“Elizabeth George reigns as queen of the mystery genre. The Lynley books constitute the smartest, most gratifyingly complex and impassioned mystery series now being published.” —Entertainment WeeklyOne of the most acclaimed entries in Elizabeth George’s New York Times bestselling Inspector Lynley series—a masterfully structured, multilayered jigsaw puzzle of a mystery rich with intrigue and … multilayered jigsaw puzzle of a mystery rich with intrigue and atmosphere
On compassionate leave after the murder of his wife, Thomas Lynley is called back to Scotland Yard when the body of a woman is found stabbed and abandoned in an isolated London cemetery. His former team welcomes his return; they don’t trust their new department chief, Isabelle Ardery, whose off-putting manner leaves them on edge. Lynley may be the sole person who can see beneath his superior officer’s hard-as-nails exterior to a hidden—and compelling—vulnerability.
While Lynley works in London, his former colleagues Barbara Havers and Winston Nkata follow the murder trail south to the New Forest—a beautiful and strange place where animals roam free, the long-lost art of thatching is very much alive, and outsiders are suspect. What they don’t know is that more than one dark secret lurks within the secluded woodlands, and that their investigation will lead them to an outcome that is both tragic and shocking.
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Elizabeth George has huge talent making characters come alive and begin lodging in your heart. The struggles of growing up, fitting in, and surviving show compassionate development. I have lived my way through each of her books, and believe this one to be the “there but for the grace of God go I” tale that will color the most how one looks at …
I haven’t read any book by her that has truly disappointed me. Her characters have become a part of my landscape and my I love them. I look forward to each new chapter.
This is another book which keeps you interested all the way, as do all Elizabeth George books. Not a light put-it-down book, a good interesting mystery.
Elizabeth George is one of my favorite writers. Highly recommend her inspector lynley series.
Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley books are all good reading. I recommend reading them in the order written. It’s not just about the mystery, it’s also about the characters who appear in each book. I feel like they are my friends.
I am always looking for another Elizabeth George book. She weaves intricate plots, with complicated characters, and well, there is Thomas.
It is an Elizabeth George novel. Turn off your phone, make a pot of tea, and be prepared to settle in for wonderful read.
Elizabeth George books too long. They wear me out.
I LOVE these books. Haven’t been disappointed yet!
DI Langley and Barbara Havers make a perceptive and dedicated team of detectives. Really weird/horrible basis for the plot.
Great Author
E. George uses language well and her characters are well developed. If you like English crime stories she’s a wonderful place to start.
lizabeth has always written very entertaining stories worth more than 4 stars ,though this one was a bit different
Elizabeth George can always be counted on to offer a complex mystery and fully developed characters. BRAVA.
E. George builds a complex story with well developed characters blending multiple threads that come together seamlessly and surprisingly. Always delightful to read. I couldn’t put this one down.
Another of my favorite writers. Follow this series. Wonderful characters in every book.
Interesting and entertaining. Good plot twist. I enjoyed it and felt compelled to keep reading.
Elizabeth George is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The Thomas Lynley series are riveting! The depth of characters she brings along for the ride is amazing; getting to know them has been one of my most favorite literary adventures!
All of this author’s books are superb. A must to read in order.
L