Rating: 
Summary: In Class by Herself
Review: I am hooked on Susan Elizabeth George and her wonderful writing. And yes, I too like her new hairdo. I have read all her books. I read them all during the past six months after stumbling onto a paperback edition of "Missing Joseph". I did not read them in the order published but after finishing "In Pursuit of the Proper Sinnner" the ten book chronolgy fell into place with the remarkable display of continuity in the ongoing evolution of the main characters of Linley(love "Tommy"as a nick name), Havers, Lady Helen and the entire gang. This woman writes such good prose that often I forget I'm reading a "potboiler" and find myself in the middle of a marvelous work of fiction. I can't wait to read Mrs. George's first non- mystry novel where she is able to dispense with the gratuitous sex and stay with the beautiful character insights. But, then again, this reader for one will continue to buy her first editions in hardback because I can't wait to see what kind of trouble Barbara Havers is going to get into next!
Rating: 
Summary: Missed the mark
Review: Granted, this was my first Elizabeth George book ever, so I was unaware that Lynley and Havers, et al had a history. I found them to be overly tedious; the book overly populated with characters, many of whom were unnecessary; and the whole thing overly long and overly confusing. Three hundred fifty pages would have been plenty! And I too found Nicola's depraved personality to be simply without foundation and totally implausible. Too bad, Ms. George. Your one chance to impress me and you blew it.
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Summary: Main characters growing stale
Review: While Ms. George continues to charm the eye and mind with her command of the language, I am heartily sick of Lynley, Helen and Havers. I would LOVE to read a whole novel about Simon and Deborah. Have they worked out their problems about the repeated miscarriages? Does his disability cause personal problems in their marriage? What's it like to have your father-in- law live in as well as be your 'serant'? Lots of areas to explore and give Lynley and Havers' angst a rest.
Rating: 
Summary: P.D. James keeps her crown...
Review: This is a ripping good yarn, a real page turner, engaging, entertaining. Oh, but it's flawed. Were this book written by a less talented writer it wouldn't even merit comment, but coming from Ms. George, it's a real disappointment. One of George's strengths has always been the sense of place conveyed in the novels, the henges and barrows just don't make sense in the North Country. And the Nine Sisters Henge deserved Druids and the spiritualism and secrets buried deep in the earth. George could have given us a masterpiece of place set in the moors of the north or in the henges of the south. The mixture robs her and us of both. The people of the Manor were real Georgian characters, deep and complex, as were many others in the book. However, Nicola doesn't add up, coming from a loving and nurturing family -- Her superego isn't just damaged, it's non-existent. The S&M seems to have been superimposed on the novel -- I dare not say more lest I give away too much. Suffice it to say that sex sells and maybe kinky sex is expected to sell even more. As for Tommy, Barbara, Helen and the rest: My goodness, they've become tiresome. These folks seem to have become a problem for George, she's got to tell two stories in one book: her mystery (one would hope the primary story) and what has become the soap opera of her continuing characters. Finally, this is the first time I've been aware that George is an American writing an English mystery. Use of "Lawyers" was jarring, much like a fingernail on a blackboard. Was someone at the publishing house afraid Americans wouldn't understand "barrister" or "soliciter"? One can hope only that the next book won't try to be all things to all people and that Ms. George will once again bring us something "true" and the fascination will come out of that truth.
Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary
Review: I am amazed that Elizabeth George has sustained this series at such a high level of quality. I simply think she's the best writer in her genre. This book was no exception. Top quality in every aspect. I dreaded the re-entry of Helen, who has been so tedious in the past, so melodramatic, but she seems to have improved somewhat, although she's still cloyingly submissive. I feel sorry for Havers. Really, it's about time George gives her some new clothes and creates a romance for her. As I always do, I'll start watching for George's next book.
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Summary: Typically great "who dunnit", but with a very dark side
Review: EG certainly weaves intriguing mysteries, but one has to wonder just what drives her to explore the darker sides of sexual deviance in her books. I used to look forward to the release of her works, but I may forego them in the future. Lighten up EG! You don't need the sexual sensationalism to sell.
Rating: 
Summary: A rewarding read.
Review: I have read all of Elizabeth George's books and have always found them to be well written, entertaining tales. "In Pursuit" is no exception and kept me interested to the very end. As an Englishman I continue to be amazed how she,as an American,captures English cultural distinctions. I look forward to my next encounter with Lynley and Havers -- Helen too!
Rating:
Summary: I felt like I plodded through this one, too dark.
Review: I was disappointed with this book. There were too many pathetic characters with no real point. I wish she would go a little easier on Havers and I'mtired of all the emotional baggage with Lynley.
Rating:
Summary: I think I like EG's new haircut more than I liked the book .
Review: I terrorized the local library this summer, reserving this book in June, before they even knew it existed. And, while I am glad that I read it, I feel that there were too many characters who, fully developed, were left at loose ends at the end of the book. (I did not care if Julian married his plodding--and plotting--cousin, but . . .) Also, EG never fails to have a "refrain" in her books--in "Deception," Havers drove me crazy whining about the heat; in "Pursuit" it is the constant cry of "Julie," whom we know to be a man's man. A small point, sure--but it annoyed this South Georgia girl! Other reviewers cite many things that were implausible about this book, but we have all known that Lynley is arrogant and Havers is depicted by EG as much less of a woman than she actually is. (An aside: I think that EG needs to realize that, were her books cast as movies, Paula Poundstone would play Havers--not a beauty queen, not a weak woman, but a woman nonetheless.) The major flaw I saw was that we are again asked to believe that Lynley's professional judgment is impaired by his personal ties to a case--isn't this at least the third time? Shouldn't he be smart enough to realize this? Also, Nkata and Havers have gotten along well in previous books--to have her suddenly presented as having been jealous of him in the past irked me, when I considered them dinner buddies. I would like to see EG write a mystery without the "kink" element--one in which we do not have gratuitous encounters with the dark side (and they WERE gratuitous, in my opinion)--because her mysteries do not need to depict man's weaknesses, which we know all too well. Her mysteries are strong enough to stand on the merit of her writing, without the sexual deviance.
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Summary: Elizabeth George Has Done It Again!!!
Review: 'In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner' is another WINNER in Ms. George's series of great books... It's a flawless mystery, beautifully written with many twists and turns throughout an intricately developed plot.Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and Barbara Havers are involved in solving a double murder which occurred on Calder Moor in England. There are various sub-plots that take the reader from a London theatre to the country manors on the moors and weave an intricate tale of suspense,full of surprises and intrigue.Ms. George always keeps her readers guessing .... and she has a wonderful command of the English culture and language which embellish and add to the enjoyment of her story-telling. I couldn't put this book down, didn't want it to end and I eagerly await her next adventure!
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