A Bitter Feast

Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James Novels, Book 18

By: Deborah Crombie

Narrated by: Gerard Doyle

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

"Crombie’s Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James characters are rich, emotionally textured, fully human. They are the remarkable creations of a remarkable writer." (Louise Penny)

New York Times best-selling 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 buried beneath the surface of a picturesque Cotswolds village.

Scotland Yard Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his wife, Detective Inspector Gemma James, have been invited for a relaxing weekend in the tranquil Cotswolds, one of Britain’s most beautiful and historic regions, famous for its rolling hills, sheep-strewn green meadows, golden cottages, and timeless villages that retain the spirit of old England.

Duncan, Gemma, and their children are guests at Beck House, the country estate belonging to the family of Melody Talbot, Gemma’s trusted detective sergeant. No ordinary farmers, the Talbots are wealthy and prominent with ties to Britain’s most powerful and influential. A centerpiece of this glorious fall getaway is a posh charity luncheon catered by up-and-coming chef Viv Holland. After more than a decade in London, Viv has returned to her native Glouscestershire, making a name for herself with her innovative, mouthwatering use of the local bounty. Attended by several dozen of the area’s well-to-do, as well as national food bloggers and restaurant critics, the event could make Viv a star.

But a tragic car accident followed by a series of mysterious deaths could ruin her ascent. Each piece of information that surfaces makes it clear that the killer had a connection with Viv’s pub - and perhaps with Beck House itself.

Does the truth lie in the past? Or is it more immediate, woven into the tangled relationships and bitter resentments swirling among the staff at Beck House and at Viv’s pub? Or is it even more personal, entwined with secrets hidden by Viv, her business partner Bea Abbot, and Viv’s 11-year-old daughter, Grace?

Further revelations rock the Talbots’ estate and pull Duncan and Gemma and their colleagues into the investigation. With so much at stake both personally and professionally, especially for Melody Talbot, finding the killer becomes one of the team’s most crucial cases.

©2019 Deborah Crombie (P)2019 HarperAudio

I listened to entire series so obviously I enjoyed the writing and the stories

I enjoyed the stories and the performer a great deal. I just have to say that I got very tired of the response to death being, “I cant’t believe it”

Engrossing story.

Distinct and attractive characters. Those and the ingenious plot made me sorry when I came to the end. No more words I’m sorry.

Best yet!!!

I love all her books but, Perhaps because I am a former chef I loved this one the best. The characters jumped off the page for me on this one!
I hope there’s another coming out!
Thank you Deborah Crombie for engaging my husband and I in your storytelling!

Deborah is back!

I have read all 18 in the series and I felt like the focus of the stories and characters were getting stale and going the wrong direction. This installment brings it all back to why I love the series. Gemma is finally more chill and back to being a smart cookie. This kids/family ever present adding to the story without taking over. Murdery mystery slightly different which added a lot of flavor. Melody is still in heat, taking another unnecessary romp but at leasts realizes her life needs some changes....spoiler....I hope Andy stays out of the picture. Never could stand the character and obviously his career means more to him than his relationship and I hope as a strong woman Meody doesn't go crawling back and begging when he never even tried to hear her side of the story (won't spoil all that)and other than sex didn't seem to have any common interests.

Great English detective series.

One of the best detective series I’ve read. I highly recommend it anyone who likes a mystery along with the everyday life of the characters. Deborah Crombie at her finest!

Just one minor complaint

This has been one offmy favorite Crombie books. The mystery is great. The characters are interesting. The narration is superb. I just found it was jarring how the story hopped from the present to the past with no warning. It made it a bit hard to follow and caused me to back up and relisten to make sure I hadn’t somehow skipped a chapter.

Another well told story of Gemma & Kincaid

It’s been a while since I’ve listened to one of Deborah Crombie’s mysteries and this new story is a welcome addition to the series. A weekend away for Duncan and Gemma visiting Melanie’s wealthy family turns into a accident and then a murder. The restaurant theme involves delicious descriptions of food that makes the story even more enjoyable. It’s great to watch the characters mature. If you like the series you’ll enjoy this newest tale.

Love the series... can’t wait for the next book

Deborah Crombie has done it again. Through out this 18 book series she has built a cast of unique characters, each like-able yet complex, struggling with very real hopes, dreams, and their own errors. The length of the series has allowed these beloved characters - who span the age groups from babes to the elderly - to develop and bloom into people a reader can care about. I love the crime/murder mysteries, never gratuitously gruesome, and the way the characters work as a team to solve them. I also love they way Crombie takes a deep dive into a particularly British subject & place in each book. The Cotswalds and cuisine being the focus here. I want to explore England and I want to know what happens next for Melody & Andy. Thank you, Deborah Crombie, for creating this world I so enjoy visiting.

Good book bad narrator

I loved the book when reading it, did not enjoy the narrator. Needs someone else preferably female.

What a great story for “foodies” around the world!

Deborah Crombie NEVER disappoints! The character development and great locale details are the best! Thanks!