The Sound of Broken Glass is Deborah Crombie's 15th book, and it's easy to see why she's a best-selling author of cosy mysteries. This well-written story weaves together two different time strands, a technique that's expertly handled giving the story depth and interest. The inclusion of historical details about the Crystal Palace was a great touch, and London came alive in all its bleak and pub-on-every-corner glory. Like Elizabeth George, Deborah Crombie is an American writer who sets murder mysteries in England. And she proves, once again, that being an outsider can have advantages when it comes to writing. Her sharp observations of London life - from the type of vehicles driven, to the impetuous weather - imbue the story with authenticity. While you won't find the meaning of life in The Sound of Broken Glass, you'll be treated to some memorable characters. A satisfying, easy read. Superintendent Duncan Kincaid is on family leave caring for the three children, Kit, Toby and foster child Charlotte. He still can't help unofficially (and perhaps somewhat unethically) poking his nose into the cases of his wife Inspector Gemma James. Gemma is investigating the murders of two lawyers - and as Sergeant Melody Talbot says "Shakespeare would be pleased."Melody has heretofore kept her private life very private, but in this case she gets unethically involved with guitarist Andy Monahan who is a possible suspect in those murders. Melody's life is never going to be the same.There are repeated flashbacks to 15 years before involved Andy. These flashbacks may be helping illuminate what is going on in the present, although they could also be misleading.Crombie is very good at weaving many ongoing characters into this series. It's not just about solving crimes. Her leading characters, unlike those of Elizabeth George, are not full of ongoing angst or other personal defects, so I prefer this series to the Inspector Lynley series.Lots of things end well for a lot of people in this novel. And as an added bonus the chapter headings give the history of London's historic Crystal Palace. Highly recommended.
What do You think about Wer Blut Vergießt (2013)?
A good story but, there was too much about the personal lives of Gamma a dDuncan.
—Brian
I love the characters. Quick read for me and looking forward to the next book.
—Crystal
