Reviews

Elizabeth George has yet again delivered a classic-feeling British murder mystery that exceeds expectations in several ways. The pace was incrementally and seamlessly ratcheted up as George subtly gives us plot twits and crucial clues, cliffhangers and key character developments in a tone that manages to almost diminish their initial impact. This felt like a great choice, as it served to soften the blow of otherwise very impactful passages, leaving us somehow even more surprised when we consider them consciously and realize their true relevance to a brilliant and intricate plot.

George has a great way of pushing the reader's internal compass needle around on our opinions of characters great and small throughout the book. I found myself vacillating on whether I liked one character in particular more than once, and it felt as though it was done in a way that felt organic and realistic.

The plot itself was woven together from two main character perspectives and occasional drop-ins from other characters. The author was very consistent and clever with several plot implications that hinged on what certain characters knew at what times. Additionally, there is some depth to this book as George considers right and wrong in the criminal justice system and the idea that justice (and the pursuit of it) can look different from different angles, even when looking at the same events.

I'm looking forward to reading the next book and have in fact already gone out and picked it up. I think this would appeal to many mystery fans, including those who appreciate good, suspense-building momentum and some of the practical observation and detective logic inherent in good crime-solving.

kathydavie's review against another edition

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5.0

Third, chronologically, and second publication-wise, the Inspector Lynley detective mystery revolves around the aristocratic Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and his partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, of Scotland Yard.

My Take
Payment in Blood involves murders, cover-ups, and suicide amongst a group of theatrical people.

The story starts at a country house in Scotland in the middle of winter where the group has planned an initial run-through of a new play, although it proves to be a much newer play than anyone had anticipated.The past of over 20 years has come back to haunt several of our participants and too many motives and too many suspects without a credible bit of evidence make a difficult task for Inspector Lynley and Sergeant Havers. All of which leads to a series of life-changing decisions and revelations for many.

Excellent read. I had figured out who the 1973 murderer was and then was distracted by George's writing onto the wrong person. Excellent depiction of a man driven by jealousy to the possible cost of his career and how he gets through it with the help of his friends. It'll drive me nuts now until I can get hold of Well-Schooled in Murder!

The Cover and Title
The cover is amazingly discreet in its display of blood on the pile of lacy pillows — mustn't get messy, must we…! Although the title is ever so accurate in its applications.