The Sound of Broken Glass audiobook

The Sound of Broken Glass by Deborah Crombie is a 2013 publication. This was a re-read for me. I first read this book back four or five years ago, and while the mystery could quite easily be read a stand-alone it was obvious I was missing out on some significant backstory between Gemma and Duncan, as well as a few other recurring characters. I decided to go back and start reading the series from the beginning. It has taken me several years to get back to this point. I wanted to re-read this book from a different perspective and then look at my first review of it. Knowing Gemma and Duncan's past did help me better understand the connections between the characters, both past and present. After Gemma took a leave of absence to stay home with Charlotte, the young child she and Duncan are hoping to adopt, it was Duncan's turn to be the stay at home parent. Because Gemma has been given a prime opportunity, Duncan's leave has been extended a bit longer, after Charlotte fails to make the necessary adjustments away from home. Meanwhile, Gemma and her partner and new friend, Melody get caught up in a puzzling case when a barrister is found murdered in a seedy hotel, after having gotten into an altercation with a guitarist playing at the pub he regularly frequents. Turns out the guitarist in question is an acquaintance of Duncan's- a fact that draws him into the case, albeit from the sidelines. As usual, Crombie tells a well-plotted, multi-layered story, with several surprise twists, that keep the procedural from becoming predictable or stale. I love the addition of Melody as one of the recurring characters. She and Gemma works well together as partners- plus she has her human moments.Because it has been several years since I read this book, I did not remember many of the details, including who the murderer was. However, by the halfway mark, my memory started to kick in and I did start to remember key elements of the story. However, it didn't put a damper on the suspense elements at all. I was just as engaged with the book the second time around. Overall, this is another very solid addition to the series. I'm so glad I decided to read the series in order, but even if you have only read a handful of books in the series, or none at all, you will still be able to enjoy the mystery. 4.5 stars

Once again Deborah Crombie has written a terrific mystery, one even better than the last. I've been saying since I started reading her Gemma James/Duncan Kincaid stories 14 books ago, she can't possibly keep this up. Instead she's getting better.The plot of The Sound of Breaking Glass is particularly clever. It begins with a band performing in a noisy pub that they don't normally play. They are there because their manager, Tam, wants a producer to see the lead guitarist, Andy, perform. Because the other two know it's his big break and not theirs they play poorly but don't manage to make him look bad. He's angry, the other guys are angry, the manager is angry with the other guys, and to make it all worse, a guy comes up to Andy whom he knew when they were boys and Andy punches him in the nose. A guitar player. Fortunately he doesn't do much damage to his hand. . . .To read the rest of this review go to my blog at:http://maryslibrary.typepad.com/my_we...

Duncan stays home with Charlotte who is still adjusting to her new home. Doug falls off a ladder, resulting in time off while he recuperates. Meanwhile Gemma and Melody are called to a crime scene near Crystal Palace where the murder victim is found tied up in a kinky manner. While a little forensic evidence exists, the police database offers no clue of the perpetrator's identity. The victim came to the seedy hotel from a local pub where he'd verbally abused a young guitarist. The guitarist had also punched someone. Soon a second victim with the same occupation as the first turns up. They must investigate the presence or absence of a connection between the two crimes. My biggest complaint with this installment concerns the series of coincidences upon which it is built. It's not Crombie's strongest, but fans of the series will still enjoy it. I listened to the audio version read by Gerard Doyle. I didn't like his narration as well as Jenny Sterlin's narration in recent installments, but I got used to it after awhile.

How hard it has been to wait an entire year for Deborah Crombie to produce yet another novel! How I've longed to know how Detective Inspector Gemma James has been getting along and how her husband, Duncan Kincaid, has been doing in his transition from CID detective superintendent to stay-at-home dad! How I've missed them!In The Sound of Broken Glass, the 15th novel in the Kincaid-James series, Gemma and her sergeant, Melody Talbot, investigate the murder of Vincent Arnot, a well-respected barrister who was strangled and left tied up and naked in a fleabag hotel in the Crystal Palace. Was Arnot involved in unsavory sexual escapades that led to his accidental death far from Arnot's usually posh environs? Or was Arnot murdered and — to add insult to injury — set up to become tabloid fodder?The very next night, a second barrister is murdered in much the same fashion, and evidence proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the two murders are linked. But what was the connection between the two barristers, one old, married, and apparently staid; the other, a young bully intensely disliked at his chambers? Crombie has crafted a very suspenseful read with plenty of twists and turns and a bit of romance for Melody. The climax will keep you riveted! But my favorite parts of the novel deal with Duncan and Gemma’s domestic sphere and the new life they’re creating for their foster daughter, the pretty but withdrawn Charlotte. You’ll love the mystery, but it’s the story of Charlotte that you’ll find yourself dwelling on after you devour that last page.

Sometimes when I'm reading a mystery novel, the coincidences start piling up and throw me right out of the world the author is trying to create. In this book, however, I could tell that all the separate threads of the story would eventually come together and all I wanted was to know how. The only thing that stopped me reading it in one night was I couldn't keep my eyes focused any longer.The only thing I didn't like was the very last page. Because -- holy cliffhanger! -- it's going to be another year before we can find out what happens.If you haven't read any of the Kincaid/James series before, this might not be the best one to start with. There are a lot of recurring characters and Crombie doesn't spend a lot of time recapping the past (as presented in the previous 14 books...).

When Andy Monohan was 13, he became fast friends with his new neighbor, and older woman named Nadine. She was attentive, beautiful and encouraging; everything his mother wasn't. The two would sit out on their respective porches, seeking solace from the sweltering August heat, Andy playing his guitar, Nadine enjoying the sounds of the fledgling musician, letting him know that he had talent and one day he could make something of himself if he would stick with it. She was the kindest person he'd ever known. She was the complete opposite of Joe and Shaun, two upper class boys that did nothing but bully that very same summer. Something transpired months later, and Nadine was never heard from again. Andy had thought it was his fault and he would harbor guilt over the actions of three teenaged boys for years to come. Now, in the present, Andy is poised to break big as a professional musician. But sins of the past rarely stay in the past. A successful barrister is found murdered, gagged and strangled in a seedy motel room and all fingers point back to Andy and where he came from. Gemma James draws the case and along with Melody Talbot, they'll discover a history of betrayal and lies that will have them second guessing every single lead they encounter.Even in its fifteen installment, the James/Kincaid novels show no signs of slowing down. The Sounds of Broken Glass is yet another well thought out, well told chapter in the lives of Duncan and Gemma. Each book has its own unique feel and subject matter, but at the risk of sounding cheesy or contrived, these books always feel like putting on a comfortable pair of broken in jeans or a favorite sweater. They're just...comfy. This time around, the focus is music, since one of the central characters, Andy, is an up and coming musician who's poised to break big. Being a guitarist for over 20 years myself, Crombie's research shines. From the type of equipment, to band dynamics, she hits the nail on the head every time. But, just because they're comfortable reads, that doesn't mean her writing has become formulaic or cookie-cutter.Crombie is deft at handling multiple subplots at once. This novel, as with those previous, isn't all about the murder investigation. It's also about the lives of those involved. It's about the constantly changing family dynamics of Duncan and Gemma and how they balance a new addition to the family with the demands of their careers. I've seen a few reviewers complain about Duncan's part (or lack thereof) in the book. Duncan does play a part, but his role has changed. It's become a bit more domestic, giving focus more to Gemma and her work as well as Melody Talbot as they go through the investigation. Doug plays his part as well but this novel focuses mostly on Melody, and I'm fine with that. She's a great character and I enjoyed seeing her play a more central role. Still, no characters are 'forgotten' in this novel. This book mixes characters old and new, and it does it well.The plot, as always, is razor sharp. It shifts from the present to the past and never misses a beat. Every character plays their role in an overall story that's mixed with red herrings, twists, and turns. But, as can be expected of a Deborah Crombie novel, everything makes sense and there is not a single plot hole. It's always impressive to see how she can take so many plot threads and tie them all together while injecting the personal developments for the characters into the book. I'd imagine plotting these things to be a major task but when you read them, she makes it seem easy.This review isn't doing the novel or the series justice. It's tightly plotted, paced fantastically, and is filled with well fleshed out characters and fluid dialogue. This being the 15th book, I have no idea how much longer she plans on writing these books, but I count myself there for each and every one. If you haven't started the series yet, you really should. If you love reading well written mystery books with fantastic character development and a vast array of themes, look no further.

I only 'discovered' Deborah Crombie last year when I read No Mark Upon Her. I have been eagerly awaiting the next entry in her Duncan Kincaid/ Gemma James series. The Sound of Broken Glass (#15) releases today.Kincaid and James are husband and wife and both work for Scotland Yard. Duncan is staying at home right now with their three year old daughter and Gemma is heading up her first big murder case.Who has been killed? A prominent lawyer - found in a rundown hotel in Crystal Palace, naked and tied up. Is it a sex game gone wrong? Or a sadistic killer? But then a second lawyer is found killed the same way - and there's evidence to link the two cases. As Gemma digs deeps deeper, she finds unexpected connections to her life. In flashback chapters, we also slowly learn of a young man's past and his upbringing in the Crystal Palace neighbourhood. What connection does he have to the present day?Crombie is a master of plotting. There was no dearth of suspects and I was kept guessing until the end. The investigation is solid police work and I enjoyed solving the crime along with Gemma and her team. But woven through this main storyline is a running secondary storyline - that of Duncan and Gemma's personal life. And it is this 'personal' touch that has cemented Crombie on my must read list. Although others may complain that domestic details of characters may detract from a good mystery, I find quite the opposite. I feel they gave the story much more depth and make the characters 'real' and all the more believable. This same attention to detail is given to the secondary players as well. The result is a well rounded cast, all with their own tale to tell. I've become invested in each of their lives and want to see where Crombie takes everyone from here.There's a third thread also wound about the story - that of The Crystal Palace itself. Although the name now denotes an area of South London, the history behind this plate-glass building originally erected to house the Great Exhibition of 1851 is truly fascinating. Every chapter starts out with a quote or a paragraph chronicling the history of the building. And again, Crombie is very clever with her choices. Read carefully, they mirror what is happening in the book.The Sound of Broken Glass was a satisfying read on so many levels - one I would definitely recommend. Crombie ends the book with a cliff hanger - I will be again eagerly awaiting the next in this wonderful series. Fans of Louise Penny and Susan Hill would enjoy these characters.

Reread July 2020. Still an addictive series.Another series I try always to read. I like the blend of police procedure and family life, and the long-running history of their lives. This is Gemma's story, with Duncan at home as a house husband. There are 2 murders, both victims are lawyers, and these look like sex crimes. The link between them seems to be a young guitarist about to get his break--they're all connected through the Crystal Palace location of their pasts and present. Wonderful snippets about the history of Crystal Palace head the chapters, and the book gives one a great sense of place. Lots of red herrings but a believable villain. As much about their lives as the mystery. Richly descriptive, multiple points of view, moody and atmospheric, character-centered. A good entry--but probably not the place for someone new to the series to start. While I like narrator Gerard Doyle, I find it curious that he reads this, rather than Jenny Sterlin, since it's mostly from the points of view of Gemma and her female assistant.

The Sound of Broken Glass kept me guessing until the end and, as always, I enjoyed how the author weaves together different stories (both past and present) to make a great read. One small storyline reminded me of the novel Daisy Jones and the Six and I thought if you ever wanted to do a book flight, these novels might pair well together.

The Sounds Of Broken GlassbyDeborah CrombieMy " in a nutshell" summary...Gemma and Duncan are still sorting out their lives with their two sons and the addition of three year old Charlotte to their family. Duncan remains at home while Gemma remains the crime fighter. Duncan is happy but frustrated.My thoughts after reading this book...I have high hopes and strong opinions about this book because I love this series so much. I have read every one of them in the order they were written and in the order they were meant to be read. I just don't think it's possible to truly understand these marvelous unique and complex characters if you skip one single book or read them out of order...it's not possible so don't even try it...it's like trying to start Downton Abbey in the midst of season 2... just don't attempt it!Gemma and Duncan have family issues yet again in this book. Duncan is on family leave and Gemma is smack in the middle of a serious case...a barrister is killed. The barrister has kinky sexual tastes and a mystery woman and a band member are in some way involved in his death. As usual...there is a lot going on in this novel. Gemma and her crew work diligently to figure out who murdered whom and why. And the murders don't stop with just one. It's intriguing and the author does an excellent job of making the reader ...convincing the reader... that all clues point to one person...or do they?What I loved about this book...The suspense, the characters, the lovely English setting...I want to hop on a plane every time I read about a bag of crisps and a prawn and avocado sandwich. What I did not love...I sometimes...and for just a short minute...don't love that there are so many characters from past books.Final thoughts...I truly love this series, these characters and all of their multifaceted situations!

Deborah Crombie is one of those writers who reliably comes through with an engrossing, fast moving mystery, especially if Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James are the detectives on the case. The Sound of Broken Glass is no exception. Newly married, Duncan and Gemma are working out child care arrangements for their blended family, and Duncan's being house husband for a while. Gemma lands the case of a London barrister who was murdered in a seedy hotel. A few days later, another death occurs, seemingly with the same MO. She expects a relatively straightforward crime, once she can pin down a motive, but both of these crimes have roots dug firmly into events that occurred more than fifteen years ago. With the assistance of her new partner, DS Melody Talbott, Gemma tries to untangle a very twisted knot indeed. And some of the entanglements are only just beginning.Ms Crombie deftly manages the narration and interweaving of present and past by using a series of flashbacks, which recount the memories of one of the prime suspects in the current murders. There is no dearth of possible killers, all of whom have interesting back stories that lead to credible motives. The setting, a hot London summer in the down-at-the heel Crystal Palace neighborhood, lends a fitting ambience to the investigation. Written so smoothly and intelligently that the pages just fly by, Broken Glass is an outstanding police procedural, so much more than a mere whodunit.

Deborah Crombie's books are wonderful rich in atmosphere and character, and The Sound of Broken Glass is no exception. This one is Detective Gemma James's story, braiding the strands of a story from the past about a lonely teenage boy and his lovely neighbor together with a present-day story of the investigation into the murder of a lawyer, found in a seedy hotel in London's Crystal Palace neighborhood. Great sense of place, and of course anyone who follows Gemma and Duncan will want to see how their foster daughter Charotte is doing. Satisfying on many dimensions.

4.5 ⭐️Not my first Deborah Crombie, and it won’t be my last! A 2 day read. Twists and turns and twists and compelling characters and a loving family rolled into it all.

I am a longtime fan of Elizabeth George, and I have often wished that she would produce more than one new novel per year. So, finally discovering Deborah Crombie’s Scotland Yard detective series (The Sound of Broken Glass being the fifteenth book in the series) last year was one of the highlights of my reading year. The novels of George and Crombie have much in common. Each series is anchored by a group of Scotland Yard detectives who, over the course of the series, change and mature as they experience what ordinary life throws at them. Major characters come and go, sometimes by choice, other times they are claimed by death. And, interestingly, despite the British settings of both series, George and Crombie are both American authors who rely on in-country and Internet research for the authenticity and detail that make their work so special.Crombie’s two central characters are a married couple: detectives Duncan Kinkaid and Gemma James. As The Sound of Broken Glass begins, Duncan, currently on a parental leave of absence, is spending his days caring for the couple’s children, with most of his attention necessarily being devoted to their troubled three-year-old foster daughter. Gemma has now returned to work and is leading a Murder Investigation Team in South London.Gemma’s first investigation as team leader begins early one Saturday morning with a phone call from Detective Sergeant Melody Talbot. Staff in a disreputable Crystal Palace hotel has discovered a dead man – in a rather embarrassing position. The naked man, bound hand and foot, is on his back and appears to have been strangled. Whether he is the victim of murder, or of some sexual game gone bad, is not immediately clear, but he certainly could not have tied himself up the way he was found. The victim, as it turns out, is a London attorney who is neither particularly well liked or respected by his colleagues. What at first appears to be a rather straightforward investigation grows complicated when, a few days later, a second attorney is found dead under very similar circumstances.While the murder investigation is interesting enough, what makes The Sound of Broken Glass even more fun is the way that Crombie continues to develop her central cast of characters. Duncan is itching to get back to work, but his new daughter needs him more than Scotland Yard does; Melody succumbs to a temptation that places her police career in jeopardy; Gemma feels guilty about how little time she has for her family; and Duncan’s old partner, Doug Cullen, is suddenly acting so needy that he is annoying everyone around him – probably including himself. Via a series of flashbacks and real-time developments, Crombie offers a series of clues and misdirection that will keep most mystery fans guessing. I am not very good at solving these things before all is revealed near the end, and it was no different for me with The Sound of Broken Glass. Elizabeth George fans can double their pleasure by reading Deborah Crombie’s Scotland Yard series (and vice versa). Fans of mysteries and police procedurals will not want to miss either of these ladies.