Necessary as Blood

By: Deborah Crombie

Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin

Length: 13 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Macavity Award-winning author Deborah Crombie paints a vivid portrait of England's seedy underbelly in Necessary as Blood.

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon in mid May, a young mother, Sandra Gilles, leaves her daughter with a friend at the Columbia Road Flower Market and disappears. Shortly thereafter, her husband, a Pakistani lawyer, is killed. Scotland Yard detective Gemma James happens upon the scene in time to witness the investigator making a mistake.

When Duncan and his trusted sergeant, Doug Cullen, see Gemma's name in the report, they decide to take the case. Working together again, Gemma, Duncan, Doug, and Melody Talbot must solve it before the murderer can get his hands on the real prize, Naz and Sandra's daughter.

But just as the case grows more dangerous, a personal issue threatens to throw Gemma and Duncan off the trail. In the end, it is up to them to stop a vicious killer and protect the child whose fate hangs in the balance.

©2009 Deborah Crombie (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Crombie delivers

The Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James books always provide a story that works on several levels, enough tension to keep things interesting, and a mystery that holds you. Combined with excellent narration, this volume provides an enjoyable listening experience. I especially like the way Crombie handles all her recurring characters so that each grows and develops additional dimensions, providing a second story that moves apace with the mystery and enriches the whole.

Outstanding Mystery

Once again, Deborah Crombie has brought her characters to life in a chilling mystery, solved only by the brilliant pursuit of clues and the sometimes reluctant teamwork of her investigators.
Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid find themselves drawn into a case because of a friend's involvement with the victim. As their investigation hits one wall after another, their personal lives and those of their friends and families continue to evolve with a satisfying promise of more to come.
I love this series. The book is expertly read by Jenny Sterlin.

Another Fabulous Duncan and Gemma tale

I always enjoy listening to this series. The personal story the main character’s lives and how it intertwines with the murder mystery makes great listening pleasure. The murders are always interesting to try and figure out. The writer really expresses the feeling of being in the UK and following behind Duncan and Gemma. Another great read/listen.

Another Crombie winner

I am so happy to have discovered Deborah Crombie’s books. I haven’t read them in order but they still make sense and stand alone. I like the characters and the mysteries and procedurals are compelling. The only thing that gets in the way of full stars is this narrator. She has a quality that makes her sound overly dramatic. Her various character voices are often annoying and don’t fit the characters- especially the men. I started listening to these books with a male narrator who was excellentl so Ms. Sterlin is a bit disappointing.

Best one of all!

Loved this one - the personal story of Duncan and Emma was as good as the crime story.

Informal ties become binding

In this book is where Gemma and Duncan get married and where Charlotte is first introduced.

I’ll be swatching over you,

This is a great book. Love that she brought back Hazel for more adventures. Gemma and Kincaid have such wonderful chemistry. As I’m just getting used to Jenny Sterlin now… I’m quite sure they’ll switch her for someone else to get used to for the last books. Hopefully… Michael Deehy. Can’t wait to hear.

A quilter must!!!

I loved this Kincaid and Gemma mystery! Perfect companion to my artistic pursuits. I also love this narrator who brings the sights, sounds and characters of the story alive for the listener

Loved it!

Very interesting throughout the whole story! The descriptions of London and it's history only add to the winding plot. Great ending!

Enjoyable story and writing style. A few questions

As usual, Deborah Crombie delivered another entertaining tale of the lives of Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid -- two very likeable characters. I enjoy the other characters as well, their children Kit and Toby, and in this case, Betty and little Charlotte. The story was engaging and the narration of the audiobook was excellent. I especially liked the prelude to and the wedding scene... very touching. As for the mystery, the resolution was not too credible as I do not believe the victims would have put themselves at risk in the way they would have had to to meet their respective fates. The villain was a very bad person indeed and I think they would have been smart enough to perceive the danger and get law enforcement involved right away.