Elizabeth George Order of Books: A Must-Read Checklist

by

Elizabeth George is a well-known author of mystery novels, known for her complex characters and twisty, turny plots.

Her most popular series is the Inspector Lynley series, which has been adapted for television and has earned her critical acclaim.

If you’re interested in reading the Elizabeth George books in order, especially the Inspector Lynley series, then this is the resource for you. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Elizabeth George order of books.

The Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley Series

Elizabeth George is best known for her Inspector Lynley series, which follows the investigations of Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, 8th Earl of Asherton, and his unconventional partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers. These books are popular for their complex characters and their exploration of the darker aspects of human behavior.

The Inspector Lynley novels are set in Britain and often dive into the psychological motivations behind murder.

Two key novels in the series are:

  • A Great Deliverance (1988). This was George’s debut novel and the first in the Inspector Lynley series.
  • Payment in Blood (1989). The second novel helped to further establish Lynley’s character and his skills as an investigator.

The Inspector Lynley series was adapted into a successful BBC television series that ran for six seasons, from March 12, 2001, until its cancellation in August 2007.

The Inspector Lynley Series in Order

Here’s a list of the Inspector Lynley novels by Elizabeth George, in chronological order. Each entry includes the year of publication and a brief description:

  1. A Great Deliverance (1988) – Introduces Inspector Lynley and Barbara Havers.
  2. Payment in Blood (1989) – Lynley investigates a murder in Scotland.
  3. Well-Schooled in Murder (1990) – A schoolboy’s murder is investigated.
  4. A Suitable Vengeance (1991) – Explores Lynley’s past.
  5. For the Sake of Elena (1992) – Focuses on academia and sports.
  6. Missing Joseph (1993) – A case involving family secrets.
  7. Playing for the Ashes (1994) – A cricket star’s murder.
  8. In the Presence of the Enemy (1996) – Explores identity and politics.
  9. Deception on His Mind (1997) – A murder in a seaside village.
  10. In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner (1999) – Havers investigates ritualistic killings.
  11. A Traitor to Memory (2001) – A violinist with repressed memories.
  12. A Place of Hiding (2003) – A murder in a remote location.
  13. With No One as Witness (2005) – Impact of crime on a community.
  14. What Came Before He Shot Her (2006) – Events leading to a shooting.
  15. Careless in Red (2008) – Lynley deals with personal loss.
  16. Believing the Lie (2012) – Havers and family secrets.
  17. Just One Evil Act (2013) – A kidnapping in Italy.
  18. A Banquet of Consequences (2015) – Literary criticism and rivalries.
  19. The Punishment She Deserves (2018) – Interconnected crimes.
  20. Something to Hide (2022) – Murder, immigration, and identity.

Other Works by Elizabeth George

In addition to the Inspector Lynley series, Elizabeth George has written other novels and short stories. Here are a few:

Saratoga Woods Series

This series follows the story of . . . [Details about the Saratoga Woods series].

The books in this series are:

  1. [Book 1]
  2. [Book 2]
  3. [Book 3]

The Abandonment of Hannah Armstrong

This standalone novel tells the story of . . . [Details about The Abandonment of Hannah Armstrong].

Short Story Collections

George has also written short stories, many of which explore themes of . . . [Examples of her short story collections and their themes]. Some notable collections include . . .

Elizabeth George’s writing style and themes

Elizabeth George’s writing style is heavily influenced by classic British authors. She’s known for her meticulous descriptions, complex storylines, and slow-burn pacing. She takes her time setting the scene and developing her characters.

Her books delve into the psychological aspects of crime, exploring the darker sides of human nature and the motivations behind violent acts. George doesn’t shy away from exploring complex moral issues and the consequences of our choices.

Putting It All Together

Elizabeth George has made a significant mark on mystery fiction. Her Inspector Lynley series is known for complex characters, intricate plots, and an unflinching look at the human condition.

The Inspector Lynley series remains popular with readers who enjoy well-developed characters and realistic storylines.

George’s contribution to the genre is significant because of her detailed writing and her exploration of human psychology.