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Jessica
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Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

[ Edited ]

The reigning queen of the British mystery, it turns out, is an Ohio native living in Washington State. Best known for her Inspector Lynley series, Elizabeth George says that what drives her books is the psychological goings-on of her characters. She doesn't even mind, she says, if readers figure out the killer before the end -- the motive will always be a surprise.

Which books in the Inspector Lynley series have you read? Reply to this message to talk about Elizabeth's books, or ask her for her insights.


A Great Deliverance
Scotland Yard Inspector Thomas Lynley, the eighth earl of Asherton, along with Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, has been sent to solve a savage murder that has stunned the peaceful countryside of Keldale. For fat, unlovely Roberta Teys has been found in her best dress, an axe in her lap, seated in the old stone barn beside her father's headless corpse. Yet as Lynley and Havers wind their way through Keldale's dark labyrinth of secret scandals and appalling crimes, they uncover a shattering series of revelations that will reverberate through this tranquil English valley -- and in their own lives as well.

A Suitable Vengeance
Lynley has brought to Howenstow, his family home, the young woman he has asked to be his bride. But the savage murder of a local journalist is the catalyst for a lethal series of events that shatters the calm of a picturesque Cornwall village and embroils Lynley and St. James in a case far outside their jurisdiction -- and a little too close to home. When a second death follows closely on the heels of the first, Lynley finds he can't help taking the investigation personally. The evidence points to a killer within his own family.

Deception on His Mind
Balford-le-Nez is a dying seacoast town on the coast of Essex. But when a member of the town's small but growing Asian community is found dead, the sleepy town ignites. Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers arranges to have herself assigned to the investigation, but this time, she'll have to solve the crime without her longtime partner Detective Inspector Lynley. Havers must probe not only the mind of a murderer and a case very close to her own heart, but the terrible price people pay when they deceive others -- and themselves.

In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner
Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley is brought to Calder Moor to investigate the violent death of a young man and woman, discovered in the shadow of the ancient circle of stones known as Nine Sisters Henge. The young woman was the daughter of a former officer in an elite undercover unit, a man Lynley once regarded as a mentor. Now, as Lynley struggles to find out if her killer was an enemy of her father's or one she earned herself.

I, Richard
In these five original tales, George plumbs the depths of human nature as only she can. From the chilling tale of a marriage built on an appalling set of lies that only death can reveal, to the title story about a penniless schoolteacher whose ambition turns murderous, I, Richard is filled with page-turning drama and unmatched suspense.

What Came Before He Shot Her
The brutal, inexplicable death of Inspector Thomas Lynley's wife has left Scotland Yard searching for answers. Who is the twelve-year-old boy who pulled the trigger? What were the circumstances that led to his horrific act? That story begins on the other side of London, where the three mixed-race Campbell children are sent to live with their aunt. The oldest, fifteen-year-old Ness, is headed for trouble as fast as her high-heeled boots will take her. That leaves the middle child, Joel, to care for the youngest, Toby. But before long, Joel has his own problems with a local gang. To protect his family, he makes a pact with the devil -- a move that leads straight to the front doorstep of Thomas Lynley.

See all titles by Elizabeth George.

Message Edited by Jessica on 05-12-2008 04:16 PM

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BookWoman718
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

Which Inspector Lynley books have I read?   Well, that would be ALL of them, with the exception of the newly-out "Careless in Red" which I carried along on vacation and have just begun this weekend...
I was so eager to see Lynley back that I pre-ordered the book.    Having experienced the sudden, unexpected death of a spouse myself, I am looking forward to taking that journey with the shattered Inspector, whom I am certain will handle the challenge with his usual intelligence and grace.  
I loved the side-trip of "What Came Before He Shot Her" - an exploration of the hopelessness of so many poverty-stricken lives that haunts and threatens modern societies.  Watching some kids grow up is like watching a bus go over a cliff in very slow motion.  One knows what's going to happen and feels helpless to stop it, and can only wonder about how many innocent lives will end up being destroyed in the process.   The book was a thoughtful and engrossing follow-up to the shock of Helen's murder.
I've also enjoyed watching Havers grow in confidence and professionalism over the years, while still keeping her endearing down-to-earth character.   I had developed such a clear mental picture of her that I found her depiction on the BBC series to be downright jarring.  The actress playing Havers is far too slim, tailored, and conventionally attractive to be the same woman that we've met in the books!   (I wonder if Ms. George would agree?) 
These B&N book clubs are priceless on so many levels, but one of the best is the opportunity to thank an author who has brought me many hours of enjoyment, puzzlement, tension, smiles, and those thrilling flashes of recognition that come only in the very best writing.  Ms. George,  thank you!
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fordmg
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

I have only just discovered Eliaabeth George.  I read the first two books, A Great Deliverance and A suitable Vengeance.   I enjoyed both books and will pick up more by George in the future.
MG
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ElizabethGeorge
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

To Bookwoman:

Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm glad to know that the novels are touching you, especially What Came Before He Shot Her. You are one of many people who have remarked about that book.

Regarding your question about Sharon Small, who plays Sergeant Havers in the BBC productions of my novels: I'd seen her before, so I knew what she looked like. I was concerned at the casting at first, because she's quite attractive. But the first time I saw her in character as Havers (this was on the set when they were filming A Great Deliverance), I realized she was going to do a fine job with the role, so I've been happy with her ever since.

Learn more about Careless in Red.

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bibliophil
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

[ Edited ]
I too have read & enjoyed all but Carless in Red to date. However, have a question about the discrepancy I came across re: the death of Jury's* wife: it's been some time now, & thus, the exact details aren't at my fingertips unfortunately, but there seemed to be a complete contradiction tween either an audio version & a print copy (or was it a PBS presentation?) -- in 1, she did die, but in the other, she didn't (+ not necessarily respectively!). It baffled me at the time, & I was unable to solve the conundrum that I'd came across. (I stress the "I" because I did not see these two different outcomes addressed by anyone else at the time.)  Does anyone know what I'm referring to? I was so distressed when his wife had been killed off, so when I later read/ heard/ saw that she hadn't been, I was hoping that the latter was the correct version. Alas, it wasn't, obviously. Would love to be enlightened re: all this, & looking fwd to reading CinR.
 
*PS. I'm not going to change the incorrect "Jury" above to what it should have been, "Lynley", in the text proper because the Author, Elizabeth George, referenced it gently in her enlightening response to this pre-PS post, & future readers of this thread wouldn't understand her kind correction if I now edited it out.  So my embarrassment in making such an error will just have to stand as is. :-) 
 
[I did catch my error as I was emailing the Author, & apologized for it therein, but not before she had read this post.  I'm not as familiar w/ all of the wonderful options we have in "Center Stage" postings as I will be eventually, & thus didn't realize I could have edited the ridiculous error out even after I'd 1st posted it. Just a bit of explanation. :-]


Message Edited by bibliophil on 05-27-2008 05:55 PM
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ElizabethGeorge
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

Hi Bibliophil,

Hmmm. I think you may be confusing me with Martha Grimes since you refer to Jury, which I believe is the name of her main character.

Regarding the death of Thomas Lynley's wife (Lynley is my main character), the BBC has filmed something different from the novel in which Lynley's wife is murdered (With No One as Witness). This is because I wouldn't sell the BBC the rights to the novel. So what you see on TV is their version of her death.

Learn more about Careless in Red.

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bibliophil
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

Thank you sooo much!! That explains it! How can they do such a thing, contrary to the author's wishes! I can imagine you were very upset, but I for one was buoyed by that ending. :-)
 
& I know very well that Lynley is your protagonist :-)  I had done something earlier re: Jury in my notes, & that's probably why I used his name instead of Lynley's. Feel ridiculous for so doing, regardless.
 
Thanks again! & looking fwd to Careless in Red!
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ms_linda
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

I'm very excited to have this chance to chat with my favorite author! I have read all the Lynley books except for Careless in Red mainly because I'm somewhat cheap and am waiting for the paperback.
 
On a personal note, I grew up in Santa Barbara so it was fun to learn that Deborah had gone to Brookes Institute. I lived within walking distance to one of the campuses.
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ElizabethGeorge
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

You should definitely get a hardback! Don't wait for the paperback. Lynley wants to see you now!

Learn more about Careless in Red.

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ElizabethGeorge
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

Ah. I did wonder about the Jury part of what you wrote. Good that you know the difference between Jury and Lynley!

Learn more about Careless in Red.

Discover all Elizabeth George titles.


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ms_linda
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series



ElizabethGeorge wrote:
You should definitely get a hardback! Don't wait for the paperback. Lynley wants to see you now!


Well if you put it that way, I definitely will! :smileyhappy:
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ctcablegirl
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

Elizabeth,
 
I love all your books including Careless In Red which was my Memorial Day Weekend treat.  I also have enjoyed the Inspector Lynley series on both DVD and on PBS.  However, I most enjoy reading as opposed to watching a story.
 
I feel that I must comment on your new look/hairstyle.  You look fabulous and many of my co-workers are commenting on what a wonderful picture it is of you on the back cover of your new book. 
 
I have to let you know that the death of Helen literally took my breath away.  When the shooting occured I  never thought for one minute that you would "kill her off".  It's twists and turns like that that I believe make your books so great.
 
I must ask if you have any plans to bring back Simon St. James and Deborah.  I enjoyed it when they were featured in a past story or two.
 
Thank you for all the pleasure that your books have given me through the years.
 
Karen in CT
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lcnh1
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

I have enjoyed these books for many years - even recommending them to many of my friends.  I just wanted to thank you for writing intelligent mysteries that make you think when you read them.  I like that the characters are flawed and not perfect.
 
I was surprised with the death of Helen. It made me wonder if you have a plan for your characters?  How far in advance do you know what is going to happen to them or do you just figure it out as you go along?
 
 
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ElizabethGeorge
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

Thanks for the compliment about the picture. It was taken in London because my British editor wanted a new picture since my hair is different. For some reason this was a big deal for them. I'll pass your compliment on to my hair guy on Whidbey Island. I've had lots of comments on it, and he'll be happy to have another.

Simon and Deborah St James, along with everyone else and including a new permanent character to the series, will be back in the next book, which I'm writing now. I had hoped to feature their story in a big way in this book, but that story isn't thematically unified with the rest of the novel as things turn out, so it will have to wait until the book after that. I hope I'm still around to write it....

Learn more about Careless in Red.

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ElizabethGeorge
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

Icnh1,

I know the character arc for all the characters. This comprises their entire story. I knew, for example, many years ago that Helen was going to die. It took me a long time to get to it and a long time to find the appropriate story in which to feature her death.

Each time I begin a book, one of the decisions I make is which of the continuing characters will be featured in the novel and which of their stories can be told. For example, Barbara Havers may be in teh crime story but there's no way that her continuing story can be featured because it isn't thematically unified with the rest of the plot.

So in Careless in Red, we see Lynley's continuing story but not Barbara's. In Deception on his Mind, we see only Barbara's In PLaying for the Ashes, we see both of their stories.

It's always a delicate balancing act. It takes a lot of thought in advance to figure out how to work it all out.

Learn more about Careless in Red.

Discover all Elizabeth George titles.


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Stephanie
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

Elizabeth,
 
Speaking of haircuts- I had one recently (about the same type as yours) and was at a school function for my son last night and I was not recognized by a number of people!  I got a bit of a kick out of it,  it was interesting to be somewhat incognito. (I promise, I didn't eavesdrop!) Have you had a similar experience? 
Stephanie
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lcnh1
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Re: Elizabeth George: The Inspector Lynley series

I find myself very anxious now for each book knowing that there is a long term plan for all of the characters.  If you don't mind answering, how many books do you think there will be or is that something that can't be determined yet since you indicate it is a matter of finding the right story for each character.
 
Since you have the story arcs for all of the characters planned, do you have a favorite character to write?  I find it interesting that you had Helen's death in mind but didn't know the appropriate story to include it in.  Did you find it hard to write her character knowing what the end was going to be?  Finally, do you have a favorite book of all that you have written?
 
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

ElizabethGeorge wrote:
Icnh1,

I know the character arc for all the characters. This comprises their entire story. I knew, for example, many years ago that Helen was going to die. It took me a long time to get to it and a long time to find the appropriate story in which to feature her death.

Each time I begin a book, one of the decisions I make is which of the continuing characters will be featured in the novel and which of their stories can be told. For example, Barbara Havers may be in teh crime story but there's no way that her continuing story can be featured because it isn't thematically unified with the rest of the plot.

So in Careless in Red, we see Lynley's continuing story but not Barbara's. In Deception on his Mind, we see only Barbara's In PLaying for the Ashes, we see both of their stories.

It's always a delicate balancing act. It takes a lot of thought in advance to figure out how to work it all out.