Blog tour day!
Thanks to William Morrow and TLC Book Tours for the free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
A BITTER FEAST – Deborah Crombie (Released October 8th, 2019)
Check back for the #allthebookreviews thoughts!
Book Description:
“Crombie’s characters are rich, emotionally textured, fully human. They are the remarkable creations of a remarkable writer.”—Louise Penny
New York Times bestselling author Deborah Crombie returns with a mesmerizing entry in her “excellent” (Miami Herald) series, in which Scotland Yard detectives Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James are pulled into a dangerous web of secrets, lies, and murder that simmers beneath the surface of a tranquil Cotswolds village.
Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James, have been invited for a relaxing weekend in the Cotswolds, one of Britain’s most enchanting regions, famous for its rolling hills, golden cottages, and picturesque villages.
Duncan, Gemma, and their children are guests at Beck House, the family estate of Melody Talbot, Gemma’s detective sergeant. The Talbot family is wealthy, prominent, and powerful—Melody’s father is the publisher of one of London’s largest and most influential newspapers. The centerpiece of this glorious fall getaway is a posh charity harvest luncheon catered by up-and-coming chef Viv Holland. After fifteen years in London’s cut-throat food scene, Viv has returned to the Gloucestershire valleys of her childhood and quickly made a name for herself with her innovative meals based on traditional cuisine but using fresh local ingredients. Attended by the local well-to-do as well as national press food bloggers and restaurant critics, the event could make Viv a star.
But a tragic car accident and a series of mysterious deaths rock the estate and pull Duncan and Gemma into the investigation. It soon becomes clear that the killer has a connection with Viv’s pub—or, perhaps, with Beck House itself.
Does the truth lie in the past? Or is it closer to home, tied up in the tangled relationships and bitter resentments between the staff at Beck House and Viv’s new pub? Or is it more personal, entwined with secrets hidden by Viv and those closest to her?
My Thoughts: 4/5 stars
This was my introduction to Deborah Crombie and I was no disappointed. I had no idea that A BITTER FEAST was part of a long-standing series from the author, so that definitely shows that it can be read as a standalone. I feel like I got enough information on our main characters, Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James, that I could still connect with them.
If you’re looking for a mystery that’s more on the lighter side and isn’t as dark as a lot of them can be, then this will be a perfect addition to your TBR. Duncan and Gemma find themselves smack dab in the middle of a mystery while on their way to a vacation weekend at their colleague’s home. After a car crash leaves multiple people dead and Duncan, Gemma, and their kids in the other vehicle, the investigation begins into this small town.
I’m sure there’s a lot more to the characters that I’m missing out on from the previous seventeen entries, but I think the author does a great job introducing them to a new audience. I will be keeping an eye out for the rest of this series when I’m at the bookstore next!
Photo by Cora Allen
About the Author:
Deborah Crombie is a New York Times bestselling author and a native Texan who has lived in both England and Scotland. She now lives in McKinney, Texas, sharing a house that is more than one hundred years old with her husband, three cats, and two German shepherds.
Find out more about Deborah at website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Where to Purchase a Copy:
Jessicamap Reviews 
Thank you for being on this tour! Sara @ TLC Book Tours
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