Dreaming of the Bones

By: Deborah Crombie

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

Length: 14 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Often compared to both Ruth Rendell and P.D. James, Deborah Crombie is internationally acclaimed for her deftly written mysteries that combine suspense, with lyrical prose. Sharply etched characters further enrich this story of tangled relationships and dark secrets. Twelve years after their divorce, Scotland Yard Superintendent Duncan Kincaid receives a phone call from his ex-wife Victoria asking for his help. While working on a biography of the late poet Lydia Brooke, she has uncovered information that has her convinced Lydia's suicide five years ago was really murder. As Duncan begins his investigation, another murder occurs closer to home. Now he finds himself frantically searching for clues in Lydia's complicated past to find the killer before he strikes again. Award-winning author Deborah Crombie has crafted a beautifully written, multilayered mystery that leaves you gasping with surprise. Jenny Sterlin's narration deftly creates an air of suspense while capturing every nuance of the language.

©1997 Deborah Crombie (P)2000 Recorded Books, LLC

Interesting story. Irritating Narration.

The story barely held against an abrupt, unpleasant voice and flat emotions in Kincaid’s portrayal and several other characters.

Series keeps getting better

Hard to say if I have a favorite book in this series. Each time I finish one, I think that one is it! Jenny Sterlin does a capable job in all voices except Duncan's, but even his is passable. Crombie's writing reminds me of Ruth Rendell who is hard to beat as a mystery writer in my estimation.

Powerful

D. Crombie is a true master of her craft. I highly recommend this gem of a literary masterpiece. I'm excited to have discovered this wonderful author and her works for myself and would shout to the rooftops to tell others.

Poetry is not for me

I have really enjoyed this series until this one. There is a lot of poetry by Rupert Brooke and I know I should have enjoyed it but I found it a mostly boring story. I love the characters & will continue on.

Great story, ponderous narration

I really enjoyed the storyline, and found the connection between past and present well executed. However, the narrator dragged the pacing down. I liked the narrator of the first books in the series, Michael Deehy, very much, but was prepared to give Jenny Sterlin a shot. (I enjoy both male and female narrators.) She just drew everything out, lingering on each phrase way too long. I felt that she could have been a very good narrator if only she had picked up the pace.

This is borne out by the stats. The previous book, Mourn Not Your Dead is listed at 340 pages in print, and as narrated by Michael Deehy, 9 hours and 3 minutes. This book, at 387 pages took 14 hours and 18 minutes: over 5 more hours for only 47 more pages.

Bit of a Departure from the Rest of the Series

Dreaming of the Bones by Deborah Crombie

A bit of a departure from the earlier books in the series. It does not start with a murder or even a crime – but a phone call. Duncan’s ex-wife, Vic, calls him asking for help with a biography she is writing. The woman who walked out on him without a word, now needs his help. She believes the subject of her biography may have been murdered instead of committing suicide as originally ruled. Gemma is at first jealous and upset by Duncan meeting with and helping Vic.

It turns out that secrets galore surround not only the subject of the biography, but Vic herself. The end results might have lasting consequences for Duncan and Gemma.

Great story, Solid and Compelling

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes. Great story, well developed characters, I have read some of her works. This is the best read so far.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dreaming of the Bones?

I was in university at the same time as many of these characters. The author aptly described the behavioral environment and how we struggled to live within it.

Have you listened to any of Jenny Sterlin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

solid presentation as always

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Kit's pain is palpable.

Any additional comments?

The book stood significantly about many books that I have recently read. See for yourself.

I don't like the new voice for the series

I don't like the new voice for the series, it's something personal but was wierd

such an enjoyable book!

I am so engrossed in this series. I love the twists and turns along with revealing of humanity in it's various forms. The nuances in the characters' relationships are so touching. Looking forward to diving into the next one.

Detailed

This story was a little convoluted. It was deep and even profound, but it was a slow start, and had almost too many characters to keep track of. I didn't like all the swearing either. It did keep me entertained once i got the direction of the story, but it demanded close attention.