Elizabeth George is justifiably famous for her on-going series of Inspector Lynley mysteries. George is actually an American who often out-Brits the Brits with her authenticity of setting and language. If you have never read an Inspector Lynley mystery, absolutely do not begin with this book, or you may never read another novel by her. George is an excellent writer and in the past her books, always best-sellers, have lived up to their reputations. This particular book falls far short of her usual suspenseful plots and cast of characters. Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley is hardly his recognizable self here. Yes, he has lost his adored Helen, but his melodramatic self-pity is not up to his former stiff-upper-lip self. The idea that he would be involved with an affair with a woman who is his superior on the force appears contrived, especially as she is a dyspeptic alcoholic. One might well ask why? One of my favorite characters, DS Barbara Havers is relegated to the sidelines in London, making brief appearances in another sub-plot touching on her personal life.
This time the action takes place in the Lake District. Lynley is sent north to look into the death of a member of the dysfunctional Fairclough family. Accompanying him are his friends Simon St. James and his wife Deborah. These two in past books seemed intelligent and thoughtful. What a disaster here. Deborah is responsible for the loss of a life through her foolish meddling, and Simon is a cardboard character.
The book has too many characters with problems, and jumps from one plot to another leaving the reader confused and wondering how so many people with problems and kinks could come together in one story. In the end, it all seems contrived. This might be a passable book for a less gifted writer, but fans should expect more from Ms. George. One the plus side, her description of the seaside and landscape in Cumbria and Morecambe Bay is evocative.
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