Missing Joseph

Rating:
Summary: By George...a new series to savor
Review: This was my first George novel. I found the story intriguing, and it certainly kept me turning pages, but I have to concur, "Get on with it!" The endless agonizing of the two couples became a little tiresome...they come across as self-centered and neurotic, obsessed with every nuance of their feelings. Each gesture, glance, word has to be analyzed. Some seem to like this soap opera quality while others deplore the "Jackie Collins style." I have ordered the first two books in the series; maybe meeting the characters at an earlier stage will make me more interested in their tormented relationships.

Rating:
Summary: By George...a new series to savor
Review: This was my first George novel. I found the story intriguing, and it certainly kept me turning pages, but I have to concur, "Get on with it!" The endless agonizing of the two couples became a little tiresome...they come across as self-centered and neurotic, obsessed with every nuance of their feelings. Each gesture, glance, word has to be analyzed. Some seem to like this soap opera quality while others deplore the "Jackie Collins style." I have ordered the first two books in the series; maybe meeting the characters at an earlier stage will make me more interested in their tormented relationships.

Rating:
Summary: Glad I stuck with her.
Review: This was the 5th of her books I've read. I enjoyed it the most. Not really liking an earlier book, I decided to give her another chance anyway. It was worth it. I'm starting 'Playing for the Ashes' today and have ordered 'Deception on his Mind' and 'In the Presence of the Enemy'. I'm skipping her current 'In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner', based on "Reader Comments" at this site.

Rating:
Summary: could be a lot better
Review: ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
~ * ~ This is definitely one of Elizabeth George's best novels. It features the winning combination of Inspector Thomas Lynley and Sergeant Barbara Havers. Happily for fans of the series, Lynley's forensic scientist friend Simon, and his wife Deborah have prominent roles in the story. They are working through a very difficult time in their marriage.
~ * ~Deborah meets an interesting clergyman, and decides they should stop and visit him on a small trip they are taking, but they find he had just died of (? accidental) poisoning. ~
~ * ~, Elizabeth George strength in characterization is evident here: she fills her story with complex characters, each of whom have weaknesses that we can sympathize with. The conflicts between the characters are so well plotted; we are drawn into the story completely.
~ * ~ As always, the ending is surprising. Elizabeth George can weave a web so intricate and subtle, that despite all the clues we encounter, we don't ever "see" the solution until it is too late
. ~ * ~ My personal favorite of the Lynley/Havers series are" A Suitable Vengeance" which focuses on the early history of Lynley, Deborah and Simon; and "Deception on His Mind ", which focuses on Sergeant Barbara Havers, and an investigation which forces her to take a stand.
~ * ~
However, "Missing Joseph" is definitely a powerfully absorbing and suspenseful read, and a great sample of the Lynley/Havers team and their friends. Definitely a 5 star ***** read, I recommend it highly for mystery lovers.

Rating:
Summary: Definitely Powerfully Absorbing and Compelling mystery!
Review: ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
~ * ~ This is definitely one of Elizabeth George's best novels. It features the winning combination of Inspector Thomas Lynley and Sergeant Barbara Havers. Happily for fans of the series, Lynley's forensic scientist friend Simon, and his wife Deborah have prominent roles in the story. They are working through a very difficult time in their marriage.
~ * ~Deborah meets an interesting clergyman, and decides they should stop and visit him on a small trip they are taking, but they find he had just died of (? accidental) poisoning. ~
~ * ~, Elizabeth George strength in characterization is evident here: she fills her story with complex characters, each of whom have weaknesses that we can sympathize with. The conflicts between the characters are so well plotted; we are drawn into the story completely.
~ * ~ As always, the ending is surprising. Elizabeth George can weave a web so intricate and subtle, that despite all the clues we encounter, we don't ever "see" the solution until it is too late
. ~ * ~ My personal favorite of the Lynley/Havers series are" A Suitable Vengeance" which focuses on the early history of Lynley, Deborah and Simon; and "Deception on His Mind ", which focuses on Sergeant Barbara Havers, and an investigation which forces her to take a stand.
~ * ~
However, "Missing Joseph" is definitely a powerfully absorbing and suspenseful read, and a great sample of the Lynley/Havers team and their friends. Definitely a 5 star ***** read, I recommend it highly for mystery lovers.