‘Garden of Lamentations’ is fast-paced London mystery

Deborah Crombie writes about a chaotic home life mixed with equally chaotic careers to create a well-rounded depiction of her long-time characters Det. Supt. Duncan Kincaid and Det. Insp. Gemma James, a married couple who put family first without sacrificing their jobs.

Crombie’s high standards shine in “Garden of Lamentations,” which explores two insular communities — homes surrounding a private garden in the Notting Hill area of London and a police squad.

Gemma’s case takes her to a community of homes that surround a locked garden where one of the residents finds the body of Reagan Keating. The well-liked young woman worked as a nanny for a young boy who lived with his single mother.

Gemma concentrates on the goings-on of the residents, who have access to the garden through their back doors but only two peo- ple hold the key to the outside gate. Gemma also has a personal connection to the case. Reagan’s young charge attends the same dance studio as does her son.

Meanwhile, Duncan is being confronted with corruption within the police force uncovered after a severe attack puts his former boss, Chief Supt. Denis Childs, into a coma. Duncan follows a link from Childs to a grenade attack, a fire and suicides by former police officers.

“Garden of Lamentations” moves at a brisk pace with acute attention to the details of both cases. The domestic scenes of Duncan and Gemma realistically show the pressures of a working couple for whom life is a constant juggling of family and work.

The American-born Crombie has a fine eye for the details of London, its myriad neighborhoods and the inner workings of its police force. “Garden of Lamentations” is a strong addition to an excellent series.