Ginette B. (Niteowl7) reviewed on 1/28/2007 + 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.

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