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    No Mark Upon Her
    No Mark Upon Her
    No Mark Upon Her
    Audiobook12 hours

    No Mark Upon Her

    Written by Deborah Crombie

    Narrated by Gerard Doyle

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    New York Times bestselling author Deborah Crombie makes her mark with this absorbing, finely hued tale of suspense—a deeply atmospheric and twisting mystery full of deadly secrets, salacious lies, and unexpected betrayals involving the mysterious drowning of a Met detective—an accomplished rower—on the Thames.

    When a K9 search-and-rescue team discovers a woman's body tangled up with debris in the river, Scotland Yard superintendent Duncan Kincaid finds himself heading an investigation fraught with complications. The victim, Rebecca Meredith, was a talented but difficult woman with many admirers—and just as many enemies. An Olympic contender on the verge of a controversial comeback, she was also a high-ranking detective with the Met—a fact that raises a host of political and ethical issues in an already sensitive case.

    To further complicate the situation, a separate investigation, led by Detective Inspector Gemma James, Kincaid's wife, soon reveals a disturbing—and possibly related—series of crimes, widening the field of suspects. But when someone tries to kill the search-and-rescue team member who found Rebecca's body, the case becomes even more complex and dangerous, involving powerful interests with tentacles that reach deep into the heart of the Met itself.

    Surrounded by enemies with friendly faces, pressured to find answers quickly while protecting the Yard at all costs, his career and reputation on the line, Kincaid must race to catch the killer before more innocent lives are lost—including his own.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperAudio
    Release dateApr 24, 2012
    ISBN9780062208910
    Author

    Deborah Crombie

    Deborah Crombie's Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James novels have been nominated for the Agatha, Macavity and Edgar Awards and have received superb reviews. Deborah lives with her family in a small North Texas town. Visit her website at www.deborahcrombie.com

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    Reviews for No Mark Upon Her

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    • 5/5
      I fascinating peak into a world I know nothing about.
    • 5/5
      I've enjoyed all of Deborah Crombie's books but she just seems to get better and better. No Mark Upon Her, the latest in her Kincaid/James series, takes a very interesting subject, the Oxford/Cambridge boat races, and gives it full personalities to flesh it out. The family story keeps getting fuller and richer in its character development. Like Elizabeth George, Crombie gives no hint of her American background, but seems to have complete mastery of the British culture. I, for one, will continue reading her novels with great satisfaction as long as she produces them.
    • 4/5
      I have read several of Deborah Crombie's books and they all have been terrific. The police work used to discover the murderer is done well without having somebody become the 'hero' and working alone like in some books. Crombie combines the police work with the family dymnamics and it works well. Both Duncan and Gemma, finally married in three separate ceremonies, are struggling to do their jobs and also raise a family which now includes a three year old Charlotte (from a previous book which I haven't read yet, but will). Gemma has just finished several months of leave and now it is Duncan's turn, but two days before he is to begin his 'paternity' leave, he is assigned a high profile case of a police woman who drowns while out on her scull training for the Olympic trials. Will Duncan finish in time? Is the information that Gemma uncovers going to help Duncan? It all wraps up neatly in the end and I'm looking forward to the next book where either Duncan will be on leave or just ending it.
    • 4/5
      See more reviews on Short & Sweet Reviews.

      This book has just raised the bar for mysteries and crime stories for me. Set in contemporary London, No Mark Upon Her delves deep into the world of both competitive rowing and cover-ups for the latest entry into the series of crime fiction novels centering around Duncan Kinkaid and Gemma James, of Scotland Yard. While this is the fourteenth novel starring the duo, there are enough background details given that a new reader like myself is not left too confused, and although not every bit of backstory is reinforced, there are enough references and call-backs to previous books that I found myself wanting to search for all of them to read the past stories, too.

      There are a lot of details in this book about rowing and the culture surrounding the sport, but to me, they never get boring. It's a sport that I enjoy watching but know nothing about, and the book presents these facts in a way that is streamlined with the story and never feels like info-dumping. You're also introduced to a lot of characters, both ones close to Duncan and Gemma who are probably recurring throughout the series, and ones who are specific to this crime investigation. It can be a bit tough to keep them straight at first, especially as so many of their lives are interwoven together, but it gets easier as the story goes on. Although the book is long, it is fast paced and a real page turner, as everyone tries to get to the bottom of what happened to rower Rebecca Meredith.

      Duncan and Gemma are both interesting characters. Gemma takes a bit of a backseat during this investigation, but she still manages to get involved in tracking down other leads. I enjoyed the glimpses into their home life as the just-married couple with a newly adopted daughter try to juggle home and work. They're not perfect, but no one is, and even just in one book you can tell how deeply they care for one another, and how well they work together, both personally and professionally. It's a nice change of pace to read about a functional, loving adult couple who are both equally competent at what they do.

      The crime aspect of this novel is also full of twists and turns. Mysteries are often pretty formulaic and easy to guess the guilty party, but this one has lots of different people with motive and means to commit the murder, and I was definitely kept guessing almost the entire time. The author does a great job of making you care about even the most peripheral of characters, and you really want to get to the bottom of things to get justice for Rebecca.

      I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or crime novel, even if you've never read any of the previous books in the series. I will definitely be putting the rest of the series on my to-read list for the future! As expected in most contemporary adult mysteries/crime stories, there is some profanity, violence, and references to sexual content.
    • 4/5
      When a fellow police officer is found dead, Superintendent Duncan Kincaid is brought in to lead the investigation. The victim, Rebecca Meredith, is a competitive rower and it was a on an early evening training run when she was killed. Becca’s body is found by a K-9 search and rescue team alerted when she was still considered a missing person. Turns out one of the dog-handlers knew the victim. On the home front Kincaid and Gemma James are preparing to switch roles. Gemma James will be returning to work after a family leave and Duncan will become an at-home daddy to the three children in the household. They’re especially concerned about the youngest, Charlotte, a toddler they took in after both her parents were murdered (in Necessary as Blood). They want her well prepared to go to nursery school, but know that will take some time until she feels secure without Kincaid and Gemma nearby. So, Kincaid wants to get this case resolved … and quickly, so he can go on leave as scheduled. His superiors are hoping for a quick conclusion, preferably one that doesn’t embarrass the constabulary in the process. It appears that’s not to be when Gemma’s colleague alerts her to a possible link between a retired cop and the victim. Further digging determine there’s a lot more to that story and the police higher-ups are not going to like it.I’ve been reading this series for a very long time and always find the books riveting. No Mark Upon Her did not disappoint. The family saga is usually almost as interesting as the murder at hand.
    • 5/5
      I've read several of the Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James books, enough to keep their ongoing plot straight and the recurring characters. This is such a good series, I should really go back and just read them in order, but I keep getting different ones on sale.Anyway, this was one of the best that I've read in the series. Interestingly, Duncan is preparing to go on child leave to take his turn caring for Charlotte, their newly adopted daughter. But first, he must solve the murder of a fellow policewoman and Olympic-caliber rower. It becomes much more complicated the further he gets into the investigation.I especially liked the information on rowing/skulling? and learning about the work of Search and Rescue teams. Both these bits added a lot to the story. Gemma's reactions to the adoption of their daughter also gives the reader a lot to think about. And the murder(s) mystery was also good as I count any story where I can't tell who did it a success.
    • 5/5
      NO MARK UPON HER is Book #14 in the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James mystery series by Deborah Crombie.A mysterious and unexpected murder of a rower in the Thames, Becca Meredith is also a Met detective.I thought this was quite a well-written, tense, well-plotted mystery and an excellent addition to the series. The characters were all complex and interesting and I never saw the ending that was coming - not ‘till the last second. The location was very interesting and I gained a few insights into the very competitive (and combative) rowing community along the Thames River. Kieran and Tavie, members of the local search and rescue and First Responder group, along with their dogs, were very appealing. Gemma, Duncan, Melody and Doug all lent their respective expertise that led to the success of the murder investigation.I become very engaged with the location, the sense of place, in each of these books - the Isle of Dogs, Crystal Palace, the tea trade, the Scottish Highlands, canals and canal boats, regattas and rowing, the Thames River Valley. The chapter headings, the maps, the historical notes - all set the tone of the book. The characters are complex. The plots very tense. The books are mysteries, crime dramas, police procedurals, character studies.A highly recommended series.
    • 5/5
      Rebecca Meredith, a policewoman training for an Olympic rowing position, becomes a murder victim. Duncan, about a week from his scheduled leave to take care of Charlotte, his and Gemma's new foster daughter, is assigned the case. The murderer's knowledge of rowing is important. When Duncan discovers Rebecca accused a senior police officer of rape, officially filing it as an anonymous person but with a DNA sample taken, suspicion turns to that person, but he is warned off, suggesting the ex-spouse as the more likely suspect. Duncan discovers Gemma was likely saved from being a victim because her mom was sitting for Toby one occasion. Gemma gets Melody, now assigned to a branch dealing with unsolved crimes against women, to seek other officers who may have been victims over a period of time. They clear the ex-spouse. Meanwhile Duncan and Doug continue to work on the case. Will all the pieces ever fit? Crombie's mysteries are carefully plotted, keeping the reader engaged. This installment shows she did a lot of research in the rowing field and used it to provide one of the best mysteries I've read in awhile. I listened to the audio version by Recorded Books. The narrator was excellent!
    • 5/5
      I have read a number of enjoyable mysteries of late, but this one . . . Oh, how I love thee, Deborah Crombie! Where have you been all my life and why haven't I read anything by you before? No Mark Upon Her is the 14th book in the series, I believe, but my first one by the author. It didn't matter that I didn't know the history of the characters (although, I am infinitely curious now and must know all!). The author offers enough background story to give the reader a good feel for the characters and their situations while at the same time not introducing irrelevant information.

      What is the book about, you ask? A detective who is a skilled rower is found dead on the Thames. Scotland Yard Superintendent Duncan Kincaid is called back from vacation to investigate the matter. It's a particularly sensitive case, one in which people in high placed hope it will get resolved quickly, even if that means swept under the carpet. Duncan Kincaid, however, is not the kind of man to take the easy way out. He wants to find justice for the victim even if it means his job. His wife, a detective herself, helps on the sidelines while juggling the care of their three children.

      Rowing isn't a particularly favorite sport of mine--I have nothing against it, mind you, just very little exposure to it--but I am not one to let something like that stand in my way of reading a book. I like learning about new things. That's part of what reading is all about, right?

      I liked the way Crombie weaved the characters' personal stories in with the murder investigation. Seeing them at home, so to speak, made them all the more relatable. There was just enough of their personal life to give the reader a good idea of what kind of people the characters are and to understand their way of thinking.

      I was quite taken with Duncan Kincaid. He is intelligent and open minded. He is also a good father. I especially liked how much he respects and loves his wife. Gemma James is just as strong a character as her husband, and I could appreciate her inner conflict--looking forward to getting back to work but at the same time not wanting to leave the children.

      Two characters I wish I could get to know better but doubt I will see in future books are the K-9 rescue team, Keiran and Tavie and their dogs. Both seem like formidable people and it was impossible for me not to fall in love with a couple of rescue dogs. Keiran in particular won me over. He was a sad sort of character, dealing with a broken heart as well as quite a few health problems due to injuries incurred in war.

      As for the investigation, the detectives did not have a lot to go on, and with pressures from above, they were faced with even more challenges. While I am not sure "sitting on the edge of my seat" is an apt description of the pacing of the book, I certainly had a hard time putting it down and couldn't wait to get back to it. The weekend everyone in the house was sick and I'd left the book at work was torture. I kept thinking of Becca and wondering what had happened to her.

      No Mark Upon Her has it all: characters who get under your skin, an idyllic English setting, betrayal, ethical issues, family, suspense, and an itch to read more. Deborah Crombie has won me over with this one novel and is sure to become among my favorite mystery authors.
    • 4/5
      No Mark Upon Her by Deborah CrombieDuncan Kincaid & Gemma James series Book #143.5★'sFrom the Book:Olympic rowing hopeful and senior Metropolitan Police officer DCI Rebecca Meredith goes out alone to train on the river in Henley on a dark afternoon in late October - and doesn't return. When a desperate search by the police and a K9 team reveals the possibility of foul play, Scotland Yard wants one of their own on the case. Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid, returning from celebrating his marriage to long-time partner Detective Inspector Gemma James, is called to Henley to investigate. He soon finds that the world of elite rowing can be brutal, and that Rebecca Meredith's ex-husband was not the only person with good reason for wanting her dead. Then, when a search-and-rescue team member is threatened, Kincaid realizes the case may be even more complex and more dangerous than he believed. My Thoughts:I really liked the setting and the story line but the one early draw back that mainly is the reason that it cost it a star in the rating was that the case and the mystery were very nearly lost in details of Duncan Kincaid and his wife Gemma’s life. While that adds to the understanding and filling out the picture to the characters and story, it became overwhelming and distracting. There was enough tension and very well-done plot twists to make it a good read...but not a great book or even one of Deborah Crombie's best offerings. I like working a little to identify the killer and in this one I knew who it was almost from the very first appearance. Overall...a worthwhile read with believable characters.
    • 5/5
      Mysteries usually aren't my thing, but I really enjoyed this. I will have to read more of this series. It was easy to follow in spite of not having read any of her previous books, which I am now going to have to read.
    • 5/5
      As with all of Crombie's stories in this series, I learned something new. This one features rowers, the regattas, and that special sport we all see once in awhile but don't really understand. Crombie delves into the sport and manages to give us a ripping mystery, keep the romance between Duncan and Gemma alive, and advance the series all in one enjoyable read.
    • 4/5
      Interesting for a murder mystery. It keeps you guessing until the end. The characters are likable. It was the first book I read in the Duncan Kincaid /Gemma james series (even if this was book 14) and I had no problem getting into the backstory. Quick read, and entertaining.
    • 5/5
      I held off reading this one because I wanted something to look forward to--reading a new Crombie book is like reconnecting with old friends. I was not disappointed. Another terrific book, and a wonderful mystery. Crombie's research into discreet segments of a culture is always so impressive and seemly forms the backbone of her mysteries. Now I can't wait for the next one!
    • 4/5
      This novel is intriguing from page one, and more than a bit mysterious. Following the police through painstaking investigations is fascinating. Being privy to their private lives as they go about their jobs brings the characters depth and adds much interest to the story. Filled with facts about sculling, this detailed plot will lead you in different directions as the plot develops. This novel is filled with character and details that, if you have not read any of the previous books in the series, you might have trouble comprehending. The author makes mention of but assumes that you know the characters’ back-stories. Eventually, the reader can piece together the gist of what happened to the characters before this novel takes place, but reading the series in order makes more sense. Well written and well researched, this novel is sure to please.
    • 4/5
      I like this series. I especially like the setting in this book. The Thames. The rowing and rowers. The continuity from previous books.
    • 5/5
      Deborah Crombie has a unique writing skill, the ability to blend a police procedural with a realistic domestic drama. Over the years, Crombie has taken Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James from police partners to married couple, facing the difficulties of coping with three children and rising careers in the London Met. While I read her books (this is her 14th) as a mystery fan, I’ve always been impressed how authentic the large recurring “supporting cast” and principal characters resemble real, flesh-and-blood people, not the one-dimensional walk-ons that so many authors employ. The tensions and conflicts that Gemma and Kincaid face as a two-career couple, with their bosses, with their work partners and with their parents, seem real and human too. But, as I say, I’m a mystery fan, and while Crombie introduces the culprit into the story a little later than is fair to the reader, it’s a good story, set amidst the Thames rowing community. Again, the cast of suspects and witnesses is well developed with unique three-dimensional personalities. The culprit, unfortunately, is a little less believable, but to say why would be a definite spoiler, so you’ll have to decide for yourself. It’s a satisfying read nonetheless.
    • 5/5
      Written with the excellence and compexity of a P. D. James or a Ngaio Marsh, "No Mark Upon Her" is an engrossing read from start to finish. The details were exact, the characters rang true, and the mystery kept one reading long after midnight. I loved it and would read any book written by Deborah Crombie.
    • 4/5
      First title by this author that I have read. It was a bit slow at the start, but patience paid off. At times, I had a hard time keeping characters straight as Ms. Crombie introduces MANY and with some character development for each. It wasn't until I started reading this book, that I discovered the story is #14(!) in a series. In my opinion, the story doesn't necessitate reading #1-13 first, but it would add depth to the characterizations.
    • 3/5
      This is the only book in the series that I've read, so I didn't have any "history" of the main characters, but was able to pick up their relationships pretty quickly. The mystery was fast-paced with several twists; I loved the bits of information about rowing, and the Cambridge and Oxford rivalry. Guess I'll be going back to check out previous books in the series.
    • 5/5
      I have read Deborah Crombie since A Share in Death, and watched the evolution of Kincaid and James as a couple. I was worried that once they married, the series might not work as well. That is definitely not an issue. In No Mark Upon Her, Kincaid is involved in the death of one of their own, a detective named Rebecca Meredith. Rebecca had been in training for an possible berth on the Olympic rowing team and her death in the Thames at first seems a tragic accident but quickly it is apparent that the answer is not that simple. The investigation brings Kincaid into the elite world of British rowing and into possible wrongdoing at Scotland Yard. There are suspects including her ex and within the force. James is working on her own case that may intersect with this one. Ms. Crombie weaves a complicated tale that looks at two somewhat closed groups-the Police force and British Rowing- both of whom would like to see this case wrapped up quickly and go away.i enjoyed seeing the family life that Duncan and Gemma have cobbled together. The addition of Charlotte has added to the stress of blending a family together but the couple seems up to the challenge despite family disapproval. Some readers don't like to see any deviation in a mystery from the murder but I think seeing the off time of the two detective add to the plot and gives insight into their thought processes. The eventual outcome of the investigation was realistic and possibly worrisome for the two detectives we have come to know and love.
    • 5/5
      Another excellent book from Deborah Crombie. Deborah Crombie expertly writes a suspense novel with such skill that all of the twists and turns come as surprises. Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James are two of my all-time favourite characters. They are portrayed with such realism it wouldn't be a stretch to encounter them in the local shops. Their daily lives and challenges ring true and their investigative skill is epic. I heartily recommend this book and this series.
    • 4/5
      Deborah Crombie is a favorite of mine. I look forward to each new episode in the life of Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James. This latest has the same wonderful feeling of being invited into their home, with the very real sense of people living as honorably as they can and coping with the development of children who have grown up in lives that have not been a fairy tale.Also, there is something to learn here: the world of competitive rowing and its place in English life. And the heroic work of search and rescue dogs and their people.On the whole, I was happy to read this book. I don't think the plot is the best in the series, but still a satisfying diversion.
    • 5/5
      Another excellent book in this series. What amazes me is the number of plot lines that Crombie can juggle in a book. Duncan Kincaid becomes the investigator in the murder of a high-ranking female police officer who is training to row in the Olympics. Her ex-husband becomes a suspect, as does another man with whom she’s had a relationship, an army vet with post-traumatic stress syndrome. Kincaid eventually finds, with the help of his wife, Gemma, that a serial rapist may also be a suspect. A high level cover-up at Scotland Yard is unveiled by Duncan and Gemma. We also learn about the world of competitive rowing, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and search and rescue dogs. As always, Duncan and Gemma’s family life plays a large part, as they are juggling work schedules to care for their two children and the child they are fostering. Though their domestic situation continues to evolve in each book, this one can be enjoyed without having read any of the previous books in the series.
    • 5/5
      DCI Rebecca Meredith, 12 year veteran in the London Met Police, is contemplating taking a leave from the force to pursue her passion for rowing not just as an off duty activity but for potential Olympic qualification. If she does take this leave, she will also leave unfinished business at the Met; a fact that leaves her very angry and undecided. She does not want to be just fobbed off with no justice done. The way Crombie set up her frame of mind almost gave me goosebumps at the suspense. I was hooked immediately wondering what it was all about.We last see "Becca" at days end, taking out her boat. The next time we see her,a search and rescue team has just found her dead body in the river. And so the fun begins! Is it just an unfortunate accident or could it be homicide?Detective Superintendant, Duncan Kincaid, is called in on the case. He is just about to take paternity leave in a few days so that his wife, Gemma, can come back to work at the Met. But still, this case intrigues him as Becca is an elite rower, an Olympic contender as well as a senior officer in the Met. The press will have a field day as the case is sure to attract a lot of attention. When the investigation turns up some nasty skeletons in the Met's closet, Kincaid is told by his boss that it would be "convenient" that the ex-husband is the murderer. He certainly has a credible motive.This doesn't sit well with Kincaide as he is an honorable and ethical man, not one to take the easy way out. He wants to see justice done no matter the fallout. I loved the way Crombie imbued Kincaid with so many admirable and strong characteristics.Even though Gemma is on family leave, she is helping a Met co-worker sift through information on another matter that may have ties to Duncan's case. This was one of the most exciting plot lines for me. I couldn't wait to see how it all panned out. Although No Mark Upon Her is the 14th in the series, it can easily stand-alone. There are enough inferences in the story for the reader to have a feel for the history of Duncan's and Gemma's relationship. I loved the whole package, the perfectly paced plotting, the way Crombie filled in bits and pieces of the characters' lives to give the reader a complete picture of their pasts as well as their personalitys. All the red herrings made this an exceptionally satisfying read and Crombie neatly ties up all the ends. Even the most peripheral characters were fascinating and had their own stories. I'd liken Crombie's writing to that of P.D. James or Elizabeth George; all master storytellers that really know how to captivate their audience. 4.5****Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided byMacMillan /LT in exchange for my honest opinion.
    • 4/5
      I have read several of Deborah Crombie's books and they all have been terrific. The police work used to discover the murderer is done well without having somebody become the 'hero' and working alone like in some books. Crombie combines the police work with the family dymnamics and it works well. Both Duncan and Gemma, finally married in three separate ceremonies, are struggling to do their jobs and also raise a family which now includes a three year old Charlotte (from a previous book which I haven't read yet, but will). Gemma has just finished several months of leave and now it is Duncan's turn, but two days before he is to begin his 'paternity' leave, he is assigned a high profile case of a police woman who drowns while out on her scull training for the Olympic trials. Will Duncan finish in time? Is the information that Gemma uncovers going to help Duncan? It all wraps up neatly in the end and I'm looking forward to the next book where either Duncan will be on leave or just ending it.
    • 4/5
      I have say: well done. I'm new to this series and one of the things that I liked most about this book was that there was very little sense that we were at Book #14: protagonists feeling a bit tired and formulaic, the author assuming that the reader already knew their characters so well that he/she didn't have to flesh them out fully. It felt more like Book #2. There was just enough sense that there was some backstory that you could go back and discover if you chose, but not enough to make you feel lost.This is definitely one of those mystery/thrillers that you don't really read for the mystery or the thrills: the former isn't particularly puzzling and there is little of the latter. Instead, you read it because it has a nice cast of characters with whom you immediately feel comfortable. As Duncan and Gemma try to juggle their new marriage, the demands of police work, the mingling of their existing children plus the fostering of a third, it all feels quite real. Even the, presumably, regular supporting characters and those just-for-this-book feel lifelike. I also enjoy it when an author adds color to a story by mixing in a peek into uncommon area of life: in this case, the world of competitive rowing. During my university days, I spent an (agonizing) afternoon in a men's eight, which gave this choice a particular savor for me, but Crombie balanced well without tipping into either superficiality or pedantry, and any reader will enjoy this glimpse.My only real complaint with this book is that one of my favorite characters, Kieran, the war veteran-cum-boat builder, seems likely to be a one-off who doesn't appear in future stories. Other than that, it was a very pleasant diversion.
    • 4/5
      Although this is the 14th in the Kincaid/James police procedural series by this author, I had not read any of the previous books. The author does a nice job of providing background on the series, as well as on setting her stories in Britain (in spite of being an American), with the married protagonists both having jobs in Scotland Yard.Duncan Kincaid, a Detective Superintendent, and Detective Inspector Gemma James are married, and trying to juggle the responsibilities of their jobs with raising two young children (each had a son from a previous relationship) along with an adopted third child. Fortunately they have a good support system, and in between story times and quick dinners and birthday parties, they are both investigating the death of a young woman rower whose body washed up on the Thames. The woman, Becca Meredith, was not only a rower of Olympic caliber, but was a police detective with the Met herself. This calls for a lot of political finesse, and Kincaid chafes at the implications of a cover-up.The police are aided in their efforts by a search-and-rescue team which includes highly trained dogs. The author spends almost as much time on the characterization of the loveable Finn (a lab) and Tosh (a German shephard) as on the human characters. Finn, in fact, could justifiably be named a major protagonist.As the investigation heats up, the red herrings come hot and heavy, and the suspense picks up as well. The ending, concerning the side characters, was so charming I found myself hoping to see more of them as well as the detectives in future books.Evaluation: Not having read any of the preceding books in the series won’t hurt you a bit, except in the sense of triggering feelings of obsessive/compulsive regret that you didn’t start at the beginning. The characters are charming, and while the mystery isn’t all that much of an enigma, it doesn’t really feel like the main point of the book. Rather, it seemed, we were there to spend more time with people we like.
    • 5/5
      Another engaging police procedural from Deborah Crombie! In No Mark upon Her we are invited into three specialized worlds: police work in modern Britain, competitive rowing, and canine search and rescue work. Each one is peopled by characters who feel genuinely real and whom recreational readers can care about immediately.This is the first time that we see DCI Gemma James and superintendent Duncan Kincaid officially married (in three ceremonies no less!), and their relationship and their mixed family are at the center of the novel. Just before Duncan is prepared to start a stint of house-husbanding, he is on the scene of the drowning of an Olympic level sculler, also a police officer. Evidence of murder quickly ensues followed by an attack on one of the search and rescue volunteers. Gemma's sergeant, who has been working on a special project with rape victims, is drawn into the picture - and it's an ugly picture suggesting cover-ups among the higher ranks.Crombie pulls the reader along so fast that only one determined not to have a good time will balk. I hope that she is hard at work on the next volume right this very minute. I can hardly wait!
    • 5/5
      I've waited eagerly for this newest book by Deborah Crombie. It was worth the wait. As always, Crombie did her homework. In addition to the fine mystery she introduces the reader to the highly competitive sport of rowing in British universities and on the River Thames.The many layers of the investigation of a murder reveals many complex layers of ethical and political issues in Scotland Yard and the divisions throughout the force. Many lives have been affected and the newly formed and growing family of Duncan and Gemma is threatened.The sometimes difficult job of both adults in a family having stressful and at times demanding jobs is realistically dealt with as they treat each other with respect and consideration.The character development is excellent, proving once again that crime fiction can be well written. The ending is unexpected but artfully crafted. This is one of Crombie's best. I highly recommend it. My only suggestion, write faster Deborah, we want more!