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malagajames's review against another edition
5.0
I had a hard time putting this book down. The plot was complicated, but gripping to the end. Her stories are never predictable.
anoukjansen's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
floribunda52's review against another edition
4.0
One of Elizabeth George's best in quite a while... I wasn't entirely pleased with the denouement, but still a satisfying read! (no spoilers!)
theknitgeek's review against another edition
4.0
Still can't stop listening to these books. Still reading them out of order. Still cool with that.
juliwi's review against another edition
4.0
I discovered my passion for crime and detective fiction at a suspiciously young ago but picking up a crime novel that was way too gory and intense for a 9-year old. Elizabeth George was the one who wrote that book and I've been in love with her Inspector Lynley-series ever since despite not reading it frequently. So I was extremely excited to see another one of her books pop into my life. Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As I said, I was a fan of Elizabeth George before I started reading A Banquet of Consequences. I didn't have to be convinced that she was a good author, but she did have to show me that after all this time there is still spirit left in Inspector Lynley and co.Whenever these kinds of series drag on too long it becomes obvious, with too much happening for the little time that's passing, with main characters that really are so emotionally scarred they shouldn't be able to function normally. I always liked the way George treated her main characters, both the care and the recklessness with which she painted them and their exploits. I was wondering whether I'd fall into liking them as easily again as I did the first time, but it only took me a few chapters to connect this book to the last one I read in the series and love them all again.
Elizabeth George is a master of crime fiction. She knows exactly what to do and how to manipulate her readers into the position where she wants them. Her new characters are fascinating and horrible, whereas returning to the series-staples was amazing. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a good crime novel to curl up with this winter!
For full review: http://universeinwords.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/review-banquet-of-consequences-by.html
As I said, I was a fan of Elizabeth George before I started reading A Banquet of Consequences. I didn't have to be convinced that she was a good author, but she did have to show me that after all this time there is still spirit left in Inspector Lynley and co.Whenever these kinds of series drag on too long it becomes obvious, with too much happening for the little time that's passing, with main characters that really are so emotionally scarred they shouldn't be able to function normally. I always liked the way George treated her main characters, both the care and the recklessness with which she painted them and their exploits. I was wondering whether I'd fall into liking them as easily again as I did the first time, but it only took me a few chapters to connect this book to the last one I read in the series and love them all again.
Elizabeth George is a master of crime fiction. She knows exactly what to do and how to manipulate her readers into the position where she wants them. Her new characters are fascinating and horrible, whereas returning to the series-staples was amazing. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a good crime novel to curl up with this winter!
For full review: http://universeinwords.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/review-banquet-of-consequences-by.html
dylanjk's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Nice return to form compared to the lackluster previous few entries in the series.
lazygal's review against another edition
4.0
Inspector Lynley has seemed a little lost since Helen's death, and the author has been trying different things to move him (and the series) forward. This is the first one where I've thought she might succeed, but she desperately needs an editor to trip at least 100-200 pages. The earlier books were less fraught with emotional and inessential sidestory and much tighter as a result. Also, more Simon and Deborah, please.
As far as the mystery goes, there was a moment about 60% through where I thought I'd solved it but luckily it was the same mistake that Alistair makes. Very satisfying to have such good misdirection! But the ending felt very forced (I'm not sure I believed in India's decision, and if Havers is heading in the direction I think she is... just no. Please not!). At least Isabelle is giving Havers more "rope" so the next book will, I hope, see her and Lynley together again and working as they used to.
ARC provided by publisher.
As far as the mystery goes, there was a moment about 60% through where I thought I'd solved it but luckily it was the same mistake that Alistair makes. Very satisfying to have such good misdirection! But the ending felt very forced (I'm not sure I believed in India's decision, and if Havers is heading in the direction I think she is... just no. Please not!). At least Isabelle is giving Havers more "rope" so the next book will, I hope, see her and Lynley together again and working as they used to.
ARC provided by publisher.
sheilabookworm3369's review against another edition
4.0
Elizabeth George has long been a master in mystery, and the mystery here is an excellent one, with a nice twist. One peeve, and it's a small one - Ms. George doesn't mind using similar names. We've got a Carol and Caroline, a Lynley, Lynn, and Lilie (sorry if I've misspelled - I did the audio version), so if you let your mind wander in the beginning, it's easy to get confused about which character is which. Won't stop me wanting to hear this one again, though.
bgg616's review against another edition
3.0
Elizabeth George likes to write very long books. This 21 hour audiobook, though, was too long. While the ending wasn't predictable, some thing were. Havers in hot water with her boss, Tommy Lynley being attractive and trying to ignore that he's a lord. You will continue to read though to see who continues to be single or not, if Havers gets a makeover or not, and how they catch the killer.