Careless in Red: A Novel by Elizabeth George
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Book Reviews of Careless in Red: A Novel
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.
Book Review: Tommy
Summary: 5 Stars
Careless in Red is full of pain, in the true, human sense, not the mawkish or sadistic. Week after week, Inspector Thomas Lynley has been numbly walking the Cornish cliff path, so gripped by the pain of losing his Helen that he's incapable of doing much more than putting one foot in front of the other. When his gaze falls upon what appears to be a body, his flight away from life is interrupted. What he finds is a somewhat isolated village inhabited by people who are also hurting badly, from the pain of loss, betrayal, vengeance, and denial. As he assists the local police in investigating the murder, Thomas haltingly allows himself to be drawn out of darkness in which he's been immersed, as one of the suspects in particular touches places within himself that he believed now and forever dead. In the process, the murderer is found, some truths are revealed, and some changes are made, and Lynley, somewhat stronger now, knows he must consider his future.
In Careless in Red, Elizabeth George displays her mastery of characters and emotion, while spinning out an atmospheric mystery in which virtually any of the villagers could be the perpetrator. The smells and sounds of the restless sea are almost palpably present, setting the stage for a great story.
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: One of Her Best
Summary: 5 Stars
Since others have outlined the plot I won't go into detail on that. Suffice it to say the stricken Thomas Lynley, mourning the loss of his murdered wife, has set off on a long walk intended to help him sort out his grief. When he discovers the body of a dead youth he becomes first a suspect and then,when his identity becomes known, a party to the investigation.
Personally, I consider this one of George's best in the series. Her novels are becoming increasingly literary and she excels here in illuminating a complex cast of intriguing characters. My only regret is the late entry of Barbara Havers into the fray. But she does arrive and participate in her ebullient way and is even teamed up with an equally fascinating female in DI Bea Hannaford.
The interplay of the characters, a sufficiency of mystery and red herrings and the colour of life in Cornwall made this a thoroughly enjoyable read for me. I can't wait to see what George will offer us next.
Book Review: Lynley can't go on. Lynley goes on.
Summary: 5 Stars
I just finished listening to the audio version, masterfully read by the formidable John Lee. As with most of the series, I was awed by George's impeccable research, her large cast of characters (at least 20 important ones) and her architectural use of relationships to support the particular psychological areas she's investigating while Lynley, Havers and the frustrating, dogged and fascinating Bea Hannaford investigate a murder. George, in this latest installment in the vast Lynley-Havers canon, meditates on grief, vengeance, the ways each generation winds up deforming the lives of their children in the name of various abstract ideals. Each couple, trio or quartet of characters carries another piece of this monumental portrait of the human condition that also manages to be a page-turner. More! And what about Simon and Susan? Get to work, Elizabeth, we are insatiable!