Cameron-Ashley H. (BigGreenChair) reviewed A Great Deliverance (Thomas Lynley, Bk 1) on + 461 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
I love Elizabeth George novels--they always have a complicated plot you can't figure out right away or even until the end when it's revealed--unlike a lot of other murder mystery writers where you've got it figured out way in the beginning. And the characters are each full-bodied.
Rosemary F. (canadianeh) reviewed A Great Deliverance (Thomas Lynley, Bk 1) on + 242 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
What can I add that no one has said yet about this g-r-e-a-t mystery writer. Forget the TV series! It's a pale shadow compared to the books. What's really neat about the book is that you see the story from the perspectives of so many of the characters. And such a lot of intriguing layers! Great mystery writing.
Kerry J. (luv2read4fun) reviewed A Great Deliverance (Thomas Lynley, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
If you enjoy great murder mysteries set in the UK, you'll definitely enjoy this series. The characters are well developed, as is the plot. I kept thinking I knew who "done it" and the ending was a complete surprise. It made me want to begin reading all of the Thomas Lynley series! I'm definitely an Elizabeth George fan now.
Helpful Score: 2
And this is where it all began...Thomas Lynley working a case with Barbara Havers. This won several awards for best debut novel in the mystery genre-and well deserved!
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first in her Lynley/Havers series of tightly written, thought provoking novels. The way Ms. George creates characters, they feel as if they really are your friends, neighbors and/or enemies. WARNING: If you read this book you WILL become seriously addicted to excellent mystery writing!
Loretta G. (myshistory) reviewed A Great Deliverance (Thomas Lynley, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Agatha winner for best first novel, although it is not a cozy by any means. It has a much more complex plot than the TV version. This book has some violent scenes.
Helpful Score: 1
Great story line, if a bit dark at the end...
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first book by Elizabeth George I have ever read but believe me it won't be the last
Helpful Score: 1
A terrific read. Complex but not disturbing, with rich character development. My first Elizabeth George, but not my last!
Helpful Score: 1
I'm just starting this series and I enjoyed this first book in the series so much that I'm looking forward to read them all.
The story was very good. I really like all the characters and the setting of England is great.
My reason for not giving 5 stars was that I felt the author left me with questions about the personal lives of the characters.
The story was very good. I really like all the characters and the setting of England is great.
My reason for not giving 5 stars was that I felt the author left me with questions about the personal lives of the characters.
Chris H. (redheadindian) reviewed A Great Deliverance (Thomas Lynley, Bk 1) on + 55 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Named one of the century's 100 favorite mysteries by the independent mystery booksellers association. Highly gripping murder mystery.
Helpful Score: 1
If you are a Lynley-Havers fan, this book is a must-read. It chronicles their first case together and the beginning of their successful partnership and provides a lot of underlying information about the other personal relationships that run through this series. To top it off, the murder investigation has enough twists and turns to satisfy any mystery lover.
Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
I've watched a few episodes of "The Inspector Lynley Mysteries" produced by the BBC, and I knew that I'd have to get my hands on the books they were based on sooner or later. I'm glad I finally made the effort.
Back in the 1980s when this book was first published, I think the subject matter behind the murder was much more "new" and shocking than it is today. Perhaps that's a sad statement on today, but it did have an effect on how I felt about the story line surrounding the plot. I easily picked up on behavioral clues and the like, so I wasn't surprised. I also wasn't disappointed for two reasons: one, this story line is extremely well done, and two, there's much more to A Great Deliverance than the crime.
What wowed me about this book were the two main characters. A fellow police officer at Scotland Yard describes Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers as "a truculent pigheaded little bitch" (which is pretty close to the mark), and Havers herself describes new partner Lynley as "that sodding little fop." Havers can't seem to work with anyone. She's on the verge of being tossed out on her ear. Whatever gave her superior the idea that this stubby, combatant woman would work well with sauve, aristocratic, well-dressed Inspector Thomas Lynley was either a stroke of genius... or blind, staggering luck.
They don't work all that well together in this first book, but the glimmer is there. In any other book, handsome Inspector Lynley would be the star, and with his background and his history of relationships, he is an incredibly interesting man about whom I want to learn much more. However, Lynley is not the star of A Great Deliverance. That honor goes to a woman who's close to becoming unhinged-- plain, ill-dressed, rude, and belligerent Barbara Havers steals the show, and her story has the power to put readers through an emotional roller coaster ride.
After being drawn so deeply into this story and into the lives of these two marvelous characters, I can't wait to see how the series progresses. Once again, books win over film!
Back in the 1980s when this book was first published, I think the subject matter behind the murder was much more "new" and shocking than it is today. Perhaps that's a sad statement on today, but it did have an effect on how I felt about the story line surrounding the plot. I easily picked up on behavioral clues and the like, so I wasn't surprised. I also wasn't disappointed for two reasons: one, this story line is extremely well done, and two, there's much more to A Great Deliverance than the crime.
What wowed me about this book were the two main characters. A fellow police officer at Scotland Yard describes Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers as "a truculent pigheaded little bitch" (which is pretty close to the mark), and Havers herself describes new partner Lynley as "that sodding little fop." Havers can't seem to work with anyone. She's on the verge of being tossed out on her ear. Whatever gave her superior the idea that this stubby, combatant woman would work well with sauve, aristocratic, well-dressed Inspector Thomas Lynley was either a stroke of genius... or blind, staggering luck.
They don't work all that well together in this first book, but the glimmer is there. In any other book, handsome Inspector Lynley would be the star, and with his background and his history of relationships, he is an incredibly interesting man about whom I want to learn much more. However, Lynley is not the star of A Great Deliverance. That honor goes to a woman who's close to becoming unhinged-- plain, ill-dressed, rude, and belligerent Barbara Havers steals the show, and her story has the power to put readers through an emotional roller coaster ride.
After being drawn so deeply into this story and into the lives of these two marvelous characters, I can't wait to see how the series progresses. Once again, books win over film!
Scotland Yard inspector Thomas Lynley and Detective Sgt Barbara Havers are sent to solve a brutal murder in the quiet town of Keldale. It's a rather grisly crime for a quaint English country village. The motive was quite surprising and unexpected. The characters are likeable. Lynley is upperclass but nice and Havers has her own family demons to contend with. I look forward to reading another adventure.
This is the first time I haave read this author, it was a very good murder mystery
Scotland Yard Inspector Thomas Lynley, the eigthy earl of Asherton, and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers have been sent to solve a savage murder that has stunned the peaceful countryside of Keldale. 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. Her first and last words were "I did it. And I'm not sorry."
Another excellent tale from Elizabeth George. If you enjoy and complex murder mystery, I recommend it.
Another excellent tale from Elizabeth George. If you enjoy and complex murder mystery, I recommend it.
A thomas Lynley Mystery, this is Elizabeth George at her best. The story lines and plot are tightly woven and keep you interested from start to finish!
The first and best of the Inspector Lynley novels.
NancyAnn T. (ArrowGold) reviewed A Great Deliverance (Thomas Lynley, Bk 1) on + 119 more book reviews
Scotland Yard Inspector Lynley (who also happens to be the eighth Earl of Asherton, along with Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, set out to solve a savage murder that has rocked the peaceful country side of Keldale. The solution of this crime will ruin the tranquility of this English valley.
Complex, disturbing and riveting!
From Publishers Weekly
In her debut novel, George too often plays to the gallery with characterizations broad enough to border on caricature. The legendharking back to violent events in Cromwell's timethat surrounds local Keldale Abbey pales in comparison to a modern-day crime committed in this quiet corner of Yorkshire, England: Roberta Teys, a silent, obese adolescent, is accused of killing her church-going father with an axe. The detectives sent by Scotland Yard to investigate are a mismatched pair. Inspector Thomas Lynley is smooth, attractive and utterly upper-class; "stubby, sturdy" detective-sergeant Barbara Havers, conscious of her plain appearance and lower-class origins, considers Lynley a "sodding little fop." Thrown together, they weigh the general conviction in the villagethat Roberta could not possibly have wielded the bloody axeagainst mounting evidence that damns the now catatonic girl. In sifting slowly through the ashes of the past, the detectives find enough horrific skeletons in every closet to lead them to a climax unexpectedly loaded with fire and fury. While Lynley seems rather bland despite emotion roiling beneath the surface, it is Havers' painful secrets and driving rage that encourage one to overlook decidedly uneven passages in this essentially intriguing psychological thriller.
In her debut novel, George too often plays to the gallery with characterizations broad enough to border on caricature. The legendharking back to violent events in Cromwell's timethat surrounds local Keldale Abbey pales in comparison to a modern-day crime committed in this quiet corner of Yorkshire, England: Roberta Teys, a silent, obese adolescent, is accused of killing her church-going father with an axe. The detectives sent by Scotland Yard to investigate are a mismatched pair. Inspector Thomas Lynley is smooth, attractive and utterly upper-class; "stubby, sturdy" detective-sergeant Barbara Havers, conscious of her plain appearance and lower-class origins, considers Lynley a "sodding little fop." Thrown together, they weigh the general conviction in the villagethat Roberta could not possibly have wielded the bloody axeagainst mounting evidence that damns the now catatonic girl. In sifting slowly through the ashes of the past, the detectives find enough horrific skeletons in every closet to lead them to a climax unexpectedly loaded with fire and fury. While Lynley seems rather bland despite emotion roiling beneath the surface, it is Havers' painful secrets and driving rage that encourage one to overlook decidedly uneven passages in this essentially intriguing psychological thriller.
Scotland Yard's Inspector Lynley and Sgt Havers are at it again. This time a Yorkshire village hosts a murder, a disappearance, and a 300 year old baby's scream. Did the only witness do it? She's not talking, not a single word!
English mystery complete with suspence and great detective work
Barbara M. S. (SWEETIE) reviewed A Great Deliverance (Thomas Lynley, Bk 1) on + 180 more book reviews
Another great Inspector Thomas Lynly mystery set in Yorkshire. If you haven't discovered Elizabeth George, you're missing a treat.
A Sgt. Yhomas Lynley mystery. Good plot, suspense...all in keeping with Elizabeth George's British mysteries.
Eadie B. (eadieburke) -
Yorkshire UK. Village of Kendale. A local farmer is found decapitated and his dogâs throat has been slashed. Inspector Thomas Lynley and Sgt Barbara Havers are sent to investigate. Liked the interaction between these 2 characters which is a bit touchy at times. Found George to be an excellent writer with great characterizations and plot line. Ending was a bit horrific but still look forward to the next book. Highly recommend this series.
Good read.
Inspector Thomas Lynley and Det. Sgt. Barbara Havers travel to Yorkshire to solve a savage ax murder.
Lynley has been sent to solve a savage murder that has stunned the peaceful country side. For fat, unlovely Roberta Teys has been found found in her best dress, an axe in her lap,seated in the old stone barn beside her fathers headless corpse. Her first words were * I did it. And I'm not sorry*
Shirley J. (NoShushing) -
The beginning of the Lynley/Havers series, in which they work together for the first time.
Inspector Lynley and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers are sent to solve a particuarly savage murder; but things are not always what they seem. Fat, unlovely Roberta is found in her best dress, an axe in her lap, seated next to her father's headless corpse. A great who-dun-it.
Sharon S. (SharonS312) reviewed A Great Deliverance (Thomas Lynley, Bk 1) on + 475 more book reviews
To this day, the low, thin wail of an infant can be heard in Keldale's lush green valleys. Three hundred years ago, as legend goes, the frightened Yorkshire villagers smothered a crying babe in Keldale Abbey, where they'd hidden to escape the ravages of Cromwell's raiders.
Now into Keldale's pastoral web of old houses and older secrets comes Scotland Yard Inspector Thomas Lynley, the eighth earl of Asherton. Along with the redoubtable Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, Lynley has been sent to solve a savage murder that has stunned the peaceful countryside. 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. Her first and last words were "I did it. And I'm not sorry."
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.
Now into Keldale's pastoral web of old houses and older secrets comes Scotland Yard Inspector Thomas Lynley, the eighth earl of Asherton. Along with the redoubtable Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, Lynley has been sent to solve a savage murder that has stunned the peaceful countryside. 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. Her first and last words were "I did it. And I'm not sorry."
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.
Valesca L. (FitMommyOf2) reviewed A Great Deliverance (Thomas Lynley, Bk 1) on + 85 more book reviews
To this day, the low, thin wail of an infant can be heard in Keldale's lush green valleys. Three hundred years ago, as legend goes, the frightened Yorkshire villagers smothered a crying babe in Keldale Abbey, where they'd hidden to escape the ravages of Cromwell's raiders.
Now into Keldale's pastoral web of old houses and older secrets comes Scotland Yard Inspector Thomas Lynley, the eighth earl of Asherton. Along with the redoubtable Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, Lynley has been sent to solve a savage murder that has stunned the peaceful countryside. 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. Her first and last words were "I did it. And I'm not sorry."
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 valleyand in their own lives as well.
Now into Keldale's pastoral web of old houses and older secrets comes Scotland Yard Inspector Thomas Lynley, the eighth earl of Asherton. Along with the redoubtable Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, Lynley has been sent to solve a savage murder that has stunned the peaceful countryside. 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. Her first and last words were "I did it. And I'm not sorry."
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 valleyand in their own lives as well.
