Careless in Red: A Novel by Elizabeth George
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Book Reviews of Careless in Red: A Novel
Book Review: They're Back!
Summary: 4 Stars
Thomas Lynley and Barbara Havers are back. Many Elizabeth George readers were disappointed when her previous novel, "What Came Before He Shot Her," in effect was not an Inspector Lynley Mystery. The wait has been a long three years, and slightly disappointing. The only characters to return are Lynley and Havers. Of course, Helen is present in Lynley's thoughts throughout the novel.
In George's normal style, a cast of characters is introduced, and George takes us into their innermost thoughts and feelings. At times I found it difficult to empathize with many of the characters, although I have also found this true of many of George's characters in previous novels. As usual, the characters are initially difficult to remember who is who, but that eventually works itself out.
I found the book a fast read compared to previous Inspector Lynley novels. Lynley, as expected, is coping with the death of his wife, but is slowly returning to the "real world." Not to disappoint, Havers has some great lines that are not just caustic but sometimes rather humorous.
Sex is prominent throughout the book and is possibly the silent cause for the murder and several of the character's known and unknown interrelationships.
George seems to tie up several personal relationships in a more positive light that in some of her previous novels. The ending may not be satisfying to all, but this is true for the endings to many of George's novels.
Overall, an enjoyable read, but not the best novel in the series. As a counter to this statement, it should be emphasized, that because of Helen's death, this novel is like starting the series all over again.
Book Review: NOTHING EVER STAYS THE SAME
Summary: 4 Stars
Less complex, but more puzzling? Is that what I concluded as I finished reading CARELESS IN RED? Elizabeth George is an engaging author who writes with a complex style that requires effort to read, and one who usually brings discovery, awareness and resolution to problems of the myriad of person puzzles she presents us in the novel. I did not feel that way about her most recent CARELESS...; I was not satisfied with Lynley's "rapid recovery" following his Cornish walkabout, nor how quickly he sublimated his grief over Helen's murder simply by the introduction of a bright, achieveing and sensitive young woman with a questionable upbringing. Then I realized that CARELESS IN RED is a transition novel, a preparation for the reunion of Lynley and Havers, as well as the others of the series.
George's latest novel is an easier read, less complex in sentence and paragraph structure, far fewer obscure English phrases and allusions, and more road signs to where our literary journey is taking the reader. George very deftly helps us to remember those who were left standing by the side of the road earlier in the novel. I enjoyed the book, not as much as some of the others. My problem is that when I read BEFORE HE SHOT HER, I found it a brilliant and refreshing change to some formulaic wrting that had been developing. Perhaps I expected more of the same with this latest work. I would rate it high, and recommend that George fans not neglect it. The transition is necessary before we can all move on with our lives.
Book Review: 1st Half: Who's the author? 2nd Half: She's back! (both Havers and EG)
Summary: 4 Stars
I have read all the Lynley-Havers books and (with one exception) have been a huge fan of the stories and the writing style. I have enjoyed Barbara, but Lynley was the star - until now. Careless in Red may have been Lynley's book but Barbara was the best part: the interaction between Lynley and Havers, Havers and Bea, Havers and the locals. Alas, Barbara doesn't arrive until the last half. Before then the story was just okay.
What was wrong? A lot. Most of the local characters did not hold my interest. The concept of Lynley grieving and wandering alone was a good idea, but it didn't work in execution. I did not believe a smelly/haven't-bathed-in-weeks Lynley. I missed the fragments of humor; they were absent until Barbara arrived. The identity of the killer was obvious very early, which would have been okay if it had been used as part of the plot (e.g. a cat and mouse game between the police and the killer), but it wasn't. We knew (or guessed) and that was it.
I gave it 4 stars, but it should really be 3 1/2. If this had been my first exposure to Lynley and Havers I don't know if there would be a second. That said, I am looking forward to EG redeeming herself with the next installment of Lynley and Havers. It's time to bring back Deborah and Simon. I miss them. Also, shouldn't we get an update about Barbara and her neighbors (father and daughter)?
Book Review: Almost... but not quite.
Summary: 4 Stars
I too was eagerly awaiting this book and for the first 100 pages or so, the story sears like a raw wound. Watching Lynley as the broken shell of who he was, becoming involved against his will in a new murder was beautiful and painful at once... as is the immediate skill George has in conveying characters and scene in her new setting on the Cornwall coast. And for quite a while, the mystery is quite tasty, with drawn out suspense and fascinating detail (George has done her homework on the surfing culture, to be sure... but even just the ins and outs of family dynamics and misunderstandings is well done). But ultimately, the ending fizles; we are left with a dnouement that's too easy in many respects, a solution that feels more than a little lazy and betrays the considerable hints of a far more byzantine set of circumstances. While the reunion of Havers and Lynley is welcome - and Bea Hannaford makes an interesting new addition to the police side - the lack of other familiar characters (Deborah and Simon, Nkata, and others) and the soggy ending don't make this one of George's best. Still can't wait for the next installment... but I think more focus on the main story (i.e. the mystery) and less on the soap opera will help.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.