Well-Schooled in Murder

Rating:
Summary: ...in the name of education
Review: The Lynley/Havers series shows steady improvement with this book, a complex mystery that takes on some of the class and education issues that are a little murky for the average American. Beyond exposing the evils in English public schools, it was an interesting examination of what sacrifices the characters made for their educations, and a questioning of what *did* they really learn all those years in school.

Rating:
Summary: Elizabeth George is a Master Storyteller!
Review: This is an awesome book. Each time I read another of her books I never cease to marvel at how well done they are. The story is complex, the human psyche that she reveals is so real. And the mystery is good. This book is particularly heart wrenching as it deals with the death of a young child. Lynley and Havers find themselves caught up in so many underlying plots, and each one, as it is revealed, is worse than the last one that they discovered. It has been a long time since I've read a book that deals with the dreadful death of someone young with so much compassion and empathy. Yes, it's dreadful, but we the readers feel compelled to read it in order to find out who did this terrible deed, and we, like Lynley and Havers, try to make some sense of it. I have enjoyed all the Elizabeth George novels that I've read, but this one is my favourite so far. We see the human side of so many of the characters - Lynley, Havers, St. James and his wife Deborah - all are laid open to our view. Hopefully, we too can feel compassion for them and their troubles.

Rating:
Summary: Elizabeth George is a Master Storyteller!
Review: This is an awesome book. Each time I read another of her books I never cease to marvel at how well done they are. The story is complex, the human psyche that she reveals is so real. And the mystery is good. This book is particularly heart wrenching as it deals with the death of a young child. Lynley and Havers find themselves caught up in so many underlying plots, and each one, as it is revealed, is worse than the last one that they discovered. It has been a long time since I've read a book that deals with the dreadful death of someone young with so much compassion and empathy. Yes, it's dreadful, but we the readers feel compelled to read it in order to find out who did this terrible deed, and we, like Lynley and Havers, try to make some sense of it. I have enjoyed all the Elizabeth George novels that I've read, but this one is my favourite so far. We see the human side of so many of the characters - Lynley, Havers, St. James and his wife Deborah - all are laid open to our view. Hopefully, we too can feel compassion for them and their troubles.

Rating:
Summary: Grabs you and doesn't let go
Review: Though a bit gruesome and downright kinky, this is a masterpiece English murder mystery. It is rare when a book of this genre evokes such emotions (rage, grief, even anguish) as well as throwing the reader into the midst of the action. It's a great "Who done it" in which Ms George keeps her secrets right up till the end. This is the best of hers I've read so far. If you liked "Missing Joseph" you won't want to miss this one.

Rating:
Summary: Deadly traditions
Review: When the naked body of a schoolboy is found in a graveyard near a top private school, DI Lynley is contacted by an old Etonian schoolfriend who is now a master at the private school.In an effort to minimise scandal and bad publicity, DI Lynley and Sgt. Havers are assigned to the case.They encounter a brick wall of silence as the students adhere to a long held code of not sneaking on each other, a code which does nothing to help unravel the mystery of the boys'death. A very nasty undertone soon becomes apparent with several side issues appearing..all rather unsavoury and not at all what one would expect to find in an English private school.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best...
Review: With its myriad twists and turns and excellent characterizations, this brilliant novel stands along Christie's "The Murder of Roger Ayckroyd" and any of P.D. James as one of the real champs of the genre. I know that sounds like hyperbole, but I've read a lot of mystery fiction and have rarely been this engrossed or challanged. True, it drags a little towards the middle, but takes off like a roller coaster and never lets up until the end. I could also do without so much of Lynley's romantic travails, but that hardly makes a difference. A real gem. Can you tell I liked it?

Rating:
Summary: ELIZABETH GEORGE mysteries always a terrific read!
Review: With the completion of this book, I have now read all of Ms. George's mysteries and they are all 5 stars with me. I can't wait for the next book! Plots are wonderful, characters unforgettable. I have never discovered the killer untill it becomes evident who the killer is, but it's always fun guessing. Ms. George also likes to leave false clues calling out to the "would be detective!"