NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERDetective Sergeant Barbara Havers and Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley are forced to confront the past as they try to solve a crime that threatens to tear apart the very fabric of a quiet, historic medieval town in EnglandThe cozy, bucolic town of Ludlow is stunned when one of its most revered and respected citizens–Ian Druitt, the local deacon–is accused of a serious … deacon–is accused of a serious crime. Then, while in police custody, Ian is found dead. Did he kill himself? Or was he murdered?
When Barbara Havers is sent to Ludlow to investigate the chain of events that led to Ian’s death, all the evidence points to suicide. But Barbara can’t shake the feeling that she’s missing something. She decides to take a closer look at the seemingly ordinary inhabitants of Ludlow–mainly elderly retirees and college students–and discovers that almost everyone in town has something to hide.
A masterful work of suspense, The Punishment She Deserves sets Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers and Inspector Thomas Lynley against one of their most intricate cases. Fans of the longtime series will love the many characters from Elizabeth George’s previous novels who join Lynley and Havers, and readers new to the series will quickly see why she is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed writers of our time. Both a page-turner and a deeply complex story about the lies we tell, the lies we believe, and the redemption we need, this novel will be remembered as one of George’s best.
more
I have always loved the Lynley/Havers novels. This one was particularly engaging.
700 pages is too long for a who-dunit but George is a fabulous writer.
I love the whole series! Barbara Havers plays a big role in this one which is always a treat– she is mellowing, but not too much!
I love Elizabeth George’s books. She develops her characters back lives while still delivering a good detective story. I don’t think this is one of her best, but it is still exdellent.
very bad lanquage. if you are bothered by such filthy language do not buy or read. i love elizabeth george and have read all her other books. but not this one.
I am s hig fan. A little long and the twists and turns were at times a bit confusing. Hopefully Lyndley is back for a few books!
This entire series is excellent!
Another truly great story by this author. Her characters are well-defined, entertaining and flawed just enough to believe that are real.
I like Elizabeth George’s books, never boring plots or characters.
Love the continuing characters, especially Barbara Havers, who never gives up!
This is a brilliant book by an obviously brilliant author. He plots are so very intricate and the local flavor is so well-researched as is the language of the region. No one comes close to her in complex and fascinating plots! I hate it when her books end. My favorite author.
Enjoyed the numerous twists and turns. The authentic aspects of the background settings lent interest and credibility to the storyline. The characters were realistic, their actions believable, and well defined.
Elizabeth George is one of my favorite mystery writers though I almost hate to use the word mystery because that seems to limit her talent. Her characters are so finely drawn, her plots complex but so well thought out, and her writing masterful.
Elizabeth George is one of my favorite authors. But I still have not forgiven her for killing off Lady Helen!
Ms. George brings back some of her previous characters which makes the book more interesting. Recommend highly particularly for fans of the British detective genre.
I usually prefer British police procedurals on the screen because they tend to be too slow on the page. Not this one, it held my interest consistently until the last page. No one does the British police mystery better than Elizabeth Gouge.
Barbara Havers is the star of the story. Lynsey doesn’t come in until half way through. The story was interesting. I do miss St. James and Deborah.
This mystery is up to Elizabeth George’s high standards The descriptions are vivid, the characters are fascinating, and the plot works. George’s writing is exceptional.
I suggest reading from the beginning of the series to learn who the characters have been and how they’ve grown.
Elizabeth George does it again!
Complex subplots but they did rather seamlessly come together and I found the continuation of Lynley’s, Havers, and Isabelle’s characters continued with an uninterrupted sense from previous stories in the series.