With No One as Witness

The book's ending was so shocking to me, I had to stop reading her novels completely. I could never see her lovable characters in the same light ever again. That's the only clue I'm giving. Many readers were traumatized by this novel. I don't go for gritty "real-life" fiction. I like the cozies. She's definitely not a cozy writer anymore, if she ever was.

a bit of a slow starter but real hard to put down. It really grabs you and keeps you picking it up til it is finished.

After a disappointing A Place of Hiding, Elizabeth George goes back to the basics, bringing back Havers and taking the series to the next level. George has always distinguished her novels by creating a product that is distinctly different from the typical police procedural. The differentiating factor is that she spends a considerable amount of time telling us about the personal lives of the characters. As a result, you will get much more enjoyment from reading this series in order, so if you are new to George's work, I recommend that you go back to the beginning: A Great Deliverance. For those that have been following this series, fasten your seat belts, because not only are you going to get a story with a devious serial killer that is hard to catch, but also on where there will be some important developments in the lives of the main characters. Four boys have been murdered, but it was not until recently that the police and the Scotland Yard realized that there is a serial killer out there. The situation can be best described as a public relations nightmare, since only the last victim is white, and there are likely to be some accusations about this, probably justified. The good news is that all of our beloved characters make an appearance in this novel, Lynley, Havers, St. James, Nkata and even Havers' neighbors and Nkata's object of desire. I liked the way in which George provides the story with several layers, transforming it in a mesmerizing read. For example, the pressure by the press on the Scotland Yard generates serious problems between Superintendent Lynley and his superior. There is also the issue of the previous demotion of Havers and now the promotion of one of her friends, trying to assuage the fire of public opinion. The relationship between Havers and Azhar, Nkata and his romantic pursue of Yasmine, and Lynley and Helen's soon-to-be-born son are other important storylines. The writing is superb, and that is the only reason why George can write a 700+ page novel without us losing interest at any point. One of the things I enjoyed the most was the omniscient narrator that allowed us a look into the killer's mind, allowing for a better understanding of his motives. Finally, there is the big surprise towards the end, which some people may not like, but I think that sometimes it is necessary to shake things up a little. Ultimately, this is one of the best books in the series, and I am already looking forward to what comes next.

I started out thinking this book was too long and laborious (could have stood a bit less description of London districts and one or two fewer suspects) but ended up rationing myself for three days because I simply couldn't bear it to end. One of the highlights is a short love scene, very moving, yet without a single word that could offend anyone. But the piece de resistance is an extraordinarily wrenching physical and emotional crisis. I've never experienced such empathy with and sympathy for a character. It's still reverberating, 11 days later. Elizabeth George is an intelligent, thoughtful, educated writer; there are a few spelling and punctuation errors, but they can be laid at the doorstep of her editor or proofreader. At the end, she leaves us with another compelling mystery: How will she keep Inspector Lynley going in the next book?

The tragic end of "With No One As Witness" seems to have upset many of Elizabeth George's fans. Personally it increases my respect for a writer I already considered among the best in the genre. A serial killer is preying on young boys. The identity of some of the victims and the ritualistic aspect of the murders puts Scotland Yard on the defensive and Assistant Commissioner Sir David Hillier launches a public relations campaign to stifle charges of racism. Hillier's efforts soon put him and Acting Superintendent Thomas Lynley in conflict. From then on it's a page-turner with Lynley and his team, particularly the redoubtable Barbara Havers and recently promoted Winston Nkata, working feverishly to halt the string of killings which seem to be connected with at-risk youths participating in a social services charity called Colussus. There are twists and shocks galore and a bevy of sub-plots developing the humanity of Lynley, whose wife is carrying their first child; Havers, concerned about a young neighbor girl, and Nkata, seeking a relationship with a woman he hurt in a previous novel. This is a long book, but well worth the ride. Sure, I was saddened by the conclusion--can't say more about the ending without spoiling it for those who haven't already read it. But, I think it demonstrates the depth of her work, the quality that brings her novels so close to reality and make Lynley, Havers and other characters so plausible we feel we know them personally. No one can be bored by her graceful prose, psychological insight and complex plotting. I can hardly wait for her next book, which is due out in October and is a sequel to this one.

I began reading the Lynley-Havers novels in a rather odd fashion: from the middle books backward to the first and then on to each new release from that point on. (The really great part about discovering an author that you love is that you don't have to sit around and wait for the "next" release!) Discovering the characters in that manner was interesting, as going in reverse allowed me to see just how far Ms. George had brought their personalities. The developement of the relationships, the intergration of their lives was fascinating. Sometimes it would seem to me that her characters weren't making much progress for themselves - then I would have to remind myself that I was reading the series backwards! Ms. George's lastest novel has me intrigued. I, too, was surprised at the road she chose to take with her players, but, I think we will be rewarded in the future with a richness in her novels to come as a result of her choice. It seems to me that the course of action she chose to take shows a tremendous amount of courage on the part of the author. Keepping all of her characters in tact would have been the easy way. Now, she must take them, and us, on a new journey. I can't wait for it to begin! At the end of it, I'm just glad that Havers didn't "take the bullet". I would really have hated to have lost her!

"With No One as Witness" just might be the very best book in the Lynley/Havers series. I have been an avid reader since "A Great Deliverance" and I can honestly say Ms. George got me on this one......I hate reviews that sums up the plot of the book, so I will skip that. What I will say is the plot twist in this book turns the entire series on its ear, and literally left me with my jaw open. BRAVO Ms. George.....What you did was brave, and necessary to shift the series in a different direction. Lynley/Havers fans, trust me on this...You will not be disappointed!