Kellie S. (acountkel) reviewed A Place of Hiding (Inspector Lynley, Bk 12) on + 94 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
-(#12 of the Havers-Lynley series) This was about Debra and St. James. Back when Debra was in California, way before her and St. James were married, she had a close friend, China, who helped her thru her abortion. Now China is in trouble on an island in the English Channel and her brother Cherokee has come to ask for help. So St. James and Debra go to the island to see if they can help. This starts a series of mini-plots that George is known for. China is accused of murdering a rich tycoon (Guy) who lives on a huge estate on the island. There is evidence against China but its not very strong. So who could be the other suspects. Could it be Ruth, Guys sister? Adrian, Guys son? Or one of the many women in Guys life? Could it be the architect who was not awarded the contract for the museum Guy was funding to build? The museum was going to have an exhibit of antiques collected from the island from WWII. This was another very complex, suspenseful mystery. It wasnt one of my favorites. It dragged in the middle. The last 100 pages were very exciting and made up for some of the middles monotony.
Richard (Founder-PBS) -
Helpful Score: 1
For a long flight or vacation, this book is great. A fine mystery starting with a murder in the current day with ties back to WWII and the German occupation of the island of Guernsey.
Christine (luvmygem) -
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite Elizabeth George novels - suspenseful, interesting and well-written, this one also does a little something extra for me. I started reading this one as if the locale was a make-believe place, but in fact Guernsey does of course exist and is a fascinating place. Now I want to visit Guernsey some day, mainly because of how Elizabeth George described it in such vivid detail. If I had not read this novel, I would never had cared so much about this place.
Helpful Score: 1
An excellent read. Lots of interesting sub-plots, and the main plot keeps you in suspense until the last minute.
Helpful Score: 1
George's Superintendent Lynley mysteries are great fun as British mysteries go. This is an especially engrossing story, featuring the forensic scientist Simon St. James and his wife. Lots of delightful twists and turns.
Barbara M. S. (SWEETIE) reviewed A Place of Hiding (Inspector Lynley, Bk 12) on + 180 more book reviews
Another great mystery in the Det. Inspector Lynley series. This one is on the island of Guernsey. You'll love it!
Linda L. (lakelinda) reviewed A Place of Hiding (Inspector Lynley, Bk 12) on + 108 more book reviews
Part of the marvelous Lynley/Havers/Simon St. James series. This book concentrates on Deborah an St. James and works as a stand alone even if you haven't read the others. It is fantastic reading and keeps you guessing until the end. Her writing is fantastic. You really care about the characters and truly get a feel for the setting (Isle of Guernsey).
*****
Perhaps George's most superb mystery novel. A masterpiece.
Perhaps George's most superb mystery novel. A masterpiece.
Simon St. James and his wife, Deborah, are called to the island of Guernsey in the English Channel to help solve the mystery of the death of Guy Brouard, one of Guernsey's wealthiest inhabitants. China River, Deborah's friend, has been arrested for the murder, and her brother Cherokee has called them to come and investigate and try to clear her. There are other possible suspects the St. Jameses look at for the murder. Forced as a child to flee the Nazis in Paris, Brouard was working on opening a museum honoring those in Guernsey who resisited the German occupation of the island during World War II when he died. Everyone on the island seems to have something to hide, and the book takes several twists and turns before the killer is found. This is a long book, but worth reading.
Another absorbing Elizabeth George, this time focused on Simon and Deborah St. James, a friend of Deb's and a complicated saga about the German occupation of Guernsey and a planned memorial.
From Publishers Weekly
Fans disappointed by George's atypical story collection, I, Richard (2002), will be relieved to find the bestselling transatlantic author back at the top of her form. This exquisitely plotted mystery bursts with well-developed characters, notably forensic scientist Simon St. James and his photographer wife, Deborah. Lured by the free airline tickets and the $5,000 fee, China River, an old friend of Deborah's, and her half-brother, Cherokee (their mother was into the hippie counterculture), agree to fly from sunny California to rainy England to deliver a package containing architectural drawings to Guy Brouard, a rich landholder on the Channel island of Guernsey. The drawings are for a museum Brouard plans to build on the island honoring those who resisted the WWII German occupation. When the philandering philanthropist gets murdered and the police arrest China, Cherokee turns to Simon and Deborah for help. Curiously, for all the victim's wealth, no one seems to benefit from his death. The theme of hiding-of hopes, of the past, of secret places-underpins this intricate story about friendship, anger, loyalty and betrayal. Comic touches provide some relief as the suspense builds to an unexpected and explosive climax. With her flair for language, George reinforces her reputation as one of today's finest mystery writers.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Fans disappointed by George's atypical story collection, I, Richard (2002), will be relieved to find the bestselling transatlantic author back at the top of her form. This exquisitely plotted mystery bursts with well-developed characters, notably forensic scientist Simon St. James and his photographer wife, Deborah. Lured by the free airline tickets and the $5,000 fee, China River, an old friend of Deborah's, and her half-brother, Cherokee (their mother was into the hippie counterculture), agree to fly from sunny California to rainy England to deliver a package containing architectural drawings to Guy Brouard, a rich landholder on the Channel island of Guernsey. The drawings are for a museum Brouard plans to build on the island honoring those who resisted the WWII German occupation. When the philandering philanthropist gets murdered and the police arrest China, Cherokee turns to Simon and Deborah for help. Curiously, for all the victim's wealth, no one seems to benefit from his death. The theme of hiding-of hopes, of the past, of secret places-underpins this intricate story about friendship, anger, loyalty and betrayal. Comic touches provide some relief as the suspense builds to an unexpected and explosive climax. With her flair for language, George reinforces her reputation as one of today's finest mystery writers.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Ginette B. (Niteowl7) reviewed A Place of Hiding (Inspector Lynley, Bk 12) on + 242 more book reviews
Usually Thomas Lynley is the chief detective in Elizabeth George's books. In this book, Ms. George has opted to have Lynley's good friends Simon and Deborah St. James investigating a murder with Lynley only on the sidelines. Elizabeth George is an excellent writer whose descriptions of London and the British countryside had me feeling like I was transported to those places. Her characters are also well drawn, especially Simon and Deborah. A murder of a beloved, wealthy resident of a country estate is at the center of the plot. China, one of Deborah's friends from the U.S. stands accused of the murder. She appeals to Deborah for help which Deborah responds to along with her husband Simon. I found Deborah a hard character to like at times. Her emotions are so intertwined with China's dilemma that she almost jeopardizes the police's and Simon's investigations. She refuses to listen to Simon and his objectivity, causing arguments between them. Simon's queries lead the police to release China. Other suspects pop up, including China's brother Cherokee. Overall, I found the characters, descriptions of the enviroment and the mystery itself interesting enough to finish ready this book. At over 700 pages I found it a little long. The identity of the murderer and especially the motive for the murder is quite a surprise at the end.
Tracey W. (tracey13) reviewed A Place of Hiding (Inspector Lynley, Bk 12) on + 310 more book reviews
A masterful mystery story. Wonderful description of the island of Guernsey and how WWII effected the people - an often forgotten part of modern history. Strong characters. A real page-turner.
Another top-notch mystery by one of the best writers around.
Betty S. (booklluv) - , reviewed A Place of Hiding (Inspector Lynley, Bk 12) on + 15 more book reviews
A suspenseful story with many twists and turns. Simon St. James comes to Guernsey to try to help his wife Deborah's American friend who is in jail for the murder of an important Guernsey resident. By carefully researching information, St. James finds the truth that no one even suspects. Elizabeth George has you hooked until the last few pages.
Michelle C. (MichelleC) reviewed A Place of Hiding (Inspector Lynley, Bk 12) on + 25 more book reviews
Couldn't believe the end, was not what I expected at all! Kept me guessing throughout.
Not the typical Elizabeth George book. Deborah and Simon St. James much in evidence--Thomas Lynley is not.
Calmia Y. (underwriter) reviewed A Place of Hiding (Inspector Lynley, Bk 12) on + 219 more book reviews
as always a great story
JoAnn G. (bookwoman28) reviewed A Place of Hiding (Inspector Lynley, Bk 12) on + 166 more book reviews
Published in 2003, USA Today called this "one of George's best" - and Elizabeth George has had a string of well-reviewed best sellers.
AS those who have read Elizabeth George's mysteries will know, she is a master storyteller. This book, which takes place on the island of Guernsey in the English Channel, is fully as compelling as her previous books. If you haven't read any of her wonderful books before, this is a good way to start!
Maryanne M. (maryannem) reviewed A Place of Hiding (Inspector Lynley, Bk 12) on + 83 more book reviews
Love this book, characters are so real. Goold plot with really interesting depth of psyche.
Elizabeth George can create a reading experience like few other writers. Her characters, plot and atmosphere are exquisitely developed.
In this latest from bestseller Elizabeth George, China River, recuperating from a failed love affair, agrees to accompany her ne'er-do-well brother Cherokee to the Channel Islands to hand-deliver a set of architectural drawings to an expatriate millionaire whose plans to fund a museum commemorating the war-time exploits of his Guernsey neighbors comes a cropper after he's found dead under suspicious circumstances. George spins an intricate and lively plot that spotlights the efforts of series regulars Deborah and Simon St. John to help Deborah's old friends free themselves; in the process, she introduces a fascinating cast of secondary characters, many of whom had much more obvious motives to wish Guy Brouard dead than the California siblings who seem tailor-made for a frame-up.
Cynthia G. (clgreads) -
I had a lot of this series, but was missing a few volumes. PaperBackSwap members help me complete the Elizabeth George shelf! Now I'm re-reading.
Her core group of characters is compelling and is intertwined with the mysteries to be solved. I want to know them and their interrelationships, what happens next and why.
Great plots, characters and pacing. I recommend them to anyone who likes more complex and intelligent mysteries.
Her core group of characters is compelling and is intertwined with the mysteries to be solved. I want to know them and their interrelationships, what happens next and why.
Great plots, characters and pacing. I recommend them to anyone who likes more complex and intelligent mysteries.
This book focused mainly on the St. James couple. Much more of a character study. The reader gets information and insight into Deborah St. James' past. 2 people from her past are involved in the plot. An interesting read, however, I prefer the writer's novels that focus on Lynley and Havers.
Cameron-Ashley H. (BigGreenChair) reviewed A Place of Hiding (Inspector Lynley, Bk 12) on + 461 more book reviews
Very good read! When isn't Elizabeth George great? Enjoyed it a lot.
This is a very good book. Keeps you quessing all the time.
Marilyn C. (Marilyn122) reviewed A Place of Hiding (Inspector Lynley, Bk 12) on + 4 more book reviews
hardback but will take pocket book
This is a hardcover edition missing its dustjacket.
Vivien S. (barnabasdaughter) reviewed A Place of Hiding (Inspector Lynley, Bk 12) on + 19 more book reviews
A murder mystery ..." a gripping, suspenseful story of betrayal and devotion, war and remembrance,love and loss...and the higher truths to which we must all ultimately answer".
An isolated beach on the island of Guernsey in the English Channel is the scene of the murder of Guy Brouard, one of Guernsey's wealthiest inhabitants and its main benefactor. Forced as a child to flee the Nazis in Paris, Brouard was engaged in his latest project when he died: a museum honoring those who resisted the German occupation of the island during World War II. It is from this period that his murderer may well have come. But there are others on Guernsey who want Guy Brouard dead. As a forensic scientist Simon St. James and his wife, Deborah, soon discover, seemingly everyone on the history-haunted island has something to hide ... And behind all the lies and alibis, a killer is lurking.
Back of the book;
An isolaated beach on the island of Guernsey in the English Channel is the scene of the murder of Guy Brouard, one of Guernsey's wealthiest inhabitants and its main benefactor. Forced as a child to flee the Nazis in Paris, Brouard was engaged in his latest project when he died; a museum honoring those who resisted the German occupation of the island during World War II. It is from this period that his murderer may well have come. But there are other on Guernsey who want Guy Brouard dead. As forensic scientis Simon St. James and his wife, Deborah, soon discover, seemingly everyone on the history-haunted island has something to hide...And behind all the lies and alibis, a killer is lurking.
An isolaated beach on the island of Guernsey in the English Channel is the scene of the murder of Guy Brouard, one of Guernsey's wealthiest inhabitants and its main benefactor. Forced as a child to flee the Nazis in Paris, Brouard was engaged in his latest project when he died; a museum honoring those who resisted the German occupation of the island during World War II. It is from this period that his murderer may well have come. But there are other on Guernsey who want Guy Brouard dead. As forensic scientis Simon St. James and his wife, Deborah, soon discover, seemingly everyone on the history-haunted island has something to hide...And behind all the lies and alibis, a killer is lurking.
Christina B. (anesthezea) reviewed A Place of Hiding (Inspector Lynley, Bk 12) on + 12 more book reviews
An isolated beach on the island of Guernsey in the English Channel is the scene of the murder of Guy Brouard, one of Guernseys wealthiest inhabitants and its main benefactor. Forced as a child to flee the Nazis in Paris, Brouard was engaged in his latest project when he died: a museum in honor of those who resisted the German occupation of the island during World War II.
It is from this period of time that his murderer may well have come. But there are others on Guernsey with reason to want Guy Brouard dead: his wives, his business associates, his current mistress, the underprivileged teenagers he mentoredany of whom might have harbored a secret motive for murder. As family and friends gather for the reading of the will, Deborah and Simon St. James find that seemingly everyone on the history-haunted island has something to hide. And behind all the lies and alibis, a killer is lurking. In order to bring this person to justice, the St. James must delve into Guernseys dark historyboth past and presentand into the troubled psyche of someone who may have exacted retribution for the most unspeakable crime of all. -- Amazon.com
It is from this period of time that his murderer may well have come. But there are others on Guernsey with reason to want Guy Brouard dead: his wives, his business associates, his current mistress, the underprivileged teenagers he mentoredany of whom might have harbored a secret motive for murder. As family and friends gather for the reading of the will, Deborah and Simon St. James find that seemingly everyone on the history-haunted island has something to hide. And behind all the lies and alibis, a killer is lurking. In order to bring this person to justice, the St. James must delve into Guernseys dark historyboth past and presentand into the troubled psyche of someone who may have exacted retribution for the most unspeakable crime of all. -- Amazon.com
An isolated beach on the island of Guernsey in the English Channel is the scene of the murder of Guy Brouard, one of Guernsey's wealthiest inhabitants and its main benefactor. Forced as a child to flee the Nazis in Paris, Brouard was engaged in his latest project when he died: a museum honoring those who resisted the German occupation of the island during World War II. It is from this period that his murderer may well have come. But there are others on Guernsey who want Guy Brouard dead. As a Forensic scientist Simon St. James and his wife, Deborah, soon discover, seemingly everyone on the history-haunted island has something to hide.....And behind all the lies and alibis, a killer is lurking.
Diana M. (booklady4) -
my edition has a slightly warped bottom edge but is otherwise in good condition
