Anyone planning a trip to London should forget about Frommer's, Fodor's, Lonely Planet, DK Eyewitness, or Rick Steves. Deborah Crombie now has 16 novels taking place in and around different areas of London (well one in Scotland) that give detailed information about those areas, their history and their present-day configurations, that will make the reader feel at home in those areas. And, hey, there are brilliantly plotted stories that accompany these tours. Deborah's latest Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James mystery acquaints readers with Camden and the glorious St. Pancras Train Station, a Victorian marvel that has been remodeled with its history intact. I'd be derelict in my reviewing if I didn't also mention yet another great accompanying map by Laura Hartman Maestro inserted in the inside front and back covers of the book. The story, the characters, the setting, the map all provide a journey that is all-consuming from start to finish. Doesn't it take a special kind of genius author to be on book #16 in a series and have kept fresh the excellence and excitement? Well, Deborah Crombie isn't from the state of Texas for nothing, as large and mighty are expected and fulfilled trademarks.

Duncan Kincaid is still in a state of puzzlement and unease about his unexplained transfer from Scotland Yard headquarters to the borough of Camden, where he encounters in his new detective inspector Jasmine Sidana a bruised ego and negative attitude towards him. He may be smarting inside from the obvious demotion of command, if not in title, certainly in control, but Duncan's priorities are quickly ordered when a protest turns deadly at St. Pancras Station. A would-be smoke bomb has revealed itself as an incendiary device, releasing deadly phosphorous that burns and damages in a ghastly manner. The dead protestor who carried the device must be identified and motivations must be untangled as Duncan works with his new team to investigate the protest group and its secretive members. Fortunately for Duncan, Gemma (Duncan's wife and newly promoted Inspector)has a superb second-in-command, Melody Talbot, who happened to be at St. Pancras Station listening to her boyfriend's band play. Melody's eyewitness account and quick thinking are a great advantage to Duncan in coming into the scene. He includes Melody in his investigation, along with his former Scotland Yard sergeant Doug Cullen, to enhance his new team in trying to uncover what went wrong with the protestors' innocuous plans. The dead protestor must first be identified, but that doesn't solve anything, other than elimination of one of the two missing members. Investigation of the still missing protestor will lead Duncan and the others into areas of hidden danger and secrets best left alone.

Gemma is involved in her own investigation of the brutal murder of a young girl, trying to prove that the lead suspect is indeed the nefarious killer. As is often the case, she and Duncan have their hands full with work and their family of his, hers, and ours children. What is additionally amazing about Deborah Crombie's writing is that in the thrill of police investigations and solving murder mysteries there is room for Duncan's and Gemma's personal world with their family and friends. It is a world that captures the readers' hearts and gives a fullness to the characters that makes coming back to them time and time again a homecoming of comfort and joy. All the main players have backstories and lives that easily flow into and out of the story at hand, making a gathering at Gemma's and Duncan's house one that the reader revels in as if seated at the table alongside. Crombie integrates characters from past stories into present ones with a deftness that is truly magical. Their presence never feels extraneous. All characters have purpose and flow in the story. And, I always wonder how Deborah thought to create this perfect family of the three children for Duncan and Gemma, as it was no simple task. But as with all the elements in this brilliant series, there is a deliberate progression that results in great satisfaction for readers.

One caution about To Dwell in Darkness. Do not expect all questions to be answered. There will still be much uncertainty left to explore in book #17. But then, life is a continuation of discover, isn't it?

I usually love Crombie's Kincaid/Jones series, and really this one had all the attributes of a great read - returning characters that I like, interesting new characters, compelling mystery, colorful locale, kittens! The ending was what brought it down. Not to be a spoiler, but the unexplained death of a hoped for continuing character, and what might - hintingly - be the aftermath for Kincaid in a future book made it feel like an intentional cliffhanger, "tune in next week." Even Kincaid's uneasiness with his reassignment has carried over from the last book. But it will be a year or more for things to be resolved, if ever. The reference to Uncle reminded me of "The Man From Uncle." Was that meant to add that intrigue? I would guess so. That said, Crombie, for a Texas girl, creates a great British procedural with characters you long to visit again. I must admit that I frequently skip chapter headings, especially if it's poetry of some sort, but the historical data regarding St. Pancras was really interesting and enlightening. I read each one. It was the ending alone that made one star fall. I'm still a great fan, despite my misgivings about this time out.

As a fan of series books, I am aware how tricky it can be to keep a story fresh while moving along in so many books. I usually make allowances and keep reading knowing that my favorite authors will deliver. No need to bear with Ms Crombie. Just keeping up with her is the challenge.

From her first introduction to Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid, the mysteries have had twists and turns worthy of praise but the addition of historical citations, poetry, musical interludes and cultural diversity add depth and richness to each book. But the one quality that binds me to the series are the characters and the way in which this author allows them to grow with each story line. There are a repeatIng and an interlacing cast of characters which provide continuity and seem old friends, but they are not stagnant or two dimensional. No siree. They age. They learn. And they charm.

‘To Dwell in Darkness’ is as interesting in its plot line as it is in its psychological revelations. It grabbed me in and didn’t let me go until I listened (thank you for the audiobook!)

until the last chilling note of music faded. I will be busy listening again soon too!

Another great read from one of my favorite authors! I waited a long time for this one, and as expected, it tumbled me right back into the darker side of London life, complete with all my loved characters plus a new one or two. Deborah Crombie has the English detective novel down pat, writing in the manner we have come to expect.

While there is a story line about Duncan and Gemma that continues to evolve with each succeeding book, Crombie has the ability to keep it all fresh and interesting. This is indeed a page turner and includes a glimpse into a London world we can only know thru this writer. Her style is reminiscent of Agatha Christie, P.D. James and Ruth Rendell, not a bad club to be a member of.

I don't include anything about the story line in my reviews, feel that always contains spoilers. I do like to speak to the art and craftsmanship of the writer, the ability to come up with a thumping good tale, well researched, well written, well edited (and well proof read.) If you prefer the literary style to the formulaic, you won't be disappointed with any of her books. I didn't read them in order, and each can stand alone. But for the truly great reading experience, go ahead and start at the beginning. Crombie belongs up there on your shelf with the rest of your favorites, I promise.

This is another very enjoyable, beautifully paced and plotted entry in my new favorite series. Even though I usually figure out whodunit well in advance, I never know exactly how, and that keeps me up too late reading on. I love the Kincaid-James family life. Crombie has woven a great cast of recurring characters into a believable, likable piece of life in London.

The cliff hanger ending - I felt a qualm, having seen Ms. Crombie's enthusiastic praise for Louise Penny. Penny's multi-volume widespread conspiracy corruption story arc exhausted her characters and readers alike. Where do you go from the big bang finish to those dark deeds? I hope Crombie is not headed down that road. Very much hope she wraps it up quickly. It seems to relate to events in "No Mark Upon Her", Duncan's reassignment and the odd disappearance of his former guv'nor Denis Childs. I look forward to the next one but not sure I am going to like the direction this story seems to be taking.

I absolutely loved this book, so sad I am coming to the last of them :-((( I just fall into their life, that's what her writing does to me..and I love going to google to find out about the Pancreas station and all it's history!! The writing is so sweet and tender in her descriptions of Duncan and Emma's family life..love the whole kitten line.. and as always the detective work leads me along, never really knowing what is coming up..isn't that the definition of a great story??? The underpinnings of something going on with the relocation of Duncan, the promotion of Gemma, allows me to know it will be continued on the next book, that's OK with me!! I just feel extremely satisfied reading along with their daily life., in fact it feels like a treat to get my chores done so I can get back to this story. I just hope when this series ends I can find another author who has a number of books that I can get into..

Thank you Deborah Crombie!!!!!!!!!!

I love this series and have read it from the beginning. I enjoyed this book, but I completely agree with all of the reviewers who are complaining about the cliffhangers, hence only 3 stars. It's hard to wait for a year for each new novel to come out, only to be disappointed that we STILL don't know why Duncan was transferred. After finishing "To Dwell in Darkness," we're left with additional multiple cliffhangers. When is little Charlotte's adoption EVER going to be finalized? When will Melody and Duncan realize they're meant to be together? Who was Ryan working for? And please, Ms. Crombie, find a way for Gemma and Duncan to work together again and bring Doug back onto their team. Unlike some readers, I do enjoy the domestic scenes--they're a nice change of pace from the crime scenarios and it's interesting to see a couple who both work in demanding jobs juggle careers and family.

Exciting read, starts with a fiery death, murder of a child and much more. Excellent book as always from Deborah Crombie, I love this series.

Ms Crombie rarely disappoints and this is a stellar entry in her ongoing series with Gemma and Duncan…married Police CID Inspectors in London. Perhaps a little darker than her usual fare but a page-turner none the less. And leaving the reader with a burning question…that we'll have to wait for her next book to find the answer.

Awesome all always! Unexpected twist and turns . . . she gets me from page 1!

... of "returning home" to Duncan and Emma, now - slowly but surely is getting a bit boring. a bit TOO MUCH boring for me.

The family, the friends, the kids and the cats - and then there is always a criminal plotiing that reminds me more and more of something to do with MI6 or so.

A bombing at St Prancras Station - but with what??? A mysterious stranger/salvator makes a - very short (dis-)appearance. A strange group of so-said history-protecting youths, but who protect other things first of all. A Police colleague who is at the place of the bombing, noting strange things while giving first aid. But everything is so... belittled by the grave private problems our family of Police-Officers has.. And the son of those two highly-trained Police-Officers opens free and friendly the family house to passing strangers!

THAT was the one that did it for me - Duncan and Emma plus multi-culti-family and friends do not attire my attention like they did for all the years. And the solution of the crime was really a bit - out of the normal, let's say.

From book one I followed their ups and downs, ins and outs. But now I find myself not even looking any more, if or when the next book will come out. And I hate cliffhangers that continue to jump from book to book.

This time a real mediocre valutation from my side - 3 stars are enough.

For the future? I will decide when I see what "mystery killings" the new book will bring along...

I love Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James. I read all volumes and even though I think books 1 and 2 are the weakest, I love all of them and considering the end of book 16 I am very much looking forward to book 17. They are a modern patchwork family experiencing losses, problems and joy and in addition Gemma and Duncan solve interesting cases.

Love this series.There is always an interesting historical feature,in this case the background of St Pancras station.The family life & career paths of Kinkaid & Gemma is good to follow & as usual a gripping main story with interesting characters. Loved it