In a Dark House by Deborah Crombie is the 10th entry in the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James detective series. This is a series that has totally grabbed me, and once I pick up the next book, I literally can’t put it down until it’s finished. In this outing, there is a lot going on with a serial arsonist causing havoc, a body that needs to be identified, and a missing child that has been kidnapped. Apart part from their jobs, Duncan and Gemma also have the hearing about the custody of Duncan’s son looming over them.

As both Duncan and Gemma race against time to both find the missing child and to solve the various crimes, another body comes to light. Her identity actually helps to move the investigation along. Working together and with other members of their team, they slowly begin to put the various pieces together.

In A Dark House is a multi-layered story that the author keeps on track with deft plotting and fully developed characters. Crombie continues to build and expand upon Duncan and Gemma’s homelife and makes these characters feel familiar and empathetic. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and now look forward to the next one. ( )

arsonist, murder, kidnapped child--overlapping cases backed by child custody suit for Kinkade's son

In einer alten Lagerhalle in den Londoner Docklands wird die verbrannte Leiche einer jungen Frau gefunden. Eine erste Spur führt Superintendent Duncan Kincaid in eine soziale Einrichtung, in der Frauen und ihre Kinder Zuflucht vor häuslicher Gewalt finden. Zur selben Zeit ermittelt Kincaids Lebensgefährtin Inspector Gemma James in einer Vermisstensache. Ist die verschwundene Elaine die Tote aus der Lagerhalle? Die wahre Verbindung der beiden Fälle erkennen Kincaid und James erst spät – vielleicht zu spät für ein kleines Mädchen, das in Lebensgefahr schwebt … (Verlagstext)

I really enjoyed the combination of mysteries going on here, and having an appearance from a returning character was also fun. ( )

Duncan and Gemma investigate a number of cases: a fire, a burned body, a missing mother and child, and another missing woman.With help from Doug, Bell, forensics, the sharp eye of Rose, and Winnie's kind support - nice to have her back again, they learn of the common threads among all the occurrences. Lots of stress to everyone involved in these cases.

Duncan, Gemma and family going through tough time until Kit's future is settled. Gemma is still processing her recent losses but becoming more comfortable in their new neighborhood and home helps.

Engaging, excellent read.