posted
Speaking of genre fiction and extensive vocabulary, I'm kinda hooked on mystery writer Elizabeth George and her Lynley novels. I'm not a fan of mysteries myself; it's not a literary snobbishness thing, it just hasn't been my genre of choice. Of course, I haven't read anything by the greats, so I'm pretty ignorant of what's out there. If George is derivative, I wouldn't know it. But her characters are intriguing, complex and real and they keep me going back for more. Her books are well-researched, she knows how to put together an excellent story that keeps me reading, and her prose sings.
The main character in her novels is a Scotland Yard inspector of noble birth, Sir Thomas Lynley. His partner is a working class woman named Barbara Havers. There are several other friends/lovers who are prominent characters in most of the novels. She doesn't shy away from the dark and gritty; I haven't read all of them, because I actually just didn't want to delve that deep into the seedy side of life in the last one I started -- but I also haven't wanted to move on to the next one and miss the story arc of the main characters. I'm sure I'll read it before too long when I'm in the mood for it.
Posts: 3149 | Registered: Jul 2005
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I like Elizabeth George too, and I've also enjoyed the television adaptations of her novels. She writes very readable novels and both main characters are interesting individuals as well as figures from different classes.
If you enjoy English mystery writers, P.D. James is considerably more literary, and her mysteries are some of my favorite novels regardless of genre. Her one novel set in the future was recently made into a movie; "Children of Men" is a haunting look at our future. Her mysteries can also be bleak, but they also have threads of romance, love and hope despite the violence and sadness that surround the main characters. Have you read any of her novels?
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Elizabeth George is one of my favorite authors--I buy her books in hardcover. I like P.D. James as well, and I'm interested to know what makes her more literary in your view, Diana.
I prefer the Havers and Lynley ongoing story (especially the Simon and Deborah characters) to the Kate and Dalgliesh story, which is probably why I like George's novels better.
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I remember reading that George originally envisioned the series with Simon as the protagonist, but either early versions didn't sell or she just decided on her own that Lynley would be the more marketable character. I can see why she preferred Simon!
I haven't read P.D. James although I know I ought to try one sometimes. If I do it will be due to George's influence. *sheepish* I've never even read an Agatha Christie novel.
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I loved George's first 4 or 5 books. Then I abruptly got tired of them -- I got sick of her characters being so miserably angsty all the time and never having any fun.
I think I remember someone on Hatrack encouraging me to give the later novels a try. Do they get less miserable??
Posts: 2911 | Registered: Aug 2001
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rivka, too funny -- Your reaction eerily echoes this recent dialogue I had with a friend about Lord of the Rings:
quote: Friend: Would you believe I've still never read it all the way through yet? There is a big chunk in the middle that I had to skip to do the LotR On This Date.
Me: WHAT????? THAT IS HERESY!!!! Remedy it immediately.
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I second rivka's recommendation of Murder on the Orient Express. It's a great Christie to start with.
I love Ngaio Marsh, too. In fact, I'm reading one of her books right now (well, right now I'm posting on Hatrack and then I'm eating dinner. But you know what I mean.).
As for George getting less angst-y, plaid--I'd have to say not so much, since I'd hate to mislead you. Still, the more recent books have been SO good.
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The only mystery writer I've read is Michael Innes. He's hilarious and silly and has lots of dry British humor along with just general wittiness and perceptive commentary on human nature. His books are lighthearted and not at all serious, being the sort that one can easily read between supper and bedtime. They're just a whole lot of fun and I highly recommend him. Posts: 6246 | Registered: Aug 2004
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The roommate and I listened to a few Elizabeth George short stories on audio book on a road trip. I remember liking them quite a bit, despite the sub-par audio engineering.
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