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florapants84's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
franzeerdbeerbacke's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
emu36's review
5.0
Many people seem to be disgruntled about what happened to Helen Lynley at the end of this book in the Lynley series. I was also upset by the death of Helen because she was probably my favorite character in the books aside from Barbara Havers. However after my initial shock and dismay I sat back and thought about what the books would have been had Helen lived. And I came to the conclusion that George made the right move. Thinking about it now, I couldn't imagine Lynley actually being a father figure. Plus the ideal pairing off of people with the St. James/Deborah and Lynley/Helen situation was just too good to be true. Plus the only real character conflict for the past few books seemed to always and endlessly be Deborah complaining about not having children which was starting to bother me. Now Lynley will ultimately be a more interesting character to read about in the coming books and not so run of the mill which is where he would have been headed had Helen stayed alive.
misfitmoxie's review
3.0
I found this volume in the series to be an odd one. There was so much going on all over the place, and while complexity can be interesting it can also be overwhelming. As always, I was driven by the reoccurring characters and their interactions and lives, but the killings themselves were so intense, or rather the stress of them on the characters was so intense that the story was frustrating at times. I'm glad I read it, but there was nothing "nice" about it.
Also, I usually come away from George's books learning something. This time I come away with a feeling of loss and a general dissatisfaction with where society has gotten to... and a sense of the bleakness and futility of everything. Not a "lesson" I really needed.
However, the meaning and devotion of friendship, the grace of family, were really well expressed through those wonderful characters George has created (of whom I can't get enough, it seems).
Also, I usually come away from George's books learning something. This time I come away with a feeling of loss and a general dissatisfaction with where society has gotten to... and a sense of the bleakness and futility of everything. Not a "lesson" I really needed.
However, the meaning and devotion of friendship, the grace of family, were really well expressed through those wonderful characters George has created (of whom I can't get enough, it seems).
mehitabels's review
2.0
"Life had strings but no guarantees."
As much as I love the first fistful of these books, after I read this one I sobbed and sobbed and turned away forever.
ok I exaggerate, but I can't imagine ever buying another Elizabeth George book.
I'm just too heartbroken.
As much as I love the first fistful of these books, after I read this one I sobbed and sobbed and turned away forever.
ok I exaggerate, but I can't imagine ever buying another Elizabeth George book.
I'm just too heartbroken.
lckrgr's review
3.0
I picked this book up from the free table at work. I was surprised I liked it as much as I did. The one thing that bugged me is that it was from the middle of a series, and man now the first 12 books are massively spoiled for me. How am I supposed to appreciate some of these characters knowing the terrible things that happen to them in this book?
Also, I am super confused by the fact Elizabeth George is an American living in the US. How on earth did she decide to start writing about Scotland Yard? It just seemed incongruous given the level of detail she provided, she must be damn good at her research.
Also, I am super confused by the fact Elizabeth George is an American living in the US. How on earth did she decide to start writing about Scotland Yard? It just seemed incongruous given the level of detail she provided, she must be damn good at her research.
amn028's review
3.0
Decent enough book although I felt it was way too long. My attention drifted at points where the book become less about the mystery and more about the characters personal struggles.
wendyh65's review against another edition
4.0
There is a serial killer on the loose in London, preying on boys. Lynley and his team - including the recently-demoted DC Havers and promoted DS Nkata - are racing to solve the case before another body is found. Along the way Lynley must learn how to work with his superior, Hillier, who seems to do his best to make their lives difficult.
At home, Lynley and his wife are expecting a son, and preparing for his arrival. Family politics send Helen off on a mission to thwart the plans of both their families, and start a new family tradition. By the end of the book, life has changed forever for Thomas Lynley.
Another excellent book by Elizabeth George, and I enjoyed reading it - though dreaded reaching the end because I've read a later book and knew what Lynley's major life event was. Not that that stopped it being a great read.
At home, Lynley and his wife are expecting a son, and preparing for his arrival. Family politics send Helen off on a mission to thwart the plans of both their families, and start a new family tradition. By the end of the book, life has changed forever for Thomas Lynley.
Another excellent book by Elizabeth George, and I enjoyed reading it - though dreaded reaching the end because I've read a later book and knew what Lynley's major life event was. Not that that stopped it being a great read.