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Just One Evil Act
A Page-Turning Mystery Featuring Thomas Lynley, now appearing on BBC1 and iPlayer
Series: Inspector Lynley
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 13,836 ratings, 1,833 reviews)
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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?
This thrilling crime novel is suited to readers who enjoy complex mysteries with nuanced characters and contemporary social themes. Fans of psychological depth in crime fiction and British detective stories will find this especially compelling.
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See moreBarbara Havers puts her career on the line while DI Thomas Lynley attempts to straighten her out before it's too late.
Barbara Havers puts her career on the line while DI Thomas Lynley attempts to straighten her out before it's too late.
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
When Hadiyyah Upman disappears from London in the company of her mother, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers is as devastated as the girl's father. They are her close friends as well as her neighbours; but since the child is with her mother, nothing can be done.
Five months later, Hadiyyah is kidnapped from an open-air market in Lucca, Italy, and this triggers an investigation as well as attracting the full glare of the media spotlight. Barbara's clever manipulation of the worst of London's tabloids forces New Scotland Yard to become involved.
But rather than Barbara herself taking charge of Hadiyyah's case, her superior officer DI Thomas Lynley is assigned to handle a situation made delicate by racial issues, language difficulties, and the determination of an Italian magistrate to arrest and convict someone - anyone - for the crime.
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....Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
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...Paperback$899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Pre-orderA 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$2900Unit price /UnavailableOut 20 Oct 2026Pre-order -
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...PaperbackSold 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,...PaperbackSold Out -
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...PaperbackSold Out -
A Great Deliverance
Fat, unlovely Roberta Teys is found beside her father's headless corpse, wearing her best dress and with an axe in her lap. Her first words are: 'I did it. And I am not sorry' and she refuses to say more. Inspector Thomas Lynley and DS Barbara Havers are sent by Scotland Yard to solve this particularly gruesome murder. As they...PaperbackSold Out -
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...PaperbackSold Out -
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...PaperbackSold 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...PaperbackSold Out -
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...PaperbackSold 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...PaperbackSold Out
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?
The Times praises it as a "first-class, page-turning read." The Wall Street Journal highlights the book's "old-school aptitude for twist-riddled plots combined with modern psychological insights, ethical agonising, realistic violence and sardonic humour." The Boston Globe applauds the character depth, calling Lynley "one of the great character portraits in contemporary crime fiction."
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781444706024
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 10 April 2014
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Hodder Paperback
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 48.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 568g
Pages: 720
About the Author
Elizabeth George is the author of highly acclaimed novels of psychological suspense. Her first novel, A Great Deliverance, was honoured with the Anthony and Agatha Best First Novel awards in America and received the Grand Prix de Litt rature Polici re in France; Well-Schooled in Murder was awarded the prestigious German prize for international mystery fiction, the MIMI '1990'. Her novels have been adapted for television by the BBC as the Inspector Lynley Mysteries. An Edgar and Macavity Nominee as well as an international bestselling author, Elizabeth George lives in Whidbey Island in the state of Washington.
Also by Elizabeth George
View all-
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$2999Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
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...Paperback$899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Healthy Eating Adventure
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...Paperback$8700Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
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$2900Unit price /UnavailableOut 20 Oct 2026Pre-order -
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...PaperbackSold 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...PaperbackSold 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...PaperbackSold 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,...PaperbackSold Out -
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...PaperbackSold Out -
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...PaperbackSold Out -
Payment in Blood
An isolated Scottish mansion is the venue for a reading of a controversial new play by a West End theatre company. But on the very first evening, the playwright is savagely murdered, and Inspector Thomas Lynley faces the most testing case of his career. For one of the suspects is Lady Helen Clyde, the woman Lynley loves. As he attempts...PaperbackSold Out -
Something to Hide
A hugely complex and entertaining novel - Star Pick*, The Times Crime Club Elizabeth George delivers another intelligent, intricate mystery - New York Times Superlative . . . This is a memorable addition to [the Inspector Lynley] series - Publishers Weekly (starred, boxed review) Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers and Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley are back in the next Lynley novel...PaperbackSold Out
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