Deception on His Mind by Elizabeth George Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $2.35 You Save: $5.64 (71%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Deception on His Mind
Book Review: Superb Whodunnit - keeps you guessing all the way
Summary: 4 Stars
This is my second foray into the world of Barbara Havers, and what a redemption for her! She certainly showed a far more human side than in "A Great Deliverance", and I welcomed the absence of her partner Lynley and his equally irritating new bride. (They were on Honeymoon and instantly forgotten). I love a book that casts suspicion on everybody, and this one certainly does that. Almost everyone has a motive, and as mentioned previously, a lot of the characters are so unlikeable that you're just begging for them to be guilty of SOMETHING diabolical. I felt that Elizabeth George has done justice to both sides of the race argument, and both the racists and the activists against racism are equally loathsome. I have no idea how accurately this portrayal of a Muslim family is depicted, but it certainly gave me a lot to think about. If this book is far removed from Elizabeth George's usual style then I'll bide my time before reading another. On the other hand, if I knew I'd enjoy it as much as I did this one I'd read the whole series one after another.Book Review: Thanks to God, and Allah too
Summary: 5 Stars
Someone has murdered Mr. Haytham Querashi, a recent Pakistani immigrant, in Balford-le-Nez, a small, economically depressed town on the coast of Essex, England. Mr. Querashi was to soon wed the beautiful Sahlah, daughter of Akram Malik. In the Pakistani tradition, the parents of the bride and groom had arranged the marriage. As part of the deal, Mr. Querashi had become Production Manager in Mr. Malik's mustard factory where he displaced the last non-Pakistani, full-time employee.Just a few weeks ago Mr. Malik became the first Pakistani on the Town Council when his formidable adversary, the aging Agatha Shaw, was forced to resign due to a stroke. Despite her condition and Malik's appointment, Mrs. Shaw, with the help of her grandson Theo, is determined to obtain the Council's approval for her project. She is resolute in the renovation and development of the pleasure pier to attract tourists, resuscitate the town's economy and thus assure her legacy as savior of the community.
Querashi's death is threatening to ignite smoldering racial tensions, however. The Asian's in general and Malik's son in particular suspect the murder was racially motivated and expect the police will ignore white suspects and blame a Pakistani. Enter Sgt. Barbara Havers, who is conveniently vacationing in the town, to mediate with the Pakistani as police liaison. As the case proceeds, Barbara discovers that nearly all the players have something to hide, including her self. Indeed, the title of this English mystery novel should be "Deception on Their Minds."
Elizabeth George is a master of this genre. Her characters are believable, the events are realistic, the scenes evolve with interesting complexity and the plot is superb, although sometimes I found her style more descriptive and dragging than in her prior novel, "In the Presence of the Enemy." And unlike her previous novel, I had the killer figured in this one before the cops did.
"Deception" is unusual and outstanding, however, for George's treatment of the culture clash. Her characters cover the full spectrum of personalities one would expect to find in her hypothetical community. Thanks to God and Allah too, she does it without the least bit of moralizing.
Book Review: The very best thriller!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
The book is excellent, like all of its predecessors because Elizabeth George knows how to spell-bound her readers. In this book Barbara is on her one solving a mystery among Pakistani immigrants into a seaside resort town in England. Some potential readers might think that Barbara Havers can't manage alone. Ah, but they are very wrong, as Barbara shows more depth and real-life than the classy and superficial Lynley.
The book is stunning, and you can believe me because I've read them all!! It is however not recommendable to read af the first of all the writers novels, as she makes several references to the things from previous episodes and novels and to her partnership with Lynley. The reader will understand those references much better if (s)he has read at least one of the previous books.
In Denmark (where I come from) we love her books and Elizabeth George is one of the most popular criminal writers from USA.
Book Review: This is one of the best written books by Ms. George!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read several of the other books in this series, and I must say this is one of my favorites. The description is great and the concerns for immigrants is very realistic. I liked getting to know DS Havers better also. I look forward to the next book by Elizabeth George!Book Review: Wonderfully deceptive web woven around us. For Havers fans.
Summary: 5 Stars
~~~~~ If this review form allowed it:I'd choose to give this book * * * 6 * * * stars!
*~
This installment in the Thomas Lynley/Barbara Havers is a must for Elizabeth George fans, and even more so for fans of unfortunate Sgt. Barbara Havers.
* *
But don't worry. : - ) If you're new to the series, this book will still be a great read. Unlike some of the others in the series, enjoying this book isn't dependant on knowing the history of Lynley and his fiancé and best friends. The story revolves around Sgt Havers this time, and all you need to know is that her previous case was physically and emotionally traumatic.
* * *
If you are a Havers fan, this is the book for you, absolutely. She has finally done all the difficult things needed to find herself some peace of mind; finding a place to live for herself, and arranging for her elderly mother's care. Unfortunately, she still feels guilty at her sense of relief.
* * * *
It's a tribute to George's skill as a writer, that Barbara, who manages to alienate almost everyone else, still is a character we cheer for and have come to love. She meets two engaging neighbors, a little girl and her separated, but not yet divorced father; who are Pakistani. Despite herself, she is drawn to the girl's unreserved affectionate and cheerful personality, and also to the girl's father, who is a little mysterious.
* * * * *
When they are called away to assist distant relatives with a police problem, irrepressible Barbara can't help but interfere a little. She calls on a favor from an old friend, now risen in the ranks, and is assigned to help in the investigation of the death of a recent immigrant. George weaves the web around us so masterfully; we don't see the deception that blinds us, too. It is hard to describe the power of this book without ruining g the dramatic final scenes.
* * * * * *
I can say that Havers comes into her own, in this story. She may not have been wise to involve herself in the investigation, but she shows unexpected strength and resolve in following through. If you, like me are a Havers fan, and don't mind a little time away from Lynley and his friends, this book is truly wonderful. It is definitely the Barbara Havers story of the series and a terrific mystery, too.