duncan is reluctant to force him. However, a positive DNA test would lay all custody concerns to rest.
Now You May Weep was both a great mystery story and an interesting step forward in the personal lives of the main characters. Duncan does come up to Scotland for a few days to assist and support Gemma, and this gave them a chance to discuss family matters and make plans. The author includes a story from the past which is skilfully done and helps to advance the plot. The setting is vividly described and transports the reader to the Scottish Highlands. I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to the next one. show less
Meanwhile, Duncan, at home in London with their two boys, receives notice that his show more ex-Mother-in-Law is seeking custody of Kit, the son of his first wife. Although by appearance, it seems obvious that Kit is Duncan’s natural son, he was brought up believing himself the son of his mother’s second marriage. Kit is in a fragile state having been abandoned or overlooked most of his life. He appears to be resistant to getting a DNA test and Duncan is reluctant to force him. However, a positive DNA test would lay all custody concerns to rest.
Now You May Weep was both a great mystery story and an interesting step forward in the personal lives of the main characters. Duncan does come up to Scotland for a few days to assist and support Gemma, and this gave them a chance to discuss family matters and make plans. The author includes a story from the past which is skilfully done and helps to advance the plot. The setting is vividly described and transports the reader to the Scottish Highlands. I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to the next one. show less
Now You May Weep by Deborah Crombie is a 2005 publication.
After suffering a personal loss, Gemma is trying to move forward with her life. She and Duncan are now co-habitating and raising Kit and Toby together. But, a girls’ only get away with her best friend, Hazel, sounds like fun. However, Hazel has ulterior motives for taking this trip and may have mislead her friend.
Soon enough, Gemma learns things about Hazel that shakes her faith in the possibility of anyone truly enjoying a long lasting and stable romantic relationship. If this weren’t enough to spoil her time away, a ghastly murder puts the proverbial nail in the coffin. Worse still, Hazel has been taken in for questioning-
This is the tenth installment in the Kincaid and show more James series. As I’ve stated before, this series is very popular and well received. For me, it’s been a bit like fire and ice. Some installments have been simply outstanding, while others were way off the mark.
This one I am happy to report, is one of the good ones. I enjoyed the change of scenery, the historical details, and the truly emotional aspects of the story, which dares to tamper with a character we’ve long relied on for sound reason and balance. This story examines affairs of the heart, and the intense emotions love can evoke. Love can bring out the best in people, but also the worst, and can get pretty twisted when there is unrequited love, forbidden love, and jealousy involved.
As always, Gemma and Duncan have a few domestic issues at play. Here Duncan must deal with Kit’s grandmother who continues to pursue custody, and Kit’s refusal to submit to a DNA test which would prove his paternity once and for all.
Overall, this was an excellent installment in the series. I've been slowly working my way through the series, and I do mean S-L-O-W-L-Y-. Every year, I swear I’m going to finally get all caught up, but as another year winds down, I still have seven more books to go. Oh well, maybe in 2019- Of course by then, there’s bound to be a new release… *Sigh*
Such is the life of an overwhelmed reader. show less
After suffering a personal loss, Gemma is trying to move forward with her life. She and Duncan are now co-habitating and raising Kit and Toby together. But, a girls’ only get away with her best friend, Hazel, sounds like fun. However, Hazel has ulterior motives for taking this trip and may have mislead her friend.
Soon enough, Gemma learns things about Hazel that shakes her faith in the possibility of anyone truly enjoying a long lasting and stable romantic relationship. If this weren’t enough to spoil her time away, a ghastly murder puts the proverbial nail in the coffin. Worse still, Hazel has been taken in for questioning-
This is the tenth installment in the Kincaid and show more James series. As I’ve stated before, this series is very popular and well received. For me, it’s been a bit like fire and ice. Some installments have been simply outstanding, while others were way off the mark.
This one I am happy to report, is one of the good ones. I enjoyed the change of scenery, the historical details, and the truly emotional aspects of the story, which dares to tamper with a character we’ve long relied on for sound reason and balance. This story examines affairs of the heart, and the intense emotions love can evoke. Love can bring out the best in people, but also the worst, and can get pretty twisted when there is unrequited love, forbidden love, and jealousy involved.
As always, Gemma and Duncan have a few domestic issues at play. Here Duncan must deal with Kit’s grandmother who continues to pursue custody, and Kit’s refusal to submit to a DNA test which would prove his paternity once and for all.
Overall, this was an excellent installment in the series. I've been slowly working my way through the series, and I do mean S-L-O-W-L-Y-. Every year, I swear I’m going to finally get all caught up, but as another year winds down, I still have seven more books to go. Oh well, maybe in 2019- Of course by then, there’s bound to be a new release… *Sigh*
Such is the life of an overwhelmed reader. show less
A combination of history, a touch of romance, and whisky, naturally, in the Scottish Highlands. This is a decent whodunnit from Crombie who has woven the past with the present and brought them together with a satisfying conclusion. Gemma James is obliged to investigate this one alone, even though the Scottish police don't welcome her help. Kincaid is left in London trying to solve a problem of his own related to his son Kit.
NOW MAY YOU WEEP by Deborah Crombie is the 9th installment of the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James mystery series.
I did enjoy this title. The maps are gorgeous. We are transported to Scotland. We are learning about the whiskey trade and its history and importance to the area. Every chapter has a quote from Robert Louis Stevenson. (Duncan’s son, Kit, is even reading KIDNAPPED by Robert Louis Stevenson for a school assignment.)
NOW MAY YOU WEEP is like many of of Ms. Crombie’s previous titles - a mystery, a crime drama, a police procedural, historical fiction, and instructional (in this case, whiskey making).
The characters (new and familiar), the interweaving of plot and many background stories, the ‘sense of place’ - all come together show more in the end for a very satisfying read.
I was a bit ‘sad’ reading NOW MAY YOU WEEP, as it related to the strain and breakdown of Hazel and Tim’s marriage. Hazel and Tim have been Gemma’s ‘rocks’ and Gemma will have many adjustments to make in her personal life as a result of Hazel’s crisis.
Hazel grew up in Scotland and was involved in her family’s distillery - Carnmore. When Gemma accompanies Hazel on a cookery course/get-away weekend, she realizes early on that Hazel is being pursued by long ago lover, Donald Brodie, owner of the popular and prosperous Benvulin Distillery.
If only for the sense of place, Robert Louis Stevenson and the whiskey tastings, I think you will enjoy this title. show less
I did enjoy this title. The maps are gorgeous. We are transported to Scotland. We are learning about the whiskey trade and its history and importance to the area. Every chapter has a quote from Robert Louis Stevenson. (Duncan’s son, Kit, is even reading KIDNAPPED by Robert Louis Stevenson for a school assignment.)
NOW MAY YOU WEEP is like many of of Ms. Crombie’s previous titles - a mystery, a crime drama, a police procedural, historical fiction, and instructional (in this case, whiskey making).
The characters (new and familiar), the interweaving of plot and many background stories, the ‘sense of place’ - all come together show more in the end for a very satisfying read.
I was a bit ‘sad’ reading NOW MAY YOU WEEP, as it related to the strain and breakdown of Hazel and Tim’s marriage. Hazel and Tim have been Gemma’s ‘rocks’ and Gemma will have many adjustments to make in her personal life as a result of Hazel’s crisis.
Hazel grew up in Scotland and was involved in her family’s distillery - Carnmore. When Gemma accompanies Hazel on a cookery course/get-away weekend, she realizes early on that Hazel is being pursued by long ago lover, Donald Brodie, owner of the popular and prosperous Benvulin Distillery.
If only for the sense of place, Robert Louis Stevenson and the whiskey tastings, I think you will enjoy this title. show less
I really enjoy this mystery series, featuring Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James of Scotland Yard. In this ninth book, the spotlight is largely on Gemma, who stumbles into a mystery when she accompanies her friend Hazel for a weekend in the Scottish Highlands. One of the things I like about this series is the way Crombie balances the mystery with the development of the characters and their home lives, and this one is no exception. I highly recommend this series, which does need to be read in order because of that aforementioned character development.
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Deborah Crombie was born in Dallas, Texas on June 6, 1952. She received a degree in biology from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in advertising, as a journalist, and as a manufacturer's representative for theatre concessions. Her first book, A Share in Death, also became the first book in the Duncan show more Kincaid/Gemma James Novel series. She won the Mystery Readers International Macavity Award for Best Mystery Novel for Dreaming of the Bones in 1997 and the Macavity Award for Best Novel for Where Memories Lie in 2009. In 2014 her title, To Dwell in Darkness, made The New York Times Best Seller List. (Bowker Author Biography) Deborah Crombie lives with her family in a small North Texas town, where she is at work on the next book in the series, "And Justice There Is None". (Publisher Provided) show less
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- Canonical title
- Now May You Weep
- Original publication date
- 2003-10-07
- People/Characters
- Duncan Kincaid; Gemma James; Hazel Cavendish; Tim Cavendish; Donald Brodie; Louise Innes (show all 15); John Innes; Martin Gilmore; Heather Urquhart; Pascal Benoit; Kit McClellan; Toby James; Callum MacGillivray; Alison Grant; Alun Ross
- Important places
- Aviemore, Highland, Scotland, UK; Benvulin Distillery; London, England, UK
- Epigraph
- Let torrents pour then, let the great winds rally.
Snow-silence fall or lightning blast the pine;
That light of Home shines warmly in the valley,
And, exiled son of Scotland, it is thine.
Far have you wandered ove... (show all)r seas of longing,
And now you drowse, and now you well may weep,
When all the recollections come a-thronging,
Of this rude country where your fathers sleep.
Neil Munro, "To Exiles" - Dedication
- To my uncle, A. C. Greene, 1923-2002, man of letters and storyteller extraordinaire
- First words
- Carnmore, November 1898
Wrapped in her warmest cloak and shawl, Livvy Urquhart paced the worn kitchen flags. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Then she raised the bottle and let a few golden drops trickle out onto the bare earth, a libation for the past, and for the future.
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