Rating: 
Summary: A little disappointing, but overall-good
Review: I am a true fan of Elizabeth George and i have read all of her books so far. This one was pretty good, but please be aware that it is not a quick read, it will take a dedication of one's time. It was interesting the way the plot kept twisting and i liked the use of the diary to reveal further information to us, however, i was disappointed with two aspects of the book: 1) I have grown to love the characters of Lynley and Helen, Simon and Deborah and Barbara, and almost nothing in their personal lives was advanced, with exception of Lynley. What about Barbara and how she is dealing with her family? Her attraction to her next door neighbor and his daughter? 2) I was very disappointed in the ending of the book. I did not expect "happily ever after" but surely this was too depressing! I do encourage E.George fans to read the book, just so they can have their own opinion and be sure to share it with us.
Rating: 
Summary: The 1,024 page souffle
Review: That sounds like an oxymoron, I know, but it's the truth. You wonder how a book this laboriously dense can ultimately amount to so little. I have yet to read the latest George novel, and having read them in order (it was a REAL struggle to continue after "A SUITABLE VENGEANCE" and "MISSING JOSEPH") -- and after the near-contemptuous description of Australians in "I, RICHARD" -- not to mention the stunningly predictable "surprise" endings, I don't know wheter I'll persevere. If this is a trend, well -- there are bettter things to read, really. I read the British edition of this book, and it should have tipped me off just reading the blurb -- the fact that it gave a lead-in to the Gideon sections of the book, and then the Lynley/Havers section, and neither seemed (from the way the blurb was phrased) remotely related; just, apparently, two separate books in one volume. And in many respects, it is. (And that introductory passage that really never gets chased up -- there's another tip-off.) I will say this now: if the first two or so Gideon entries don't hold your interest, you really shouldn't bother reading the rest, since the other sections of the book tended to recap the journal entries a lot -- and (fortunately) in a far less whining, irritating manner. The rest of the book was more like a typical George novel -- endless subplots, the usual quota of hard-core porn (with lesbians this time; ooh-er!), the stilted British dialogue (as I just included), a mocking of Havers which is really going into overkill now -- she dresses dowdy! Stop beating us over the head with it! -- more pregancy-related woes . . . although I should point out that as for subplots, Havers' possibly burgeoning relationship with her Pakistani neighbor (whose name I can't remember right now) isn't really continued, unlike the previous novel ("IN PURSUIT OF THE PROPER SINNER"). At least that was a storyline vaguely comprehendible. And might I add that the whole British spelling thing is wearing a little thin -- if it's supposed to add to the flavor of the text, as George says it should, why can't the text -- the descriptions of settings -- the characters -- do so alone? So, the novel could have been about half its present length -- or less, if the Gideon sections had been reduced, or just taken out altogether. But above all, if the plot didn't have to be so long -- and such an effort to drag yourself through -- it could have been more cohesive. If the book is a mystery, it's supposed to reach a satisfactory ending -- which is, as it stands, the real traitor of the book. (Oh, and a final note -- the glowing reviews on the covers of George's books constantly draw [unfair, IMO] comparison to P.D. James and Ruth Rendell. Has anyone ever noticed how _their_ detective novels are only 200-300 pages long? But George's . . .)
Rating: 
Summary: Good, challenging book.
Review: This is the first book I've read by Elizabeth George. I'm impressed by her ability to write from so many points of view in such an effortless manner. The book is great, very atmospheric, and written with a quiet sense of urgency. The characters are so refreshingly flawed, without being contrived, which seems to me to be more and more of a rareity. I haven't enjoyed a book so much in years.
Rating:
Summary: 700plus pages you'll keep turning
Review: Elizabeth George, like some other writers, is giving us longer and longer books as her reputation and sales grow. This book will require a commitment of time from the reader, but spending time with familiar characters Lynley, Havers, and Nkata will keep you reading. Deborah and St. James appear very little in this one, although a longstanding, troubling issue between Deborah and Lynley is resolved.
"Traitor to Memory" has families at its heart: Family love, pride, misunderstanding, sacrifice, and secrets provide its plot. As in all Elizabeth George mysteries, sometimes characters with the best motives see their intentions go awry. As Lynley strives to uncover the truths behind hit-and-run murders, he also struggles with his feelings about impending fatherhood. Nkata works to find his balance between getting the truth from an attractive character, and his own feelings about her.
Carefully crafted, full of thoughtful descriptions of the inner states of its diverse characters, "Traitor to Memory" will be engrossing and satisfying to all George fans.
Rating:
Summary: good writing, but VERY long and slow-paced
Review: Those who are hooked on Elizabeth George's characters and closely follow what happens to them will get a lot for their money in this book, although maybe quantity does not always best quality. This time, the spotlight centers on DI Lynley and his new wife, Helen, and his superior, Superintendent Malcolm Webberly and his wife, Frances. My personal favorite character, Constable Barbara Haverly plays quite a minor role, unfortunately for me. Other reviews outline the plot, so I won't reiterate it, just say that in my opinion, this book could have done with a bit of editing. No matter how outstanding the writing (and Ms. George is an outstanding writer), that in itself cannot hide the fact that the plot is draggy and repetitious. I had to force myself to continue around page 483, although I did find it worth it to get to the end, page 719. Also, unlike her earlier books, a sentence here or there seemed a bit awkward or self-concious. If you are new to the Elizabeth George detective series, I wish you the joy of finding a mine of truly superb mystery stories, with all the finest examples of plotting and characterization and supense. However, I would suggest first reading "Playing for Ashes" or "In the Presence of the Enemy". In my opinion, these are much more finely honed examples of her craft.
Rating:
Summary: A looonnnng slog - for not much
Review: Verbose, too many sub-plots, annoying, snivelling characters...So much potential wasted on a tale that didn't seem to have a center holding it together. Disappointing, to say the least. Don't waste your time on this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Favorite Elizabeth George mystery
Review: This is the best one yet. So, many separate character lines! I have lost so much sleep! I can't put it down!!!!!!!! As she develops each person's story I am so engrossed that I'm almost angry when the story switches to another person, but then that plot development is too interesting to leave it. (If I had to find any fault it would be that I just didn't care about Helen's pregnancy.)
Rating:
Summary: A Traitor to Readers
Review: I've read several of Ms. George's novels and marvel at her skill with the English language, her knowledge of a broad spectrum of British society, and her defense of right vs. wrong. This book, however, left me screaming at the end. How could you??? I was depressed and angry for several days after finishing the story. It took so long to get to the end, and just when things were going to end in a positive, redeeming way, George pulls the rug out and destroys it all. What a bummer!! To make it worse, it's the American, Libby, who turns out to be the ogre! This will do nothing to improve Anglo-American relations!
Rating: 
Summary: A doorstopper
Review: I really should give this 2.5 stars-- George's skill at unraveling the mystery is balanced out by the book's bloatedness.I've enjoyed this series in the past, but my problem with this book is that I simply didn't like any of these people. The violinist, the father, the pregnant girlfriend, the voyeur old bookshop owner. Too many characters are 2-d , given only a crass character trait for development. Also, George refuses to be kind to Havers, her own heroine, whose fashion faux pas are played for low comedy. That said, the key revelations are planted with great subtlety and skill. For hard core fans only...
Rating:
Summary: Very Disappointing Entry for Great Series
Review: As a huge fan of the Lynley/Havers books, who has read every one in order, I am saddened to write a bad review. George should impose a 500 page limit on herself for her future books. She simply got lost in her own story and had to wrap it up much too patly. The ending in particular was bizarre -- was it supposed to be campy? It seemed like a deleted scene from Mommie Dearest.
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