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Review: A Great Deliverance, by Elizabeth George

A Great Deliverance, Elizabeth George’s first novel, introduces its reader to Thomas Lynley and Barbara Havers, two London detectives who couldn’t be more different. Lynley is Lord Peter Wimsey type, while Barbara Havers is brusque, angry at the hand life has given her. But the two are thrown together when a murder in Yorkshire occurs; a local man named William Teys is found with his neck severed, apparently murdered by his daughter, Roberta.

Elizabeth George is exceptionally good at character development. This is especially true in a mystery series; after all, if you’re going to keep reading about a group of characters, you want to feel some kind of connection with them from the beginning. She's also wonderful at characterizations, as well as pop culture references. George does a wonderful job setting up these characters’ personalities and relationships. As for the murder mystery itself, there’s not much new or surprising, but George puts a nice twist in the ending which I didn’t see coming. All in all, I think I’d continue reading this series; A Great Deliverance is a fast-paced, exciting read.
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Amy said…
I love this series. I'm a few books behind in it now, but I'll catch up one day!
August 23, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Danielle said…
I love this series as well and is one of the few where I've read all the books (actually I have the newest on my TBR pile and hope to get to it soon). She is very good and her plots can get very intricate. I think her earlier books are a tad bit stronger (and shorter) than her newer mysteries, but I enjoy them nonetheless. The BBC series is also excellent (though the actors didn't match the visuals I had of the characters in the book--I quickly became addicted anyway). Unfortunately the series was cancelled though I think there might still be one season that hasn't yet been shown on US television.
August 23, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Kate Coe said…
I love these, but read the most recent ones--you'd swear it was a different author. The series really develops, both in character and style. You have really good taste in books.
August 25, 2008 at 11:52 PM
Lana said…
I really think George's strength is in her character development as well. I have to say, though, I'm glad I didn't start the series with this one! Havers' anger might have turned me off reading further.

I enjoyed your review, so I've linked to you here.
July 16, 2009 at 10:51 AM
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