It’s always a pleasure to pick up one of Deborah Crombie’s Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James novels. However, no matter what she calls the latest book, A Bitter Feast is a treat for the reader. And, that’s for any reader. While most of the books in this series should be read in order, Crombie says A Bitter Feast can be read by itself. Even if you’ve never read one of these books, you should try this British police procedural and story of relationships. All of Crombie’s beloved characters have roles in this book.

Duncan and Gemma’s family is gathering from all locations for a weekend in the Cotswolds. Melody Talbott, who works with Gemma, has invited the entire family and her co-worker Doug Cullen, to stay at Beck House, her parents’ weekend escape. For years, Melody has hidden her family status from co-workers, but this small group knows her father, Sir Ivan, is the publisher of a London newspaper, and her mother, Lady Adelaide, owns the paper and has a great deal of money. But, for the weekend, Ivan and Addie are hosts, and Addie is the host of a charity luncheon catered by Viv Holland, the chef at the Lamb, the local pub.

Gemma and her young daughter, Charlotte, arrive with Melody. But, Duncan is involved in a tragic car accident just before he arrives at Beck House. And, it’s a banged-up man who arrives with injuries. Even so, when Ivan provides the opportunity, Kincaid is eager to look into the details of the accident and the lives of the people who died. It seems they were both at the Lamb before they drove off.

Those are only the first deaths connected to the pub, though. When another death is declared a murder, all eyes focus on Viv and the Lamb. And, for some reason, Viv’s young daughter is the first to accuse her.

A Bitter Feast is an intriguing puzzle that slowly comes together with input from most of the cast. The beautifully written story is descriptive and atmospheric. But, it’s the cast that shines in Crombie’s latest book. She allows readers to see the story through Viv’s past, Melody’s view, and Duncan and Gemma’s feelings about the weekend, the aftermath of the accident. She puts it all together as part of the investigation. And, it’s a joy to watch Duncan and Gemma’s oldest son, Kit, as he steps up to cover work in the kitchen and assist with the younger kids. Kit is observant and caring, while still showing a young man’s enthusiasm for cars.

Some readers will enjoy the accounts of all the food in the pub and earlier restaurants. Some will appreciate the gardens. Crombie brings all those elements, and that strong group of characters, together in one of her best books in the series. A Bitter Feast is truly a feast for fans of the series, or for fans of police procedurals.

Deborah Crombie’s website is www.deborahcrombie.com. Here are other links for the author – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Purchase Links: HarperCollins

A Bitter Feast by Deborah Crombie. William Morrow, 2019. ISBN 9780062271662 (hardcover), 372p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I purchased a copy of the book.