To Dwell in Darkness

By: Deborah Crombie

Narrated by: Gerard Doyle

In the tradition of Elizabeth George, Louise Penny, and P. D. James, New York Times best-selling author Deborah Crombie delivers a powerful tale of intrigue, betrayal, and lies that will plunge married London detectives Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James into the unspeakable darkness that lies at the heart of murder.

Recently transferred to the London borough of Camden from Scotland Yard headquarters, Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his new murder investigation team are called to a deadly bombing at historic St. Pancras Station. By fortunate coincidence, Melody Talbot, Gemma's trusted colleague, witnesses the explosion. The victim was taking part in an organized protest, yet the other group members swear the young man only meant to set off a smoke bomb. As Kincaid begins to gather the facts, he finds every piece of the puzzle yields an unexpected pattern, including the disappearance of a mysterious bystander.

The bombing isn't the only mystery troubling Kincaid. He's still questioning the reasons behind his transfer, and when his former boss - who's been avoiding him - is attacked, those suspicions deepen. With the help of his former sergeant, Doug Cullen, Melody Talbot, and Gemma, Kincaid begins to untangle the truth. But what he discovers will leave him questioning his belief in the job that has shaped his life and his values - and remind him just how vulnerable his precious family is.

©2014 Deborah Crombie (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

One of the best in this series

Unexpected plot twists and characters made this one a favorite in the series so far.

Gold Standard

What did you love best about To Dwell in Darkness?

Deborah Crombie once again embroiders a touching yet suspenseful story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Melody. She has her own interesting set of issues and seems to have been most deeply changed by the events of this story. I'm wondering how she'll fare.

What does Gerard Doyle bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The English spirit infused in the story. I'd be reading it with an American point of view and might miss things which he emphasizes.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Neither. It's not that kind of book. It's sit on the edge of your seat king of book.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for next one.

Very poorly narrated - flat and halting

Would you be willing to try another one of Gerard Doyle’s performances?

NEVER!

Any additional comments?

I've read all of Crombie's books, which is why I wasn't willing to give up on this one. But in this day and age of really brilliant narrators who *perform* the books rather than just read them, it's jarring to come up against such a flat reading. The reader even had trouble with pacing, adding in bizarre pauses before reading a sentence that ought to have continued smoothly on from the previous. Often I assumed a chapter break, but no! The action wasn't over!

And as far as bringing characters to life with distinct voices, forget it - he doesn't even try other than to slightly deepen his tone for Kincaid and get breathy for any female. I had to make sure I was paying close attention to discern who was speaking and sometimes it was just impossible to tell.

Crombie's books deserve a much much better audio performer. That said, the story was a good one, although I found the resolution a little obvious and disappointing. I always enjoy the glimpse into the James-Kincaid household and this one doesn't disappoint on that score.

One more stellar mystery by Deborah Crombie

What made the experience of listening to To Dwell in Darkness the most enjoyable?

Having read all of her previous books in this series, it was like rejoining a family. She keeps the tension, however, by always adding new and complex characters. The mix of plot twists, domesticity and kittens is irresistible.To

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kitt, Toby, Gemma, Melody ... well, most of them. Why? They are real and familiar, yet human enough to keep one engaged.

Which scene was your favorite?

The mother cat with the kittens, when first discovered, is a sure favorite. However, there are many. This question is pretty irrelevant in the context of a complex mystery.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many. I shall not elucidate because I would not want to be a spoiler.

Any additional comments?

If only there were more living authors as talented as Deborah Crombie ....

Mystery Unwrapped

This is one of Crombie's most disturbing tales. She weaves her character's stories delicately and interfaces them seamlessly. I felt more with this story than others.

Excellent!

I discovered Deborah Crombie a couple years ago. She has become my favorite writer. I love her characters. I love the way she describes locations in a way that makes me feel I've been there. I love her intricate and surprising plots.

The mystery starts early in this book and keeps on until the end. I made the mistake of listening to it at bed time one night. I got so involved in the story I stayed awake much too late.

Gerard Doyle is one of the best narrators I've heard. I love the tone of his voice. He is able to distinguish the characters enough so that I always know who is speaking, yet his voice never overshadows the story.

One of the best in the series

Good read. Maybe a little too much Melodie. I really enjoyed the way Jemma, Kit and all thei other characters developed along. A really good crime story that unwinds with some good twists - some you see coming but you have to wait for the characters to catch (which provided good reading/listening). There are a few twists that will take you by surprise. I really enjoy the way Crombie keeps old friends/characters in the series as relevant.

Seems very timely in topic

I have always enjoyed this series. I believe that Deborah Crombie writes very well--and this was nicely narrated by Gerard Doyle.

In this book, Duncan and Gemma are each dealing with different cases, but Duncan has the greater role, as he is trying to trace the people who seem to have been involved with a frightening bombing incident at St Pancras' train station.

What I really like about this series is that it consistently presents very good mysteries to work out, and the main characters are a touching blended family who always manage to make their kids a priority--despite their busy lives policing. Something I'm noticing though, is that there seem to be so many peripheral characters, that it slightly detracts from Gemma, Duncan, their kids & close assistants in a way that feels (to me) as though the good tension that held with the earlier books is loosening a bit.

Nevertheless, in a series of this sort--where one has followed from the beginning, it is difficult to criticize--expanding acquaintances is the way of life--so it makes sense. But I think I did enjoy the earlier ones a bit more. Still recommend!

I confess; I'm a huge fan!

I have loved every one of Deborah Crombie's books since I read the first few in print some years ago. While I certainly have favorites, none have disappointed. But this latest, happily anticipated and awaited continuation of the story of Duncan and Gemma has satisfied in every way, way beyond expectations. The characters continue to develop in interesting ways, and this particular story segment is timely and well crafted. I find myself so enjoying the story that I want to hurry along, and at the same time I want to go slowly, holding off on completing the story and savoring every part. Sweet dilemma.

One of my favorite authors.

Interesting detail moved along by the historical back drop. Personal story of the central characters serves as an excellent emotional backdrop.