Elizabeth George is one of my top 4 favorite authors. That whole series has the best character developments I have ever read. Characters are fascinating, protagonists not always likeable. Inspector Lynley certainly is, though. The books are engrossing; the characters have depth, and her use of the English language is better by far than a lot of novels out there. The characters and plots are just outstanding. Elizabeth George is a gifted wordsmith and she has a masterful and compassionate understanding of people. Definitely start at the beginning otherwise you may have difficulty parsing out the relationships between the recurring characters. I have loved every one of the books. I was introduced to series reading with DI Lynley and Barbara Havers. I have the whole set. I keep watching for more but she seems to have so many projects now. Childrens books and advice to other authors. I am hopeful. In the mean time I have Gamanche.