This is #8 in the Inspector Lynley series. There have been some definite ups and downs in this series, but I'd say this one is pretty good. Regarding this series -- I enjoy the mysteries themselves and I also find most of the recurring characters interesting. Scotland Yard Inspector Lynley, 8th Earl of Asherton, and his blue-collar co-worker Sargent Barbara Havers play off of each other very nicely. His best friend Simon St. James, a forensic scientist and his photographer wife Deborah round out the cast of characters. The other regular character, Lady Helen Clyde is Lynley's sometimes girlfriend. Lynley is madly in love with Helen. She tells him she loves him but doesn't know if she wants to marry him. She says she's worried that her perfect little world might not be always and constantly perfect if they get married. Please. I would say that any fan of English cozy mysteries will enjoy this series if they can get past the annoying Lady Helen.
In this installment of the Lynley series, the forensic scientist St. James, his wife Deborah and Lady Helen take it upon themselves to investigate the abduction and kidnapping of a child without bothering to tell their respective best friend / sort-of fiance who happens to be a revered and respected investigator with Scotland Yard. Tragically the child is murdered, and Lynley is understandably outraged when he discovers that his friends deliberately kept him uninformed. He lashes out at his friends and fiancee, and predictably Helen pouts, refuses to return his calls and eventually agrees to forgive him. Huh? I find it hard to understand why an intelligent perceptive man like Lynley would put up with this adolescent nonsense. But he does. The rest of the story plays out with interesting twists and turns and plenty of suspense until the murderer is identified and brought to justice. I still intend to finish the series in spite of the very silly Helen and the inexplicable devotion of Inspector Lynley. But I am addicted to who-dunnits.
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