A Suitable Vengeance (Inspector Lynley)

Yes, this book is missing Barbara Havers except for a few brief cameos, but it's still a good read and gives a lot of history about the “current” state of the characters. For one thing, I'm ashamed to admit that I am pleased that Helen is not completely perfect. I think Ms. George can spin a great yarn, and I'm really there with the characters in her books. I'm there feeling uncomfortable with the English families when appropriate, I'm there enjoying the beautiful settings, and I'm there feeling all the suspense. They are long for mystery novels, and not really cozy, but good all the same. If you're reading all of her books, go ahead and be sure to read this one since it provides some excellent background. If you're just reading a few select books of this author's, then I suggest skipping this one since (as a lot of reviewers have pointed out), the enigmatic Barbara Havers is missing from the pages. Also, the mystery isn't quite as good as some of the others in the series; it seemed more contrived and not as believable.