Wednesday, February 8, 2023

A KILLING OF INNOCENTS - Celebrating Deborah Crombie's #19!

 

HALLIE EPHRON: This week we have not one but TWO Jungle Reds launching new books. Yesterday, Hank's THE HOUSE GUEST. 

Today, Deborah Crombie's A KILLING OF INNOCENTS.



I am completely out of breath from I’m reading this wonderful new novel--Deb’s 19th (YES 19th!) Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James mystery. I feel as if I’ve been watching a high-wire act. It’s absolutely brilliant the way Deb weaves the stories together so that the investigation of a heartstopping murder--in this case the stabbing of a trainee doctor in London’s Russell Square--is just the beginning.

Multiple characters narrate, one handing off seamlessly to the other. The marriage and family drama of Duncan and Gemma and Kit and Toby and Charlotte provide a steady counterpoint. These are real people living messy complex lives. When death occurs, it matters.

The characters feel so real. So I have to ask Debs, do they in some form actually live in your head while you’re writing? What about between books?

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Yes, they do. I feel as if Duncan and Gemma and all the crew are leading a parallel life that I just get to tap into for the little segments of time that we see in the books. I can’t imagine not writing and not having this other world constantly running in my head.

HALLIE: In each of your books, you introduce at least one brand new character to an ever-expanding cast, creating new sources of tension and possibility, as well as as-yet-unexplored setting, along with a new backdrop. In the last series novel, A Bitter Feast, I was fascinated by the the goings on behind the scenes of a gourmet restaurant. Another book tapped into the young music scene.

What were the neighborhoods and backdrops that you researched for this book, and did what you learned affect how the murder mystery unfolds?

DEBORAH: When I moved Duncan to the team at Holborn Police Station several books back, it was partly because I knew I wanted to set a book in Bloomsbury.


Bloomsbury has such fascinating historical and literary associations. Think the British Museum, the Bloomsbury group (Virginia Woolf, Rupert Brook, etc.) Charles Dickens lived in Bloomsbury, so did Charles Darwin for a time. Dorothy L. Sayers lived early in her writing career in Mecklenberg Square (which we managed to get on the map!) and then later she lived for many years just behind Holborn Police Station. The book also takes us into neighboring Soho, which has a very different character.

London is an amalgamation of villages and each neighborhood is very different.

HALLIE: Was there a new character you introduced or a backdrop that you think you’ll continue to write about?

DEBORAH: Although she’s not a new character, we saw a lot more of DI Jasmine Sidana in this book and she will definitely continue to play a major role. 

I imagine we’ll see more of Lucy McGillivray (why did I give a character a name that’s so hard to type??) I know a good bit more about her than we’ve seen. I’d like to see more of Duncan’s case manager, Simon Gikas, too. 

As for the new characters, I loved the bar owner Darrell Cherry, and especially Howard Quirk, the retired auction house appraiser. We may see more of him and Wallace, his border terrier. Oh, and I loved Destiny Howard, Wesley's sister, and I already have ideas in mind for her.

And I think we’ll definitely see more of Bloomsbury and Soho.

HALLIE: Another commenter wrote: “It's a perfect balance of police procedure and the couple's personal life that involves parenting three children while working demanding jobs.” Never mind Raymond Chandler’s “A really good detective never gets married?”

It’s so clever the way you manage to tie up the loose ends of the murder mystery while leaving complicated and dangling threads in Duncan and Gemma’s personal life to be addressed in the next book.

How do you keep two stories in synch – the family’s ongoing drama and the murder investigation within a single book?

DEBORAH: This is a bit of a “which comes first, the chicken or the egg” question. I usually have some ideas about what’s going to happen in the characters’ lives and will adjust the murder investigation plot to fit. And vice versa. It’s different with every book.

HALLIE: And I admire your ability to switch narrators all the time, seamlessly. As a writer, is there a trick to switching gears so that the thoughts you put on the page are in a specific character’s voice?

DEBORAH: I do think about backgrounds and accents when I’m writing a character. But mostly, their voices just develop as I’m writing the viewpoint. I hear them in my head, which makes me sound a bit bonkers.


HALLIE: Even for this 19th book I know you had to do research. Where did that take you for this book?

DEBORAH: One of my jumping off points was the history of the Victorian cholera epidemics in Bloomsbury and Soho. I was fascinated by a book called The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson about the discovery of the cause of cholera by Dr. John Snow in Soho in the 1850s. People thought cholera was caused by bad air, and Snow proved it was carried by their drinking water, which was contaminated by the sewage pouring into the Thames. It was the beginning of the science of epidemiology, and of huge importance to public health.

My original plot revolved around someone deliberately infecting people with a contagious virus, which I decided was unworkable. Weirdly, I was plotting this in late 2019, and I’m really glad I didn’t try to go in that direction! We do get a little of the cholera story but not as much as I’d have liked. Sometimes the plot doesn’t cooperate.

HALLIE: Where do you think you’ll take your characters next?

DEBORAH: It will definitely be London, partly in some areas I haven’t written about before. To say anymore would be a spoiler!

HALLIE: THANKS, Debs! And congratulations on today's book launch! 


You're probably deep into writing the next book. As for me, I'm looking forward to hearing more about DI Jasmine Sidana. She's got a prickliness I admire. Any thoughts from the rest of us about characters or neighborhoods we'd like to come back to in a future Deborah Crombie book?

97 comments:

  1. Congrats on book 19! That's quite an accomplishment.

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  2. Congratulations, Debs, on your new book . . . .

    I’m always fascinated by the neighborhoods Duncan and Gemma visit; I’ think I’d like to see a bit more of Lucy McGillivray in future stories . . . .

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    1. I know a lot more about Lucy than we saw in this book, so I think we will definitely see more of her.

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  3. I am so in love with this series! Congratulations on #19, Debs! There are two things that I always mention about your books. One is the supporting characters and how well-developed they are, how much readers come to care about them, along with caring for Gemma and Duncan and their family. The other is your settings. I sound like a broken record by now, but your books are a unique guide to London, taking us into the real flavor of an area. Oh, and the maps! The beautiful, special maps! I just love all the characters in your books, and I'm so looking forward to seeing what's going on withe Toby and Kit and Charlotte. I'm starting the book today, and I doubt I'll be able to do anything else but read.

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    1. Kathy, I'm so excited for you to read it!! Can't wait to hear what you think!

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    2. Don't you think there should be Gemma/Duncan walking tours of London? Yes, complete with those wonderful hand-drawn maps.

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    3. Hallie, I have been pushing for this exact thing for years. It would be a dream come true!

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  4. Another great interview, Hallie. I can't wait to sink my teeth into this story, Debs - and that's such a great head shot of you!

    Glad there's more with Jasmine Sidana, and of course the kids. I've missed them. I don't know enough about the London neighborhoods to ask for more, but sometime I want to go back and visit all the places you've mentioned over the years. Have you thought of conducting tours or writing a guide? (Yeah, in your spare time, I know...)

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    1. Edith, I would love to see a Walking Guide to Gemma and Duncan's London by Deborah Crombie.

      Diana

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    2. About a tour of London inspired by Deborah’s books, it could be done while she continues writing her books. She could associate with a person or a tour company that love her books and could create and offer a tour based on it.
      I know that there was one created in Quebec City for one of Louise Penny’s books and it was very popular. There is also an auto-tour with map of the Eastern Townships with places of interest in her books.
      Danielle

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    3. My London tour would cover a good bit of ground by this time!

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    4. So we'd need to stop (several times) to eat!

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    5. I have recommendations that would keep us going for weeks!

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  5. I am in a Retreat, and sneaking away to post to Hank and to Deb. The books are absolutely wonderful!. Hank! I will be seeing you in person on the 20Feb. Deb. try Central FL next mmmkay? Best wishes to all of you. ps. Namaste y'all.

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    1. I wish I could come to Central FL, Coralee! I really enjoyed my visit there with the Todds a few years ago.

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  6. Deb, Congratulations on your book release.

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  7. From Celia: Such a Happy day Debs. I am rereading you as I work toward #19. This gives me both a purpose while my leg heals and a lesson in self control because I just want to dive in and immerse myself. However this reread has shown me the depth and breath of your imagination and I am so grateful that you shared that with all of us. You’ve created and grown a world where I can see and enjoy day to day life in all its messiness and triumphs. Many many thanks.

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    1. So glad you're enjoying rereading, Celia, and I hope your legs heals up quickly!

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  8. Debs, I am so excited to read this book! I ordered it last spring when B&N had their first big pre-order sale. I knew then that I would be waiting for it and I am trying to be patient. The audiobook is here, but I like to read your books first.

    I love your characters and your stories. You imbue them with such humanity. Gemma 's way of looking at everything is completely different from mine and she is so surprising. I totally get Duncan. Together with their family, it just seems like old friends. I am always happy to read about Melody and Doug and their lives apart from their jobs.

    As for the James/Kincaid tour of London that Kathy and Edith are eager to take. Please reserve my seat.

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    1. Judy, I started listening to the audio book last night and didn't want to quit. It's so good. Listening to the audio is always such a weird experience. Obviously, I know what happens, but it's almost like I didn't write it.

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    2. I have heard that from other authors. Listening to your own books must be strange because you already have voices for your characters that you recognize, and now, it's a different voice, somehow.

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  9. Congratulations on the new book! Can't wait to get my hands on it.Even more because i just read that it is in the Russell Square area. Back in the days I was sent to London a few times for work, I took a few vacation days each time and - on my own dime- stayed in a modest hotel in that area. Such good memories. Ordering book ASAP

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    1. Hope you enjoy, Triss! Russell Square used to be famous for the modest hotels, not so sure that's true these days but there are some left.

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  10. Congratulations Debs--so glad this wonderful book is out in the world! See you soon. xoxo

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  11. Debs, happy book birthday week! I loved the advanced copy from NetGalley even without the maps. Really look forward to reading the book with the maps! Five Star Read! Thinking about neighborhoods. I visited the V and A. Why on earth am I confusing the British Museum and V&A?

    Did James and Kincaid ever visit Sloane Square? I can think of several stories for your future books. Walking across the street from Peter Jones department store, I almost got hit by a speeding taxicab and something stopped me from crossing the street. The driver looked back at me after and he looked like a villain from one of the Sherlock Holmes stories. I read recently that Koo Stark, while living in London, was actually hit by a taxicab and she survived!

    Bloomsbury? I think I walked through that neighborhood when I visited London. I walked everywhere because it was less than a year after the bombings on the Red Decker bus AND the Underground train!

    Diana

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    1. Thank you so much, Diana! Hope you enjoy it with the maps, too!

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  12. I'm so excited to read this book, Debs - big congratulations to you! I'm sure A KILLING OF INNOCENTS, as well as the earlier books in your wonderful series and the lives of your terrific characters will be the focus of much conversation when you are our Guest of Honor at New England Crime Bake this fall. Looking forward to that, too!

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  13. Congratulations on this release, Debs. I'm excited to get back into the life and world of Gemma and Duncan, their kids and the rest of the cast of characters. And the maps!

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  14. Congratulations on A Killing of Innocents, Debs !
    It appeared on my tablet yesterday and guess what I did ? I read all day, only taking time to eat and walk. It is like visiting old friends. I’m so attached to Gemma, Duncan, family and friends.
    I knew I couldn’t help but devour the book and I do. I also know that when I finish it I will reread it more slowly to enjoy all the bits I overlooked in my haste.

    I’m happy to visit any part of London that Debs explore in her books and will follow her there.
    Danielle

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  15. I have just been to the (virtual) libraries to see if the book is in – not yet. Would like to get my name on the list as I am sure it will be a long one. Am enjoying rereading A Bitter Feast to get up to date. I see there is a new Bess Crawford next week – so, soon (I hope) my in-box will run over. Then – don’t talk to me – I’m READING!
    One day we were discussing audiobook narrators. I realize this morning that in the section that I heard yesterday, Kit was cleaning lettuce in preparation for a “do’. It was his first time being offered this opportunity and he was nervous, and later proud. I was in Kit’s head, and did not hear the narrator – a sign that he fulfills the job excellently.
    Congratulations, and thank you.

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    1. I've just started listening to the audio book of A Killing of Innocents. So good!

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  16. Congratulations! I got my copy of the book yesterday and can't wait to dive in (I have to finish a library book first). When I was on my overseas study in 1978, we stayed for 6 weeks in a small hotel on Gower Street. Our two closest tube stations were Goodge Street and Russell Square, so I am very excited to revisit the neighborhood--and of course Duncan and Gemma and the gang.

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    1. I gave myself a treat and read the first chapter. So good! Thank you!

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  17. Congratulations on your latest! Looking forward to catching up with Gemma and Duncan and the kids and pets. I remember many happy walks along the Thames Path, not realizing how long it is. I'm curious if people walk the entire length, staying overnight along the way.

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    1. That would be a good setting for a book! And thanks, Margaret!

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  18. Congratulations! I preordered, so the book is in my kindle. (I'm just finishing reading The Violin Conspiracy)

    I love all your characters and can't wait to spend time with them! I'm glad you focus on different characters in different books and keep increasing the cast of characters.

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  19. I'm so excited for A KILLING OF INNOCENTS! Bits and pieces of the stories are carried along with me after I've finished each book, so a new one really is like re-engaging with familiar faces, catching up on their lives, seeing how the kids are doing. And every time, exploring some new area that leaves me feeling as if I've actually been there, peering in shop windows, having a cuppa, driving along the streets. As for places or characters I'd like to see again, I love it when we get to visit with Erika Rosenthal, fondly recall Ronnie Babcock and am still crossing my fingers for Melody and Andy. :-(

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    1. I'd hoped to spend more time with Erika in this book, but the plot didn't cooperate. Hopefully we'll see her in the next book. And I would love to write more about Ronnie Babcock. He's one of my favorite series characters. At least he got a mention in A Bitter Feast!

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  21. DEBS: Happy book birthday with book #19! I am soooo looking forward to reading A KILLING OF INNOCENTS and reuniting with these beloved characters.

    I remember walking in many parts of London during past visits. I recently found an old photo of me straddling the 0 deg longitude line at Greenwich Park. As a geographer, visiting that place resonated with me. How about setting a future mystery in that part of London?

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    1. Thanks, Grace! I did set a book, Kissed a Sad Goodbye, on the other side of the river from Greenwich. But that's a great idea!

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  22. B&N is delivering my copy tomorrow. I can't wait to read it. I love all the family bits with Duncan, Gemma, and the kids. But I am really hoping that Melody and Andy can work things out.

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  23. I got to read A Killing of Innocents early, on NetGalley. Loved it! The mixture of family, team, and crime is just right. Jasmine and Gemma hit it off so well that I have to hope there will be more of that duo in future books.

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    1. I loved writing Jasmine and Gemma. I think they have to get to do more together in future books.

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  24. My copy has come and although I can't wait to read it, I know as soon as I finish it I will be let down, impatient for the next! But i am so happy to have it here in my hands. Congratulations! I don't know how you do it but please keep doing it. I love your characters and feel as if I know at least some of them.

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    1. I know what you mean, Judi. That's how I feel about new books by my favorite authors. I'm looking at the new Elly Griffiths Ruth Galloway book with that some mix.

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  25. Congratulations! I can't wait to read it. Rock on, Debs!

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  26. Such a fabulous detective series - absolutely one of my favorites. I am loving being back with Gemma and Duncan. Congrats, Debs!

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  27. My Kindle copy dropped yesterday. I'm torn between jumping right in and visiting with Duncan and Gemma or waiting a bit to enjoy the anticipation. I never want Deborah's books to end, but they're so good I zip through them. Sigh!

    Congratulations on A KILLING OF INNOCENTS!

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  28. I’m sooo looking forward to reading this book!! It’s not likely that I’ll ever get to London, so I enjoy my “visits” there sponsored by YOU! Many years ago when I was looking in the New Books section of the library I ran across whichever of your early books had just come out. As I looked it over and realized it was part of a series, I knew I had to read all the books right away! So I borrowed the new one and all the earlier ones (there weren’t too many then because this was a long time ago) and I did nothing but read your books over the next couple of weeks. It’s been so rewarding to see how Duncan and Gemma have grown and changed and built a family together, while working at challenging jobs.

    DebRo

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    1. There's nothing more fun than discovering a long-running series that you love and having plenty of books to read!

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  29. So, I think I will be spending my Saturday afternoon at the bookstore. Two books available in one week! Hooray! I hope I don't get kicked out of the store by staying too long.

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  30. I forgot to mention, Hallie, for yesterday and today, how much I enjoy your interviews with Hank and Deborah. Great questions, responses, and insights!

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    1. Totally agree with Flora, Hallie. You do get to the heart of the matter!!

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    2. And Hallie made it much more fun for us. Thanks, Hallie!

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  31. Just an idea: when Debs comes to New England Crime Bake, we should have a JRW party one evening! I don't have enough knowledge to figure it out, but Crime Bakers (Edith, maybe you and a couple other NE regulars) might be able to suggest something!!

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  32. Congratulations, Deborah. And as soon as I’ve read A Killing of Innocents, I’ll be back to read this blog. Just as I often skip reading what we’re writing now week, I don’t even want a hint of what might be in the story. Elisabeth

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    1. I totally get that, Elizabeth. I hope you'll enjoy the interview when you've finished the book.

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  33. Yay, Debs! It's very exciting for you that your book is out and very exciting for me that it's now on my Kindle. Finished Jane Harper's Exiles last night. Will start A Killing of Innocents tonight, but what I'm really looking forward to is a couple of hours of reading on Sunday, when I'll be able to make a big dent in it! Being back with Duncan and Gemma will be like catching up with old friends. I can't wait. Thanks for all the pleasure that your books have been giving me all these years.

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    1. You're so welcome, Kim. Looking forward to your new one, too!

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  34. Congrats, Debs! This is another amazing book, and I know there are so many readers out there who are picking it up this week or having it arrive on their doorsteps and squealing with excitement.

    I had to laugh at your comment, "Why did I give a character a name that's so hard to type?" I've done the same thing. You settle on the "right" name, and by the time you realize you're stuck with an eternity of typos, it's too late - that is the character's name, and you can't change it.

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    1. Nope. I couldn't imagine her being called anything else. But that combination of letters is a bugger:-)

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  35. I alternated between my ebook version and the audiobook yesterday because I couldn’t wait to finish it. I will be listening to it again and again as I do with all the Duncan and Gemma books. Wonderful plot. Teri

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    1. Thanks, Teri. Kindle's Whispersync is great, isn't it? So glad you're liking the plot.

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  36. I'm just happy my "friends" Gemma and Duncan are back! I need to run and check my Kindle to see if it's downloaded yet. Debs' series is different from most others. The core family and their close friends really matter to me. I'd be gutted if anything happened too any of the kids, Three cheers and thanks to Debs!

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  37. Congratulations! I am so eager to read the book, I can hardly contain myself!

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  38. It's a red-letter day for the Reds! Congratulations, Debs, I am also looking forward to the sheer pleasure of renewing old friendships with the London gang. Watching them solve crimes together is always fun.

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  39. Since I am only about six months into being a Red (or am I a Reds reader?), I’m a newbie to the Duncan and Gemma books. I’m on #3 right now and excited to have so many available to be read whenever I want!! (Though I did have to wait for #3 to be off hold, which says something about the series’ popularity!) Like Elisabeth above, I skimmed today’s blog post to not reveal too much of what awaits me in the series. Congratulations, Debs (if I may be so familiar?) on your new release! I look forward to seeing you at Bouchercon in August by which time I hope to be completely caught up! —Pat S.

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  40. I discovered Louise Penny, Ann Cleeves, and Deborah Crombie all in the same week, many years ago when I was chair bound, recovering from a joint infection. I thought then and still do think that I’d hit the hat tricks of hat tricks!
    I bought all their books that were available at the time, and I settled myself for a long summer’s read.

    Thank you, Debs, for the gift of pleasure in all your books. You are a blessing. Much love

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  41. I have been reading your books for almost 27 years. Seems so weird to write that considering how perfectly you have contained such a tight time-line. Six years? When I recommend your books, I always emphasize their freshness, and how I never get the feeling of same old, same old. I badly burnt my hand one night and I didn't want to go to an ER. Instead I soaked by hand in ice water and reread several of your books until doctor's office opened. Gemma and Duncan helped keep me sane through a very bad night. If I have told this story before, I apologize.

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  42. So disappointed that there is no map in this book. What happened?

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    1. There IS a map in this book. In fact, since I bought the ebook version, I'm wondering how to print the map so I can reference it from time to time.

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