Inspector Lynley
About the Series
The Inspector Lynley series follows the professional and personal exploits of Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, a member of the British aristocracy, and his partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, who comes from a working-class background. Together, they navigate complex murder cases, often revealing deep-seated societal issues and personal dilemmas. The series is renowned for its rich character development, intricate plotting, and exploration of moral ambiguities.
Series Details
- Author:Elizabeth George
- Started:1988
- Books:18
- Status:Complete
Genres
Themes
Books in Order
A Great Deliverance
1988The series opener introduces Inspector Lynley and Sergeant Havers as they investigate the gruesome murder of a farmer, which leads them into the complexities of family secrets and rural life.
Payment in Blood
1989Lynley and Havers are called to a Scottish estate to investigate the murder of a playwright, where they uncover tangled relationships and dark motives among the cast and crew.
Well-Schooled in Murder
1990In this installment, a young boy is murdered, leading Lynley and Havers into the world of elite boarding schools, where privilege masks hidden resentments and rivalries.
A Suitable Vengeance
1991This novel delves into Lynley's past as a former lover becomes embroiled in a case, forcing him to confront unresolved feelings and the impact of past actions.
For the Sake of Elena
1992The murder of a university student draws Lynley and Havers into the world of academia, where ambition and jealousy collide, revealing the darker side of genius.
Missing Joseph
1993A seemingly simple case of a missing person leads to a deeper investigation involving family dynamics and hidden agendas within a close-knit community.
Playing for the Ashes
1994When a cricket coach is murdered, Lynley and Havers uncover layers of rivalry and betrayal in the world of sports, questioning the boundaries of loyalty.
In the Presence of the Enemy
1996A kidnapping case involving a politician's daughter leads to a high-stakes investigation, as Lynley and Havers navigate the treacherous waters of power and corruption.
Deception on His Mind
1997The investigation of a murder in a seaside town reveals underlying tensions between locals and outsiders, forcing Lynley to confront issues of belonging and identity.
In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner
1999An enigmatic murder leads Lynley and Havers to a complex web of secrets that challenges their perceptions of justice and morality.
A Traitor to Memory
2001This installment explores themes of memory and identity as Lynley investigates the murder of a famous violinist, leading to revelations that shake his understanding of truth.
The Burning Man
2004A fire at a local pub results in a murder investigation that uncovers community secrets and the impact of past tragedies on present lives.
With No One as Witness
2005Lynley and Havers take on a series of murders that seem connected, forcing them to consider the implications of vigilantism and justice.
What Came Before He Shot Her
2006This prequel explores the events leading up to a shocking murder, providing insight into the characters and their motivations, culminating in a tragic resolution.
Careless in Red
2008A murder investigation on the coast of Cornwall reveals connections to Lynley's personal life, testing his resolve and forcing him to confront his inner demons.
This Body of Death
2010Lynley returns to a murder case that reopens old wounds, challenging his relationship with Havers and bringing to light unresolved tensions.
A Banquet of Consequences
2015The investigation of a murder at a literary festival leads Lynley to consider the consequences of choices made in the past and how they reverberate into the present.
The Punishment She Deserves
2018In this latest installment, Lynley faces a case that strikes close to home, forcing him to reevaluate his personal beliefs about justice and punishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the main character in the Inspector Lynley series?
The main character is Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, who is known for his aristocratic background and keen investigative skills.
How many books are in the Inspector Lynley series?
As of October 2023, there are 20 books in the Inspector Lynley series, with the latest being 'The Punishment She Deserves' published in 2018.
What themes are explored in the Inspector Lynley series?
The series explores themes such as class struggle, friendship, moral ambiguity, societal issues, and redemption, often through the lens of complex murder cases.