Careless in Red: A Novel
by Elizabeth George
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Book Reviews of Careless in Red: A Novel
Book Review: Wonderful title, wonderful story
Summary: 4 Stars
To say I'm an Elizabeth George fan is an understatement. I am a huge fan of her Lynley and Havers novels, and I enjoyed the last two books before this one, unlike quite a few of the reviewers. The reason I enjoyed them is because Ms. George is an extraordinary author, and I love the way she explores her characters, both the returning and non-returning ones. I did not know what to expect with this book after the shock of "With No One As Witness". I knew that we would be seeing a post-Helen Inspector Lynley. Ms. George has portrayed grief and love in a very thorough and beautiful way in this book. That is what makes this book so special! She also opens up teenage angst, marital and family issues and revenge and betrayal. All very ambitious, but this book is 600 or so pages. And she does a marvellous job of all of these things. The thing that was lacking was mystery and the successful conclusion of what mystery there was. I missed this greatly, since I also love how Ms. George builds a plot with tension and plot twists. Certainly what we saw in "With No One As a Witness". But if you like to read a marvelous writer, than certainly read this. Ms. George is at the top of her game.Book Review: Thank goddess for Havers
Summary: 4 Stars
I love Lynley. I love Havers, and all the New Scotland Yard personnel they entail. Never thought I cared about Helen, until she was killed. ("Without any witness" and "What came before he shot her" are mandatory reading. These are tour de force novels, regardless of the series. The former is the only mystery that has ever made me cry.) "Careless in red" was the hoped-for continuation of the Lynley-Havers series.
"Careless in red" is a very good read, but I hope it is merely a transition to new work. The story is interesting and certainly in the George tradition. Lynley is sort-of back, a little too interested in the new attractive woman to be believed. Havers is her wonderful self. The character of the new police chief in the small town Lynley stumbles upon is also terrific. (I could envision a new series featuring her and Havers.)
Whatever direction Ms. George decides to take with Lynley and Havers, I'm there -- as long as they don't realize they are "meant for each other." The characters are the ultimate pairing, and their new relationship provides many new directions. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Book Review: Not worth the wait!
Summary: 2 Stars
I have long felt that Elizabeth George's writting skills far exceeded her progenitor, P.D. James. Hence, I have read all of her Havers/Lynley novels and waited a protracted amount of time for this new book. It was definitely NOT worth the wait; I was extremely disappointed! While Ms. George's writing skills remain superlative, the story bordered on boring. The descriptions of the Cornish countryside were the only interesting parts of the book. I wish there would be a tour of all the charming out-of-the-way places that I have visited only in Ms. George's books. Nevertheless, most of the characters were not very likable; one almost felt that the murder victim deserved to die. Further, this was the first time that I easily predicted who the murderer was. Even Inspector Lynley came off as a rather spineless male, easily duped, following his genitals. Finally, but not of least importance, after this inordinate amount of time since her last novel, "What Came Before He Shot Her", I would very much like to have known more about Barbara's personal life....her relationship with her Pakistani neighbor, her travailles with her mother, her professional status, etc.Book Review: Not Quite at Her Best
Summary: 3 Stars
Despite the shock and disappointment many George fans endured throughout No One as Witness and What Came Before He Shot Her, both of those books were better than Careless in Red. While George certainly continues to craft her skill at character development and aptly describes presence, personality and English landscapes, in this book she has picked up a terrible habit most notable in Kellerman novels - everything is described with a taint and ugliness that is almost offensive. In this book we get a very good glimpse of Lynley's grieving as he is forced back into the criminal mire. Havers, sadly, is left behind and the reader is still left unresolved on all levels with her own personal struggle in her relationships with Lynley and the fallen Helen. There is so much dysfunction in all the families in this story that one wonders how they ever managed to survive at all. Is the book worthy of reading? Certainly. Is it her best? Certainly not. The George promise of opening up new avenues in the series by the murder of Helen is not played out in this novel and readers may have to wait another year to find any kind of relief. Sorry, Havers, we do miss you.Book Review: A twisting return, but I'll take it
Summary: 4 Stars
Yes, it seems that Thomas Lynley will detect again, hurray! I was so shocked and stunned when Elizabeth George "killed" Helen. It just didn't make sense to me, and still really doesn't, as I think she was a wonderful counterpart to Thomas and a full member of the team. I didn't know how on earth she would bring the books back.
Thank goodness, she has found a way, and it's good. This story has many, many side plots that have to be untangled and while I did not enjoy this as much as past books, I can see that it had to be this way. There is the main murder, plus: an old murder that involves a family's shame, another young man's dilemma with his dad, a young girl's struggle with her potential calling, and a woman's secret past with a current cause for mental anguish. Not to mention, there is poor Thomas, in his hell on earth. It's a lot to get through, and at least two readings are best to make sure you don't miss a detail.
Don't get me wrong--I will gladly take this book, with it's tangles to pull, as long as there are many more mysteries to come with Thomas, Barbara, and all the other characters I have grown to love!