Careless in Red: A Novel
by Elizabeth George
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Book Reviews of Careless in Red: A Novel
Book Review: Elizabeth George is tired of her old characters but keeps churning on
Summary: 2 Stars
I used to be a big fan of Elizabeth George's, but I'm disappointed in her latest effort. Though I didn't mind that she killed off Helen (her weakest character, a very irritating and shallow creation, I, for one, was not too grieved by her departure), I have the distinct impression that she is more than tired of her old standard characters (Lynley, Havers, and the rest). That's the explanation, IMO, for her 'What Came before ...' in which she escaped from the usual storylines and characters. Since it wasn't well received, I'm guessing she 'had' to go back to the old formula, but it just isn't working for me anymore. I could tell who'd done it quite early on, I missed Havers and did not care for or believe in any of the people described. Dairdre was very shallow, unconvincing and hastily sketched, I couldn't believe Lynley would be interested in her (though his interest in Helen was also puzzling ... Hm ... I can see a pattern there). Maybe Ms George should really break free of this series, explore completely new pastures and then, perhaps come back to it refreshed creatively ? If not, I fear it's irredeemably on its way down.Book Review: Disappointed
Summary: 1 Stars
Having been very disappointed in the CD "Inspector Lynley#4", I was looking forward to a story comparable to the previous series. It was a struggle to get through the overly-long book: too many irrelevant details and characters introduced, obscure references to minor characters and events, etc. The more I read, the less I wanted to finish the book, but I did, just to satisfy myself that I was thinkig accurately. There was absolutely no reason to include so much detailed sex and leave out any "good" people (surely there were some normal people in those locations). To me, the story was an exploratiion of sick people doing sick things. I wish I had not read it! If Ms. George thinks that this sort of "smut" sells, I sincerely hope she will change her mind if she writes another Lynley book. Would anyone like to buy my "Inspector Lynley, Series 5" ...cheap!!! Talk about disappointing!!! Introducing a "new" Helen was the last straw! I wish Ms. George had ended the series with the death of Helen, allowing Lynley to retreat to Cornwall in peace.
Book Review: Continuation of a great series
Summary: 4 Stars
This phase of the series follows the death of Helen and Lynley has left Scotland Yard and is walking aimlessly along the English coast. A section of coast that is known for surfing. That was an interesting aspect of this book. When Tommy reaches the area of Casvelyn, he finds a body on the cliffs by the shore. He runs up to a cottage hoping someone is there and breaks the window to get in. He finally finds Daidre who helps him find a phone to call the authorities. Since he was the first to find the body, he is ordered to stick around town to answer questions. And thus begins the investigation of Santo Kerne's murder. I was really looking forward to reading this book. I really think this author is in a league all by herself. Her writing is incredibly intricate and yet woven in a complete and satisfying way. However, the climax and the ending left me unsettled. This book was over 6oo pages and it took a while to get the stories established. So I was expecting an exciting and satisfying ending. It just wasn't delivered the way I expected. I still love the series, this one just wasn't my favorite.Book Review: Death In Cornwall
Summary: 5 Stars
Lynley's back! If this news thrills you, then you've already discovered the wonderful novels of Elizabeth George. If you haven't yet encountered the titled Englishman/police detective and his marvelous colleague, Barbara Havers, it's high time you did.
Mourning the recent loss of his wife, Lynley is hiking the shorelines of his home county, Cornwall, when he discovers the body of a young man at the base of a cliff. Accident or murder? The local police chief sees Lynley as a witness--and possibly a suspect. To help the police (and clear his own name), he lingers in the seaside town, meeting a vivid gallery of people with various connections to the victim. The grieving Lynley's reluctant entry into the investigation might just be his ticket back to the world of the living.
As ever, George's mystery is solid, her characters are brilliantly complex, and her writing style is as elegant as it is eloquent. This series is sheer pleasure, and CARELESS IN RED is an excellent new addition to it. Highly recommended.
Book Review: Disappointed in Red
Summary: 3 Stars
There's too much character development for characters that I could care less about in this novel, and very little of the characters that drew me to this series in the first place. Where are Deborah and St. James?? What in the world was up with the notion that Havers could be slightly in love with Lynley? Helen's been dead how long, and Lynley is already drawn to another woman? I hope Tommy's grief march across England takes him back to his friends, and involves all of them in whatever mystery he solves next. The novels were best when Helen, Tommy, Deborah, and St. James worked together...the balance of their personal livss with the mysteries made Eliabeth George novels a must read for me. I would much rather have read about the characters that I have come to love over the years than some of the characters in this book who seemed totally unnecessary to the story like the teenager who wants to be a nun. I couldn't wait for this book to come out. After reading it, unfortunately, I can wait for the next one.