a student's choice---to row---defines a life
Deborah Crombie's 14th book in the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series is an absorbing, intelligent mystery that can stand alone. However, I particularly like the evolving characters Crombie has created in this chain of stories and really look forward to each novel. The author is very skillful at placing an engrossing crime in the middle of the characters' everyday lives. It reminds the reader that some detectives actually do have lives outside of their respective jobs.
In this specific entry, we consider women who are top ranking members of the British police force and how they cope with the pressures of sexism & police hierarchy as well as deal with their private lives.
The story opens with the haunting vision of a world class rower, poised in her single scull at dusk on the Thames River. The slim figure on a narrow strip of carbon fiber, virtually flying with the current down the river, seems almost ethereal. Then, in an instant, she hears a splash, someone call her name . . . and she is gone.
The rower, now a murder victim, was an Oxford graduate and a DCI of the London Metropolitan Police. And, for some questionable reason, Duncan's Chief Superintendent at Scotland Yard wants him to take charge of this case in Henley-on-Thames.
Crombie has peppered the story with several captivating suspects with story lines that intertwine throughout the book (NOT the convenient villain suddenly appearing in the last thirty pages!). She also introduces an obscure, but integral, element that piques curiosity---the rarefied world of elite rowers. Crombie's charm is attention to details which results in a story with a rich texture, intriguing characterizations, and diverse possibilities for a satisfying conclusion. Excellent!
Rated of 5
by Dorothy M. (Owatonna, MN)
No Mark Upon Her
This novel has several qualities that I enjoy. First, I like to learn something new either about the place or the people. For a reader who had little knowledge about competitive running, Crombie demonstrated how important it is to those who participate in the sport. So important that murder happens.
Also I like strong characterization and detailed plot including subplots and this novel provides both of these.
While the plot develops, we learn about some interesting officers who work in the Met and in Scotland Yard. Just as in real life, some we enjoy knowing and some we do not. A subplot that involves the search teams and their dogs made for unusual characters.
The characters have grown as the series has developed. Learning about the new Kincaid/James family and their children was one of my favorite parts.
I am already eager for the next book in the series.
Rated of 5
by Anne M. (Austin, TX)
Excellent mystery!
I really enjoyed this mystery; I'd read a couple of Crombie's earlier books in the series but didn't remember much about them, and this was a good way to catch up a bit. (I do want to go back and read the entire series now, however!)
A woman rower is found dead in the river, and of course there are plenty of suspects; but the plot also comprises a bit of the back-story of the detective assigned to the case and that of his family. I actually found that part of the book more interesting than the main mystery -- I am not in the least interested in any sport, and rowing may be at or near the bottom of that list for me -- but the solution of the mystery, and the steps leading to it, was believable and kept my attention.
Crombie writes about English village/small-town life as if she were a native; I've visited some of the places she describes in this book and she was spot on in her depictions. This novel is definitely a keeper!
Rated of 5
by Carrol Ann S. (Ventura, CA)
No Mark Upon Her by Deborah Crombie
What a great story...I was hooked by the end of page one. Anyone who enjoys mystery and intrigue will love this book. The author is so adept at describing characters and locales that you are instantly transported to the English countryside village and the Thames River.
I was unfamiliar with this author, but am now eager to enjoy more of her delicious stories.
Rated of 5
by Robin F. (Tucson, AZ)
No Mark Upon Her
This mystery takes place in England and centers around the world of sculling, how competitive it is and how physically fit the athletes must be. There is, of course, a murder and both Gemma and Duncan who are protagonists of Crombie, become an important part of the investigation. I found the book enjoyable. It held my interest and revisited Gemma and Duncan's history together which I appreciated since I must confess this is a first time I've read a book by Deborah Crombie. I am looking forward to discovering her many books and would highly recommend this book to everyone.
Rated of 5
by Deborah C. (Seattle, WA)
Five stars aren't enough!
I am a big fan of Deborah Crombie, and I think this book, the latest in the Gemma James series, is the best yet. The book combines richly-drawn characters with a compelling mystery that takes place in the world of rowing, with the action centered in Henley-on-Thames. Crombie painted such a wonderful picture that I wanted to hop on the next plane to England!
Although you don't have to have read previous books in the series, it is fascinating to watch the evolution of Gemma and her family from the first book until now. I was reminded of Louise Penny, another favorite author, who writes mysteries that do much more than tell "whodunit."
Rated of 5
by Jenny P. (Cupertino, CA)
No Mark Upon Her
This book held my interest from start to finish. I have read all the previous books in this series and as always the character and plot development were riveting. She balances the personal lives of the police officers very well with the demands of their jobs. The plot is centred around a world class rower and Deborah Crombie does an amazing job of conjuring up the rowing world. her descriptions of rowing in the early evening were beautiful. I liked the quotations at the begining of every chapter: they set the scene for each chapter. I thought I had the plot figured out two thirds of the way through, but the twist in the plot kept me guessing until the end. If you are a lover of police procedurals, do not miss this one.
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of 5
by Kathleen D. (New Hampshire)
