In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner

I became an Elizabeth George fan a couple of years ago when I read 'For the Sake of Elena'. I was so impressed, I immediately went back to the first book in the series and have now read them all. I think she's a fantastic author who keeps her readers interested in the ongoing lives of her main characters whilst introducing a new and fascinating murder mystery. 'In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner' does not disappoint - Ms George skilfully keeps you guessing (and misguessing!) right until the end. Fans will enjoy the next episode in the lives of Lynley and Havers. If you have not read Elizabeth George before, I suggest you try this on for size, then go back to the start of the series and read them all. The story is all the more enriched by knowing the history of these wonderful characters.

(quoted: Claude A. Helvetius) Elizabeth George shows her genius in this book. If you are an EG fan, or a mystery fan, be forewarned - you may lose sleep, ignore your personal wellbeing and that of your family once you start this book. It begins with Lynley and Havers completely at odds with each other and takes you on a 594 page rollercoaster ride which includes two murders, two suicides, a spin through S & M-land, and more. I was right on the edge of my seat to almost the last page. An incredible story. I can't wait for her next one.

I am hooked on Susan Elizabeth George and her wonderful writing. And yes, I too like her new hairdo. I have read all her books. I read them all during the past six months after stumbling onto a paperback edition of "Missing Joseph". I did not read them in the order published but after finishing "In Pursuit of the Proper Sinnner" the ten book chronolgy fell into place with the remarkable display of continuity in the ongoing evolution of the main characters of Linley(love "Tommy"as a nick name), Havers, Lady Helen and the entire gang. This woman writes such good prose that often I forget I'm reading a "potboiler" and find myself in the middle of a marvelous work of fiction. I can't wait to read Mrs. George's first non- mystry novel where she is able to dispense with the gratuitous sex and stay with the beautiful character insights. But, then again, this reader for one will continue to buy her first editions in hardback because I can't wait to see what kind of trouble Barbara Havers is going to get into next!

If you are an Elizabeth George fan you will find her latest Havers-Lynley mystery to be one of her finest. She has expertly woven not one but two murders together, leaving the reader to wonder who is the real target and who the killer. (I have read every single Havers-Lynely mystery and have yet to guess who the murder is, a mark of a truly great mystery writer.) As usual, George's grasp on English culture and language makes you want to expand your vocabulary and take a holiday to Jolly Old England. If you have never read George it is best to start with her first mystery and read in order. Though each book can and does stand well on it's own. It is easier in the long run to follow the history of the main characters DI Barbara Havers and her superiour Thomas Lynley from start to finish. I garauntee if you love mysteries that keep you guessing to the very end, if you love eloquent writing and superb use of vocabulary, you will thoroughly enjoy George. Be forwarned, once you get hooked on Havers and Lynley mysteries you will find you can hardly wait the two years George usually takes to research and write her next novel.

Any mystery lover worth his/her salt surely has to have Elizabeth George on their "must read" list! After reading George's first book, I was hooked, and now own and have thoroughly enjoyed all of her previous ten books. I eagerly awaited this latest book, and have not been disappointed. As usual her language is beautiful, no need for graphic sex scenes or foul language to try to catch one's attention - it is a pleasure to read such evocative writing. The plotting of this book is clever, and one can envisage each scene as it unfolds. George describes the countryside so perfectly, one feels as if one is there, and her understanding of England and the English, be it in language or by descriptive prose, makes the reader envious of her abilities. She is certainly in the genre of P.D. James and Ruth Rendell. This time we have Barbara Havers working in London away from her boss, Tommy Lynley, who has been called to Derbyshire by an old friend to help in solving two grisly murders. Havers, in spite of Lynley's orders, manages to get involved and has a great rapport with Nkata, the member of the team selected by Lynley to help him in Barbara's place, after her initial restment of him for taking her place. The story is full of twists and turns, ensuring that I had some sleepless nights as I hated to put the book down! I now await Elizabeth George's eleventh book with great anticipation. If you are anxious to read a big, beautifully written mystery, do read In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner - you will not be disappointed. George's writing puts to shame so many of today's "shocker" authors - if only they would realise that many readers are turned off by explicit sex and gore - they accomplish nothing by writing this way - there is too much lowering of standards at present, without having to write filth. I would respectfully suggest that any aspiring author read any Elizabeth George book - he/she could not fail to be impressed.