Product Description

Inspector Thomas Lynley, 8th Earl of Asherton, feels some trepidation as he introduces his bride-to-be to his mother at the ancestral home of Howenstow in Cornwall. But Lynley’s private concerns are soon forgotten as the brutal murder of a local journalist requires him to focus on the professional, rather than the personal. The investigation tears apart powerful ties of love and friendship, shattering the tranquillity of the picturesque Cornish community and exposing a long-buried family secret. Its consequences irrevocably alter the course of Thomas Lynley’s life.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #59514 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10-15
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 512 pages

The Times
'A first-class, page-turning read'

Review
'A first-class, page-turning read' (The Times )

'A very good writer indeed' (Jessica Mann )

From the Back Cover
AN INSPECTOR LYNLEY MYSTERY

Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, 8th Earl of Asherton, has brought to Howenstow, his ancestral home, the young woman he has asked to be his bride. But the savage murder of a local journalist soon becomes the catalyst for a lethal series of events which shatters the calm of the picturesque Cornish community, tearing apart powerful ties of love and friendship, and exposing a long-buried family secret. The resulting tragedy will forever alter the course of Thomas Lynley's life.

Customer Reviews

I can't put George's books down, and this is no exception.
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 really happened between Lynley and Deborah, St James and Lady Helen, and why it is taking them so many books to sort through the baggage. You learn more about Lynley, and why he is who he is, and see him working under pressure as disaster threatens his home and 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.

A great plot with truly likeable characters
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 and who now turn to him, as the Earl of the local manor house, for help. The story reveals more about DI Lynley and his troubled family history as well as bringing the reader right up to date with his relationships with his mother and his brother. The familiar faces of Simon, Deborah and Lady Helen play supporting roles and the descriptions of the breathttaking Cornish scenery contribute to the dramatic atmosphere.

Consistently Inaccurate
Why oh why doesn't someone tell Ms George that the Metropolitan Police do NOT send detectives all over the country to investigate murders. Surpisingly, in these modern times, the local plod actually have the nous to do it themselves. Yet time after time writers and 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 and Heartbeat as nostalgia, we deserve all we get. In comparison to the horsesh** listed previously, this is actually superior entertainment.