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

Solid, standard Crombie - narration lacks

What did you love best about Necessary as Blood?

I love the characters and their development is part of the attraction of this series.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Overall, I really don't care for Jenny Sterlin. I've read many books narrated by her and it's somewhat nitpicking to criticize her, because all-in-all she delivers a pretty solid narration. But, when a narration draws your attention from the story to the narration, that's an indication that there is a problem with the telling. I find myself annoyed by her adenoidal vowels, her mispronunciation of words, and, in the specific instance of this book/series, her voice for Duncan (which is dreadful and completely mis-portrays him as a boorish snob.) Bronze narration, maybe. But not Sterling.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I love the 'Charlotte' parts.

Any additional comments?

Would recommend and would read again.

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.

One of My Favorite Authors

Where does Necessary as Blood rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Don't think of books as they relate to other books

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gemma and Duncan are both very good characters.

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

Yes. They all rate high which is why I listen.

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

All the above.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for the next one.

Mystery!

What did you love best about Necessary as Blood?

The interaction of characters and events.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character is Gemma James, but it's an ensemble cast. Everyone is necessary to the story.

Which character – as performed by Jenny Sterlin – was your favorite?

Gemma.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

That would give the story away.

Any additional comments?

Deborah Crombie, a native Texan, obviously researches her British settings well. This one deals with the assimilation of Bangladeshi immigrants and does it well.

Terrible narrator

Would you try another book from Deborah Crombie and/or Jenny Sterlin?

I like Deborah Crombie books, this narrator ruined it for me, Ducan sounded like a snob, Toby sounded like a brat, couldn't wait for it to end.

Would you ever listen to anything by Deborah Crombie again?

Yes

How could the performance have been better?

Different reader

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Not really

Another winner

Deborah Crombie has crafted another winner in the Duncan Kincaid / Gemma James series. This is the thirteenth book in the series and still growing stronger with each installment. The characters continue to grow and the stories remain original. If you’re a fan of mysteries you won’t want to miss a single installment, for the best experience, I recommend starting with the first in this series.

good story that started a bit slow

this was a nice edition to the Duncan/Gemma series. the dynamics are changing between the two and the story reflects this. ending wrapped up nice and tidy even if it wasn't a completely happy one.

Loved it!

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

I’m fine to many times

The narrator choice of Jemas voice makes her sound like a sod and undecided all the time.

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.