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Newly appointed Detective Inspector Gemma James has never thought to question her friend Hazel Cavendish about her past. So it is quite a shock when Gemma learns that their holiday retreat to a hotel in the Scottish Highlands is, in fact, Hazel's homecoming -- and that fellow guest Donald Brodie was once Hazel's lover, despite a vicious, long-standing feud between their rival, fine whiskey distilling families. And the fires of a fierce and passionate affair may not have burned out completely -- on Brodie's part at least, since he's prepared to destroy Hazel's marriage to win back his "Juliet." But when a sudden, brutal murder unleashes a slew of sinister secrets and long-seething hatreds, putting Hazel's life in peril, Gemma knows she will need help unraveling this very bloody knot -- and calls for the one man she trusts more than any other, Duncan Kincaid, to join her far from home ... and in harm's way.… (more)
User reviews
The author weaves a second story throughout the book, a historical account that ties into the main plot. I've read other books that use this technique and I usually find it irritating. Typically I'm more interested in one of the stories, and I resent the interruption in the narrative that I'm most interested in. This time, I was equally interested in both stories, and I liked the way that the author brought both the historical and present narratives to a climax at the same moment.
Hazel’s family once owned one of the whiskey processing companies. Her return to Scotland reunites her with a cousin, a former college roommate and the love of her life, Donald. Gemma had never heard Hazel talk about Donald and is shocked by the depth of Hazel’s feelings for Donald. When Donald is killed and Hazel charged with the crime, Gemma must delve into her friend’s past in order to secure a safe future for her.
The behavior of Tim, Hazel’s husband, did not ring true for me and did not add significantly to the story.
Most of story highlights Gemma and Hazel. Hazel's friend Donald from an earlier life is murdered. Duncan
Enjoyed the story.
I did enjoy this title. The maps are gorgeous. We are transported to Scotland. We are learning about the whiskey trade and its history and importance to the area. Every chapter has a quote
NOW MAY YOU WEEP is like many of of Ms. Crombie’s previous titles - a mystery, a crime drama, a police procedural, historical fiction, and instructional (in this case, whiskey making).
The characters (new and familiar), the interweaving of plot and many background stories, the ‘sense of place’ - all come together in the end for a very satisfying read.
I was a bit ‘sad’ reading NOW MAY YOU WEEP, as it related to the strain and breakdown of Hazel and Tim’s marriage. Hazel and Tim have been Gemma’s ‘rocks’ and Gemma will have many adjustments to make in her personal life as a result of Hazel’s crisis.
Hazel grew up in Scotland and was involved in her family’s distillery - Carnmore. When Gemma accompanies Hazel on a cookery course/get-away weekend, she realizes early on that Hazel is being pursued by long ago lover, Donald Brodie, owner of the popular and prosperous Benvulin Distillery.
If only for the sense of place, Robert Louis Stevenson and the whiskey tastings, I think you will enjoy this title.
Gemma is surprised to learn how little she knows about Hazel but discovers over a challenging
While this novel didn't appeal to me as much as previous ones, it did teach me how strong and passionate the Scottish can be.
Meanwhile, Duncan, at home in London with their two boys, receives notice that his ex-Mother-in-Law is seeking custody of Kit, the son of his first wife. Although by appearance, it seems obvious that Kit is Duncan’s natural son, he was brought up believing himself the son of his mother’s second marriage. Kit is in a fragile state having been abandoned or overlooked most of his life. He appears to be resistant to getting a DNA test and Duncan is reluctant to force him. However, a positive DNA test would lay all custody concerns to rest.
Now You May Weep was both a great mystery story and an interesting step forward in the personal lives of the main characters. Duncan does come up to Scotland for a few days to assist and support Gemma, and this gave them a chance to discuss family matters and make plans. The author includes a story from the past which is skilfully done and helps to advance the plot. The setting is vividly described and transports the reader to the Scottish Highlands. I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to the next one.
After suffering a personal loss, Gemma is trying to move forward with her life. She and Duncan are now co-habitating and raising Kit and Toby together. But, a girls’ only get away with her best friend, Hazel, sounds like fun. However,
Soon enough, Gemma learns things about Hazel that shakes her faith in the possibility of anyone truly enjoying a long lasting and stable romantic relationship. If this weren’t enough to spoil her time away, a ghastly murder puts the proverbial nail in the coffin. Worse still, Hazel has been taken in for questioning-
This is the tenth installment in the Kincaid and James series. As I’ve stated before, this series is very popular and well received. For me, it’s been a bit like fire and ice. Some installments have been simply outstanding, while others were way off the mark.
This one I am happy to report, is one of the good ones. I enjoyed the change of scenery, the historical details, and the truly emotional aspects of the story, which dares to tamper with a character we’ve long relied on for sound reason and balance. This story examines affairs of the heart, and the intense emotions love can evoke. Love can bring out the best in people, but also the worst, and can get pretty twisted when there is unrequited love, forbidden love, and jealousy involved.
As always, Gemma and Duncan have a few domestic issues at play. Here Duncan must deal with Kit’s grandmother who continues to pursue custody, and Kit’s refusal to submit to a DNA test which would prove his paternity once and for all.
Overall, this was an excellent installment in the series. I've been slowly working my way through the series, and I do mean S-L-O-W-L-Y-. Every year, I swear I’m going to finally get all caught up, but as another year winds down, I still have seven more books to go. Oh well, maybe in 2019- Of course by then, there’s bound to be a new release… *Sigh*
Such is the life of an overwhelmed reader.