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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
Well this was a first, the fourth in a series that takes place before the other books. A bit disconcerting initially, but ultimately I appreciated it. Obviously this series is as concerned with characterization as it is with the mystery, and it did add a new dimension. And the mystery took some interesting twists. On with book 5....
I liked this so much more than I thought I would. I was worried about the absence of Havers but found the main mystery so interesting that I couldn't put it down. The secondary stories involving the personal lives of the main characters get a bit tedious at times but I find myself liking the characters enough that I can overlook it. Going to take a break to read some other stuff on my to read list but will pick up the series again in a bit.
I really liked that this book gave us some background on the characters. There is always so much tension in the relationships between Inspector Lynley and his cohorts, and this book explained a lot of the mystery behind their tangled lives. I love Barbara Havers, so I was a little disappointed that she wasn't really part of this book, but it was before her time.
I like George, but this was not her best—-too many issues, subplots, coincidences, and a romance that was too drawn out. I want more Lady Helen!!
Yes, this book is missing Barbara Havers except for a few brief cameos, but it's still a good read and gives a lot of history about the "current" state of the characters. For one thing, I'm ashamed to admit that I am pleased that Helen is not completely perfect. I think Ms. George can spin a great yarn, and I'm really there with the characters in her books. I'm there feeling uncomfortable with the English families when appropriate, I'm there enjoying the beautiful settings, and I'm there feeling all the suspense. They are long for mystery novels, and not really cozy, but good all the same. If you're reading all of her books, go ahead and be sure to read this one since it provides some excellent background. If you're just reading a few select books of this author's, then I suggest skipping this one since (as a lot of reviewers have pointed out), the enigmatic Barbara Havers is missing from the pages. Also, the mystery isn't quite as good as some of the others in the series; it seemed more contrived and not as believable.
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Started off a bit slow but in the end I loved learning about the pasts of our MCs. The murder mystery was a welcome addition, but the main focus of this story is learning how Simon, Deb and Lynley got to the point where they are in the present day. It also explained a lot of what happened in the first book at Deb and Simon's wedding.
Characters 8
Atmosphere 8
Writing Style 8
Premise 7
Execution/Plot 7
Execution/Pace 7
Execution/Setup 7
Enjoyment/Engrossment 7
Characters 8
Atmosphere 8
Writing Style 8
Premise 7
Execution/Plot 7
Execution/Pace 7
Execution/Setup 7
Enjoyment/Engrossment 7
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Out of sync with the rest of the series.
Oooooohhhhhh! So that's how Deborah and St. James ended up together. I knew the gist, now I know the sordid details. Linley is truly an English Lord with a Lord's family. Keep that upper lip stiff and civil, by all means.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Elizabeth George finally allows us to see Inspector Lynley at his ancestral home in "A Suitable Vengeance." But while we do learn more in this book about Lynley's family history, the story really centers on the inspector's best friend, Simon St. James. That was fine with me, as Simon is an even more compelling to me than Lynley himself. This book also breaks the narrative timeline, going back to explore Lynley's life before he was partnered with Barbra Havers. (I'd have to say that I didn't really miss Havers here; if Simon is my favorite character, she's my least favorite.) I was glad to get the backstory that explains some of the action in Book One. I just hope we haven't heard the last of Simon St. James.