Preview
  • Kissed a Sad Goodbye

  • A Duncan Kincaid / Jemma James Novel
  • By: Deborah Crombie
  • Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin
  • Length: 14 hrs and 25 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (865 ratings)

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Kissed a Sad Goodbye

By: Deborah Crombie
Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin
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Publisher's summary

Reminiscent of Ruth Rendell, multiple award-winning author Deborah Crombie creates graceful mysteries, resonating with lyrical prose, elegant suspense, and finely-drawn characters. This is her darkly irresistible tale of friendship shattered by shocking betrayal, and repercussions that echo down through the years.

A stunningly beautiful young woman is found strangled in London's Mudchute Park, her clothing carefully arranged to preserve her modesty. With that unusual detail in mind, Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his partner Sergeant Gemma James suspect the crime was more than a simple assault gone awry. As they collect the strange facts surrounding her death, they discover the victim's life was a mystery even to those who knew her best.

Internationally-acclaimed author Deborah Crombie brilliantly weaves together events of World War II England with complex problems of present-day London. As British actor Jenny Sterlin's superb dramatization unfolds, you'll understand why this crime novel is as at home on the bookshelf with literary novels as it is with the most baffling whodunit.

Solve more mysteries with Duncan Kincaid and Jemma James.
©1999 Deborah Crombie (P)1999 Recorded Books, LLC
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Critic reviews

"This complex, thoughtful novel is another satisfying entry in an exceptional series." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Kissed a Sad Goodbye

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Another thought

Additional thought. This author has moved away from the inspector/mystery story and has moved into the area of literary far-ra-ra. Every chapter is preceded by a poetry extract and is not what I want in a mystery story. But I did enjoy it - I simply stomached the superfluous poetic nonsense.

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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A compelling listen

Any additional comments?

Good mystery with interesting, intriguing characters. Another good book and a satisfying listening experience.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Phenomenal author

The 1st book this narrator read sort of ruined the beginning of the book for me. I love the way the author writes. Her characters are well developed & believable. Her settings are visible in your head, but not overly descriptive (which I dislike…my mind wanders). The narrator wasn’t great on that book. While the book was outstanding. Anyway, this 2nd book narrated by Jenny Sterlin is much better. She’s picked up the author’s cadence & style. She’s better with the voice differences & character personalities this round. I can’t say enough good things about Deborah Crombie, though. This is my 5th book I believe. Love her!! Truly wonderful!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Exceptional

Highly entertaining. Another outstanding addition to an exceptional mystery series! Can’t wait for the next.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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WOW... whatta story...!!!

Simply spectacular. Superb writing. Absolutely sensational narration, some of the best you will ever hear. This would be a great movie. The simultaneous present and past generational characters are most expertly intertwined. The narrative scenes are top level. Pay attention there is quite a lot going on here. And all's well that ends well 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Totally Engrossing

Loved the story, the impact of the past on the present. Loving the development of Jemma and Duncan's characters as the series goes on. Cant wait to start the next one!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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A world better than book 6

I’m still not used to Jenny Sterlin but, this book was narrated a bit better than the last. The story definitely was better than the last one. I gave it 4 star’s overall but 3 for performance as I just don’t view the characters as I did with the voice when Michael Deehy narrates. I’d hoped Michael Deehy was narrating the next one… womp… nope

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Family drama

This book depicted an interesting part of World War II, juxtaposed with a more current time. The old and new interwoven beautifully.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Great twisty mystery

I have to say that I do not enjoy the female narrator as much as the previous male narrator. I feel that the male narrator did a better job with the female voices than the female narrator does with a male voices. Still a great story. Thanks.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Thoroughly absorbing

I love how ms Crombie intertwines the history of the Isle of Dogs and WW2, with a modern day mystery. And the characters totally drew me in.

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