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Careless in Red (Inspector Lynley Mystery)

Author: Elizabeth George
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Category: Book

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Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

3 reviews
Sales Rank: 528

Media: Hardcover
Pages: 544
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.9

ISBN: 0340922966
EAN: 9780340922965
ASIN: 0340922966

Publication Date: June 12, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: Brand new book, in stock and dispatched from the UK. Freepost returns.

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Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars

Not up to standard July 21, 2008
I too was disappointed by this new Elizabeth George. I missed the relationship between Havers and Lynley, the forensic detail and skipped a number of pages dealing with the relationships between some of the characters. I found the character of Dellen completely unbelievable, and on a minor note, was really irritated by the very strange first names chosen for a lot of the characters - are Seleven, Beneveck, Dellen and Daidre real names, or creations by Miss George. I shall think twice before spending my well-earned money on any more novels by Elizabeth George.

2 out of 5 stars

really disappointed! July 6, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is the 2nd Elizabeth George book which i have been more than a little disappointed with [the 1st being 'What came before he shot her', which i gave up on half way through]. I found the whole book dull and i struggled to read it. Neither novel has been in the same league as her previous fast-paced and gripping books. Since killing off Helen Lynley, Miss George seems to have lost her way and I, a once devoted fan, am concerned that she will not re-find her previous skill.

4 out of 5 stars

Flawed Look at Husbands without Wives and Children without Mothers June 12, 2008
15 out of 16 found this review helpful

Careless in Red will surprise most fans of the Thomas Lynley/Barbara Havers novels. Elizabeth George doesn't return to her roots, but attempts a more literary novel that primarily explores how fragile husbands and children are without wives and mothers to love and nurture them. Those who just want a good mystery will wonder why all the extra characters and plots are in place until they realize that the mystery is secondary to telling stories that build the major theme.

As the book opens, Lynley is a wreck following the murder of his wife and unborn child. He's been trekking along the coast without thought to comfort and safety, becoming little more than a homeless man. That mind-numbed state is disturbed when he spots a dead body and is pulled into the investigation. His police instincts are alerted when a woman he meets begins lying and he wants to find out why.

The book is rich in character development, relying on many different interacting narrators. Ms. George uses this device to explore many family mysteries, which may or may not be related to the crime mystery. If you find it fascinating to think about all the ways that families can become dysfunctional, this book is for you.

Within all these stories, there is a deep tragedy . . . the kind the ancient Greeks would have appreciated. Lynley senses that something like that might be looming behind the current events and helps to bring it to light.

I would rate this book higher, but the breakdown of Lynley and his fairly quick recovery didn't ring true to me. I can't exactly tell you why, but it set a false note that undermined the rest of the story for me. I also found the endings (which don't let anyone hint about to you) to be unsatisfying compared to the scale of the foundation for the novel.

I did find the book to be compelling. I stayed up late on two nights to finish.