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kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
Ninth in the Inspector Lynley mystery series set in contemporary London.
The Story
Tommy and Helen have gotten married and are off on their honeymoon while Barbara has been ordered to take time off to heal after her injuries in In the Presence of the Enemy. Lord, taking time off. All that time with nothing to do but think so it's no surprise that Barbara jumps at the opportunity to follow Azhar and Hadiyyah when they must leave London to help with a family emergency.
The Characters
I think Emily does Barbara a world of good in that Barbara finds that she is a good copper—even if she doesn't yet realize it herself and that Emily is "not all that". I'm curious as to where Barbara's friendship with Azhar and Hadiyyah will go after this.
Emily is one of those insufferable women who can't tolerate anyone impinging on her turf although I can't blame her for her attitude toward her super…what an ass! I think part of what makes her so unappealing to me is how she allows her prejudices to dictate the case. Nor do I do like her personal principles although I do admire her pursuit of life.
Akram Malik is the father of Muhannad and Sahlah as well as the owner of a condiments factory and a member of the town council. I may not like his plans for Sahlah, but he is a very decent man and proud of his efforts in integrating into the English community.
He's between a rock and a hard place in that he does want to be as English as possible while maintaining his Muslim faith at the factory and in his family, particularly in his family. This is not fair on his daughter, Sahlah, as she is exposed to so much more freedom in England and yet she is expected to accept the traditional role of a daughter with her arranged marriage and restricted movements.
Muhannad is a disgusting twerp whom I'd love to strangle while his wife, Yumn, is even more disgusting. How the family tolerates her I do not know. He's one of those agitators who use and abuse a situation manipulating it beyond what it really is. He is such a hypocrite towards his family. Actually, he rather deserves his wife! Yumn. What a piece of work! I'm not surprised her father was so eager to pay someone to take her off his hands!
Haytham Querashi is both to be admired and despised for his treatment of Sahlah although his religion does force it on both of them. If anything, their situation is an excellent example of why tolerance is so very important in the world.
I'm impressed with Theodore's ability to withstand Agatha's single-minded insatiable ego although it is definitely tempered by his cowardice towards Sahlah. For myself, I would cheerfully strangle Agatha, the old cow.
Then there's Rachel and Connie Winfield. Poor Rachel. Burdened by her facial features and a mother who never left her teens, Rachel's confidence and emotional development have not evolved. I do like how Barbara approaches this in the story, a very growing moment for both.
I'm impressed with Theodore's ability to withstand Agatha's single-minded insatiable ego although it is definitely tempered by his cowardice towards Sahlah.
Lastly, there's Gerry and Cliff. Cliff's actions are a catalyst against Haytham. And I can only hope that Gerry figures out what Cliff is up to as he deserves so much better than this shallow limpet!
My Take
It's a complex story with many others' stories interweaving within Barbara's. Prejudice and racism rear their ugly, ugly heads and murdering greed steps in to boost an overweening ego.
I hate that it leaves us hanging wondering what happens with Sahlah and Theodore. I do love the peek we get inside Muslim culture…it's not a look at the religion per se but how the religion shapes their lives and outlooks.
The Cover
I love the cover if only because it showcases Sahlah's jewelry work. It makes me long for my own studio again.
The Story
Tommy and Helen have gotten married and are off on their honeymoon while Barbara has been ordered to take time off to heal after her injuries in In the Presence of the Enemy. Lord, taking time off. All that time with nothing to do but think so it's no surprise that Barbara jumps at the opportunity to follow Azhar and Hadiyyah when they must leave London to help with a family emergency.
The Characters
I think Emily does Barbara a world of good in that Barbara finds that she is a good copper—even if she doesn't yet realize it herself and that Emily is "not all that". I'm curious as to where Barbara's friendship with Azhar and Hadiyyah will go after this.
Emily is one of those insufferable women who can't tolerate anyone impinging on her turf although I can't blame her for her attitude toward her super…what an ass! I think part of what makes her so unappealing to me is how she allows her prejudices to dictate the case. Nor do I do like her personal principles although I do admire her pursuit of life.
Akram Malik is the father of Muhannad and Sahlah as well as the owner of a condiments factory and a member of the town council. I may not like his plans for Sahlah, but he is a very decent man and proud of his efforts in integrating into the English community.
He's between a rock and a hard place in that he does want to be as English as possible while maintaining his Muslim faith at the factory and in his family, particularly in his family. This is not fair on his daughter, Sahlah, as she is exposed to so much more freedom in England and yet she is expected to accept the traditional role of a daughter with her arranged marriage and restricted movements.
Muhannad is a disgusting twerp whom I'd love to strangle while his wife, Yumn, is even more disgusting. How the family tolerates her I do not know. He's one of those agitators who use and abuse a situation manipulating it beyond what it really is. He is such a hypocrite towards his family. Actually, he rather deserves his wife! Yumn. What a piece of work! I'm not surprised her father was so eager to pay someone to take her off his hands!
Haytham Querashi is both to be admired and despised for his treatment of Sahlah although his religion does force it on both of them. If anything, their situation is an excellent example of why tolerance is so very important in the world.
I'm impressed with Theodore's ability to withstand Agatha's single-minded insatiable ego although it is definitely tempered by his cowardice towards Sahlah. For myself, I would cheerfully strangle Agatha, the old cow.
Then there's Rachel and Connie Winfield. Poor Rachel. Burdened by her facial features and a mother who never left her teens, Rachel's confidence and emotional development have not evolved. I do like how Barbara approaches this in the story, a very growing moment for both.
I'm impressed with Theodore's ability to withstand Agatha's single-minded insatiable ego although it is definitely tempered by his cowardice towards Sahlah.
Lastly, there's Gerry and Cliff. Cliff's actions are a catalyst against Haytham. And I can only hope that Gerry figures out what Cliff is up to as he deserves so much better than this shallow limpet!
My Take
It's a complex story with many others' stories interweaving within Barbara's. Prejudice and racism rear their ugly, ugly heads and murdering greed steps in to boost an overweening ego.
I hate that it leaves us hanging wondering what happens with Sahlah and Theodore. I do love the peek we get inside Muslim culture…it's not a look at the religion per se but how the religion shapes their lives and outlooks.
The Cover
I love the cover if only because it showcases Sahlah's jewelry work. It makes me long for my own studio again.
taralynn1107's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
I love Elizabeth George’s books. I’m going back and listening to them to refresh since I’ve been reading the series for years. This one has Barbara Havers as its main character and she rarely disappoints.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Minor: Incest
acmccloskey's review against another edition
4.0
An American writing about Pakistanis in the UK. She does her research! And she does a good job of keeping you guessing and interested in the outcome.
missmim's review against another edition
3.0
One of my favorites in the Lynley series, even though Lynley is pretty much absent here. A great and ultimately heart-breaking story.
showell's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy Havers' character, so naturally really enjoyed this entry in the Lynley series. Havers is everywhere, Lynley essentially nowhere.
marrbarnett's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
retiredlibrarylady's review against another edition
5.0
Continuing the Lynley series; this one I definitely had not read. Barbara Havers has this one all to herself; she is on break after the beating she took in the last one. She goes to Balfor-le-Nez because her neighbor has gone and she sees on the news that there has been a death and the local Pakistanis are protesting... Once there, she inserts herself into the police investigation led by an acquaintance. It gets very complicated and the ending is a complete surprise. There is definitely a loose end, hopefully to be sorted out in the next book in the series.
It was really good to have Havers the main character and to get to know Taymullah Azhar and Hadiyyah better. The deep dive into attitudes toward "coloured" people in England was enlightening. A good read even if none of the previous ones were known.
It was really good to have Havers the main character and to get to know Taymullah Azhar and Hadiyyah better. The deep dive into attitudes toward "coloured" people in England was enlightening. A good read even if none of the previous ones were known.
misfitmoxie's review against another edition
4.0
Of this entire series up to this point, [book:Deception on His Mind] has by far been the most taut and entertaining story. While I'm a sincere fan of the other usual characters in this Lynley series, this book pulls you so far into these well developed one-time characters (with the exception of the regular character Barbara Havers) and their cultures that it surpasses the others in storyline and terseness.
It's timing is impeccable, catapulting you through only a few days time while leaving you feeling you want to go faster. The story itself is like a tapestry being skillfully woven before your eyes, using all sorts of colors that don't make sense until the picture within the weave starts to unfold.
With George, there are no flat characters. In a whodunit, this means that truly anyone can be the suspect. But what it really comes down to is at the closing of the last page, you have gotten to know a community.
I want to give this five stars, but resist only because I feel I should save that delineation for the very best of the very best. I may yet change it!
Very gripping and well-rounded novel that can stand alone as well as it stands out.
It's timing is impeccable, catapulting you through only a few days time while leaving you feeling you want to go faster. The story itself is like a tapestry being skillfully woven before your eyes, using all sorts of colors that don't make sense until the picture within the weave starts to unfold.
With George, there are no flat characters. In a whodunit, this means that truly anyone can be the suspect. But what it really comes down to is at the closing of the last page, you have gotten to know a community.
I want to give this five stars, but resist only because I feel I should save that delineation for the very best of the very best. I may yet change it!
Very gripping and well-rounded novel that can stand alone as well as it stands out.