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Inspector Lynley #16
Wer dem Tode geweiht
unusual book
827 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2010
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About the author
Elizabeth George
102 books5,460 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Susan Elizabeth George is an American author of mystery novels set in Great Britain. Eleven of her novels, featuring her character Inspector Lynley, have been adapted for television by the BBC as The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.
She was born in Warren, Ohio, but moved to the San Francisco Bay Area when she was eighteen months old. She was a student of English, receiving a teaching certificate. While teaching English in the public school system, she completed an advanced degree in psychology.
Her first published novel was A Great Deliverance in 1988, featuring Thomas Lynley, Lord Asherton, a Scotland Yard inspector of noble birth; Barbara Havers, Lynley's assistant, from a very working-class background; Lady Helen Clyde, Lynley's girlfriend and later wife, of noble birth as well; and Lynley's friends Simon and Deborah St. James.
This Elizabeth George is distinct from the other author named Elizabeth George (Christian author).
Series:
* Inspector Lynley
Susan Elizabeth George is an American author of mystery novels set in Great Britain. Eleven of her novels, featuring her character Inspector Lynley, have been adapted for television by the BBC as The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.
She was born in Warren, Ohio, but moved to the San Francisco Bay Area when she was eighteen months old. She was a student of English, receiving a teaching certificate. While teaching English in the public school system, she completed an advanced degree in psychology.
Her first published novel was A Great Deliverance in 1988, featuring Thomas Lynley, Lord Asherton, a Scotland Yard inspector of noble birth; Barbara Havers, Lynley's assistant, from a very working-class background; Lady Helen Clyde, Lynley's girlfriend and later wife, of noble birth as well; and Lynley's friends Simon and Deborah St. James.
This Elizabeth George is distinct from the other author named Elizabeth George (Christian author).
Series:
* Inspector Lynley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,445 reviews
May 25, 2016
Having gotten sick of YA books, I've lately been binge reading a bunch of adult mysteries. Elizabeth George's Lynley series has been one of them. For the most part, the books have been pretty good.
Except for this book.
First, there was nothing wrong with the mystery. I absolutely loved the mystery and the characterization. The timeline breaks were a little bit confusing, but the way all the ends tied together was absolutely brilliant. As with all Lynley novels, red herrings abound. The mystery was compelling and kept me engrossed until the end.
What I fucking hated was the new added character, Acting Superintendant Isabella Ardery. One of the worst, most hateful female characters I've ever read.
I hate that she's so supremely bitchy. I know that female detectives and women in fields that are generally male-dominated are difficult to portray. They have to be strong, in order to stand up to those who feel like they're unqualified for their job, but in this case, Isabelle Ardery is just way, way over the top.
She is, what I would term, a "militant feminist." She can't stand it when men are nice to her. She doesn't accept general coutesy. Open a door for her? Prepare to have your head snapped off. She takes everything as an offense. She doesn't seem to be able to see the forest for the trees, and the number of times she fucks up is just painful to read. She is offensive as a character. Maybe Elizabeth George intended her to be abrasive, but I don't have to like it.
Except for this book.
First, there was nothing wrong with the mystery. I absolutely loved the mystery and the characterization. The timeline breaks were a little bit confusing, but the way all the ends tied together was absolutely brilliant. As with all Lynley novels, red herrings abound. The mystery was compelling and kept me engrossed until the end.
What I fucking hated was the new added character, Acting Superintendant Isabella Ardery. One of the worst, most hateful female characters I've ever read.
I hate that she's so supremely bitchy. I know that female detectives and women in fields that are generally male-dominated are difficult to portray. They have to be strong, in order to stand up to those who feel like they're unqualified for their job, but in this case, Isabelle Ardery is just way, way over the top.
She is, what I would term, a "militant feminist." She can't stand it when men are nice to her. She doesn't accept general coutesy. Open a door for her? Prepare to have your head snapped off. She takes everything as an offense. She doesn't seem to be able to see the forest for the trees, and the number of times she fucks up is just painful to read. She is offensive as a character. Maybe Elizabeth George intended her to be abrasive, but I don't have to like it.
October 29, 2021
In this 16th book in the 'Inspector Lynley' series, Scotland Yard investigates two crimes: the murder of a toddler by three juvenile delinquents who are soon caught and the murder of a young woman in a London cemetery by an unknown assailant. The book can be read as a standalone but knowledge of the characters is a plus.
*****
Thomas Lynley
Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, still mourning a sad death, returns to Scotland Yard to help investigate the murder of a woman in a cemetery. His team is supervised by Acting Superintendent Isabelle Ardery, a divorced, pushy, alcoholic micromanager who is anxious to retain the job permanently. Towards this end Ardery makes Lynley, who is talented and popular, her partner in the investigation.
Isabelle Ardery
The female victim is identified as Jemima Hastings, a young woman who suddenly left her home in New Forest in Hampshire, abandoning her cupcake bakery and her lover Gordon - who has since taken up with a new woman. Ardery and Lynley interview Jemima's London acquaintances, including her eccentric landlady, two handsome fellow lodgers, an ice-skating instructor, and a psychic.
Meanwhile, other series regulars, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers and Detective Sergeant Winston Nkata, are dispatched to New Forest to conduct interviews with Jemima's former boyfriend Gordon and her brother Robbie.
Barbara Havers
Winston Nkata
To add to the melee, Jemima's estranged ex-best friend Meredith, feeling guilty and sad, conducts her own investigation of the murder. Of course Ardery, desperate to close the case, is more anxious to pin the murder on somebody than to investigate properly, and in her haste causes embarrassment to the department and herself.
Some of my favorite parts of the book occur when Barbara Havers, instructed to dress better by Ardery, is assisted in this endeavor by her nine-year-old neighbor Hadiyyah. These scenes are priceless, heart-warming and funny.
George does a masterful job dispensing clues throughout the story and the ending is satisfying, a little surprising, and - in some ways -inevitable. I enjoyed the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
August 23, 2010
I've enjoyed most of Elizabeth George's books. However, the last two have not gone well for me. I couldn't even pick up"What Came Before He Shot Her", with it's merciless, depressing look at the very poor and very abused murder perpetrator/child. "Careless in Red" was okay, but slow.
This book introduces a new candidate for superintendant, Isabelle Ardery, an alcoholic and divorced mother. I didn't especially like her, and liked her even less after she and Lynley got too close for my liking. I found it out of character for the fastidious Lynley to be attracted to her, but then again, Helen was a flighty woman with poor judgment too. The tensions in the police unit weren't played up enough, and the amateur sleuthing efforts of characters affected by the murder were played up too much. It made the story move slowly. In fact, at almost 700 pages this book wasn't paced or edited well. In the past, I've been much more able to sink into George's books. This one made me impatient. The end of the story kind of came out of nowhere and wasn't especially compelling. What was Gina's deal the whole time, anyway?
There was also the insertion of a very thinly fictionalized child abduction and murder case, which I did not enjoy reading. It fits with George's interest in what makes children murderers, but was a long digression which ultimately did not add enough to the story to be worth the read. It apparently was VERY closely based on the Bulger kidnap/murder case, down to the color of the anorak of one of the perpetrators. It felt almost prurient to read, and played out over far to many pages spread loosely throughout the book.
I don't know. Maybe this author and I will part ways. I'll give it one more try.
This book introduces a new candidate for superintendant, Isabelle Ardery, an alcoholic and divorced mother. I didn't especially like her, and liked her even less after she and Lynley got too close for my liking. I found it out of character for the fastidious Lynley to be attracted to her, but then again, Helen was a flighty woman with poor judgment too. The tensions in the police unit weren't played up enough, and the amateur sleuthing efforts of characters affected by the murder were played up too much. It made the story move slowly. In fact, at almost 700 pages this book wasn't paced or edited well. In the past, I've been much more able to sink into George's books. This one made me impatient. The end of the story kind of came out of nowhere and wasn't especially compelling. What was Gina's deal the whole time, anyway?
There was also the insertion of a very thinly fictionalized child abduction and murder case, which I did not enjoy reading. It fits with George's interest in what makes children murderers, but was a long digression which ultimately did not add enough to the story to be worth the read. It apparently was VERY closely based on the Bulger kidnap/murder case, down to the color of the anorak of one of the perpetrators. It felt almost prurient to read, and played out over far to many pages spread loosely throughout the book.
I don't know. Maybe this author and I will part ways. I'll give it one more try.
April 30, 2010
The good news? If you were aghast when Elizabeth George killed off Helen Lynley, disinterested in "What Came Before He Shot Her," and underwhelmed by "Careless in Red," then you'll take some small comfort knowing that "This Body of Death" is better than the last couple of George novels. Lynley is back, at least sort of; he's returned to London and started to emerge from his cocoon of grief. He agrees to participate in a murder investigation headed by Isabelle Ardery, not to lead the investigation, but to smooth Ardery's way as she auditions for a job as Chief Superintendent. The murder & investigation are more in the usual style of a Lynley novel. Barbara Havers & Winston Nkata are back, too, and Simon and Deborah also make a reappearance.
The bad news? I didn't like Isabelle Ardery's character one bit. She seemed to have lots of character flaws -- hostile, snotty, vindictive, cold, not to mention that pesky alcoholism -- without any redeeming qualities. Of course, she is designed as a love interest for Lynley (as soon as her slimness and attractiveness were described, the handwriting was on the wall) and I thought that fell flat, too. (They get together the night that he finds her drunk and passed out, and sobers her up by making her coffee and toast, and then.... her hangover and alcohol-soaked breath notwithstanding, sleeps with her?)
The whodunit is diverting, but the way that George intersperses sections of a social services report with the main story gives away a lot. Havers is relegated to her usual dumpy, stubborn, ignore-a-direct-order self (can't we have a little character growth here?) and Nkata is almost a nonentity.
I realize that it's hard to keep a long-running series fresh, and I do feel for Elizabeth George, who is obviously chafing under her own success, and trying (perhaps a bit too hard) to shake things up a bit. Lower your expectations for this one. I liked it much more than the last few, and I'm still hopeful we'll see a return to top-notch George next time out.
The bad news? I didn't like Isabelle Ardery's character one bit. She seemed to have lots of character flaws -- hostile, snotty, vindictive, cold, not to mention that pesky alcoholism -- without any redeeming qualities. Of course, she is designed as a love interest for Lynley (as soon as her slimness and attractiveness were described, the handwriting was on the wall) and I thought that fell flat, too. (They get together the night that he finds her drunk and passed out, and sobers her up by making her coffee and toast, and then.... her hangover and alcohol-soaked breath notwithstanding, sleeps with her?)
The whodunit is diverting, but the way that George intersperses sections of a social services report with the main story gives away a lot. Havers is relegated to her usual dumpy, stubborn, ignore-a-direct-order self (can't we have a little character growth here?) and Nkata is almost a nonentity.
I realize that it's hard to keep a long-running series fresh, and I do feel for Elizabeth George, who is obviously chafing under her own success, and trying (perhaps a bit too hard) to shake things up a bit. Lower your expectations for this one. I liked it much more than the last few, and I'm still hopeful we'll see a return to top-notch George next time out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2010
Mystery fans, rejoice! Elizabeth George has returned with a novel worthy of the Lynley moniker. Anyone following George's Inspector Lynley series will know that This Body of Death is the third novel following the murder of Inspector Thomas Lynley's beloved wife, Helen. (What Came Before He Shot Her is not really of the Lynley series, since the story is all about the events that led to a young boy shooting Helen Lynley, rather than a Lynley mystery per se.)
The delicious Lynley grieved his way through Careless in Red, but I found something a bit off about that book. As Lynley's long-term partner, DS Barbara Havers implies, it was Lynley, but not really Lynley. The mystery plot behind Careless was not quite as compelling as previous novels in the series, but it did serve the purpose of moving the series forward following the death of a major character, the murder of the protagonist's wife. And so the series continues with This Body of Death, which I'm happy to say is classic George.
George spends much of the first quarter of the novel developing the supporting characters. This got to be a tad bit tedious, but it was important to understanding the players and their subsequent actions. The murder-mystery plot begins to weave itself together from the various narrative threads about half-way through the novel, except for one particular thread about the arrest/trial of three young boys accused of murdering a toddler. This is the black thread in the white tapestry that you know is significant, but you don't really understand why until later in the book.
The familiar characters of Nkata, Hillier, Havers, and the St. Jameses are all back and remain lovingly dysfunctional in their own way. Tommy Lynley himself seems a bit more human in this novel, still grieving Helen, but way more recognizable as the Lynley we've grown to love over the course of the series. The author adds an interesting spice of character into the mix with the introduction of Superintendent Isabelle Ardery. She is ostensibly Lynley's new boss and is also a functional alcoholic. There is a good degree of uncertainty and sexual tension between Ardery and Lynley. Loyal Helen fans will be happy to know that this is an internal source of conflict for our fair lordly hero. It also, interestingly, gives rise to notable internal conflict for Lynley's long-time partner, Havers, which of course she is completely ill-equipped to handle. What George deliciously leaves open, however, is whether Havers' unease is due to her feelings for Lynley as a partner or something more.
The intricate and compelling plot of this novel simply makes for a great page-turner. What's more, even readers who are unfamiliar with other works in the Lynley series can pick this up and feel drawn into the characters and story.
Overall, I feel that This Body of Death puts George back on track with familiar characters and intriguing mystery plots. In a sense, the author has successfully restarted the series. Excellent!
The delicious Lynley grieved his way through Careless in Red, but I found something a bit off about that book. As Lynley's long-term partner, DS Barbara Havers implies, it was Lynley, but not really Lynley. The mystery plot behind Careless was not quite as compelling as previous novels in the series, but it did serve the purpose of moving the series forward following the death of a major character, the murder of the protagonist's wife. And so the series continues with This Body of Death, which I'm happy to say is classic George.
George spends much of the first quarter of the novel developing the supporting characters. This got to be a tad bit tedious, but it was important to understanding the players and their subsequent actions. The murder-mystery plot begins to weave itself together from the various narrative threads about half-way through the novel, except for one particular thread about the arrest/trial of three young boys accused of murdering a toddler. This is the black thread in the white tapestry that you know is significant, but you don't really understand why until later in the book.
The familiar characters of Nkata, Hillier, Havers, and the St. Jameses are all back and remain lovingly dysfunctional in their own way. Tommy Lynley himself seems a bit more human in this novel, still grieving Helen, but way more recognizable as the Lynley we've grown to love over the course of the series. The author adds an interesting spice of character into the mix with the introduction of Superintendent Isabelle Ardery. She is ostensibly Lynley's new boss and is also a functional alcoholic. There is a good degree of uncertainty and sexual tension between Ardery and Lynley. Loyal Helen fans will be happy to know that this is an internal source of conflict for our fair lordly hero. It also, interestingly, gives rise to notable internal conflict for Lynley's long-time partner, Havers, which of course she is completely ill-equipped to handle. What George deliciously leaves open, however, is whether Havers' unease is due to her feelings for Lynley as a partner or something more.
The intricate and compelling plot of this novel simply makes for a great page-turner. What's more, even readers who are unfamiliar with other works in the Lynley series can pick this up and feel drawn into the characters and story.
Overall, I feel that This Body of Death puts George back on track with familiar characters and intriguing mystery plots. In a sense, the author has successfully restarted the series. Excellent!
June 14, 2021
This was nonsensical in parts. The only part of the book that was good and why I gave it two stars was the excerpts from the psychologist about three boys who we find out quickly do something horrible. But the information on the boy's backgrounds and the harm that they did is broken up throughout this book with "present" day chapters showing Lynley and friends off to solve a murder. The worst thing this series did was kill Helen. Lynley just runs around now and apparently is really into saving people who are awful. God know why. I just couldn't take this book after a while and started to skim over the present day chapters because things moved so freaking slow. And the reveal in the end about why the woman in question was murdered made zero sense. The whole set-up made zero sense. I literally at one point went who has time for this crap? Also Isabelle Ardery is a terrible character.
"This Body of Death" has everyone once again wanting Inspector Lynley back, but who is still out on compassionate leave. When a new temporary DI comes on board, Isabelle Ardery, she realizes that everyone is still wanting Lynley back. She decides she will do whatever she can to turn the temporary job into a permanent one. She may have the chance when a young woman is found dead. Ardery realizes though the only way she may be able to solve this and get the team on her side is to get Lynley back. So she does that and quickly realizes she's over her head.
I really don't have the energy to get into everyone in this one. The only characters I liked were Merry and and Rob. The other characters were just plain awful.
The flow was so bad. I just can't say more than that. This book was over 700 pages and it did not need to be that long. At all. I kept reading at one point and went what is the point of half of this???
The ending just had me go eh whatever. At this point, I wish Lynley would be gone. I just don't see the purpose of him anymore. And a truly revolting love interest for him in this one did not make me happy. Bah.
"This Body of Death" has everyone once again wanting Inspector Lynley back, but who is still out on compassionate leave. When a new temporary DI comes on board, Isabelle Ardery, she realizes that everyone is still wanting Lynley back. She decides she will do whatever she can to turn the temporary job into a permanent one. She may have the chance when a young woman is found dead. Ardery realizes though the only way she may be able to solve this and get the team on her side is to get Lynley back. So she does that and quickly realizes she's over her head.
I really don't have the energy to get into everyone in this one. The only characters I liked were Merry and and Rob. The other characters were just plain awful.
The flow was so bad. I just can't say more than that. This book was over 700 pages and it did not need to be that long. At all. I kept reading at one point and went what is the point of half of this???
The ending just had me go eh whatever. At this point, I wish Lynley would be gone. I just don't see the purpose of him anymore. And a truly revolting love interest for him in this one did not make me happy. Bah.
January 24, 2011
this book is endless. when you figure out who the killer is, you still have like three hundred pages to go, so you tell yourself the person you figured out cannot possibly be the killer, 'cause how is EG going to keep the book going for another three hundred pages when we all know who the killer is?
well, she can. and she does.
even after the story ends (killer taken care of, case wrapped), she is still going. and going. if there is one thing i fault EG is that her books are too damn long.
now, i have nothing against long books, but they have to prove themselves. no point in stretching a book for miles just so restless souls like me have something to read at night. we are not stupid.
now, as to whether i liked this: i liked this. EG is a first rate writer. she brings up really important stuff. she writes good sentences and paragraphs and sometimes she makes me laugh a lot. but then she decides to dilute all the good stuff with really unimportant stuff, just because (i guess) she doesn't mind writing and writing. but the really important stuff must be dealt with with more depth, and concentration. mysteries are a fantastic genre in which to explore darkness and weakness and pain. EG should not be spending so much time on trifles. she should tighten her books and make them matter.
well, she can. and she does.
even after the story ends (killer taken care of, case wrapped), she is still going. and going. if there is one thing i fault EG is that her books are too damn long.
now, i have nothing against long books, but they have to prove themselves. no point in stretching a book for miles just so restless souls like me have something to read at night. we are not stupid.
now, as to whether i liked this: i liked this. EG is a first rate writer. she brings up really important stuff. she writes good sentences and paragraphs and sometimes she makes me laugh a lot. but then she decides to dilute all the good stuff with really unimportant stuff, just because (i guess) she doesn't mind writing and writing. but the really important stuff must be dealt with with more depth, and concentration. mysteries are a fantastic genre in which to explore darkness and weakness and pain. EG should not be spending so much time on trifles. she should tighten her books and make them matter.
September 7, 2010
A disappointing continuation of the Lynley-Havers series (spoilers).
When I first started reading Elizabeth George's Lynley mysteries, I was caught not only by the crimes and motivations of the secondary characters, but of the interesting dynamic between DI Lynley and (then) DC Havers. Havers remains an interesting character who I want to learn more about, but Lynley is becoming more boring by the book. His need to rescue women is becoming irritating, especially when it leads him in the direction that it does in this book. The connection created with Acting Superintendent Isabelle Ardery is contrived and nonsensical; not only is it hard to believe that Lynley, five months after his beloved wife's murder, is hooking up with his superior officer (who's pretty unlikeable), it's even more inconceivable that a woman as ambitious and politically savvy as Ardery would engage in--let alone initiate--a sexual relationship with a subordinate.
Havers continues to be the interesting, dogged, and difficult character that she is, with more potential heartbreak in hand. And that's my other main problem with George. I've always thought she was a strong writer, but I begin to wonder whether she's as good as I believe. It appears that the only way she knows to keep her characters interesting is to make sure that any happiness that they might achieve is torn away from them. Characters don't have to live soap opera lives (abducted by serial killers, runaway wife returning) in order to be interesting, but it seems that George doesn't realize that or doesn't have the confidence to try it. I haven't written off the series entirely, but I can't imagine continuing to read George if this is the best she can do.
When I first started reading Elizabeth George's Lynley mysteries, I was caught not only by the crimes and motivations of the secondary characters, but of the interesting dynamic between DI Lynley and (then) DC Havers. Havers remains an interesting character who I want to learn more about, but Lynley is becoming more boring by the book. His need to rescue women is becoming irritating, especially when it leads him in the direction that it does in this book. The connection created with Acting Superintendent Isabelle Ardery is contrived and nonsensical; not only is it hard to believe that Lynley, five months after his beloved wife's murder, is hooking up with his superior officer (who's pretty unlikeable), it's even more inconceivable that a woman as ambitious and politically savvy as Ardery would engage in--let alone initiate--a sexual relationship with a subordinate.
Havers continues to be the interesting, dogged, and difficult character that she is, with more potential heartbreak in hand. And that's my other main problem with George. I've always thought she was a strong writer, but I begin to wonder whether she's as good as I believe. It appears that the only way she knows to keep her characters interesting is to make sure that any happiness that they might achieve is torn away from them. Characters don't have to live soap opera lives (abducted by serial killers, runaway wife returning) in order to be interesting, but it seems that George doesn't realize that or doesn't have the confidence to try it. I haven't written off the series entirely, but I can't imagine continuing to read George if this is the best she can do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2013
Okay, I love Elizabeth George, but can someone tell her editor to trim at least 75 to 100 pages from her books? We don't need a psyche profile for EVERY character in the book.
I actually listened to this book on CD because there was no way I was going to read this tome night after night.
Anyway, this was a hard one to stomach. She used a very famous child murder case as a backdrop to this book (James Bulgar case). So there were several chapters of taped socio-pathology reports that I just fast forwarded through because it made me physically ill to listen to them. I don't know why George decided to use this device because it became pretty obvious which character it was all in reference to, and I'm amazed she wasn't sued.
That said, if you strip all of that away, the book is still a good murder mystery. Barbara Havers continues to shine as Lynley's devoted sidekick and she provides all of the humor necessary to pull you out of the dumps. I was not happy with Lynley hooking up with Isabelle whats-her-bucket so soon after the death of his wife and unborn child. I can understand the need for comfort, but Isabelle is a titanic mess. And when is Lynley going to be as interesting as Barbara again?
Anyway, I'm not sure I'll buy another George book. I will continue to check them out from the library. Her earlier books were so well crafted and lean, it's a shame to watch a series die so slowly.
I actually listened to this book on CD because there was no way I was going to read this tome night after night.
Anyway, this was a hard one to stomach. She used a very famous child murder case as a backdrop to this book (James Bulgar case). So there were several chapters of taped socio-pathology reports that I just fast forwarded through because it made me physically ill to listen to them. I don't know why George decided to use this device because it became pretty obvious which character it was all in reference to, and I'm amazed she wasn't sued.
That said, if you strip all of that away, the book is still a good murder mystery. Barbara Havers continues to shine as Lynley's devoted sidekick and she provides all of the humor necessary to pull you out of the dumps. I was not happy with Lynley hooking up with Isabelle whats-her-bucket so soon after the death of his wife and unborn child. I can understand the need for comfort, but Isabelle is a titanic mess. And when is Lynley going to be as interesting as Barbara again?
Anyway, I'm not sure I'll buy another George book. I will continue to check them out from the library. Her earlier books were so well crafted and lean, it's a shame to watch a series die so slowly.
October 20, 2011
Really wavered on the 3 vs 4 stars. I have loved Elizabeth George murder mysteries since I happened across my first book of hers years ago - I think it was a coverless paperback that I got free while working at a bookstore. Then a couple books ago, she did something with a character that I found pretty unforgiveable. So I swore I'd never read another. But I did. Wasn't sure I liked that one, so I didn't think I'd read another. But I did. And here I am reading yet another one ... she keeps pulling me back.
And while I continue to love her writing and her characters, I did not enjoy some aspects of the storyline. She's done child murderer before, I didn't need to have it done again. Also, the storyline was so complex with far ranging themes it was almost over the top - and yet, that's one of the things I've always enjoyed about George: how characters each have their own heartbreak or hardships that are motivating them to do things that result in unexpected impacts on the storyline.
The book was long too -- sometimes that's good, sometimes that's bad. For this book, it was both. I skimmed some sections.
Will I read the next one? ... probably. But I'll make her wait again, just to make a statement. ;)
And while I continue to love her writing and her characters, I did not enjoy some aspects of the storyline. She's done child murderer before, I didn't need to have it done again. Also, the storyline was so complex with far ranging themes it was almost over the top - and yet, that's one of the things I've always enjoyed about George: how characters each have their own heartbreak or hardships that are motivating them to do things that result in unexpected impacts on the storyline.
The book was long too -- sometimes that's good, sometimes that's bad. For this book, it was both. I skimmed some sections.
Will I read the next one? ... probably. But I'll make her wait again, just to make a statement. ;)
July 16, 2010
Dear DS Barbara Havers,
I must confess, you are the only reason I anticipate a new novel by Elizabeth George. While your creatrix is arguably one of the best writers in her field, I did find all the parts without you a bit tedious. Now that Helen has died, you are the only breath of fresh air knocking about these pages. Sergeant Nkata shows promise, but I think it's going to take another book or so for him to come into his own. I find Tommy Lynley's solemn, sad and unfailing propriety a bit tedious--especially as he's given up smoking. Simon and Deb seem to be pushed to the sidelines and have become caricatures of their former selves. Even Cotter has lost his garrumph. Thus, it falls to you to bring the life, the humor and as always, the smarts to save the day. Once again, well done, sweetie darling.
The end, though, ouch. My heart broke right along side yours, Barbara. I hope that gets put to right by the next time we meet.
All the best,
Viv
I must confess, you are the only reason I anticipate a new novel by Elizabeth George. While your creatrix is arguably one of the best writers in her field, I did find all the parts without you a bit tedious. Now that Helen has died, you are the only breath of fresh air knocking about these pages. Sergeant Nkata shows promise, but I think it's going to take another book or so for him to come into his own. I find Tommy Lynley's solemn, sad and unfailing propriety a bit tedious--especially as he's given up smoking. Simon and Deb seem to be pushed to the sidelines and have become caricatures of their former selves. Even Cotter has lost his garrumph. Thus, it falls to you to bring the life, the humor and as always, the smarts to save the day. Once again, well done, sweetie darling.
The end, though, ouch. My heart broke right along side yours, Barbara. I hope that gets put to right by the next time we meet.
All the best,
Viv
November 2, 2012
Lynley jumps in the sack with Isabelle Ardery. Really, Lynley? Really? With a woman you just dumped into a cold shower because she was so obliteratedly drunk? I'm beyond disappointed.
Also not credible: that Havers would put on a skirt and a blouse with a "pussy bow" (?)* in order to pass muster with her viraginous supervisor, rather than telling her to go eff herself.
I can't figure out why George needs to abbreviate can as c'n. This makes her qualified to teach writing classes, apparently. Go f'g'r'e. In her favor, she had white people say this, not merely black people. (George writes turrible, turrible dialogue for the lower classes. Reprehensible and unbearable.)
*Note: I've just investigated and the "pussy bow" apparently has little to do with genitalia. But it is a man-repeller, according to the blog "Man Repeller."
Also not credible: that Havers would put on a skirt and a blouse with a "pussy bow" (?)* in order to pass muster with her viraginous supervisor, rather than telling her to go eff herself.
I can't figure out why George needs to abbreviate can as c'n. This makes her qualified to teach writing classes, apparently. Go f'g'r'e. In her favor, she had white people say this, not merely black people. (George writes turrible, turrible dialogue for the lower classes. Reprehensible and unbearable.)
*Note: I've just investigated and the "pussy bow" apparently has little to do with genitalia. But it is a man-repeller, according to the blog "Man Repeller."
May 1, 2020
George writes slow, winding books that lead so gradually to the point where you’re really invested, and she usually makes it worth your patience to get the there.
September 26, 2019
Mein Fazit: Der Aufbau war dieses Mal sehr spannend, denn es gibt Abschnitte, die weit in die Vergangenheit der Figuren zurückreichen. Wie das zusammenhängt und von wem genau die Rede ist erfährt man natürlich erst am Ende.
Die "Neue" im Ermittlungsteam, Inspector Isabelle Ardery, mochte ich leider gar nicht. Sie war mir von Anfang an unsympathisch und auch ihr Umgang mit den anderen Mitarbeiter bei Scotland Yard hat das auch noch unterstützt. Ihr Handeln war nicht immer logisch, überhaupt kann es sein, das kleine Logikfehler dabei waren, allerdings muss ich gestehen, dass sie mir kaum aufgefallen sind, weil ich wirklich extrem gefesselt war von der Entwicklung.
Die Figuren sind - wieder einmal - sehr facettenreich und super ausgearbeitet! Und auch das Ende war wieder spannend und mit kleinen Dramen verbunden.
Ich bin jetzt echt gespannt wie es beim nächsten Teil weitergeht - grade die Beziehungskonflikte untereinander, also ich weiß nicht ob ich mich damit anfreunden kann und wie das im nächsten Band aufgegriffen wird. Da muss ich mich wohl überraschen lassen :)
Die "Neue" im Ermittlungsteam, Inspector Isabelle Ardery, mochte ich leider gar nicht. Sie war mir von Anfang an unsympathisch und auch ihr Umgang mit den anderen Mitarbeiter bei Scotland Yard hat das auch noch unterstützt. Ihr Handeln war nicht immer logisch, überhaupt kann es sein, das kleine Logikfehler dabei waren, allerdings muss ich gestehen, dass sie mir kaum aufgefallen sind, weil ich wirklich extrem gefesselt war von der Entwicklung.
Die Figuren sind - wieder einmal - sehr facettenreich und super ausgearbeitet! Und auch das Ende war wieder spannend und mit kleinen Dramen verbunden.
Ich bin jetzt echt gespannt wie es beim nächsten Teil weitergeht - grade die Beziehungskonflikte untereinander, also ich weiß nicht ob ich mich damit anfreunden kann und wie das im nächsten Band aufgegriffen wird. Da muss ich mich wohl überraschen lassen :)
December 3, 2012
George begins by describing three lower-class British boys, their families and lives, with the kind of precision and detail that would characterize a social worker's report of a case of "childhood abuse, family dysfunction, and psychopathology." After an arresting first sentence, there is a long slow wind-up to the first pitch of the book, the boys' encounter with a toddler, and since we have no real reason to be interested in these boys, their whining, the details of what they had for breakfast, it's somewhat tedious. We know it's going somewhere nasty but it's necessary to take the author's word for it.
THEN the book segues into two different scenes in the New Forest of Hampshire, then into London and the scene at New Scotland Yard. I began to really enjoy it with the London chapter and Barbara Havers' encounter with the fashion police! The book goes on to become quite a tour de force in George's usual spidery style, weaving past and present together in a pattern that I, at least, did not suspect until fairly close to the end. The specific horrific weight of the past events needed to be firmly established but this could probably have been done with fewer words and more punch.
Once you get past the scene setting - it's a fine book.
Now, an extraneous comment - J. K. Rowling's new book reportedly deals with "class conflict" and she seems to have been attacked for this. HUH? I can't even imagine the work of Ruth Rendell or Elizabeth George or Peter Robinson for that matter, without the contrasts between lower and upper class that ARE such a feature of British society, past and present. So what is the big deal here? Is it that in Rowling, class trumps personality? Or are people just upset because it's not Harry-Potter-land?
Elizabeth George has not lost her ability to burrow inside people's heads and turn them from walking psychological clichés into individuals that we care about - no matter how horrible their deeds might have been. This book is a perfect example of that. Well done!
THEN the book segues into two different scenes in the New Forest of Hampshire, then into London and the scene at New Scotland Yard. I began to really enjoy it with the London chapter and Barbara Havers' encounter with the fashion police! The book goes on to become quite a tour de force in George's usual spidery style, weaving past and present together in a pattern that I, at least, did not suspect until fairly close to the end. The specific horrific weight of the past events needed to be firmly established but this could probably have been done with fewer words and more punch.
Once you get past the scene setting - it's a fine book.
Now, an extraneous comment - J. K. Rowling's new book reportedly deals with "class conflict" and she seems to have been attacked for this. HUH? I can't even imagine the work of Ruth Rendell or Elizabeth George or Peter Robinson for that matter, without the contrasts between lower and upper class that ARE such a feature of British society, past and present. So what is the big deal here? Is it that in Rowling, class trumps personality? Or are people just upset because it's not Harry-Potter-land?
Elizabeth George has not lost her ability to burrow inside people's heads and turn them from walking psychological clichés into individuals that we care about - no matter how horrible their deeds might have been. This book is a perfect example of that. Well done!
July 17, 2010
I wish every book I read could be this good. I didn't want it to end and could not put it down. I love this series and, unlike alot of readers, thought it was a great series twist when Helen was shot in an earlier book.
There were two things about the book I didn't absolutely love. First, the same theme of what happens to abused children when they get older (we first saw it in What Came Before He Shot Her) appears again in this novel and it isn't really needed. I understand that George has some kind of fascination with the subject but I hope it doesn't appear in every single book she writes...
The other thing I didn't care for is Lynley's relationship with Isabelle Ardery. I think her character is very interesting and I love the addition of a police officer with an alcohol problem but she doesn't have many endearing qualities and it is never easy to understand Lynley's attraction to her.
All of that said, I wish I enjoyed reading all my books as much as I enjoyed reading this one.
There were two things about the book I didn't absolutely love. First, the same theme of what happens to abused children when they get older (we first saw it in What Came Before He Shot Her) appears again in this novel and it isn't really needed. I understand that George has some kind of fascination with the subject but I hope it doesn't appear in every single book she writes...
The other thing I didn't care for is Lynley's relationship with Isabelle Ardery. I think her character is very interesting and I love the addition of a police officer with an alcohol problem but she doesn't have many endearing qualities and it is never easy to understand Lynley's attraction to her.
All of that said, I wish I enjoyed reading all my books as much as I enjoyed reading this one.
April 6, 2010
After the disappointing "Careless in Red" Elizabeth George is back in character with the kind well-developed, complex, can't-put-it-down book her readers look forward to. In "This Body of Death" Lynley is still on compassionate leave. but is called back to the Met to help his temporary replacement, the ambitious Isabelle Ardery.
The novel begins with excerpts from a report about a murder in the 1990s. Two boys snag a toddler from a shopping center, torture, and kill him. Based on the case of Jamie Bolger, chapters are interspersed throughout George's book. This was a shocking crime (the version George creates is less appalling that the real killing), not only for the horror of the murder, but because of the British government's treatment of the killers, who were given new identities and released after the minimum sentence. (Google James Bolger and you'll see that one of his killers is back in the news again). It is this kind of detail, combined with George's interest in British social conditions and her knack for incorporating unusual aspects of English culture that make her books so satisfying.
It's also interesting to see Lynley making poor choices and behaving more like a mere mortal. The always-appealing Barbara Havers has a big role (Isabelle Ardery makes her buy a professional wardrobe and get her teeth fixed--Barbara in Top Shop is worth the price of the novel!)
"This Body of Death" is Elizabeth George at her best.
The novel begins with excerpts from a report about a murder in the 1990s. Two boys snag a toddler from a shopping center, torture, and kill him. Based on the case of Jamie Bolger, chapters are interspersed throughout George's book. This was a shocking crime (the version George creates is less appalling that the real killing), not only for the horror of the murder, but because of the British government's treatment of the killers, who were given new identities and released after the minimum sentence. (Google James Bolger and you'll see that one of his killers is back in the news again). It is this kind of detail, combined with George's interest in British social conditions and her knack for incorporating unusual aspects of English culture that make her books so satisfying.
It's also interesting to see Lynley making poor choices and behaving more like a mere mortal. The always-appealing Barbara Havers has a big role (Isabelle Ardery makes her buy a professional wardrobe and get her teeth fixed--Barbara in Top Shop is worth the price of the novel!)
"This Body of Death" is Elizabeth George at her best.
July 11, 2010
TWENTY-ONE DISCS AND ONLY THREE WEEKS TO LISTEN TO THEM OMG NORTH SUBURBAN LIBRARY SYSTEM I LOVE YOU BUT YOU'RE KILLING ME.
I had to hurry through this one to (maybe) get it back to the library on time, but it was so complex that I'm sort of glad that I read it in a rush.
Four and a half stars. Much, much better than the author's recent books What Came Before He Shot Her, Careless in Red, and I, Richard. Almost as good as her A Great Deliverance. Very dark, of course, and with terrific recurring characters. George is good at reintroducing those without spending lots of time on their backstories.
It takes a long time before the different subplots converge. About halfway through, I figured out one of the subplots, but I think I was supposed to. That didn't interfere with my enjoyment of the book, anyway--I wanted to find out how (or if) the characters would make the same discovery.
Part of this book is modeled on a crime that happened many years ago in Britain but that is still reported on regularly by the British press.
The audiobook reader, John Lee, does a fine job of sounding like upper-class men, working-class women, and even a nine-year-old Indian girl. I think he and Scott Brick are two of the best readers in the business.
I had to hurry through this one to (maybe) get it back to the library on time, but it was so complex that I'm sort of glad that I read it in a rush.
Four and a half stars. Much, much better than the author's recent books What Came Before He Shot Her, Careless in Red, and I, Richard. Almost as good as her A Great Deliverance. Very dark, of course, and with terrific recurring characters. George is good at reintroducing those without spending lots of time on their backstories.
It takes a long time before the different subplots converge. About halfway through, I figured out one of the subplots, but I think I was supposed to. That didn't interfere with my enjoyment of the book, anyway--I wanted to find out how (or if) the characters would make the same discovery.
Part of this book is modeled on a crime that happened many years ago in Britain but that is still reported on regularly by the British press.
The audiobook reader, John Lee, does a fine job of sounding like upper-class men, working-class women, and even a nine-year-old Indian girl. I think he and Scott Brick are two of the best readers in the business.
May 1, 2010
Disappointing. Lynley returns to the Met, but his new boss is a piece of work. He, however, seems to like her well enough. There is a sub-plot that we really don't know why it's there except that it is based on a horrfic incident of a few years back and was too good for Ms George to resist including. Wrong. It had it's place and I suppose that place was to be the zinger. I found it tiresome. There's some interesting stuff about wild ponies and the caretaking of them, Barbara Havers is in good form. Although Barbara must do a make-over coutesy of the new boss. But Lynley's consideration and attraction to this new boss remains a mystery. That and the numerous characters, the running around the characters do and the overwriting of parts of the story makes this book a disappointment.
March 22, 2024
De beste vriendin van Meredith, uit Hampshire, wordt vermist. Later wordt er op een Londens kerkhof een vermoord meisje gevonden, en het blijkt Jemima Hastings te zijn. Inspecteur Lynley, die nog steeds rouwt om zijn vrouw, wordt door hoofdinspecteur Isabelle Ardery, die op proef de job uitvoert, gevraagd om terug te komen bij de Met, om haar wegwijs te maken, en als haar ondergeschikte uiteraard.
Het duurt lang eer het verhaal echt op gang komt. We krijgen te maken met de personages uit Hampshire, die Jemima kende, en ook met haar kennissenkring uit London.
Dan is er (in een ander lettertype) ook nog het verhaal ingevoegd van 3 jongens van ongeveer 10 jaar die een peutertje ontvoerd en uiteindelijk vermoord hebben. Wat dit met de hele zaak te maken heeft, komen we pas op het einde van het boek te weten.
En dan het hoofdthema: wie heeft Jemima Hastings vermoord en waarom? Is het haar ex-vriend, diens nieuwe vriendin, of de nieuwe vriend van Jemima, waarmee ze blijkbaar toch niet zo'n stabiele relatie had, alhoewel zij zichzelf wijsmaakte dat hij de ware was? Of was het de schizofrene Japanse kunstenaar/muzikant, die engelen hoorde spreken in zijn hoofd, en die hem opdroegen om over Jemima te waken of te vechten?
Zowel Lynley, Ardery, Brigadier Barbara Havers, als Meredith, gaan op onderzoek uit.
En dan blijkt er nog iets anders vreemds aan de hand te zijn: iedereen die over een bepaalde persoon inlichtingen wil inwinnen, wordt onmiddellijk door Binnenlandse Zaken afgeblokt. Wie wordt er beschermd van hogerhand en waarom? Want dit hindert het moordonderzoek enorm...
Het is een lijvig boek, maar met zoveel twists en zoveel personages die min of meer uitgewerkt worden, kan het bijna niet anders.
In het begin is het wel even verwarrend, omdat er eigenlijk 3 'afdelingen' in het boek zijn: Hampshire, Londen, en het geval van de 3 kindermoordenaars. Dat was wel even doorbijten, maar eens er verband gelegd kan worden tussen dit alles, wordt het boek wel spannend!
Het duurt lang eer het verhaal echt op gang komt. We krijgen te maken met de personages uit Hampshire, die Jemima kende, en ook met haar kennissenkring uit London.
Dan is er (in een ander lettertype) ook nog het verhaal ingevoegd van 3 jongens van ongeveer 10 jaar die een peutertje ontvoerd en uiteindelijk vermoord hebben. Wat dit met de hele zaak te maken heeft, komen we pas op het einde van het boek te weten.
En dan het hoofdthema: wie heeft Jemima Hastings vermoord en waarom? Is het haar ex-vriend, diens nieuwe vriendin, of de nieuwe vriend van Jemima, waarmee ze blijkbaar toch niet zo'n stabiele relatie had, alhoewel zij zichzelf wijsmaakte dat hij de ware was? Of was het de schizofrene Japanse kunstenaar/muzikant, die engelen hoorde spreken in zijn hoofd, en die hem opdroegen om over Jemima te waken of te vechten?
Zowel Lynley, Ardery, Brigadier Barbara Havers, als Meredith, gaan op onderzoek uit.
En dan blijkt er nog iets anders vreemds aan de hand te zijn: iedereen die over een bepaalde persoon inlichtingen wil inwinnen, wordt onmiddellijk door Binnenlandse Zaken afgeblokt. Wie wordt er beschermd van hogerhand en waarom? Want dit hindert het moordonderzoek enorm...
Het is een lijvig boek, maar met zoveel twists en zoveel personages die min of meer uitgewerkt worden, kan het bijna niet anders.
In het begin is het wel even verwarrend, omdat er eigenlijk 3 'afdelingen' in het boek zijn: Hampshire, Londen, en het geval van de 3 kindermoordenaars. Dat was wel even doorbijten, maar eens er verband gelegd kan worden tussen dit alles, wordt het boek wel spannend!
June 13, 2010
This book and several other recent Inspector Lynley novels have not not been as engrossing or enjoyable for me as Elizabeth George's earlier books were. It seems as if, as time goes on, her characters become more and more bizarre, violent or just plain frustrating, and the stories more and more complicated... beyond possibility... stretching credulity. The author also, lately, seems bent on moralizing - every story includes wearying social commentary, woven through and around the central mystery. Add to that her penchant for minute, tiresome detail of every person (no matter that they only appear once in 500 pages), incident, locale, etc., etc., etc. It all does bog one down.
It is impressive that Ms. George puts together so many characters, situations, events, and places, all tying together in the end into a neat bundle of mysteries solved and explained, and moral of the story revealed. Over time, though, I find I am less sympathetic even to the protagonists - Inspector Lynley, Sgt. Havers, et al - and quite turned off by the increasingly repugnant "bad guys", as well as the inclusion of more and more gratuitous sex and sexual overtones throughout. I suppose this is meant to keep up with the same increasingly explicit and horrific themes that we're seeing in movies and on TV.
It makes me sad. And it makes me ever more inclined to search the library shelves for authors of past generations, many of whom seem to have relied much more upon honest (and realistic) examination of the human spirit and character... and where any moral to be gained from the story is usually neatly clothed in the characters and plot - not inscribed with a hot fire brand into a two-by-four and then pounded on the reader's head.
It is impressive that Ms. George puts together so many characters, situations, events, and places, all tying together in the end into a neat bundle of mysteries solved and explained, and moral of the story revealed. Over time, though, I find I am less sympathetic even to the protagonists - Inspector Lynley, Sgt. Havers, et al - and quite turned off by the increasingly repugnant "bad guys", as well as the inclusion of more and more gratuitous sex and sexual overtones throughout. I suppose this is meant to keep up with the same increasingly explicit and horrific themes that we're seeing in movies and on TV.
It makes me sad. And it makes me ever more inclined to search the library shelves for authors of past generations, many of whom seem to have relied much more upon honest (and realistic) examination of the human spirit and character... and where any moral to be gained from the story is usually neatly clothed in the characters and plot - not inscribed with a hot fire brand into a two-by-four and then pounded on the reader's head.
January 18, 2013
I have been hooked on the Inspector Lynley books since I picked up the first one. I enjoyed the characters and liked the personal stories inside the crime mysteries. Careless In Red and What Came Before He Shot Her have been disappointing and ruined a good chemistry with the characters. This Body of Death continued my disappointment. I found it very difficult to get through the case study of three young boys kidnapping and murdering a two year old. The newest character, Isabelle Ardery is totally unlikeable and I was appalled that Lynley slept with her. On top of drinking on the job she is selfish, deceiving, egocentric and nasty. I had hoped she would be let go at the end of the book but George is holding on to her. The only enjoyable part was, as always, Havers. Usually when I am to the part of a book where we find out who the killer was and why, I get excited, I really didn't care in this book. With the treasure discovery, homeland security, and a cop that is charged with protecting someone while abusing them I felt this book was so far fetched and using shock value to keep people reading.
Questions: Could Jossie read or not? How did he write on the postcards if he was unable to read? With all the detail of his crime as a child I thought much was lacking from his character as an adult. was there something wrong with his eyes? I don't know.
I have the next book and will continue reading but my hope is that Isabelle Ardery is found out, Lynley and Havers team up again and the plots become more spine tingling rather than stomach turning.
Questions: Could Jossie read or not? How did he write on the postcards if he was unable to read? With all the detail of his crime as a child I thought much was lacking from his character as an adult. was there something wrong with his eyes? I don't know.
I have the next book and will continue reading but my hope is that Isabelle Ardery is found out, Lynley and Havers team up again and the plots become more spine tingling rather than stomach turning.
September 27, 2011
Considering I've read 10,000+ pages of her writing, I'm somewhat ambivalent about her work. This book (the first one I've read in a few years) reminded me why. My reaction is really typical enough that this can count as a review of the whole Lynley series.
It starts out slow and for 100 pages or so it can be a bit of a chore reading it; the characters seldom seem promising at the start and it's too much of a procedural. Then at some point I realize I'm 500 pages in and eager to find out what happens to the characters; the solution to the crime is seldom inspiring but dramatically the wrap up is usually very satisfying.
I think George's strongest point is a fine eye for detail--each scene is crammed full of description and each character has a ton going on, but the writing is strong enough it flows almost effortlessly once you get into it.
OTOH I wish she could be a bit more subtle--her characters' flaws and challenges are really quite over the top (murders of children, murders by children, alcoholism, parents with dementia, fiance marries best friend, brother is a drug addict, insubordination actually means pulling a gun on your boss, and so on). The melodramatic setups sometimes outweigh the good points, though at least she's pulled back from the family strife among the British nobility that figured more in the first couple books.
But overall, these are good crime novels with quality writing, definitely a cut above.
It starts out slow and for 100 pages or so it can be a bit of a chore reading it; the characters seldom seem promising at the start and it's too much of a procedural. Then at some point I realize I'm 500 pages in and eager to find out what happens to the characters; the solution to the crime is seldom inspiring but dramatically the wrap up is usually very satisfying.
I think George's strongest point is a fine eye for detail--each scene is crammed full of description and each character has a ton going on, but the writing is strong enough it flows almost effortlessly once you get into it.
OTOH I wish she could be a bit more subtle--her characters' flaws and challenges are really quite over the top (murders of children, murders by children, alcoholism, parents with dementia, fiance marries best friend, brother is a drug addict, insubordination actually means pulling a gun on your boss, and so on). The melodramatic setups sometimes outweigh the good points, though at least she's pulled back from the family strife among the British nobility that figured more in the first couple books.
But overall, these are good crime novels with quality writing, definitely a cut above.
August 6, 2022
Around the World of Crime and Mystery
Cast - 3 stars - Lynley is struggling still (of course) but returns back to Scotland Yard and reports to the new Dept Chief, Isabelle Ardery, who is in over her head. She's dealing with a murder and DI John Stewart is a thorn in her side. I did not believe the progression of the relationship of Isabelle and Lynley. Havers buys a skirt and blouse! Three young boys are treated horribly and pass it own - a previous theme told in the author's "What Came Before He Shot Her." A landlady rents out rooms to single folks....and forbids sex.
Atmosphere - 4 stars: Thatching and equipment, Agisters who take care of free roaming livestock/animals, Mask Makers, more, all new to me. George is great for armchair traveling but goes overboard at times.
Crime - 2: Gratuitous violence against a toddler. Not for me. But an adult murderer lays an interesting path.
Investigation - 4: Two stories converge nicely.
Resolution - 4: George pulls it altogether smartly. But that relationship? No.
Summary - 3.4: Just too violent for me. Still, good atmosphere and resolution.
Cast - 3 stars - Lynley is struggling still (of course) but returns back to Scotland Yard and reports to the new Dept Chief, Isabelle Ardery, who is in over her head. She's dealing with a murder and DI John Stewart is a thorn in her side. I did not believe the progression of the relationship of Isabelle and Lynley. Havers buys a skirt and blouse! Three young boys are treated horribly and pass it own - a previous theme told in the author's "What Came Before He Shot Her." A landlady rents out rooms to single folks....and forbids sex.
Atmosphere - 4 stars: Thatching and equipment, Agisters who take care of free roaming livestock/animals, Mask Makers, more, all new to me. George is great for armchair traveling but goes overboard at times.
Crime - 2: Gratuitous violence against a toddler. Not for me. But an adult murderer lays an interesting path.
Investigation - 4: Two stories converge nicely.
Resolution - 4: George pulls it altogether smartly. But that relationship? No.
Summary - 3.4: Just too violent for me. Still, good atmosphere and resolution.
May 19, 2020
Deel 16. En weer een echte thriller met alle bijzonderheden die daar bij horen. Ik moest even uitvinden hoe de twee tijdlijnen in elkaar pakten, maar toen dat eenmaal gebeurd was, las het heerlijk weg. Over het verhaal zelf kan ik vanwege spoilers niet veel vertellen.
July 6, 2016
Elizabeth George's novels have grown in stature as she expanded her repertoire from English country house murders to full-fledged police procedurals. This tale is not in my opinion one of her best - With No-One As Witness is far better, both from a character and plot viewpoint.
Still the tale is readable and fans will want to know how Inspector Lynley eases his way back into the world of policing. Lynley is still grieving his wife Helen - sad as the circumstances are, she was a vapid flibbertigibbet and I could never see someone with his brains being fascinated by her for more than a dinner. He must have a thing for stupid women for in this book he takes up the offer of a fling with a police inspector hiding her alcoholism and making a mess of a murder case.
A young woman called Jemima has fled a relationship in the New Forest and gone to London, where she promptly runs through a few more men (did nobody tell her this is risky) and gets herself killed. A staggeringly unlikely number of men have followed her into the graveyard where she was killed, and a mentally ill Asian man is an obvious red herring but not in the least believable.
Meanwhile back in the New Forest a girlfriend of Jemima wonders where she has vanished to and asks her last boyfriend there, a thatcher, who has started a new relationship with a woman who is obviously a compulsive liar.
Barbara Havers and Winston Nkata are woefully underused, Havers mostly doing the opposite of what she is ordered (does she want to stay in her job?) and Nkata having the main function of commenting that there are no other brown faces in Hampshire.
We get a lot of maundering by a few tangential persons and a lot of social worker write-ups of an earlier case involving a stolen, murdered child, all too obviously relating to the Jon Venables matter which surfaced in the news as George was writing.
Overall the book needed editing to make it a tighter read and more concentration on characters we like instead of those we never come to care about during what feels like a lengthy tale.
Still the tale is readable and fans will want to know how Inspector Lynley eases his way back into the world of policing. Lynley is still grieving his wife Helen - sad as the circumstances are, she was a vapid flibbertigibbet and I could never see someone with his brains being fascinated by her for more than a dinner. He must have a thing for stupid women for in this book he takes up the offer of a fling with a police inspector hiding her alcoholism and making a mess of a murder case.
A young woman called Jemima has fled a relationship in the New Forest and gone to London, where she promptly runs through a few more men (did nobody tell her this is risky) and gets herself killed. A staggeringly unlikely number of men have followed her into the graveyard where she was killed, and a mentally ill Asian man is an obvious red herring but not in the least believable.
Meanwhile back in the New Forest a girlfriend of Jemima wonders where she has vanished to and asks her last boyfriend there, a thatcher, who has started a new relationship with a woman who is obviously a compulsive liar.
Barbara Havers and Winston Nkata are woefully underused, Havers mostly doing the opposite of what she is ordered (does she want to stay in her job?) and Nkata having the main function of commenting that there are no other brown faces in Hampshire.
We get a lot of maundering by a few tangential persons and a lot of social worker write-ups of an earlier case involving a stolen, murdered child, all too obviously relating to the Jon Venables matter which surfaced in the news as George was writing.
Overall the book needed editing to make it a tighter read and more concentration on characters we like instead of those we never come to care about during what feels like a lengthy tale.
August 27, 2011
I almost didn't read this book. George's last two books were so disappointing thst I didn't want to waste my time reading drivel. I actually thought "What Came Before.." was one of the worst books I've ever read until I had the misfortune trying to read Jean Auel's cut-and-paste "new book". Still a friend said to try this one as it was decent. So I rolled up my sleeves to read all 688 pages. It made me want a Kindle.
The most important thing is that Thomas Lynley is back. He rejoins his team, now under the supervision of Acting Superintendent, Isabelle Ardery. Ardery has demons that effect her bungling of the case. I found her quite annoying although the book jacket describes her vulnerability as hidden but "possibly attractive." I didn't find that but she is involved in some wonderful scenes with Barbara Havers. She orders Havers to dress better and Barbara attempting to do this is downright funny.
The plot is complex as George's books usually are and the ending is quite satisfactory. I can only hope she goes leaves social commentary behind and returns to writing the wonderful mysteries that I have enjoyed for years.
On a final note, as I read this, I realized how badly miscast the BBC Lynley series was. In the book, Lynley was blond and aristocratic and Barbara is heavy and frumpy. The actors playing them were neither. Still, as badly miscast as it was, it's
not as big an outrage as Tom Cruise playing Jack Reacher, a Lee Child character that is 6'4 and 240 pounds, a character that just screams Tom Cruise.
The most important thing is that Thomas Lynley is back. He rejoins his team, now under the supervision of Acting Superintendent, Isabelle Ardery. Ardery has demons that effect her bungling of the case. I found her quite annoying although the book jacket describes her vulnerability as hidden but "possibly attractive." I didn't find that but she is involved in some wonderful scenes with Barbara Havers. She orders Havers to dress better and Barbara attempting to do this is downright funny.
The plot is complex as George's books usually are and the ending is quite satisfactory. I can only hope she goes leaves social commentary behind and returns to writing the wonderful mysteries that I have enjoyed for years.
On a final note, as I read this, I realized how badly miscast the BBC Lynley series was. In the book, Lynley was blond and aristocratic and Barbara is heavy and frumpy. The actors playing them were neither. Still, as badly miscast as it was, it's
not as big an outrage as Tom Cruise playing Jack Reacher, a Lee Child character that is 6'4 and 240 pounds, a character that just screams Tom Cruise.
May 12, 2010
Excellent mystery novel. Wonderful plot that kept me interested, with lots of sub-plots and characters, enough to keep me wondering how it was all going to come together. I'm a big fan of Inspector Lynley, but I almost stopped reading the Lynley novels after his wife was tragically killed. How dare Elizabeth George do that to him!
This book brings back Lynley into police work, under a woman inspector, working with Barbara Havers and Winston Nkata to find the murderer of a young woman found in a London cemetery.
Interwoven with the novel is an account (real?) of three young boys under 12 who kidnapped and killed a toddler.
The ending was a "seat-gripper," as I read late into the night. If you like British mysteries with good characterization and lots of plot to sink your teeth into, this one's for you.
Much of the book takes place in the New Forest, which I remember reading about in The Forest by Edward Rutherford. I love reading about interesting places. The book prompted me to learn more about it, and I found some gorgeous photos online.
September 17, 2010
Ah, what happened to you, Elizabeth George?!?!? Her series lost me a few books back for several reasons:
ridiculous relationship between Lynley and Helen. OMG, could she have been more high maintenance?
Helen's death and Lynley's subsequent fall into the abyss of grief. Wondering on his walking tour in the sleet and rain.... come on!
Now he's back and gets physically involved with a crazy type A alcoholic "acting" chief superintendent?!?! Really????
There's no reason nor excuse for some of these odd character side stories. And can Barbara Havers just give up on her struggle to make everyone accept her food stained t-shirts and army boots? Oh, and the mismatched socks!
LOVE her plot lines, but her primary characters' issues are ridiculous and pull us away from these stories.
ridiculous relationship between Lynley and Helen. OMG, could she have been more high maintenance?
Helen's death and Lynley's subsequent fall into the abyss of grief. Wondering on his walking tour in the sleet and rain.... come on!
Now he's back and gets physically involved with a crazy type A alcoholic "acting" chief superintendent?!?! Really????
There's no reason nor excuse for some of these odd character side stories. And can Barbara Havers just give up on her struggle to make everyone accept her food stained t-shirts and army boots? Oh, and the mismatched socks!
LOVE her plot lines, but her primary characters' issues are ridiculous and pull us away from these stories.
March 30, 2023
I hadn't read the Inspector Lynley series for a long time- and it felt like a homecoming! It didn't disappoint, and I look forward to continuing !
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