Rating: 
Summary: Only spoilt by one annoying habit
Review: I have read a number of Elizabeth George's books. Many reviewers compare her to Ruth Rendell and P D James and she is certainly their equal in terms of characterization and plotting. Arguably, Lynley can be compared to Dalgleish and Wexford, my favourite, however, is Morse. Her research is thorough and her descriptions of names and places are phenomenal.The way she weaves her plots are excellent and her pace rivets the reader. Her novels have been criticized for their length, but I don't notice the it with the way she dangles the suspense. She even spells the English way. This, of course, may only be for the English and Canadian editions. I want to give her 5 stars, so what is holding me back. She has an annoying habit of using the term "fag" and other slang expressions out of context with the quality of her writing. As an expat Brit I suppose I speak with some authority on this matter. Fag is old country jargon for a cigarette. Although that word does have a pejorative meaning elsewhere, it is still used as a colourful description for a cigarette in Britain and parts of the old empire. Its use is primarily colloquial and in Elizabeth George's books she uses it too often in her narrative. It looks out of place given the overall quality of her writing. She doesn't do it all the time, but it is enough to be annoying. Other than that, anyone who is considering reading an Elizabeth George book should do so. I am surprised that the BBC hasn't started a series based on her characters yet. If they have, I am not aware of it. I have heard that the A and E network is considering a production.
Rating: 
Summary: An excellent novel
Review: In this book you see how the police are investigating a woman's dead and they thought she was murderer by his profession (prostitution) because everybody wanted her for himself only, in their investigation they saw that she was murdered by other reason, they have to start again with the investigation.
Rating:
Summary: Love
Review: So happy I was when reading Deception on his mind that when I knew Elizabeth George had written In Pursuit of a Proper Sinner I thought finally some exicitement and love in Barbara's life. The book was excellent as the others, but this really was intense. More so was the stubborness and denial of Lynley and his feelings for Barbara. I identified with his feelings but he should have given her some slack and not just dismissed her because he thought she was in the wrong.
As I read each chapter I was hoping more and more that something would happen between Barbara and Azhar. She deserves a little happiness and I think that Azhar is just the man for her, but a little competition would not hurt. Cannot wait to read the next book and hoping to read someting all the readers have been waiting for.Elizabeth, thank you for Barbara, I love her character and hope something exciting and lovely happens to her in your next book.
Rating:
Summary: She keeps getting better
Review: Her books are long and complex, with story threads interweaving and running all over the place -- but they pull you in so quickly that you want to read them all at one sitting. "Pursuit" is proof that George keeps getting better at devising brilliant puzzles (and two murders in this one!) while expanding the depth of the relationship between her principal detectives, Lynley and Havers. She also creates a spot-on picture of modern-day England with all of its traditions and contradictions. In short, her books have the perfect combination: a true puzzle for mystery lovers and superb writing as well.
Rating:
Summary: warts and all...
Review: What a terific read and great excuse for leaving work undone. Hated to see it come to an end, even though the ending was eminently satisfying: just what most readers were hoping for and expecting. Must agree that George needs some British editing if she is concerned with authentic vocabulary and cultural background. It is amazing that we become to engrossed in her characters even while wanting to shake them senseless: would love to see Havers make enough money to have her teeth capped and go to Weight Watchers...of course then maybe she wouldn't be Havers anymore. And couldn't Hadiyyah just keep quiet for one minute, once? "Wouldn't be Hadiyyah," yes, I know. So we're entranced with them, warts and all. In earlier books I found the two couples to be tiresomely wrapped up in themselves, endlessly analyzing every word and gesture, forever agonizing over their psyches and relationships. They do seem to be growing up. So, I for one can hardly wait to read the next in this fascinating series, warts and all.
Rating:
Summary: An exhausting, yet interesting read
Review: I have read several mysteries by Elizabeth George and while I sometimes balk at the long winded narratives and similar Oedipal plots, I keep returning for more. 'Pursuit' is the latest mystery to be solved by New Scotland Yard in the form of Thomas Lynley and Barbara Havers. The pair are at odds this go around due to prior perceived insubordination. Hence they go about solving the mystery of 2 young people found murdered on a Derbyshire moor from different angles and locations. Secrets are revealed as they dig into the lives of their suspects and of course, there are more personal revelations as well. This paperback is a long 716 pages, but it will keep you intrigued enough to stay with it. In fact, I think I am feeling a little withdrawal as I write this... :-)
Rating:
Summary: Involved but grabs you!
Review: As I don't read mysteries as a rule,I wasn't aware that this was part of a long series and went into it with an open mind. It sets a cracking pace and involves you with the protagonists immediately.Set in the moors with a double murder at a henge,which adds to the strangeness of the case,the writer weaves a plot full of red herrings and which grips the reader at once. Unfortunately,the plot becomes very convoluted while still remaining fascinating,which means that your brain works overtime,trying to keep up! I DID enjoy it as a change of pace,but think that I'll need a bit of fluffy nonsense to slow down with next!!
Rating:
Summary: The book that changes everything
Review: This is the 10th book in the Lynley-Havers series and it is one that strains their relationship and makes it stronger at the same time. After Havers returns back to the force after the ninth book, she has been demoted following her actions which involved shooting a superior officer in order to save a eight year old girl from drowning. Lynley, who has supported the demotion, is taking a hardline look at Havers and gives her punishing and demeaning tasks when two bodies are found in an ancient circle in England. The father of one of the deceased also turns out to be one of Lynley's former colleagues. With Havers taking things into her own hands and Lynley trying to keep his anger to himself, the two learn that they have faced the same demons in the recent weeks and now they can both understand each others motives. This is a must read book.
Rating:
Summary: Great writing. Too bad her hero is a jackass.
Review: Hi. Have been reading the reviews. Everyone seems to have the same complaint. "What has Elizabeth George done to Tommy?" The answer is - not a thing. Tommy Lynley is the same as he has always been. A self-indulgent, pompous snob who thinks that everyone else in the world (especially women) exists to serve him. As for the "romance", really. He STALKED Helen for years. He has finally hounded her into marriage, and is still walking around whining about how unhappy he is. Life has cheated him because his world is not utter bliss. Not to mention that there are still people in the world with the utter gall as to DISAGREE with his God-like opinions! The nerve of these uppity women who do not know their place! And Havers has lost all her strength. She does nothing but try to prove herself to a man that doesn't deserve her respect or help. Don't get me wrong. Elizabeth George is a great writer. Her way of putting words together is beautiful. But her characters are completely unsympathetic, which makes it difficult to get through her books. Bring back Deborah and Simon.
Rating:
Summary: confusing plot
Review: It is difficult to classify exactly why George's books are so compelling but I will have a go. The murder plot was not particularly interesting and a little tedious to follow - I won't spoil it for anyone but the identity of the murderer is a little contrived. Simply said, George writes terrific fiction and it is fiction, despite what some say about her right on observation of English life. I have lived in the UK for 30 years and can tell all you Anglophiles right now that George's England does not exist. It's true to say that none of her characters are interesting people, Lynley in particular is downright two dimensional ... yet somehow she provides a magical concoction that, when shaken together is richly satisfying, and a wonderful escapist read.
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