This Body Of Death: An Inspector Lynley Novel [Mass Market Paperback]

 

 

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IF YOU ARE A FIRST-TIME READER OF MS GEORGE'S, A BIT OF A SPOILER FOLLOWS ABOUT 3 PREVIOUS BOOKS: "What Came Before He Shot Her" and "Careless In Red", predecessors of this book, represent, in my opinion, a consistency with the author's style and they give even more credibility to the main characters in this particular book, which sees DI Lynley and his working partners (Barbara Havers in primis) back into track. The author did not "rush" a direct sequel to Lynley's wife Helen's murder (in "With Noone As Witness"). Rather, very much in line with her style and psychological insight, she has taken her reading fans through a journey that could give an explanation, or, at the very least, that would make us look at the facts from another perspective, through the above mentioned 2 books. Because, let's face it, the elimination of Lynley's pregnant wife came as a shock to everyone, did it not? It was as if a bomb had been dropped among us (the readers), who would have expected it?? The credibility is expressed especially where Lynley is concerned. I think that if he is not as `active' in this book as he used to be (like some reviewers point out), it is because he is still recovering from his loss. END OF SPOILER.

And here we are. A sequel to the personal history of the main characters, from DI Lynley to Barbara Havers ensues, and a few new characters are added, the main one being Isabelle Ardery, temporarily replacing Lynley, still on compassionate leave. A murdered body is found in a London cemetery and this sets off an incredible tale of twists & turns. Ardery realises that she has the very difficult task of not only finding the killer, and fast, but also, that she is under very close scrutiny at the Met. A fatal mistake and her working career could end just like that. She therefore tries to get Lynley and his old team back to work with her, realizing the attachment and bond they all still have for him. Lynley's involvement in the investigation could prove to be an advantage under every point of view.

This book however starts with another story. A story extremely disturbing and chilling to the core, bearing many analogies that are etched into memory. You will know what I mean when you start reading. Suffice it to say that once again the author wishes us to see another perspective of whatever truth, or explanation, or answer there could be (if ever an `answer' could exist) when shocking events happen. These particular chapters were almost a slap back in time and, indeed, very disquieting to read. It goes without saying that in the end, we understand why they are part of the book.

Even though the epilogue ultimately covers (and uncovers) all the relevant bits & pieces, it leaves a few details `hanging in there', some connected with characters who appear to have a marginal importance to the whole story (a policeman in Hampshire, a boyfriend with a dangerous allure...and more). I have the feeling that the author shall write about these characters in her next book of the Lynley series... it would be the reasonable thing to do as it could not only be the ground for another book, but it would also give us readers some answers about unfinished business.

What else to say. Once again, I have admired Ms George's profound psychological insight reflected into fiction, sure, however it also encourages, almost begs, to address some uncomfortable, unbearable issues that sometimes plague our society.

In the 16th Inspector Lynley novel, we find him at home after having completed his wanderings around Cornwall trying to find peace following the murder of his wife. Still undecided as to what to do in the future, he is approached by the temporary department head, Isabelle Ardery, to return to Scotland Yard to help her make the transition to the post for which she supposedly is "auditioning." She is quite aware that the team of Lynley's co-workers resent her and Tommy can smooth the way for her to gain their support and even possibly their respect.

All too soon the body of a young woman is found, murdered, in a cemetery, and they all undertake to solve the case. There are plenty of suspects both in London and in Hampshire, where the woman originally came from. Ardery is like a bull in a China shop, and blunders regularly, Lynley a calming influence even if his status is undetermined. And to add to the reader's confusion is the regular recounting every couple of chapters of the ten-year-old murder of a two-year old tot by three boys aged 10 and 11. Not until near the end is the reason revealed.

The novel is quite long, some 640 tightly written pages, and for some could present a tedious exercise. However, the prose is smooth and the descriptions of the people and places skillful. The plot is well-constructed and it is very much worth it to have Tommy back. Recommended.

In This Body of Death, the new novel by Elizabeth George, Inspector Lynley, aka Lord Asherton, has been asked to return to New Scotland Yard to show the ropes to Isabelle Ardery, the potential new chief superintendent in his unit. Ardery is being given a baptism of fire in the job, as right off the bat a young woman is brutally murdered in an old cemetery and Ardery leaps to the wrong conclusions over and over again; it doesn't help that she's got a problem with the bottle, either. The investigation stretches out from London to Hampshire, to the New Forest and the free-range wild ponies that live in that region, and it's up to DS Barbara Havers and DS Winston Nkata to pursue that line of inquiry, while Lynley and Ardery try to sort out the messy details of the young woman's short life and brutal death in London....I love George's Lynley series, as her characters are all so richly drawn and there's so much psychological insight in her work. While I wouldn't place entry this above my favourite in the sequence of novels, Playing for the Ashes, it's solidly in the upper tier of the now-16-book series. The mystery is well thought out, and it was not until the last 50 pages or so of this very long (692 pages!) book that I began to form an opinion as to who done it and why; the characters are all distinct and very human; and the motives all ring true. Very highly recommended!

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5.0 out of 5 stars I love this series
This Body of Death is the sixteenth book in the Inspector Thomas Lynley series. It picks up a mere three months from the last book. Read more

Published 23 months ago by Luanne Ollivier

4.0 out of 5 stars `Chance alone brought her into his orbit.'
This is the sixteenth instalment in the Inspector Lynley series. Thomas Lynley is still on leave following the murder of his wife Helen (With No One as Witness), and the new... Read more

Published 24 months ago by J. Cameron-Smith

5.0 out of 5 stars New Scotland Yard at War with Itself While a Murder Goes Unsolved
"Whoever kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the testimony of witnesses; but one witness is not sufficient testimony against a person for the death penalty... Read more

Published 24 months ago by Donald Mitchell

2.0 out of 5 stars This Body of Depression
Thanks to the excellent reviews by Amazon readers I did not purchase either of Elizabeth George's last two books. Read more

Published on April 23 2010 by Karen Corley

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