Book Title: Water Like a Stone
Author: Deborah Crombie
Publishing Company: Harper Collins
Released: 2007-02-06  
Number of Pages: 384
ISBN: 978-0-06-052528-6 

Reviewed by: Tessa Perkins (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada) 

As mystery novels go, this one took me quite a while to get into; but once the layered plotlines and multifaceted characters began to connect to each other, the story quickly gained momentum and pulled me in. With strong suspense and a plot that is not too predictable, Crombie has created a realistic and layered story that is rich with small lessons throughout. The novel has very well-rounded characters that stay true to their personal morals and values even in the face of the law, and seems to focus on a theme of corruption and faults with the state systems and the flawed people within those systems.

Gemma James and Duncan Kincaid are a force to be reckoned with. They are Scotland Yard constables, and from the time they arrive in the small village of Nantwich, England, they are striving to help the local police solve crime after crime and link each piece of the puzzle to unravel a mystery that began long before they arrived. From an infant interred in a barn, to a murdered boater, to a husband brainwashed by his business partner to hate his loyal wife, Duncan and Gemma get more than they bargained for when they decided to visit Duncan's parent's house for Christmas vacation. Water Like a Stone lets not the reader nor its characters rest, and each page provides another piece of information, another angle to the story that keeps you guessing at all the possible outcomes.

When you first pick up the novel, it can be a bit difficult to sort out all the separate plot lines, but once you do, it is very rewarding. What I liked about this mystery novel was that the characters are a lot more defined than is usual for this genre. There are so many narratives going on, but each one is filled with realistic characters that lend a sense of authenticity and realism to the novel. Often, mystery novels can feel contrived and have crimes happening for no reason other than to move the plot along and give the detectives something to do, but Crombie has managed to create crimes that happen for a reason and detectives that seem like they could be you or I. Many characters in the novel have difficult decisions to make: they must choose between doing what they think is right and what will be good for their reputation or career. Like all the characters in the novel, we must all eventually choose where our loyalties lie, and when that time comes we can only hope to make the right decision.