This Body of Death is the sixteenth book in the Inspector Thomas Lynley series. It picks up a mere three months from the last book. This is one of the appeals of George's novels - they happen in almost 'real time'.
Lynley is still recovering from a personal tragedy and is on leave from Scotland Yard. The acting superintendent, Isabelle Ardery, has alienated much of the team in her short stay. In an effort to win a permanent place, she asks Thomas to help with their latest case. A beautiful young woman has been found brutally murdered in a isolated cemetery. The clues point to the New Forest area, a community in a rural area. Two of the team - Winston Nkata and Barbara Havers are sent to follow up. Havers, Lynley's former partner, is one of my favourite characters. She is the antithesis to Lynley (who is actually a Lord.) Barbara doesn't give a fig for her appearance, smokes too much and bucks authority as much as she can without losing her job. But she is a determined investigator and her persistence usually pays off.
The book opens with a partial report from an unnamed author documenting a criminal act. Further parts of the report appear throughout the book, revealing more with each entry. Although seemingly unrelated, this element plays an integral part in the plot. And what a plot George has crafted! Multi layered and complex, it had me guessing right up to the end. Seemingly innocuous comments or observations often prove germane, so you definitely don't want to speed read. And I never do with any of George's books. For me they're a treat to be savoured.
While the plotting is fantastic, the characters play just as big a part of the book for me. After fifteen novels, I am quite invested in these recurring characters. I was actually quite upset with George when she 'tampered' with their lives in a way I didn't like in a previous book. The ending of This Body of Death has opened the door to many other changes, some that I am not looking forward to, others that I hope that I hope will develop. Nothing is predictable or static in the world of Inspector Lynley, each book is fresh.
Read an excerpt of This Body of Death.
This a series I'm passionate about. I encourage you to discover it as well! Fans of Kate Atkinson would enjoy this author.
I have read most of the books in this series. I think I left off before the Lynley's loss in an earlier book. I need to begin again because I really enjoy the series. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI have heard a lot of great things about Elizabeth George, but I haven't started her series yet. I do like Kate Atkinson, so I am definitely going to try the series now. Off to see if the library has the first book (and find out what the first book is).
ReplyDeleteanother author i must try
ReplyDeleteSomehow I've missed Elizabeth George's work - I think I had her confused with another author. You've convinced that I need to try one of her books.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth George is one of my absolute favorite authors!! I bought this book the day it came out but haven't yet read it. I've mentioned her on my blog many times.
ReplyDeleteI just "hooked" a friend on her books, too.
She has an amazing gift for storytelling.
Elizabeth George writes a masterful mystery novel. SHe is adept at characterization and plot. I can never seem to figure out the mystery and the few of her books I have read were most enjoyable. Glad to see this new one is stellar and that you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteKy - you're welcome!
ReplyDeleteCrystal - The first book is A Great Deliverance. I hope you enjoy it.
Jenny and Bermudaonion -Let me know if you like her!
Kathy - Isn't she great. Let me know what you think of This Body of Death!
I have read I think all her books but this is a new one for me.
ReplyDeleteI gave up on this series after reading What Came Before He Shot Her. It sounds like she might have gone back to her old style, though.
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