A Finer End

A Duncan Kincaid / Gemma James Novel

By: Deborah Crombie

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

Here are two spellbinding mysteries, one contemporary, and one ancient - that will challenge Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James as no case ever has.

Glastonbury is a town revered as the mythical burial place of King Arthur, and, according to New Age followers, a source of strong Druid power. Something terrible and bloody shattered Glastonbury Abbey's peace long ago - and now it is about to spark a violence that will reach forward into the present.

©2001 Deborah Crombie (P)2002 W.F. Howes, Ltd.

Critic reviews

"Crombie has laid claim to the literary territory of moody psychological suspense owned by P. D. James and Barbara Vine." ( The Washington Post)

Not my favorite

I really love Deborah Crombie's writing. This is a departure from her usual style. I wouldn't recommend it unless you like a murder mystery mixed up with magic, dark forces and holy grail-ish mysticism. Some of you may love it, but it isn't my cup of tea. I still plan to read every book she's ever written. She makes a brilliant study of human nature. Her characters and dialogue are so good. She has become one of my favorite authors.

A Finer End

Very good characters and good story.
Narrator: drippy.
I just love that a writer took on the solitary detective *thing* and is doing a mighty good job of it.

Fascinating approach to history, but....

I was fascinated by the interweaving of historical facts, centuries-old myths, and new-age interpretations with traditional detective story elements. Next trip to the United Kingdom will definitely include Glastonbury!

On the whole, however, I got tired of jumping from one plot line to another, particularly towards the end. I agree with those who have found the narrator somewhat lacking. She was perfect for the historical voices and descriptive passages, but not for the present-day male voices and general dialogue.

Too much mumbo jumbo

I like the series but this one is the least interesting and likable. I found the plot line as well as the action taken by some of the characters to be quite silly and wouldn’t recommend it.

I like the defecting action

I don’t like the spiritualist or mystic aspect. It is a total distraction from the overall mystery and detecting.