Inspector Lynley

Elizabeth George
Started in 1988
18 Books

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

MysteryCrime FictionThrillerDetective Fiction

Themes

Class StruggleFriendship and LoyaltyMoral AmbiguitySocietal IssuesRedemption

Books in Order

1

A Great Deliverance

1988

The 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.

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2

Payment in Blood

1989

Lynley 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.

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3

Well-Schooled in Murder

1990

In 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.

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4

A Suitable Vengeance

1991

This 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.

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5

For the Sake of Elena

1992

The 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.

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6

Missing Joseph

1993

A seemingly simple case of a missing person leads to a deeper investigation involving family dynamics and hidden agendas within a close-knit community.

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7

Playing for the Ashes

1994

When a cricket coach is murdered, Lynley and Havers uncover layers of rivalry and betrayal in the world of sports, questioning the boundaries of loyalty.

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8

In the Presence of the Enemy

1996

A 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.

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9

Deception on His Mind

1997

The investigation of a murder in a seaside town reveals underlying tensions between locals and outsiders, forcing Lynley to confront issues of belonging and identity.

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10

In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner

1999

An enigmatic murder leads Lynley and Havers to a complex web of secrets that challenges their perceptions of justice and morality.

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11

A Traitor to Memory

2001

This 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.

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12

The Burning Man

2004

A fire at a local pub results in a murder investigation that uncovers community secrets and the impact of past tragedies on present lives.

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13

With No One as Witness

2005

Lynley and Havers take on a series of murders that seem connected, forcing them to consider the implications of vigilantism and justice.

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14

What Came Before He Shot Her

2006

This prequel explores the events leading up to a shocking murder, providing insight into the characters and their motivations, culminating in a tragic resolution.

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15

Careless in Red

2008

A 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.

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16

This Body of Death

2010

Lynley returns to a murder case that reopens old wounds, challenging his relationship with Havers and bringing to light unresolved tensions.

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17

A Banquet of Consequences

2015

The 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.

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18

The Punishment She Deserves

2018

In this latest installment, Lynley faces a case that strikes close to home, forcing him to reevaluate his personal beliefs about justice and punishment.

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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.

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