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A Traitor to Memory

An Inspector Lynley Novel: 11
3.93 goodreads logo

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( 12,476 ratings, 658 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Traitor to Memory by Elizabeth George delves into the tangled life of a brilliant violinist who loses his ability to play. As he seeks to uncover the reasons behind his sudden loss, a parallel investigation unfolds involving a hit-and-run incident. The narrative intertwines the personal struggles and a complex mystery, exploring themes of memory, guilt, and the impact of buried secrets.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you enjoy intricate crime plots with complex characters and psychological depth, this thriller by Elizabeth George may captivate you. It offers a gripping exploration of memory, trust, and betrayal, perfect for fans of intricate and suspense-filled narratives.

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The eleventh novel in the best-selling Inspector Lynley mystery series

The tenth novel in the best-selling Inspector Lynley mystery series

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Twenty-eight-year-old virtuoso violinist Gideon Davies has lost not only his memory of music but also his ability to play the instrument he mastered as a five-year-old prodigy. All he can remember is a single name: Sonia.

Then, one rainy evening, Gideon's mother, Eugenie, travels to London for a mysterious appointment. But before she is able to reach her destination, a car swoops out of nowhere and kills her in the street.

In pursuing Eugenie's killer, Lynley and Havers come to know a group of people whose lives are inextricably connected by a long-ago death, a trial, and a prison sentence handed down as retribution for a crime no one has spoken of for twenty years.

A Traitor to Memory by Elizabeth George weaves a gripping tale of mystery, memory, and the intricacies of human relationships.

Series: Inspector Lynley

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  • A Slowly Dying Cause
    In Cornwall, a man suffers a violent death - and the killer may lurk within the community . . . Featuring Detectives Barbara Havers and Thomas Lynley, A Slowly Dying Cause is an atmospheric, gripping crime thriller from bestselling author Elizabeth George. Amid the beauty of Cornwall's coastline, the death of a local man shatters the peace with its violence....
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  • Something to Hide
    Something to Hide is a hugely complex and entertaining novel, as highlighted by The Times Crime Club's Star Pick. Elizabeth George delivers another intelligent, intricate mystery, praised by the New York Times. Recognised as superlative, this novel is a memorable addition to the Inspector Lynley series, according to Publishers Weekly (starred, boxed review). Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers and Detective Inspector...
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  • A Slowly Dying Cause
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    A Slowly Dying Cause
    The latest gripping Inspector Lynley mystery from the No. 1 international bestselling author. The brand-new Lynley TV series is on iPlayer now. Amid the beauty of Cornwall's coastline, the death of a local man shatters the peace with its violence... The body of Michael Lobb is discovered in his family's tin and pewter workshop, and as Detective Inspector Beatrice Hannaford...
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  • With No One as Witness
    When the Metropolitan Police fail to realise a serial killer is at work, London ignites over the fact that the killer's victims are young black and mixed race boys. Institutionalised racism is claimed by the community's activists and tabloids alike. Acting Superintendent Thomas Lynley is given the case, and his Scotland Yard task force is soon handling more killings and...
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  • Well-Schooled in Murder
    The quiet, confident atmosphere of Bredgar Chambers School is shattered by the discovery of the body of one of its pupils in a country churchyard. Who murdered the brilliant boy and why? How did his body get from the school to the distant churchyard? Why had he lied about his exeat destination? Inspector Thomas Lynley and his partner, Barbara Havers,...
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  • This Body of Death
    DI Thomas Lynley is still on compassionate leave after the murder of his wife. The discovery of a body in a Stoke Newington cemetery offers Isabelle Ardery, his temporary replacement at the Met, the chance to make her mark with a high-profile murder investigation. Persuading Lynley back to work seems the best way to guarantee a result: Lynley's team is...
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  • A Great Deliverance
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  • Believing the Lie
    Believing the Lie explores the intricate investigation undertaken by Detective Inspector Lynley, who is approached by business magnate Bernard Fairclough for a confidential review—not a formal investigation—of the circumstances surrounding his nephew's untimely demise. The coroner's verdict is accidental death. Recovering from the murder of his wife, Lynley has personal reasons for welcoming a spell away from London. He heads...
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  • A Traitor to Memory
    Twenty-eight-year-old virtuoso violinist Gideon Davies has lost not only his memory of music but also his ability to play the instrument he mastered as a five-year-old prodigy. All he can remember is a single name: Sonia. Then, one rainy evening, Gideon's mother, Eugenie, travels to London for a mysterious appointment. But before she is able to reach her destination, a...
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    Sold Out
  • In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner
    When the body of Nicola Maiden, the daughter of a retired Scotland Yard undercover officer, is found near an unidentified body in the middle of a prehistoric stone circle in Derbyshire, Inspector Lynley is asked to lead the investigation into the deaths. Lynley must get to the bottom of the crime without the assistance of his long-time partner Sergeant Barbara...
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  • Careless in Red
    It is barely three months since the murder of his wife and Thomas Lynley takes to the South-West Coast Path in Cornwall, determined to walk its length in an attempt to distract himself from his loss. On the forty-third day of this walk, he sees a cliff climber fall to his death, apparently witnessed by a surfer in a nearby...
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  • Missing Joseph
    When Deborah St James hears of the unexpected death of Reverend Sage, her sadness has a very personal tinge. For their paths had crossed some months earlier at a particularly vulnerable time for Deborah, and she had found herself confessing her intimate anguish to this sympathetic stranger. When she realises that his death is far from accidental, Deborah, with her...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Traitor to Memory is praised for its absorbing, traditional crime novel style, with intricate character connections and a suspenseful atmosphere. It's noted for Elizabeth George's ability to weave engaging narratives through character depth, disturbing action, and police procedures, culminating in a striking ending. Critics commend the book's intricate plot and psychological insight, with comparisons made to PD James for its convincing portrayal of complex themes.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781444738391

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 August 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Hodder Paperback

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 52.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 554g

Pages: 816

About the Author

Elizabeth George is the author of highly acclaimed novels of psychological suspense. She won the Anthony and Agatha Best First Novel awards in America and received the Grand Prix de Litt rature Polici re in France. In 1990 she was awarded the prestigious German prize for international mystery fiction, the MIMI. Her novels have now been adapted for television by the BBC. An Edgar and Macavity Nominee as well as a New York Times and international bestselling author, Elizabeth George lives on Whidbey Island in the state of Washington. Visit Elizabeth's website at www.elizabethgeorgeonline.com

Also by Elizabeth George

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  • A Slowly Dying Cause
    In Cornwall, a man suffers a violent death - and the killer may lurk within the community . . . Featuring Detectives Barbara Havers and Thomas Lynley, A Slowly Dying Cause is an atmospheric, gripping crime thriller from bestselling author Elizabeth George. Amid the beauty of Cornwall's coastline, the death of a local man shatters the peace with its violence....
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Something to Hide
    Something to Hide is a hugely complex and entertaining novel, as highlighted by The Times Crime Club's Star Pick. Elizabeth George delivers another intelligent, intricate mystery, praised by the New York Times. Recognised as superlative, this novel is a memorable addition to the Inspector Lynley series, according to Publishers Weekly (starred, boxed review). Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers and Detective Inspector...
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    What We Weren't Taught in Medical and Culinary School What if the key to reversing chronic disease, increasing energy, and feeling your best isn't in a pill but in your kitchen? Healthy Eating Adventure reveals how whole food, plant-based eating can transform your health—and your taste buds—through the combined expertise of Dr. Elizabeth George, a dedicated physician, and Chef Nick...
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  • A Slowly Dying Cause
    Pre-order
    A Slowly Dying Cause
    The latest gripping Inspector Lynley mystery from the No. 1 international bestselling author. The brand-new Lynley TV series is on iPlayer now. Amid the beauty of Cornwall's coastline, the death of a local man shatters the peace with its violence... The body of Michael Lobb is discovered in his family's tin and pewter workshop, and as Detective Inspector Beatrice Hannaford...
    Paperback
    $2900
    Pre-order
    Out 20 Oct 2026
  • In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner
    When the body of Nicola Maiden, the daughter of a retired Scotland Yard undercover officer, is found near an unidentified body in the middle of a prehistoric stone circle in Derbyshire, Inspector Lynley is asked to lead the investigation into the deaths. Lynley must get to the bottom of the crime without the assistance of his long-time partner Sergeant Barbara...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • With No One as Witness
    When the Metropolitan Police fail to realise a serial killer is at work, London ignites over the fact that the killer's victims are young black and mixed race boys. Institutionalised racism is claimed by the community's activists and tabloids alike. Acting Superintendent Thomas Lynley is given the case, and his Scotland Yard task force is soon handling more killings and...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Missing Joseph
    When Deborah St James hears of the unexpected death of Reverend Sage, her sadness has a very personal tinge. For their paths had crossed some months earlier at a particularly vulnerable time for Deborah, and she had found herself confessing her intimate anguish to this sympathetic stranger. When she realises that his death is far from accidental, Deborah, with her...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Well-Schooled in Murder
    The quiet, confident atmosphere of Bredgar Chambers School is shattered by the discovery of the body of one of its pupils in a country churchyard. Who murdered the brilliant boy and why? How did his body get from the school to the distant churchyard? Why had he lied about his exeat destination? Inspector Thomas Lynley and his partner, Barbara Havers,...
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  • For The Sake Of Elena
    Elena Weaver, in her skimpy dresses and bright jewellery, exuded intelligence and sexuality. A student at St Stephen's College, Cambridge, she lived a life of casual but intense physical and emotional relationships, with scores to settle and targets to achieve. Until someone, lying in wait on the bank of the River Cam, where Elena went running every morning, bludgeoned the...
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  • What Came Before He Shot Her
    The shocking conclusion of Elizabeth George's previous bestseller, With No One as Witness, saw the wife of New Scotland Yard's Thomas Lynley gunned down in the street outside her home. Under arrest for the crime is a twelve-year-old boy, Joel Campbell. What possible motive could he have? What chain of events could have led such a child from the housing...
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  • Payment in Blood
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  • Something to Hide
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