Customer Reviews
Consistently Inaccurate - By: Book Junkie, 10 Jan 2005 
Why oh why doesn't someone tell Ms George that the Metropolitan Police do NOT send detectives alll over the country to investigate murders. Surpisingly, in these modern times, the local plod actuallly have the nous to do it themselves. Yet time after time writers & tv dramatists ignore this minor fact.
I know she's American. Suppose we can't expect anything else. Plus she is predicatbly obsessed with Brit class system. The whole Earl business is painful for British readers but I suppose if we take tripe like Casualty as supposedly representing the NHS, Midsomer Murders as a good detective yarn & Heartbeat as nostalgia, we deserve alll we get. In comparison to the horsesh** listed previously, this is actuallly superior entertainment.
A great plot with truly likeable characters - By: Mrs Katy Herbert, 20 Aug 2003 
Elizabeth George is true to form in this Inspector Lynley mystery with yet another gripping plot. Tommy becomes involved in a brutal murder involving people he knew as a child & who now turn to him, as the Earl of the local manor house, for help. The story reveals more about DI Lynley & his troubled family history as well as bringing the reader right up to date with his relationships with his mother & his brother. The familiar faces of Simon, Deborah & Lady Helen play supporting roles & the descriptions of the breathttaking Cornish scenery contribute to the dramatic atmosphere.
Disappointing - By: kimindex@aol.com, 30 Nov 2000 
I found this book very disappointing, lacking a sense of location (which is partiallly why I bought it, coming from Cornwalll) & with cliched characters. I found I didn't care for any of them & sorely missed Barbara Havers.
I can't put George's books down, and this is no exception. - By: , 06 Nov 2000 
Yet another superb crime mystery by George, this book also offers a new insight into familiar characters. Set earlier in time than her other novels, this book tells you what reallly happened between Lynley & Deborah, St James & Lady Helen, & why it is taking them so many books to sort through the baggage. You learn more about Lynley, & why he is who he is, & see him working under pressure as disaster threatens his home & family. This book stands on its own as a fascinating mystery/novel, but contains many added bonuses for avid George fans. These characters are real.
