Just One Evil Act by Elizabeth George

Title: Just One Evil Act
Author: Elizabeth George

Read by: Davina Porter
Publisher: Penguin Audio

Length: Approximately 28.5 hours (24 CDs)
Source: Penguin Audio Review Copy – Thank-you!

Just One Evil Act is the latest novel in the Inspector Lynley series.  Inspector Lynley’s partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, is very close with her neighbors Taymullah Azhar, his lover Angelina, and their daughter Hadiyyah.  While Angelina had disappeared a year before, she had returned and the family had rebuilt their lives together. . . . until now.  Angelina has disappeared again, this time with Hadiyyah.  Azhar is heartbroken, especially as he realizes that since he and Angelina never married and he is not on the birth certificate, there is not much he can do to legally force Hadiyyah’s return.  Barbara and Azhar hire a private detective, but Angelina and Hadiyyah seemed to have disappeared without a trace.

Then one day, Angelina reappears from Italy with her new lover and the news that Hadiyyah has been kidnapped from them in Italy.  When Scotland Yard will not get involved, Barbara takes matters into her own hands to the detriment of her career.  Barbara and Lynley soon discover that this case has many, many twists, turns, and mysteries beyond a simple kidnapping.

I was intrigued with this case, just when I thought I knew what was happening, the story would change. I also loved that it was personal for Barbara; it was much more her story this time around then Inspector Lynley’s.  She has a hidden love for Azhar that she constantly has to deny herself.  This novel translated perfectly to an audiobook that keeps wanting to listen.  Davina Porter is one of the rock stars of audiobook narration and she once again does an excellent job with this audiobook.  I enjoyed listening to it all summer.  I only started listening to this series last year with Believing the Lie.  It is one that you can pick up on even if you haven’t read or listened to all of the previous works.

Overall, Just One Evil Act was an excellent mystery audiobook that had many twists and turns, but also questioned what one Detective would do to help a friend.  Is it ethical?

Believing the Lie by Elizabeth George

Title: Believing the Lie

Author: Elizabeth George
Read by: Davina Porter
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Length: Approximately 23 hours (20 CDs)
Source: Penguin Audio Review Copy – Thank-you!


Believing the Lie was an audiobook that I never wanted to end. Elizabeth George created a masterful world full of characters that I cared about and wanted to learn more about. Lucky for me, Believing the Lie, is an Inspector Lynley mystery and I will be able to go back and listen to previous audiobooks to learn more about at least some of the characters.

I had heard of Inspector Lynley as I know there was a series on Masterpiece Mystery about Inspector Lynley, but I have yet to watch it. I was intrigued to finally listen to an Inspector Linley mystery and find out what all of the fuss was about.

Wealthy toilet magnate Bernard Fairclough asks Scotland Yard for help investigating the death of his nephew Ian Cresswell. Inspector Thomas Lynley is assigned to the case. Lynley’s friends Simon and Deborah St. James travel north with him to help with the investigation. Back in London, Inspector Lynley’s partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, helps Lynley with the investigation while trying to stay out of their boss (and Lynley’s lover) Isabelle’s path.

As the investigation starts, it is soon discovered that the Fairclough family is not what they seem, and just about everyone has a motive for poor Ian’s death. Was Ian’s death an accidental drowning, or were one of the clan responsible?

Believing the Lie reminded me of a modern day Victorian novel as it was a wonderful vast book full of great well-drawn characters. I cared about all of the story arcs, which is hard to do when you have so many characters and plots. There was a lot going on, and I’m not going to delve into each plot for the sake of time (I am behind on my reviews after all!). I will just say that Believing the Lie is easily one of my favorite books this year. I loved the mystery, and the wonderful characters. Now that I have discovered Elizabeth George, I need to read more of her novels.

The audiobook was great and gave me something to look forward to as I listened to it on the way to work. Davina Porter was a wonderful narrator and a joy to listen to. I have heard that her readings of the unabridged version of Diana Gabaldon’s novels are not to be missed. I really need to listen to her version of some of my favorite books!

I was dismayed when Believing the Lie ended although it had a satisfactory ending, I really wanted to continue the journey with the characters. Luckily George set the novel up to move nicely into the next. I greatly look forward to what comes next!