Careless in Red: A Novel
by Elizabeth George
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Book Reviews of Careless in Red: A Novel
Book Review: Past Mistakes
Summary: 5 Stars
Following the shocking murder of his wife, Thomas Lynley resigned from Scotland Yard and returned to his native Cornwall, where he began a walking tour from one end to the other--not bathing or shaving and living in only the clothes he wore. In this state, he attempted to insulate himself from the tragedy and escape. But along the way, he finds a body at the foot of a cliff, and, as a result he is forced to awaken to his police background and relationships with people.
Thus begins this detailed story of various family histories, past and present mistakes between and among the family members and the possible reason for the death of the person Tommy finds, which is soon judged to be a murder. The investigation soon uses Tommy in a semi-official capacity, and later his old Met partner, Barbara Havers, is sent to Cornwall by her superiors in an effort either to protect him or entice him to return to the fold.
In this rather long novel, the author's eye for detail is exhibited to a faretheewell. The reader is engulfed in all kinds of minutiae, about geography, history, personal backgrounds and other aspects of the story. But however buried the reader may be, one is not overwhelmed, nor hardly bored. The novel is so well written, the 650 pages turn quickly, as the reader is drawn forward to find out the next revelation. Very highly recommended.
Book Review: 1st Half: Who's the author? 2nd Half: She's back! (both Havers and EG)
Summary: 4 Stars
I have read all the Lynley-Havers books and (with one exception) have been a huge fan of the stories and the writing style. I have enjoyed Barbara, but Lynley was the star - until now. Careless in Red may have been Lynley's book but Barbara was the best part: the interaction between Lynley and Havers, Havers and Bea, Havers and the locals. Alas, Barbara doesn't arrive until the last half. Before then the story was just okay.
What was wrong? A lot. Most of the local characters did not hold my interest. The concept of Lynley grieving and wandering alone was a good idea, but it didn't work in execution. I did not believe a smelly/haven't-bathed-in-weeks Lynley. I missed the fragments of humor; they were absent until Barbara arrived. The identity of the killer was obvious very early, which would have been okay if it had been used as part of the plot (e.g. a cat and mouse game between the police and the killer), but it wasn't. We knew (or guessed) and that was it.
I gave it 4 stars, but it should really be 3 1/2. If this had been my first exposure to Lynley and Havers I don't know if there would be a second. That said, I am looking forward to EG redeeming herself with the next installment of Lynley and Havers. It's time to bring back Deborah and Simon. I miss them. Also, shouldn't we get an update about Barbara and her neighbors (father and daughter)?
Book Review: A Bitter Disappointment
Summary: 2 Stars
A friend of mine recommended Elizabeth George to me a few years ago. After reading the first, I obsessively plowed through all the books she'd written to date. Any new books were snapped up within days of their release. What I liked were the gut-wrenching revelations and plot turns, the suspense, the well crafted red herrings that had me guessing until the end.
Unfortunately, I got none of that in this book. I was so looking forward to this book. Yet, I knew who the killer was by the middle of the book... and I'm typically not very good at that sort of thing. There was little to no suspense. The one scene where there might actually be some danger and excitement ended flat. It really boils down to the fact that there was no excitement in this book. Perhaps George intentionally wrote it this way to reflect Lynley's emergence from grief over Helen's death, but I somehow don't think so. I think it was probably just poorly written.
Most of the more critical reviews have been on the mark. There were too many superfluous characters, too many difficult names to keep straight, too heavy a reliance on the theme of fathers not letting their children live their own lives, too many vulgar euphamisms for sex, too many side stories. It was just an unenjoyable read. I give it two stars because I did learn some interesting things about Cornwall.
Book Review: Not Up to her Usual Best
Summary: 3 Stars
Elizabeth George is one of the best British Mystery writers today - even though she is American. Her books are deeper psychological portraits, and have the recurring characters of Thomas Lynley and Barbara Havers, among others. In her last book, the author got herself in a bit of a jam; having killed off Lynley's wife, and having Lynley resign from New Scotland Yard, she somehow needed to write him back into this book. Unfortunately, she had limited success. To be honest, I got tired of reading about Lynley feeling sorry for himself.
The book unfurls in a small community in Cornwall, and deals with the death of a local boy, a surfer and reluctant rock climber. Lynley literally stumbles across the body while walking along the coast in a bout of self pity. While never officially engaged in the investigation, he helps out the local investigator, and soon Havers enters the picture as well. There is never anything black and white in Elizabeth George's books, which is part of their attraction, and the murder is both solved and unsolved.
Lots of information about surfing in the UK - I had no idea they did surf in the UK. Fine writing, but I hope the next book puts Lynley back where he belongs, in London, back on the job, and no longer wallowing in self pity. Few writers hit the mark with every book; George just missed it with this one.
Book Review: Surprised at the negative reviews
Summary: 5 Stars
After finishing Elizabeth George's latest, I checked the reviews to see if other readers enjoyed it as much as I did. I admit that I am surprised at the number of negative reviews. I think this book is one of her best. I was curious to see how George would handle the aftermath of the senseless and shocking death of Lynley's beloved Helen. In the surfing world of Cornwall (who knew?), George deftly explores the nature of grief and loss and the secrets that can destroy an individual or family.
The vibrant prose is vintage George. Her descriptions are incredibly detailed, painting a clear picture of a world few probably even knew existed. The murder and subsequent investigation are simply a means to introduce wonderfully drawn characters, most of whom are as appealing as they are flawed. Her description of Lynley's grief is believable and touching. The complicated nature of the relationship between Lynley and Havers is addressed as well. The plot moves forward at a typical pace for George's novels -- steadily, with each scene adding just enough intrigue to keep the reader turning the pages. Although the big questions are answered at the end, there is enough ambiguity to leave the reader wanting more. And I, for one, can't wait for the next installment.
Highly recommended.