A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George
>> Thursday, April 3, 2008
Series: #1 in the Inspector Lynley series
Genre: Mystery
Publication Date: 1988
Pages: 413
Challenges: A-Z Reading #21 (G Title)
For years, I’ve had people tell me that this series is wonderful, and I’ve even had this book on my shelf for a long time. Now that I’ve finally read it, I wish I’d started this series a long time ago. I’ve already added the rest of Margaret George’s books to my TBR list and The Hubster’s too.
When Roberta Teys is found in the barn of their Yorkshire farm with the decapitated body of her father, her only words are "I did it. And I'm not sorry." The local priest and many of the villagers insist however, that Roberta could not have killed her father. Scotland Yard’s Inspector Thomas Lynley and his newly assigned partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers are assigned to the case.
There is much more to this book than the mystery of the killer of William Teys. The story unfolds both forwards and backwards. Not only does the reader learn the history of Roberta, her family, and the village of Keldale, but the pasts of both Lynley and Havers are gradually revealed. It is a complex story with lots of characters and intertwining storylines, but I had a hard time putting it down. This was a wonderful first novel and lived up to the recommendations I’ve heard over the years. I’m already looking forward to the next one in the series.
No stars – I couldn’t even finish it
1 star – I didn’t like it but I managed to finish it.
2 stars – It was OK. Not good, but seriously just OK.
3 stars - I liked it. I didn’t think it was great, but I thought it was good entertainment.
4 stars – I really liked it. I really think you might like it too.
5 stars – It was amazing. I’d recommend this to just about anyone.
11 comments:
One of my favoritet authors. And...there is a British TV series. It's not exactly like the books but similar and the main characters are prettier than described in the books. I love these books!
There was a time when I just would NOT read a mystery, but years ago as I was preparing to leave for a weekend in New Orleans, I asked my SIL to just PICK ONE for me to take, and this was it.
Not only am I wild about Elizabeth George, now I have to be careful not to read nothing BUT mysteries!
I've got the ARC of the latest one waiting to read... You are in for such a treat as the series develops! Of course, now I'm gonna have to be very careful of any review I might write for the new one -- for reasons that readers of the series will understand!
Hooray!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. My time for George will come. Hopefully sooner rather than later. :)
I've added the title to my TBR list. Thanks for the review. I'm not a big reader of the mystery genre but you've interested me in this book.
Kay - I know 'of' the TV series, but have never seen any of the episodes.
El: I tend to read mostly mysteries and really can't quite explain why it took me so long to start this series.
Joy: trust me - you'll like it. For a first novel I was extremely impressed.
Mary: Hope you like it!!
So glad to read your review. I bought a book by George years ago and it has just set on the shelf.
Of topic but where was the photo on your header taken? It is gorgeous!
I mooched this book last month but it's on delay. Your review just makes me antsier to get this book. Sounds like a great mystery.
Booklogged: I'd done the same thing - this has been on my shelf for a long time. Read it soon, you won't be sorry.
Sheila: thanks so much for saying that! I took that picture a few years ago from our hotel balcony in Cannon Beach, Oregon. It was one of those situations of being in the perfect place at the right time and having my camera.
Framed: hope you get it and read it soon - you will enjoy it!
So glad you picked her up and like her. Elizabeth George is one of my favorite authors of Brit mysteries, too. I have the DVD collection of the series and it's good, too.
Not a warm and fuzzy series, by any stretch. Very good character development and wonderful writing.
Vickie: You were definitely one of the people who's recommendation made me start this series.
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