Status
Checked out
Due 29 May 2023
Series
Genres
Description
"As Inspector Thomas Lynley investigates the London angle of an ever more darkly disturbing case, his partner, Barbara Havers, is looking behind the peaceful façade of country life to discover a twisted world of desire, deceit, and murder. The suicide of William Goldacre is devastating to those left behind. But what was the cause of his tragedy and how far might the consequences reach? Is there a link between the young man's leap from a Dorset cliff and a horrific poisoning in Cambridge? After various career-threatening issues with her department, Barbara Havers is desperate to redeem herself. So when a past encounter with a bestselling feminist writer and her pushy personal assistant gives her a connection to the Cambridge murder, Barbara begs Thomas Lynley to let her pursue the crime" --… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member philantrop
Sodium azide? Just take it and be done with it, George.
This book was so extraordinarily bad, I don't even know where to start criticizing it.
I've read all the Lynley novels and enjoyed them greatly until one of the protagonists was killed off. From then on, not only a life derailed but the entire
It looks like George would much prefer to become known for "serious" books instead of mysteries but doesn't understand she simply doesn't have it in herself to ever really succeed at that.
Instead, she keeps writing horribly bad books that deserve no praise at all because they fail at being mysteries and serious social criticism both.
Just calling it a Lynley novel doesn't really make it one and this certainly was the last sham I've fallen victim of.
This book was so extraordinarily bad, I don't even know where to start criticizing it.
I've read all the Lynley novels and enjoyed them greatly until one of the protagonists was killed off. From then on, not only a life derailed but the entire
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series and its author. It looks like George would much prefer to become known for "serious" books instead of mysteries but doesn't understand she simply doesn't have it in herself to ever really succeed at that.
Instead, she keeps writing horribly bad books that deserve no praise at all because they fail at being mysteries and serious social criticism both.
Just calling it a Lynley novel doesn't really make it one and this certainly was the last sham I've fallen victim of.
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LibraryThing member linda.a.
Other reviewers have written at length about the characters and multiple plot-lines in this latest novel from Elizabeth George so I won’t waste my time on looking for different ways to write about them – not least because I feel I have already wasted too much time reading this over-long story!
Although some of the novels in the Lynley/Havers series have been better than others, I have always looked forward to the latest instalment in the developing relationship between this unlikely pairing. However, this book was a huge disappointment and has left me feeling that I no longer care what happens to either of them. The story abounded with complex, often disagreeable, characters and multiple plot-lines; whilst I have no need to like every character in a book, for much of the time I didn’t feel convinced by anything. I thought that the author was trying so hard to weave in what had clearly been comprehensive research into personality disorders that, instead of creating interesting, three-dimensional characters, she ended up with what felt like one-dimensional caricatures! In fact, by the end of the 676 pages I decided that the most likeable character was Arlo, the PAD (psychological assistance) dog!
There were several occasions when I felt very tempted to give up on the story, it was only a hope that the familiar characters would finally engage my interest which kept me reading – even though I had a good idea “who dunnit” about half way through! I think that there was far too much padding throughout the novel and that it could have done with some serious editing – in my opinion it was about two hundred pages too long.
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Although some of the novels in the Lynley/Havers series have been better than others, I have always looked forward to the latest instalment in the developing relationship between this unlikely pairing. However, this book was a huge disappointment and has left me feeling that I no longer care what happens to either of them. The story abounded with complex, often disagreeable, characters and multiple plot-lines; whilst I have no need to like every character in a book, for much of the time I didn’t feel convinced by anything. I thought that the author was trying so hard to weave in what had clearly been comprehensive research into personality disorders that, instead of creating interesting, three-dimensional characters, she ended up with what felt like one-dimensional caricatures! In fact, by the end of the 676 pages I decided that the most likeable character was Arlo, the PAD (psychological assistance) dog!
There were several occasions when I felt very tempted to give up on the story, it was only a hope that the familiar characters would finally engage my interest which kept me reading – even though I had a good idea “who dunnit” about half way through! I think that there was far too much padding throughout the novel and that it could have done with some serious editing – in my opinion it was about two hundred pages too long.
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LibraryThing member tututhefirst
I approached this one with a good deal of trepidation. The previous volume in the series was absolutely too long, too ponderous and dragged along. I love the characters in this series so much that I decided I'd give it another chance when this latest one arrived.
Although this is still a bit too
I just wish George could learn to write with about 20% less words...she gets so bogged down sometimes that I just want to throw the book away yelling "get on with it!" As always though, I have too much invested after 18 of these to let it go until I find out what happens to everybody involved.
Although this is still a bit too
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long, the always entertaining Barbara Havers shines in this one as she attempts to re-ingratiate herself with Lynley and the new super Isabelle Ardury. There may in fact be hope yet for Havers. This story, like all the earlier ones in the series, is very convoluted, with many characters, many plot twists, lots of suspects, super yucky crimes, and lots of red herrings. It is not a quick read, but it is one that faithful fans will be able to sink into and come out at the other end with their enthusiasm for the series intact. I just wish George could learn to write with about 20% less words...she gets so bogged down sometimes that I just want to throw the book away yelling "get on with it!" As always though, I have too much invested after 18 of these to let it go until I find out what happens to everybody involved.
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LibraryThing member hobbitprincess
Barbara Havers redeems herself after the disaster that she created in the last novel. Once again, she is in her usual good form, solving a murder mystery, in a sense. You have to read the book for the details. I have learned to dislike Ardery even less than I have in the past and wonder how she can
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keep her job, working as she does in such an unprofessional manner. I especially like the ending. I have come to know all of these characters so well over 19 novels that they are almost like family. I eagerly await number 20. Show Less
LibraryThing member thewanderingjew
A Banquet of Consequences, (Inspector Lynley, #19), Elizabeth George, author; John Lee, narrator,
The author, Elizabeth George, has chosen a superb narrator for the 19th book in her Inspector Lynley crime novel series. I don’t think that John Lee has ever disappointed me. He plays the roles of
The story revolves around a very dysfunctional Goldacre family. Caroline Goldacre’s first marriage to Francis Goldacre, a plastic surgeon, had been over for years. He remarried Sumalee, a much younger woman. Caroline is a very difficult woman and an overbearing parent. She is currently married to Alistair MacKerron who was a very decent stepfather to her two sons, Will and Charlie. Over the years, though, she has turned colder and more distant, growing more and more preoccupied with her sons, and so Alistair has also turned elsewhere for comfort. He has become involved with his long time capable assistant who really runs his chain of bakeries, Sharon Halsey. She keeps the shops stocked and the deliveries straight, managing everything and making the chain successful without complaint, so unlike Caroline who never fails to miss an opportunity to grumble. Caroline also seems to have a difficult time separating truth from fiction. She does not take well to criticism, and has an excessively high opinion of her own importance and self worth. Her background and past shaped, or perhaps, “misshaped her”, and she seems to have carried on that tradition with her own two boys who are both very troubled. Recently, her son Will committed suicide by jumping to his death, in front of his lover. Caroline blames her for his suicide.
Caroline worked for Clare Abbott, a very famous and popular author and feminist who was her salvation. Caroline had begun to eat herself into oblivion in an attempt to deal with her son’s unfortunate death. This job helped her refocus her attention to someone else. She started out as her housekeeper and worked her way up to being her personal assistant, taking charge of all of her affairs, keeping her schedule and appointments straight, and protecting her from fans. Soon, she became too impressed with herself and her position and her arrogance and bossiness began to grow annoying and more apparent.
Clare Abbott’s closest friend was Rory Statham. Rory was still reeling from the tragic murder of her partner Fiona Rhys, while on vacation in Italy, and she required her service dog, Arlo, to be with her at all times. Arlo, the dog, a Havanese, was my favorite character. Rory was not happy with Caroline’s presence or increased influence over her friend Clare.
Lily Foster is a tattoo artist who was the partner of Will Goldacre. His recent suicide has driven Lily over the edge, as well. She is obsessed and haunted by a need to punish Caroline whom she believed caused Will to jump to his death. So both Lily and Caroline blame each other for Will’s tragic jump. Lily stalks Caroline and has begun to look like a wraith, as she loses weight, dresses in black, and becomes increasingly covered with piercings and ink.
India Elliot is an acupuncturist who is married to Charlie Goldacre. His motto should be “doctor, heal thyself”. His marriage is currently on the rocks because of his inability to pull himself together or even get out of bed since the tragic death of his brother, Will. India finally gave up and moved out. Currently, she is involved with Nat Thompson to the consternation of Charlie and his mom.
When there is an unexpected death which turns out to be from unnatural causes, Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley of Scotland Yard becomes involved with the case to investigate the murder. He is a widower and is also involved in a love affair. His romantic interest is a very laid back Daidre Trahair, a veterinarian at the London Zoo.
Lynley’s partner is Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers who is not a favorite of Detective Superintendent Isabelle Aubrey, because of her unprofessional behavior and appearance. She wants to transfer her far away to Berwick-upon-Tweed, the northernmost town of England. Barbara is a loose cannon who often stretches and even disobeys the rules. She is also rude and unschooled socially. However, Lynley believes that she is a good detective, and he goes to bat for her with the Superintendent. Secretary Dorothea Harriman also decided to take her in hand and help her to dress and become romantically involved with someone which she believes will straighten her out.
At the heart of the novel is the murder investigation. Which of these characters is the murderer? All of them might have a motive. All of them might have the means to acquire the deadly poison that was used. The love lives and private lives of the characters are window trimming introducing such issues as mental illness, emotional disturbance, helicopter parenting, sexual abuse, neglect, infidelity, loyalty, secrets and lies. It does get confusing at times with all of the twists and turns. In the end, though, all of the loose ends are tied up with some surprising revelations. This would be a good book to take on vacation as it will take you away from whatever you are thinking about and drop you into the beautiful English countryside that is about to be shattered by the sudden eruption of chaos and murder. The conclusion was unexpected and surprising except for the resolution of the many romantic issues which seemed a bit transparent.
The author, Elizabeth George, has chosen a superb narrator for the 19th book in her Inspector Lynley crime novel series. I don’t think that John Lee has ever disappointed me. He plays the roles of
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males and females equally well and is able to portray the personality of each individual character with an appropriate tone of voice so that their attitudes, sex, personality, and mood shine through in each scene. The book is well written, making it an easy read. Humor is interjected often into the narrative along with the tension of the murder investigation, so that there will be a tendency to ooh and ahh as the story meanders along at a steady, even pace. Elizabeth George plants many red herrings into the tale, keeping the reader on the edge of the seat trying to guess the identity of the murderer. The story revolves around a very dysfunctional Goldacre family. Caroline Goldacre’s first marriage to Francis Goldacre, a plastic surgeon, had been over for years. He remarried Sumalee, a much younger woman. Caroline is a very difficult woman and an overbearing parent. She is currently married to Alistair MacKerron who was a very decent stepfather to her two sons, Will and Charlie. Over the years, though, she has turned colder and more distant, growing more and more preoccupied with her sons, and so Alistair has also turned elsewhere for comfort. He has become involved with his long time capable assistant who really runs his chain of bakeries, Sharon Halsey. She keeps the shops stocked and the deliveries straight, managing everything and making the chain successful without complaint, so unlike Caroline who never fails to miss an opportunity to grumble. Caroline also seems to have a difficult time separating truth from fiction. She does not take well to criticism, and has an excessively high opinion of her own importance and self worth. Her background and past shaped, or perhaps, “misshaped her”, and she seems to have carried on that tradition with her own two boys who are both very troubled. Recently, her son Will committed suicide by jumping to his death, in front of his lover. Caroline blames her for his suicide.
Caroline worked for Clare Abbott, a very famous and popular author and feminist who was her salvation. Caroline had begun to eat herself into oblivion in an attempt to deal with her son’s unfortunate death. This job helped her refocus her attention to someone else. She started out as her housekeeper and worked her way up to being her personal assistant, taking charge of all of her affairs, keeping her schedule and appointments straight, and protecting her from fans. Soon, she became too impressed with herself and her position and her arrogance and bossiness began to grow annoying and more apparent.
Clare Abbott’s closest friend was Rory Statham. Rory was still reeling from the tragic murder of her partner Fiona Rhys, while on vacation in Italy, and she required her service dog, Arlo, to be with her at all times. Arlo, the dog, a Havanese, was my favorite character. Rory was not happy with Caroline’s presence or increased influence over her friend Clare.
Lily Foster is a tattoo artist who was the partner of Will Goldacre. His recent suicide has driven Lily over the edge, as well. She is obsessed and haunted by a need to punish Caroline whom she believed caused Will to jump to his death. So both Lily and Caroline blame each other for Will’s tragic jump. Lily stalks Caroline and has begun to look like a wraith, as she loses weight, dresses in black, and becomes increasingly covered with piercings and ink.
India Elliot is an acupuncturist who is married to Charlie Goldacre. His motto should be “doctor, heal thyself”. His marriage is currently on the rocks because of his inability to pull himself together or even get out of bed since the tragic death of his brother, Will. India finally gave up and moved out. Currently, she is involved with Nat Thompson to the consternation of Charlie and his mom.
When there is an unexpected death which turns out to be from unnatural causes, Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley of Scotland Yard becomes involved with the case to investigate the murder. He is a widower and is also involved in a love affair. His romantic interest is a very laid back Daidre Trahair, a veterinarian at the London Zoo.
Lynley’s partner is Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers who is not a favorite of Detective Superintendent Isabelle Aubrey, because of her unprofessional behavior and appearance. She wants to transfer her far away to Berwick-upon-Tweed, the northernmost town of England. Barbara is a loose cannon who often stretches and even disobeys the rules. She is also rude and unschooled socially. However, Lynley believes that she is a good detective, and he goes to bat for her with the Superintendent. Secretary Dorothea Harriman also decided to take her in hand and help her to dress and become romantically involved with someone which she believes will straighten her out.
At the heart of the novel is the murder investigation. Which of these characters is the murderer? All of them might have a motive. All of them might have the means to acquire the deadly poison that was used. The love lives and private lives of the characters are window trimming introducing such issues as mental illness, emotional disturbance, helicopter parenting, sexual abuse, neglect, infidelity, loyalty, secrets and lies. It does get confusing at times with all of the twists and turns. In the end, though, all of the loose ends are tied up with some surprising revelations. This would be a good book to take on vacation as it will take you away from whatever you are thinking about and drop you into the beautiful English countryside that is about to be shattered by the sudden eruption of chaos and murder. The conclusion was unexpected and surprising except for the resolution of the many romantic issues which seemed a bit transparent.
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LibraryThing member Katsoprano
This is a good, thick, juicy mystery novel with an ending I did not see coming. Truly did not see coming. The story is neat and compact and moves along, but provides all the depth and detail to satisfy. The characters are all interesting and none of them are superfluous to the story line in any
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way. Quite satisfying. Show Less
LibraryThing member readyreader
Although a little overlong, this is another story from my favorite detective series, not only for the mystery, but for the character developments. Ms. George has kept up with the progression of human culture over the many years she has been writing these novels and I hope she continues to produce
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the next chapters for Tommy and Barbara. Show Less
LibraryThing member poonamC
A Banquet of Consequences is a modern story of flawed, well-rounded characters, messy relationships stemming from troubling, complicated pasts. A novel with many characters, but with enough idiosyncrasies and sub plots to tell them apart and keep you interested in their stories. In fact this
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marvelous whodunnit took me less than four days to finish reading. I was shocked, saddened, enraged and every bit as mystified as the author intended her readers to be. Elizabeth George is not afraid to look at each human being, warts, bumps and all with a clear, discerning eye. There is hope for some of the characters, but not for all - as is only fitting in a crime drama. I have to admit, I was a little impatient towards the end and could have whittled it down to 500 pages. Show Less
LibraryThing member gpangel
A Banquet of Consequences by Elizabeth George is a 2015 Viking publication.
This is yet another long running series, this being the nineteenth Inspector Lynley mystery, that I have been neglecting for a good long while. Although I have a few older titles in the series sitting on my shelf that have
I have kept up with the series well enough to know that a huge change took place a little while back and since then the series seems to have lagged a bit. However, I thought this one was really good, despite the fact Lynley is on the outskirts of the story with his sole contribution being to try and get Barbara back in the good graces of their boss.
When a popular feminist author dies unexpectedly, a heart attack is blamed, but a good friend of the author insisted upon further test, which resulted in the realization that the woman had been poisoned. Right on the heels of this discovery, the author's friend nearly dies the same way. Coincidence? I think not.
Barbara is still living with the threat of a transfer hanging over her head, so she’s really trying to tone down her usual antics, which has put a damper on her crime solving abilities. Still, she manages to stumble across this particularly puzzling situation, quite by accident, and finds herself working the case,although it’s not really in her jurisdiction, and the evidence is very thin and circumstantial.
Lynley plays a fatherly role with Barbara, keeps the brass off her back, and stands guard. However, that’s about the extent of his role in this one. The only other time we hear from him is when he is dealing with his complicated love life.
While, I have not always enjoyed the author’s choices when it comes to the main characters, it does keep the series from falling into a formulaic, unimaginative pattern.
With this story, the emphasis is on creating an interesting character study for all the people involved, and author as no qualms about addressing and creating true, diabolically evil characters or addressing topics that make even the most jaded crime reader feel a little squeamish. The atmosphere is heavy and dark as taboo topics and actions threaten to see the light of day.
But. After all is said and done, it looks like Barbara is starting to get her groove back, but Lynley is still dealing with a huge life change that has him off his game I think. Only time will tell how he sorts things out. Hopefully, the wait between books won’t be so long, but, even if there is a wait, I have all those older titles to tide me over.
I’m glad I picked this one up, as it’s whetted my appetite for more British mysteries and has re-enforced my faith in this series.
4 stars
This is yet another long running series, this being the nineteenth Inspector Lynley mystery, that I have been neglecting for a good long while. Although I have a few older titles in the series sitting on my shelf that have
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yet to be read, I couldn’t help but picking up this latest installment from my Overdrive library account. I have kept up with the series well enough to know that a huge change took place a little while back and since then the series seems to have lagged a bit. However, I thought this one was really good, despite the fact Lynley is on the outskirts of the story with his sole contribution being to try and get Barbara back in the good graces of their boss.
When a popular feminist author dies unexpectedly, a heart attack is blamed, but a good friend of the author insisted upon further test, which resulted in the realization that the woman had been poisoned. Right on the heels of this discovery, the author's friend nearly dies the same way. Coincidence? I think not.
Barbara is still living with the threat of a transfer hanging over her head, so she’s really trying to tone down her usual antics, which has put a damper on her crime solving abilities. Still, she manages to stumble across this particularly puzzling situation, quite by accident, and finds herself working the case,although it’s not really in her jurisdiction, and the evidence is very thin and circumstantial.
Lynley plays a fatherly role with Barbara, keeps the brass off her back, and stands guard. However, that’s about the extent of his role in this one. The only other time we hear from him is when he is dealing with his complicated love life.
While, I have not always enjoyed the author’s choices when it comes to the main characters, it does keep the series from falling into a formulaic, unimaginative pattern.
With this story, the emphasis is on creating an interesting character study for all the people involved, and author as no qualms about addressing and creating true, diabolically evil characters or addressing topics that make even the most jaded crime reader feel a little squeamish. The atmosphere is heavy and dark as taboo topics and actions threaten to see the light of day.
But. After all is said and done, it looks like Barbara is starting to get her groove back, but Lynley is still dealing with a huge life change that has him off his game I think. Only time will tell how he sorts things out. Hopefully, the wait between books won’t be so long, but, even if there is a wait, I have all those older titles to tide me over.
I’m glad I picked this one up, as it’s whetted my appetite for more British mysteries and has re-enforced my faith in this series.
4 stars
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LibraryThing member nbmars
This 19th book in the series featuring British Scotland Yard Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley again focuses on Lynley’s partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers.
The boss of Lynley and Havers, Superintendent Isabelle Ardery, now is holding a “sword of Damocles” over the head of Barbara
Havers appreciates Lynley’s faith in her; her recent experience in the force has been enervating:
“Jaw clenching, lip biting, teeth grinding, fingernails digging, and tongue holding were all taking their toll, and Barbara wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold on to this new twist in her personality without the top of her head erupting.”
The case is a poisoning in Cambridge, and involves a group of very unsavory characters, whose pathological neediness has been murdering each other’s spirits; now one of them has engaged in bodily murder as well. The fact that all of them are so awful keeps the reader from figuring out which one actually committed the crime.
In investigating the case, both Havers and Lynley are struck by all the misery they uncover:
“Bloody Christ [Barbara thinks], there was so much sodding pain in the world. How did anyone manage to live to old age?”
Lynley too is reminded of the awful burden of losing someone to violence and feeling “the weight of responsibility and the equal weight of guilt to be left among the living.” Unlike Barbara though, he is desperate to have a new relationship that will blot out the pain of what he lost. Barbara hasn’t taken that road, but Ardery’s secretary, Dee Harriman, is determined to help Barbara find happiness as well.
Discussion: Although George’s books are not for those who like edge-of-their-seat page turners, they have a certain British charm and a lot of atmosphere-building. But it is generally a major commitment of time to read one of her books, and this one, like her others, could well have used some editing.
The ongoing series characters seem to be getting more rigid in their roles. Ardery is increasingly off the rails, and Lynley more saintly than seems reasonable. Only Barbara is still, thankfully, more or less normal. On the other hand, none of the temporary characters germane to the plot are anywhere close to normal, or at least, one hopes that is the case.
Evaluation: I think fans of the Inspector Lynley series will be pleased with this latest installment, although there is a considerable “ick” factor, at least with the people involved in the criminal aspects of the story. Then again, it’s hard to avoid that in a murder story I suppose, except maybe with “cozy” mysteries.
The boss of Lynley and Havers, Superintendent Isabelle Ardery, now is holding a “sword of Damocles” over the head of Barbara
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Havers. Ostensibly, Havers is too unconventional for Ardery and too apt to flaunt the rules to get a result. It seems more likely, however (to me, anyway) - given Ardery’s unprofessional and vindictive ardor - that Ardery is projecting her own self-hatred and resentment of restrictions onto Havers. In any event, Ardery insisted Havers sign a transfer request to an out-of-the-way post in northern England, which Ardery will effectuate the moment she sees Ardery getting out of line. Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, even more patient and saintly than in the past, asks Ardery to give Havers a chance solving a new case, and Ardery agrees only if Havers is accompanied every moment by Detective Sergeant Winston Nkata, and if Lynley files a report on their activities and progress every single day.Havers appreciates Lynley’s faith in her; her recent experience in the force has been enervating:
“Jaw clenching, lip biting, teeth grinding, fingernails digging, and tongue holding were all taking their toll, and Barbara wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold on to this new twist in her personality without the top of her head erupting.”
The case is a poisoning in Cambridge, and involves a group of very unsavory characters, whose pathological neediness has been murdering each other’s spirits; now one of them has engaged in bodily murder as well. The fact that all of them are so awful keeps the reader from figuring out which one actually committed the crime.
In investigating the case, both Havers and Lynley are struck by all the misery they uncover:
“Bloody Christ [Barbara thinks], there was so much sodding pain in the world. How did anyone manage to live to old age?”
Lynley too is reminded of the awful burden of losing someone to violence and feeling “the weight of responsibility and the equal weight of guilt to be left among the living.” Unlike Barbara though, he is desperate to have a new relationship that will blot out the pain of what he lost. Barbara hasn’t taken that road, but Ardery’s secretary, Dee Harriman, is determined to help Barbara find happiness as well.
Discussion: Although George’s books are not for those who like edge-of-their-seat page turners, they have a certain British charm and a lot of atmosphere-building. But it is generally a major commitment of time to read one of her books, and this one, like her others, could well have used some editing.
The ongoing series characters seem to be getting more rigid in their roles. Ardery is increasingly off the rails, and Lynley more saintly than seems reasonable. Only Barbara is still, thankfully, more or less normal. On the other hand, none of the temporary characters germane to the plot are anywhere close to normal, or at least, one hopes that is the case.
Evaluation: I think fans of the Inspector Lynley series will be pleased with this latest installment, although there is a considerable “ick” factor, at least with the people involved in the criminal aspects of the story. Then again, it’s hard to avoid that in a murder story I suppose, except maybe with “cozy” mysteries.
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LibraryThing member Romonko
Elizabeth George is an extraordinary novelist who happens to write in the mystery genre. That is a wonderful thing for those of us who love mysteries and who appreciate a master storyteller. Each book in Ms. George's Lynley and Havers series further develops and fleshes out these two wonderful
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characters. Ms. George's creation of Barbara Havers in particular is quite incredible. Barbara is so wonderfully human with her strange wardrobe and her bad habits like smoking and eating all the wrong things. But she is unstintintingly honest, and exceedingly clever. Time and time again Barbra pulls rabbits out of various hats while trying to get to the truth behind a murder. This book is masterfully written, and it touches on extremely volatile social occurences that make us as readers reexmine the world as we know it. The characters that Ms. George has written for just this book are also well-drawn and realistic. It is a book about long-kept secrets and how these secrets manage to bring about catastrophic events later on in the life of the characters. We see Barbara valiantly trying to win back the favour of her superiors after her digression from obedience in the last book. We see her valiantly trying to work with others instead of going off half-cocked on her own. The partnership between her and Winston Nkada is realistically discussed during the course of the book while her and Winston are tying to unravel secrets in a small rural community. As more and more secrets come to life under the merciless excavation of Barbara and Winston, the motives behind the various crimes become clear, but they are very, very disturbing. Do they, with the help of Lynley in London, get it right eventually? That you'll have to read and determine for yourself. I cannot wait for the next book in this wonderful series. Show Less
LibraryThing member jaysbooks
Good book with puzzling ending--murder not resolved since person arrested may not be guilty. Perhaps story will continue in the next novel????
LibraryThing member LeighScarletRyan
Wonderful new lease on the characters and a way forward for them; can't wait for the next installment.
LibraryThing member diana.hauser
I was reluctant to read Elizabeth George’s newest book, A BANQUET OF CONSEQUENCES. I was afraid that I would dislike it as much as I disliked her last book, JUST ONE EVIL ACT. The fact that I disliked the characters and story line and location so much - all of this really pained me. I take my
That being said, the last book surprised me in my aversion to both its plot and characters, especially Barbara Havers.
I circled this new title like wolves sneaking up on a circle of covered wagons. When I took a deep breath and rushed in, I was very pleasantly surprised and relieved. I liked this title very much and enjoyed reading it. I had trouble putting it down. The twist at the end surprised me - I did not completely see it coming. The characters, throughout, were maddening in their nastiness and weakness, but meeting them and reacting to them - I was in good hands with Ms. George. Her descriptions mingled with background information and empathy took the blunt edge off my dislike.
Thomas Lynley (I feel) seems to be weakening as a personality. His detective skills are still spot on, yet his people skills seem to need work. I thought his scenes with Isabelle Ardery didn’t quite ring true. I am glad Ardery stuck ‘to her guns’ and refused (many times) to tear up Havers’ transfer papers. The whiney Deborah St. James did not appear in the story and Simon was consulted once and showed his brilliant forensic expertise.
The main characters in the mystery were puzzling, some of them. India, especially. I keep returning to the word weakness when describing the characters.
Which brings me to Barbara Havers. She didn’t appear until far into the book and I thought she was written in a bit better light (bit being the key word). I only had to imagine watching her eat a few times and saw that she showed some restraint in her treatment of others. I could live with this Barbara and even overlook some of her faults.
The real star of this book (I think) is Ardery’s secretary/assistant, Dorothea Harriman. She could be one of the strongest personalities in the cast. And, the long-suffering, patient ‘Winnie’ Nkata.
I’m afraid to say it out loud, but I see a glimmer, a small, teeny, tiny bit of openness in Barbara, a ray of hope that she can pull herself together and fulfill her potential. I would love to see that happen.
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reading very seriously and quite idolize certain authors. Ms. George was/is one of those authors. Her writing is so detailed - peeling apart a character’s psyche bit by bit until you feel that you intimately know a character and have even conversed with him/her. The plots, the background details, the construction of the story - it is so impressive. I am in awe.That being said, the last book surprised me in my aversion to both its plot and characters, especially Barbara Havers.
I circled this new title like wolves sneaking up on a circle of covered wagons. When I took a deep breath and rushed in, I was very pleasantly surprised and relieved. I liked this title very much and enjoyed reading it. I had trouble putting it down. The twist at the end surprised me - I did not completely see it coming. The characters, throughout, were maddening in their nastiness and weakness, but meeting them and reacting to them - I was in good hands with Ms. George. Her descriptions mingled with background information and empathy took the blunt edge off my dislike.
Thomas Lynley (I feel) seems to be weakening as a personality. His detective skills are still spot on, yet his people skills seem to need work. I thought his scenes with Isabelle Ardery didn’t quite ring true. I am glad Ardery stuck ‘to her guns’ and refused (many times) to tear up Havers’ transfer papers. The whiney Deborah St. James did not appear in the story and Simon was consulted once and showed his brilliant forensic expertise.
The main characters in the mystery were puzzling, some of them. India, especially. I keep returning to the word weakness when describing the characters.
Which brings me to Barbara Havers. She didn’t appear until far into the book and I thought she was written in a bit better light (bit being the key word). I only had to imagine watching her eat a few times and saw that she showed some restraint in her treatment of others. I could live with this Barbara and even overlook some of her faults.
The real star of this book (I think) is Ardery’s secretary/assistant, Dorothea Harriman. She could be one of the strongest personalities in the cast. And, the long-suffering, patient ‘Winnie’ Nkata.
I’m afraid to say it out loud, but I see a glimmer, a small, teeny, tiny bit of openness in Barbara, a ray of hope that she can pull herself together and fulfill her potential. I would love to see that happen.
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LibraryThing member Judiex
A BANQUET OF CONSEQUENCES begins thirty nine months before the present as William Goldacre tells his romantic partner Lily, that he must return to Dorset from London for his mental health. Three months later, in a state of extreme despondency, he jumps off a cliff while she tries to stop him. His
Almost three years later, Clare Abbott, a popular feminist writer and speaker, is found dead in her hotel room by her assistant, Caroline Goldacre. While the coroner rules natural causes, Rory Statham, Clare’s publisher and longtime friend, has other ideas. Rory is soon stricken, as well. Scotland Yard, particularly in the person of Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, gets involved in trying to solve the case.
The novel exposes a very dysfunctional family with a lot of secrets both within and without that family.
Readers who like a bare-to-the-bones mystery will not find it here. Instead, be prepared to take a somewhat leisurely stroll through the English countryside, observing almost every detail, as you follow DS Barbara Havers, with the help of DI Thomas Lynley, tries to save her career while Detective Superintendent Isabelle Ardery threatens to transfer her to the hinterlands.
Interesting comments:
Talking about the changing face of England where “soaring buildings ...multinational corporations, chain shops owned by multinational magnates.”
The self-image of women “told from infancy that they are nothing if they don’t have a man, they’re even less if they don’t ave what is now ridiculously called a ‘baby bump’...within six months of capturing their man.” They need to have perfect skin, white teeth, long eyelashes and must never leave the house without that because their prince may be waiting for them.
Lynley glanced through a book Looking for Mr. Darcy which stated that the myth of Tristan and Iseult began the modern idea of romantic love.
“Love is love....When someone’s gone, they’re gone, but what we’ve felt for them isn’t. To cope with that–having no place to put those feelings any longer–it takes a monumental effort of will.”
“...films are all made for twelve-year-old boys.”
The story is long and complicated, but not confusingly so. Elizabeth George’s writing is a pleasure to read. There is a bit of repetition. There are a few references to previous books (the death of Lynley’s wife, his relationship with Abbott, Haver’s relationship with both of them), the book can be read as a stand alone. It kept up my interest: I read it in about two days in spite of having other things to do.
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death affects his family, primarily his mother Caroline. Her reaction reaches out to affect everyone with whom she is in close contact. Almost three years later, Clare Abbott, a popular feminist writer and speaker, is found dead in her hotel room by her assistant, Caroline Goldacre. While the coroner rules natural causes, Rory Statham, Clare’s publisher and longtime friend, has other ideas. Rory is soon stricken, as well. Scotland Yard, particularly in the person of Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, gets involved in trying to solve the case.
The novel exposes a very dysfunctional family with a lot of secrets both within and without that family.
Readers who like a bare-to-the-bones mystery will not find it here. Instead, be prepared to take a somewhat leisurely stroll through the English countryside, observing almost every detail, as you follow DS Barbara Havers, with the help of DI Thomas Lynley, tries to save her career while Detective Superintendent Isabelle Ardery threatens to transfer her to the hinterlands.
Interesting comments:
Talking about the changing face of England where “soaring buildings ...multinational corporations, chain shops owned by multinational magnates.”
The self-image of women “told from infancy that they are nothing if they don’t have a man, they’re even less if they don’t ave what is now ridiculously called a ‘baby bump’...within six months of capturing their man.” They need to have perfect skin, white teeth, long eyelashes and must never leave the house without that because their prince may be waiting for them.
Lynley glanced through a book Looking for Mr. Darcy which stated that the myth of Tristan and Iseult began the modern idea of romantic love.
“Love is love....When someone’s gone, they’re gone, but what we’ve felt for them isn’t. To cope with that–having no place to put those feelings any longer–it takes a monumental effort of will.”
“...films are all made for twelve-year-old boys.”
The story is long and complicated, but not confusingly so. Elizabeth George’s writing is a pleasure to read. There is a bit of repetition. There are a few references to previous books (the death of Lynley’s wife, his relationship with Abbott, Haver’s relationship with both of them), the book can be read as a stand alone. It kept up my interest: I read it in about two days in spite of having other things to do.
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LibraryThing member bookstogetlostin
I have read and liked many books of the Inspector Lynley series. It's been now a few years without me reading anything written by Elizabeth George. So I don't know if my tastes have changed or if A banquet of consequences is not one of her better novels. But let me explain.
As always the beginning
Sadly it soon stopped being thrilling to me and started being boring. The book felt artificially prolonged. The whole Charlie-India-Nat-story or the Rory-Fiona-Memories for example? I could have done without it being so detailed. (Amazon tells me this novel has 592 pages... it felt like 1500...)
I did like the feministic touch of this book and Carolin was a very interesting, emotions provoking character.
If I think back, I remember Elizabeth George's novels being long, but I never felt bored reading them. Maybe my tastes changed, maybe it was because of the rather small role Lynley and Havers have in this story?
Disclaimer: I was provided through NetGalley with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
As always the beginning
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is rather slow, but it is not boring. You just get to know the characters. Characters, who are all in unhealthy relationships, it seemed, so I was wondering the whole time: Who's gonna die?!Sadly it soon stopped being thrilling to me and started being boring. The book felt artificially prolonged. The whole Charlie-India-Nat-story or the Rory-Fiona-Memories for example? I could have done without it being so detailed. (Amazon tells me this novel has 592 pages... it felt like 1500...)
I did like the feministic touch of this book and Carolin was a very interesting, emotions provoking character.
If I think back, I remember Elizabeth George's novels being long, but I never felt bored reading them. Maybe my tastes changed, maybe it was because of the rather small role Lynley and Havers have in this story?
Disclaimer: I was provided through NetGalley with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
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LibraryThing member Virginia51
This is not the first book with Barbara Havers and Thomas Lynley and you can understand the story but I recommend reading the one before this. This book kept me on my toes. I liked the characters. I receiv d an ebook of this from firsttoread for a fair and honest opinion.
LibraryThing member delphimo
Yes, I thoroughly enjoy reading Elizabeth George, and this book continued that assumption. George, like Mary Shelley, employs eloquent language to enhance the story. The richness rests in the description of setting and character. The characters seep into your thoughts with all their foibles. So,
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which character utilizes poison and has the correct person died? Elizabeth George does not reveal the killer until the bitter end, after the reader has suspected the cast of characters. What is the motive? Again, George presents many possibilities as the story progresses. In this novel, Barbara Havers must be on her best behavior or she will be sent to a remote village. I enjoy the attempt to make Barbara more like the average inspector, and the dance between Lynley and his current lady love displays comedy and drama. I miss the St. James family. Show Less
LibraryThing member VictoriaJZ
George's strong suit as a mystery writer are the complicated back stories of her characters as well as the complexity of the story line and unraveling of the mystery. This one is no different, but that's also why it's a difficult book to read as an audio book, although John Lee did a great job.
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Even so, and even tho I had to move back and reread a few times, it was a fascinating story although I sort of had an inkling of where things were headed. Show Less
LibraryThing member olegalCA
I got to page 159 of this book without there being a crime... if it had been written by any other author, I might have given up but this is Elizabeth George. I do miss Taymullah Azhar and Hadiyyah and hope that they might find their way back from Pakistan soon. They are needed to round out
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Barbara's character now that she's one bad decision away from being transferred out of London. I also miss Simon and Deborah... I feel like their story was dropped just as it was getting interesting. Besides all of that, the other characters were rich and the crime complicated enough to keep my interest through 500+ pages. Show Less
LibraryThing member Michael_Lilly
I like Elizabeth George and her Lindley- Havers books, but not this one. The pace was slow,, and Haver's character is distorted so it is unlike anything in the other books in the series. I listened to only about 40% of the book. Maybe it got better, but I did not enjoy the experience and I have
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many good books to read, so I stopped. Show Less
LibraryThing member jennybeast
I've still never forgiven her for Helen, but Elizabeth George continues to write excellent mysteries, and this is no exception. Another thoughtful book, which leaves me pondering justice, and tragedy and how we keep on.
LibraryThing member Brumby18
Ok bus book. not enough of the character delvelopment for me - all seemed to be given the trait after the fact - need to see it in the characters action not be told. jumped about a bit time line wise. Maybe 3.5 as I like theHhavers character. Linley Is always a bit wet to me.
LibraryThing member LDVoorberg
Like PD James, George provides extensive narrative and back story to her murder mystery. This one is about a young man who jumps off a cliff when his girlfriend reads his diary, a feminist author and her editor and assistant, and if course the detectives involved in the eventual murder. It is long
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and not completely unpredictable, scandalous but still entertaining for it's genre. Show Less
LibraryThing member Christina_E_Mitchell
For me, it's all about DS Barbara Havers. (I love her.)