The Inspector Lynley series is considered a traditional mystery series with remarkably deep and complex characters. The books centre around Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, an aristocratic, Oxford-educated gentleman, and his working-class partner, Sergeant Barbara Havers.
Fans of the books single out Elizabeth George’s character development, noting that the characters are not only fascinating and exceptionally well written but that Elizabeth has a deep understanding of people, something that shines through in DI Lynley’s character.
Lynley is a sensitive man who may be from an upper class background but always treats people equally and with respect. Handsome, intelligent, and wealthy—he is, in fact, a “man of infinite compassion,” as Elizabeth describes him, and a superlative detective. Havers is Lynley’s polar opposite in every way, and she starts off in the series disliking him. Additionally, there are several significant supporting characters that appear throughout the series and interact with Havers and Lynley.
The compelling whodunnits sometimes explore darker subject matter, but the fictional crimes are not written gratuitously. Elizabeth George handles these elements delicately and with a great deal of depth, offering insight into the darker aspects of human relationships. Her masterful writing of plot and character has resulted in a smart and gratifying series that has earned her many fans and much acclaim.
Some readers recommend reading A Suitable Vengeance (Book 4), a prequel story in the Inspector Lynley series, before A Great Deliverance (Book 1) as a proper introduction to the characters. However, this is not crucial. Each book has a self-contained mystery, but fans strongly recommend reading them in order to be able to follow the intricate plotting, which impacts characters dramatically as the series progresses. Reading the books in order will also give you a greater understanding and appreciation of the beloved characters, Havers and Lynley.
Inspector Lynley also appears in two stories outside of the main series. I, Richard includes an Inspector Lynley short story, and the character has a cameo role in The Evidence Explored.
