A Finer End

A Duncan Kincaid / Gemma James Novel

By: Deborah Crombie

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

Intriguing and heartfelt!!!!

This story held so many facets of mystery spirituality and some old religious ways. I loved it. The narrator was wonderful.

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.

A Finer End Review

I love all of DC’s books, but this one was especially wonderful. The way she wove the history of Glastonbury Abbey and the surrounding area into the storyline was nothing less than sublime. I can’t say much more without giving away too much of the plot, so read on and enjoy!

my favorite so far

To me, this story has been the most enjoyable so far. The site came alive and the mixture of old and new was brilliant.

Best Kincaid/James thus far

I loved the blend of the Glastonbury mythology with the modern mystery. Crombie’s willingness to push the envelope really worked.

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.

Decent story, out of line with the series

The story is decent, and if I had known what to expect, I might have rated it more highly. However, I found the introduction of the supernatural to be offputting. (I'm not allergic to a bit of wonder in my stories generally, but it's out of line with the rest of this series, which is fully grounded in reality.)

And still, I find that Jenny Sterlin doesn't capture the characters for me. Her voice is lovely, but not for this series. Her portrayal of male characters especially doesn't quite hit home, and everyone comes across snotty in a way that doesn't sync with the characters I love. I am sad to say I will be skipping further books in the series narrated by Sterlin, though others seem to have loved her narration.

Ancient Voice Leads to Amazing Discovery

Gemma and Duncan go to Glastonbury to lend support to his cousin Jack, whose girlfriend has been injured in a hit and run. Once there, they realize there are many mysteries including Jack's unconscious Latin writing in the words of a long dead monk. The history of Glastonbury and the mysterious Tor that rises above the town provide the setting for a truly remarkable story. The reader gives each character his own voice with wonderful colloquial accents.

Fabulous

I am really enjoying all the Deborah Crombie books I am listening to. This is a terrific story and to my delight it is narrated by Jenny Sterlin who reads the Laurie R King books about Mary Russel & Sherlock Holmes. I love her narration.

Very complex and compelling.

Crombie begins the book with many interesting characters and not either one of the expected detectives. Fascinating location, historical and geographical details. Loved it