Not George's best :-(
I was so looking forward to this book but it was slow to start, the storyline plods along. Some of the characters are well drawn but George has a lot to draw from since nearly every character is from a dysfunctional family or has an obsessive compulsion. I have read the entire series and this is the first book I have not finished reading in less than a week.
I was so looking forward to this book but it was slow to start, the storyline plods along. Some of the characters are well drawn but George has a lot to draw from since nearly every character is from a dysfunctional family or has an obsessive compulsion. I have read the entire series and this is the first book I have not finished reading in less than a week.
Helpful Score: 2
The story kind of drags out a bit - I found myself skimming through paragraphs in the hopes of finding an exciting twist or turn, to no avail until the end, and even that wasn't earth-shattering. I love her style of writing, though, and as with nearly all of the other books in this series, I gained an interest in some day visiting yet another part of England.
A fairly good story, but not Elizabeth George's best.
A fairly good story, but not Elizabeth George's best.
Helpful Score: 2
Wow. What to say about this book. While the ending was satisfactory, getting there was excruciating. It took every ounce of willpower to get to the end, as I found pretty much every suspect in this novel completely insufferable. The only thing holding me was the interesting Bea Hannaford (the regional inspector heading the murder investigation), coupled with her perspective on the relationship between Lynley and Havers.
If you're only half-way devoted to this series, I doubt you'll find this to your liking. If you're a devoted fan, you will want to read it in preparation for the next novel. I won't be picking the next one up, however, if its reviews are tepid. This one overall was a disappointment to me.
If you're only half-way devoted to this series, I doubt you'll find this to your liking. If you're a devoted fan, you will want to read it in preparation for the next novel. I won't be picking the next one up, however, if its reviews are tepid. This one overall was a disappointment to me.
Helpful Score: 1
Another excellent Inspector Lynley murder mystery/detective story - set on the southern coast of England. Full of secrets and revenge.
Helpful Score: 1
After the dreadful "What Came Before He Shot Her", I was really anticipating Elizabeth George getting her stride back with this latest book.
Not quite there yet. I usually rip through a new E.G. book in one sitting - this one took me 5 days - and it was VERY easy to put down.
Not quite there yet. I usually rip through a new E.G. book in one sitting - this one took me 5 days - and it was VERY easy to put down.
Helpful Score: 1
While I loved her early books, Elizabeth George is just going rapidly downhill with her later books. However, if you are still enjoying them, this is for you.
I prefer Deborah Crombie, who writes in similar vein, British detectives trying to lead a personal and family life. Her work is consistent and of high quality.
I prefer Deborah Crombie, who writes in similar vein, British detectives trying to lead a personal and family life. Her work is consistent and of high quality.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a chatty British style detective story written by an American pretending to be a Brit... or something like that. I'm not a fan of written British style books. I'd rather see them on film. My wife, on the other hand, loves them and she loves Elizabeth George and this book. I enjoyed it but without the rapture. I don't know if this is a chick vs. guy thing or what, but for me it's too chatty. However, it is well constructed, intelligent, and absorbing if you don't mind taking the long route. I've been told that the meandering is what makes George's genre so wonderful. Maybe so.
Helpful Score: 1
Elizabeth George is a lyrical writer who uses language so beautifully to evoke a sense of place and convey rich characters. She has the capacity to draw such complex, realistic people. In this book, I saw more than ever her amazing gift for gradually revealing layers of depth in every character as she unveils the reasons behind the murder around which the book is constructed. The two processes are inextricably linked and both are fascinating. In addition to a gripping mystery, Careless in Red offers more insight into Thomas Lynley as a man and policeman. I also learned a lot about Cornwall and surfing, which was fun.
Loved the book. Inspector Lynley will soon be back in full swing I am sure. I do hope there will be more books about him. Elizabeth George write an excellent book.
Michael H. (bookdoc) -
Tried to get into this book. Just could not do it. Maybe in the future but I am not a fan of books this thick.
What can I say... I love Elizabeth George. I follow the red herring(s) every time!
This series is the best. Always set in England with good story line, great interesting characters and the best mystery
I am enjoying the book very much. I like mysteries with many twists and turns. I like the many characters.
Denice L. (Tibbers) - , reviewed Careless in Red (Inspector Lynley, Bk 15) on + 13 more book reviews
This book was a little slow for me. I did not like it as much as the others in this series.
terrific book as this author continues writing great mysteries.
This Inspector Lynley book has so many twists and turns it was difficult to guess who was the murder. Very detail descriptions of the Cornish Countryside and those that live there. I would recommend this novel to those that love English novels and the Inspector Lynley tv series.
One of the best in the series.
Sandra S. (kattkatt99) reviewed Careless in Red (Inspector Lynley, Bk 15) on + 119 more book reviews
After the senseless murder of his wife, Detective Superintendent Thomas Lynley retreated to Cornwall, where he has spent six solitary weeks hiking the bleak and rugged coastline. But no matter how far he walks, no matter how exhausting his days, the painful memories of Helen's death do not diminish.
On the forty-third day of his walk, at the base of a cliff, Lynley discovers the body of a young man who appears to have fallen to his death. The closest town, better known for its tourists and its surfing than its intrigue, seems an unlikely place for murder. However, it soon becomes apparent that a clever killer is indeed at work, and this time Lynley is not a detective but a witness and possibly a suspect.
The head of the vastly understaffed local police department needs Lynley's help, though, especially when it comes to the mysterious, secretive woman whose cottage lies not far from where the body was discovered. But can Lynley let go of the past long enough to solve a most devious and carefully planned crime?
On the forty-third day of his walk, at the base of a cliff, Lynley discovers the body of a young man who appears to have fallen to his death. The closest town, better known for its tourists and its surfing than its intrigue, seems an unlikely place for murder. However, it soon becomes apparent that a clever killer is indeed at work, and this time Lynley is not a detective but a witness and possibly a suspect.
The head of the vastly understaffed local police department needs Lynley's help, though, especially when it comes to the mysterious, secretive woman whose cottage lies not far from where the body was discovered. But can Lynley let go of the past long enough to solve a most devious and carefully planned crime?
