Careless in Red (Inspector Lynley)
by Elizabeth George
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Book Reviews of Careless in Red (Inspector Lynley)
Book Review: Strong characters, powerful setting, but a bit light on plot
Summary: 3 Stars
It's great to see Inspector Lynley back after the death of his wife, although there are certainly better novels in this excellent series by Elizabeth George. As far as Careless in Red goes, its chief attributes are deep and interesting characters and a tangible feeling of the power of place, in this instance the Cornwall coast.
The weak point here is plotting, which makes this novel less than a page turner yet certainly one to finish, despite its 700+ pages. I don't want to be a spoiler, so I will just say that the story drags somewhat, although it is hard to identify the character 'who done it' until well near the book's end, which I always view as a plus. And the incidental details about tin mining, the itinerant people called 'travelers,' and the sport of surfing add color and interest. (Who knew that England actually had a tourist business built around surfing?)
George's descriptions of Cornwall have convinced me that a trip there must go on my 'bucket list.' The countryside sounds starkly beautiful and the style of life still easy enough to offer genuine relaxation while on a holiday.
Book Review: What was the point?
Summary: 2 Stars
I finished the book last night, and the story left me with one question, "what was the point of the whole thing?". It took 700+ pages to reveal the murderer who then isn't brought to justice. I realize that justice isn't always served in reality, but that's the thing with fiction. It isn't reality. If I want a story where the murderer isn't necessarily caught, tried, or convicted, all I have to do is read the newspaper where the entire situation is explained in 700 words. I also didn't see the point of Daidre and her story, other than to fill up 100 pages that could have easily been edited out of the book.
Of course, I still don't understand the point of killing off Helen in the previous book in the series, but this entire book seemed pointless once I got to the last page.
It seems pointless is the overall theme of this book, and if that continues to be the case with Elizabeth George's books, I think it will be pointless for me to continue buying them. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone other than die-hard fans, and even then, I'd hesitate.
Hopefully the next book will be better.
Book Review: Couldn't put it down!
Summary: 4 Stars
I almost didn't purchase this book because of the negative and lukewarm reviews I saw on Amazon. But I'm sure glad I did. The book has it's faults; it could have used a more rigorous edit making it just a bit less length and perhaps there was one too many extra characters, that being Selevan and his would-be nun grand-daughter Tammy. But each evening I really couldn't wait to get back to it and am very glad I went ahead and bought it.
I can understand the disappointment of those who would have wanted more Lynley and who may be worried that Ms. George is planning on moving on. But I thought the juxtaposition of Lynley's minor appearance and that of the local plods excellently done. And one has to take one's hat off to George for the immense amount of research she has done to be able to write so well about a place which is not even her native country.
For me it was really a good read!
Book Review: An Engaging Read
Summary: 4 Stars
I disagree with those reviewers who found this book boring. I couldn't put it down. I was reminded of why I have enjoyed Ms George's books over the years. The ending may have been less surprising, and resolutions of plotlines more pat than I expected (I figured out who the murderer was, and why, after a brief clue midway through the book) but Careless in Red was still very satisfying. I especially enjoyed the complex characters, e.g., Daidre, her amoral cider farm friend, the parents of the victim. As the author shifted emphasis from character to character, she always left me wanting to know more about where each story was headed. It was a very effective way of keeping me engrossed in the various aspects of the mystery. Despite minor flaws in the book, the author drew me into the various story lines. I was sorry to see it end, and I do want to visit Cornwall now.Book Review: Over-written
Summary: 2 Stars
I enjoyed Ms. George's earlier Lynleys and, of course, the excellent TV adaptations. But at her best the author tends to over-write-- and seems to have become obsessed with dysfunctional families. While this plot could have been interesting, half the book seems to be redundant and repetetive descriptions of families sniping at each other and the lead investigator's angry impressions and comments of just about everyone she encounters. She focuses ad nauseum on one suspect to the exclusion of everything else-- really a very poor detective when you stand back and look at her performance. Lynley here is at least focusing on that little thing call "motive," which Bea seems to have forgotten entirely. Her endless hatred for her divorced husband also wears. Please get back to the plot Ms. George-- and can we have one happy family-- just one? Forsyte.