I, Richard

Elizabeth George in Shorts is just as suspensful and whimsical as she is doing the long novel. Normally, I don't read short stories but decided to do so after finishing all of the Inspector Lynley books. I definitely was not disappointed. This lady comes with a great sense of humour in addition to her other sterling literary attributes. All the stories were suspensful right up to the final unexpected endings. I, Richard, the last of the stories, transforms history into modern day life. Both sad and amusing.

Elizabeth George presents us with a collection of short stories that are light yet absorbing reading, different in style and conception from her long, densely textured novels. I read these as a little break from Christmas baking, decorating, and party planning, and found the stories to be lively and diverting, with just the right mixture of trendy references and plot twists. George also writes an intro to each tale, describing how she got the idea, which is an insight into her creative processes. The title story, set near Bosworth Field, came to her in the whole cloth, as a total picture. She recited it into a small recorder as best she could, battling wind and cold as she and a friend stood near St. James Church, where King Richard prayed the night before his decisive battle. Five stars to her for this little anthology in a difficult genre!

I'm so glad I followed my heart and not some of these reviews and bought the book! I've enjoyed each and every short story and the beginning of each story starts off with why Elizabeth George came to write it or what inspired her to do so. Each story made me curious as to where it was leading me. Granted, one can't compare this with the novels that E. George has written especially if one follows the Lynley series, but each story stands on it's own and left me satisfied at the end of each short story. I've read all of her books and this one was one of my favorites! Well done!

Crime novelist Elizabeth George provides five excellent tales with a twist."Exposure". A college class visits a British estate to see the artwork when one of the students dies. Thomas Lynley, who is visiting too, knows murder occurred. He seeks to uncover the killer in his own indomitable manner. This is an-exciting story reminiscent of Agatha Christie."The Surprise of his life". A man suffering from impotence thinks his trophy wife is cheating on him. When he obtains what he thinks is proof, he plans to kill her. However, things don't go as planned. Readers will love this story for its exquisite irony."Good Fences Aren't Always Enough". When Anfisa moves to 42 Napier Lane, the neighbors hoped she would do needed renovation. Instead her actions attract the rats. When the neighbors complain she ignores them until the night they decide to take matters into their own hands. This is a page-turner with shocking results."Remember, I'll Always Love You". After Eric dies, his wife Charlotte tries to track down his family to inform them of his death, but she has no address or phone number. She learns why her husband kept his past secret but by then it is too late. This poignant tale touches the heart while stimulating the mind."I, Richard". Malcolm Cousins believes that Richard III was not responsible for the deaths of his nephews and the town drunk Bernie Perryman has the proof. To get the document, Malcolm has an affair with Bernie's wife and plans on using her to get it. Malcolm obtains his wish, but it doesn't give him the pleasure he expects. This is an enthralling story of treachery and deceit.Harriet Klausner