Leave the Grave Green by Deborah Crombie - The Discussion

[MaryL]

Jennifer:
You very cleverly put in words what was bothering me about this book. I was uncomfortable with the 2 professionals acting so very unprofessionally with suspects. Even 15 years ago, it just Wasn't Done. It colored my whole reaction to the story.

[vicki]

The encounter between an inspector and a suspect in a murder he's investigating also took me aback, but I expect it happens from time to time. He was fortunate it wasn't discovered or suspected by anyone other than his partner, or he'd have been in the police dog-house. Truth be told, I was even kind of surprised at the colleague involvement, although that surely does happen quite a lot. But there are a LOT of barriers to overcome when it happens between a superior and someone who reports to him. My inner lawyer wants to do a *facepalm* even thinking about it. I'm not sure how they deal with that as the series advances. I'm sure there are procedures at Scotland Yard, as in other organizations, for dealing with romantic relationships between colleagues.

[vicki]

Oh, and does anyone have questions for Deborah Crombie? If so, we can send a few to her and and post her answers here.

[Pat Floyd]

Originally Posted by vicki

The encounter between an inspector and a suspect in a murder he's investigating also took me aback, but I expect it happens from time to time. He was fortunate it wasn't discovered or suspected by anyone other than his partner, or he'd have been in the police dog-house. Truth be told, I was even kind of surprised at the colleague involvement, although that surely does happen quite a lot. But there are a LOT of barriers to overcome when it happens between a superior and someone who reports to him. My inner lawyer wants to do a *facepalm* even thinking about it. I'm not sure how they deal with that as the series advances. I'm sure there are procedures at Scotland Yard, as in other organizations, for dealing with romantic relationships between colleagues.

Thus far in the series Duncan has had no more such encounters and doesn't seem likely to have any in the future.

WHAT FOLLOWERS IS A SPOILER:
An interesting problem as the series advances is Gemma's ambition for her own career, reluctance to leave the excellent working relation she and Duncan have, plus concern for what her moving on will do to their personal relationship. They don't have an open romantic relationship until Gemma becomes an inspector in her own right and is assigned to Notting Hill.