Elizabeth George books in chronological order 1

Elizabeth George, born on February 26, 1949, in Warren, Ohio, is a renowned American author known for her exceptional contributions to the mystery genre. She gained fame for her Inspector Lynley series, characterized by intricate plots and multifaceted characters. George’s literary career has spanned several decades, during which she has produced a substantial body of work that continues to captivate readers worldwide.

Major Books29
D.O.B26 February, 1949
NationalityAmerican
SocialFacebook
Websitewww.elizabethgeorgeonline.com/

Elizabeth George’s Writing Genre/Style

Elizabeth George specializes in mystery fiction, particularly in the British detective tradition. Her writing style is marked by meticulous attention to detail, complex character development, and a penchant for weaving intricate, suspenseful plots that challenge readers to unravel mysteries alongside her detectives.

List of Elizabeth George’s Books in Order

  • Inspector Lynley: A Series by Elizabeth George
S No.Inspector Lynley SeriesBook’s Price
1A Great Deliverance (1988)Check Price
2Payment In Blood (1989)Check Price
3Well-Schooled In Murder (1990)Check Price
4A Suitable Vengeance (1991)Check Price
5For The Sake of Elena (1992)Check Price
6Missing Joseph (1993)Check Price
7Playing For The Ashes (1994)Check Price
8In The Presence Of The Enemy (1996)Check Price
9Deception On His Mind (1997)Check Price
10In Pursuit Of The Proper Sinner (1999)Check Price
11A Traitor To Memory (2001)Check Price
12A Place of Hiding (2003)Check Price
13With No One as Witness (2005)Check Price
14What Came Before He Shot Her (2006)Check Price
15Careless in Red (2008)Check Price
16This Body of Death (2010)Check Price
17Believing the Lie (2011)Check Price
18Just One Evil Act (2013)Check Price
19A Banquet of Consequences (2015)Check Price
20The Punishment She Deserves (2018)Check Price
21Something to Hide (2022)Check Price
  • Whidbey Island Saga: A Series by Elizabeth George
S No.Whidbey Island SagaBook’s Price
1The Edge of Nowhere (2012)Check Price
2The Edge of the Water (2014)Check Price
3The Edge of the Shadows (2015)Check Price
4The Edge of the Light (2016)Check Price
  • Collections By Elizabeth George
S No.Collections By Elizabeth GeorgeBook’s Price
1The Evidence Exposed (1999)Check Price
2I, Richard (2001)Check Price
  • Non fiction Books by Elizabeth George
S No.Non fiction BooksBook’s Price
1Write Away (2004)Check Price
2Mastering the Process (2020)Check Price
  • Anthologies edited by Elizabeth George
S No.Book’s NameBook’s Price
1A Moment on the Edge (2002)Check Price
2Two of the Deadliest (2009)Check Price
3The Best American Mystery Stories (2016) (with Otto Penzler)Check Price

Elizabeth George’s Literary Contribution & Awards

Elizabeth George has made a significant literary contribution by revitalizing the classic British mystery novel with a contemporary twist. Her Inspector Lynley series, beginning with “A Great Deliverance,” has enthralled readers and critics alike with its compelling narratives and psychological depth.

Over the years, she has received numerous awards and honors, including the Agatha, Anthony, and Grand Prix de Littérature Policière awards, showcasing her enduring impact on the mystery genre and her standing as a celebrated author of international acclaim.

Elizabeth George’s Books in Reading Order


Inspector Lynley: A Series by Elizabeth George


1. A Great Deliverance

  • Logline: Inspector Thomas Lynley is sent to solve a shocking murder in Keldale, unveiling dark secrets and scandals.
  • Publishing Year: 1988
  • Goodreads Ratings: 4.04 (48,214 ratings, 2,346 reviews)
A Great Dileverance 1

The haunting cry of an infant reverberates through Keldale’s valleys, tied to a three-century-old legend where a baby was supposedly smothered to escape Cromwell’s raiders at Keldale Abbey. Now, Scotland Yard Inspector Thomas Lynley, the eighth earl of Asherton, arrives at this serene locale.

Partnered with Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, their mission is to solve a gruesome murder. The scene is haunting: Roberta Teys, in her best dress with an axe beside her, sits near her decapitated father, proclaiming her guilt and expressing no remorse.

As Lynley and Havers delve into Keldale’s concealed scandals, they unearth revelations that will resonate deeply within the quiet English valley and their own lives.

2. Payment in Blood

  • Logline: Playwright Joy Sinclair’s career ends tragically in the Scottish Highlands, prompting an investigation with deep emotional undercurrents.
  • Publishing Year: 1989
  • Goodreads Ratings: 4.03 (22,655 ratings, 989 reviews)
payment in Blood

Playwright Joy Sinclair’s life is cut short in the remote Scottish Highlands when she is brutally murdered with an eighteen-inch dirk. With limited jurisdiction in the area, aristocratic Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and his partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, are called upon to unravel the mystery.

As they delve into the investigation, the suspect list grows to include Britain’s leading actress, a top theatrical producer, and even the woman Lynley holds dear.

Navigating the intricate web of human relationships, Lynley and Havers strive to solve a case deeply rooted in the shadows of the past and the complexities of the human heart.

3. Well-Schooled in Murder

  • Logline: Inspector Thomas Lynley investigates the sinister happenings at a prestigious school after a boy’s mysterious disappearance.
  • Publishing Year: 1989
  • Goodreads Ratings: 4.13 (25,831 ratings, 843 reviews)
Well Schooled i Murder

Thirteen-year-old Matthew Whately mysteriously vanishes from Bredgar Chambers, an esteemed public school in West Sussex. The aristocratic Inspector Thomas Lynley is alerted by the boy’s housemaster, an old friend of his.

As a result, Lynley, along with his partner Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers and forensic scientist Simon Allcourt-St. James, venture outside their jurisdiction to solve the mystery of the missing child, which soon escalates to a hunt for a child killer.

The trio interviews those close to the victim – prefects, teachers, and pupils – uncovering dark secrets within the school’s walls. However, the deeper they delve, the closer they come to confronting their own personal traumas, making them susceptible to overlooking the signs of another impending murder.

4. A Suitable Vengeance

  • Logline: Detective Lynley is drawn into a personal investigation after a journalist’s murder in his family’s Cornwall village.
  • Publishing Year: 1991
  • Goodreads Ratings: 4.02 (16,899 ratings, 705 reviews)
A Suitable Vengeance

In an insightful look into the early lives of Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, forensic scientist Simon Allcourt-St. James, and Lady Helen Clyde, we’re taken into the heart of a Cornwall village. Lynley, the eighth earl of Asherton, introduces his bride-to-be to his family estate, Howenstow.

However, this serene backdrop is disrupted by the brutal murder of a local journalist. This killing sets off a chain of events that not only challenges the peace of the village but also draws Lynley and St. James into a case that’s out of their jurisdiction. As another death follows, the investigation becomes deeply personal for Lynley, especially when evidence suggests the killer might be from his own family.

5. For the Sake of Elena

  • Logline: Elena Weaver’s mysterious life and brutal death entangle New Scotland Yard detectives in Cambridge University’s secretive world.
  • Publishing Year: 1992
  • Goodreads Ratings: 4.02 (16,296 ratings, 607 reviews)
For the Sake of Elena

Elena Weaver, with her strikingly contrasting lifestyle and appearance, is a young student at St. Stephen’s College, Cambridge. Her vibrant attire and demeanor contrast sharply with the pure imagery of unicorn posters in her room.

Her relationships are a mix of intensity and nonchalance, leading her to various liaisons until an unidentified assailant murders her during her daily run. Rather than entrusting the investigation to the local police, Cambridge University summons New Scotland Yard. Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, alongside Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, is thrust into Cambridge’s cloistered environment.

The task proves daunting as Elena’s multifaceted identity confounds them. From a suspicious Shakespearean professor of Swedish descent to the head of the Deaf Students Union, every association offers a new perspective. Further complicating matters is Elena’s father, a professor with a dark past and present, whose personal transgressions intertwine tragically with his daughter’s life.

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6. Missing Joseph

  • Logline: Deborah and Simon St. James’s holiday turns into a mystery as they probe the vicar of Winslough’s death.
  • Publishing Year: 1993
  • Goodreads Ratings: 3.95 (14,091 ratings, 578 reviews)
Missing Joseph 1

Deborah and Simon St. James embark on a holiday in Lancashire’s wintery landscape, aiming to mend their strained marriage. However, their trip takes a grim turn when they learn that the vicar of Winslough, their intended contact, is dead from what is ruled as accidental poisoning.

Not convinced by the official explanation and suspicious of the close ties between the investigating officer and the woman who served the fatal meal, Simon seeks the expertise of his old ally, Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley. Together, they delve into the village’s intricate relationships, revealing passionate ties, profound grief, and deadly intentions.

7. Playing for the Ashes

  • Logline: A startling confession leads Inspector Lynley and Detective Havers into a complex case of passion, murder, and deceit.
  • Publishing Year: 1994
  • Goodreads Ratings: 4.06 (16,986 ratings, 594 reviews)
playing for the ashes

The tale starts with a provocative declaration about the protagonist being responsible for their father’s death and mentions it was not their maiden crime. Elizabeth George, in her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, delves deeper to uncover the truths behind this confession.

“Playing for the Ashes” weaves a compelling narrative of passion, murder, and romance. Inspector Thomas Lynley and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers find themselves deeply engrossed in another intricate case where perceptions are deceptive. Lauded for its suspense and exemplary writing, the book promises a gripping journey, pulling readers into the depths of its mystery.

8. In the Presence of the Enemy

  • Logline: Tabloid editor Dennis Luxford is blackmailed with the secret of his illegitimate daughter’s abduction.
  • Publishing Year: 1996
  • Goodreads Ratings: 4.14 (12,963 ratings, 578 reviews)
In the presence of the enemy

Dennis Luxford, a tabloid editor known as the “king of sleaze,” is skilled at unveiling scandals. However, a letter reveals that someone else is adept at uncovering secrets too. Ten-year-old Charlotte Bowen, Luxford’s hidden child, has been kidnapped, and unless he publicly acknowledges her, she will die.

Admitting to her paternity could ruin Luxford’s life and the reputation of Charlotte’s mother, Eve Bowen, an Undersecretary of State for the Home Office and a rising political star. As Eve refuses to let the story go public or involve the police, Luxford enlists forensic scientist Simon St. James.

But the case deepens in complexity as Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers enter the scene. As they probe Charlotte’s disappearance, they uncover a web of deceit, ambition, and unexpected reactions. Elizabeth George delivers a haunting tale of corrupted ideals, parental sins, and hidden identities.

9. Deception on His Mind

  • Logline: Sergeant Barbara Havers investigates a murder in a sleepy seatown without her partner, confronting the price of deception.
  • Publishing Year: 1997
  • Goodreads Ratings: 4.07 (12,495 ratings, 498 reviews)
Deception of His Mind

Balford-le-Nez, a dwindling seatown on Essex’s coast, faces turmoil when Haytham Querashi, a Pakistani from its emerging Asian community, is found murdered on its beach. With the town on edge, Sergeant Barbara Havers takes on the case.

She works solo, without the assistance of her usual partner, Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley. In her investigation, Havers delves deep into not only the psyche of a killer and a case that’s personal to her but also into the profound cost individuals bear for deceiving others and themselves.

10. In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner

  • Logline: In Northern England, two mysterious deaths challenge Inspector Thomas Lynley’s investigative skills and assumptions.
  • Publishing Year: 1999
  • Goodreads Ratings: 4.12 (15,578 ratings, 492 reviews)
In Pursuit of Proper Sinner

While strolling near the stone circle of Nine Sisters Henge in Northern England, an elderly woman stumbles upon a young man’s corpse, stabbed to death. Shortly thereafter, the police discover a young woman’s body nearby, killed by a severe blow to the head. The evident questions arise: Did the victims know each other? Were they connected? Why were they murdered in different manners?

Inspector Thomas Lynley, a friend of the murdered woman’s father, takes charge of the investigation. But the case is far more intricate than Lynley had anticipated. Aided by Sergeant Winston Nkata and Barbara Havers, with whom he shares a strained relationship, Lynley delves into a profoundly complex case.

As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that Nicola Maiden, the slain woman, wasn’t the innocent, bright student everyone believed her to be, and the male victim harbored his own secrets. With every new lead, the case becomes murkier. The challenge for Lynley and his team is to unearth who the victims truly were, discern their killers’ motives, and identify the culprits.

11. A Traitor to Memory

  • Logline: Eugenie Davies is killed in a deliberate hit-and-run, leading Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley into a complex investigation intertwined with past crimes.
  • Publishing Year: 2001
  • Goodreads Ratings: 3.93 (11,567 ratings, 587 reviews)
A Traitor zto Memory

After Eugenie Davies is struck and killed intentionally by a car in London, it raises a flurry of questions. Why was she in London on that particular night? Why did she have the name of the man who discovered her body? Who, from her intricate and mournful life, would want her dead?

And is there a link between her murder and a prodigious violinist who lost his musical abilities a few months prior? Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, grappling with personal life changes, takes on the investigation. Superintendent Malcolm Webberly, Lynley’s boss, had his first murder investigation involving Eugenie over two decades earlier, accompanied by a high-profile trial.

More unsettling for Lynley is what Webberly knows and perhaps wants kept hidden. Lynley, alongside partners Barbara Havers and Winston Nkata, delves into a family’s history, uncovering secrets and passions that could lead to the truth behind the horrifying crime.

12. A Place of Hiding

  • Logline: An isolated Guernsey beach becomes the scene of wealthy Guy Brouard’s murder.
  • Publishing Year: 2003
  • Goodreads Ratings: 3.90 (10,491 ratings, 610 reviews)
A Place of Hiding

On the secluded beaches of the island of Guernsey in the English Channel, a shocking crime unfolds. Guy Brouard, one of the island’s most affluent residents and its leading benefactor, is found murdered.

As the investigation ensues, a web of secrets, betrayals, and motives begins to unravel, setting the scene for a gripping mystery. The picturesque setting contrasts sharply with the dark underbelly of human desires and conflicts, leading readers on a journey to uncover the truth behind the crime.

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13. With No One as Witness

  • Logline: Scotland Yard races to apprehend a serial killer, battling accusations of racism and internal challenges.
  • Publishing Year: 2005
  • Goodreads Ratings: 4.08 (14,155 ratings, 806 reviews)
With No One As Witness

The discovery of a third murdered boy, the first white victim, in a London graveyard finally alerts the police to a serial killer’s presence. Scotland Yard, now on the defensive, struggles not only to catch the killer but also to manage a potential PR crisis due to racial implications.

Detective Superintendent Thomas Lynley, preoccupied with his pregnant wife, is tasked with the investigation. He’s joined by Barbara Havers, fighting to salvage her career, and Winston Nkata, who is the chosen face for the media due to his race. As they dig deeper, they’re unprepared for the killer’s cunning. The case takes a sudden, devastating turn, altering everything unexpectedly.

14. What Came Before He Shot Her

  • Logline: A twelve-year-old boy tragically shoots Inspector Thomas Lynley’s wife, unraveling the story behind this desperate act.
  • Publishing Year: 2006
  • Goodreads Ratings: 3.59 (9,442 ratings, 985 reviews)
What came before he shot Elizabeth George 2

The sudden and brutal death of Inspector Thomas Lynley’s wife leaves Scotland Yard in shock, especially when it’s revealed that a twelve-year-old boy is the shooter. The narrative unfolds in North Kensington, where three mixed-race Campbell siblings, virtually orphaned, face life’s hardships.

Fifteen-year-old Ness is walking down a dangerous path, while middle child Joel takes on the responsibility of looking after their youngest sibling, Toby, who appears to have undisclosed issues.

As Joel gets targeted by a local gang and feels the pressure to protect Toby, he makes a desperate pact. This decision tragically connects him with Inspector Thomas Lynley. The novel dives deep into the anatomy of a murder and the struggles of a family on the brink.

15. Careless in Red

  • Logline: Grieving Detective Thomas Lynley discovers a young man’s body, turning him from a detective to a potential suspect.
  • Publishing Year: 2008
  • Goodreads Ratings: 3.92 (16,174 ratings, 1,263 reviews)
Careless in Red

After his wife’s tragic murder, Detective Superintendent Thomas Lynley seeks solace in Cornwall’s rugged coastline, hiking alone for weeks. Despite the exhaustion and distance, memories of Helen’s death remain painfully vivid.

On the 43rd day, he stumbles upon a young man’s body at a cliff’s base, introducing murder into a town known more for its tourism. As events unfold, Lynley transforms from detective to witness and potential suspect.

The understaffed local police require his expertise, especially concerning a mysterious woman living nearby. However, haunted by his past, can Lynley focus enough to unravel a meticulously crafted crime?

16. This Body of Death

  • Logline: DI Thomas Lynley, on leave after his wife’s murder, is drawn back into a high-profile murder case under the Met’s temporary leader, Isabelle Ardery.
  • Publishing Year: 2010
  • Goodreads Ratings: 4.05 (18,306 ratings, 1,369 reviews)
This Body of Death

DI Thomas Lynley, grieving the murder of his wife, is on compassionate leave when Isabelle Ardery is appointed as his interim replacement at the Met. A body’s discovery in Stoke Newington cemetery gives Isabelle an opportunity for a high-profile murder investigation.

To ensure success, she persuades Lynley to return, counting on the dedication of his team and particularly Barbara Havers. However, the Met is on edge due to recent PR mishaps and public scrutiny. Ardery, feeling the pressure, quickly (perhaps prematurely) pins the crime on a likely suspect.

As Lynley and Havers dig deeper, the investigation brings them to the New Forest. Here they unravel a case rooted in an ancient act of violence that has tainted generations. The case’s conclusion is both heart-wrenching and shocking.

17. Believing the Lie

  • Logline: Inspector Lynley delves into the Fairclough family’s secrets after a supposed accidental drowning.
  • Publishing Year: 2012
  • Goodreads Ratings: 3.82 (14,709 ratings, 1,740 reviews)
believing the lie

Inspector Thomas Lynley is perplexed when sent undercover to probe the death of Ian Cresswell, especially at the urging of the victim’s influential uncle, Bernard Fairclough. Although ruled as an accidental drowning, Lynley’s suspicions grow.

Assisted by Simon and Deborah St. James, their investigation uncovers a web of secrets and deceit within the Fairclough family. Deborah finds herself drawn to the prime suspect, Nicholas, Bernard’s returning son and a former drug addict.

Her inquiries lead her to his wife, with whom she feels an unexpected connection. As Lynley, Simon, and Deborah delve deeper, the layers of deception within the Fairclough family unravel, risking the stability of every member, from the patriarch Bernard to Tim, the disturbed son Ian left behind.

18. Just One Evil Act

  • Logline: Sergeant Barbara Havers navigates complex legalities when her friend’s daughter is kidnapped, leading her to challenge the boundaries of her profession.
  • Publishing Year: 2013
  • Goodreads Ratings: 3.78 (12,659 ratings, 1,751 reviews)
just One Evil act

Sergeant Barbara Havers faces a moral dilemma when the daughter of her friend Taymullah Azhar, Hadiyyah, is taken by her mother, Angelina. Azhar, having never married Angelina and not named on Hadiyyah’s birth certificate, has no legal claim over his daughter.

Resorting to hiring a private detective yields no results. Just as Azhar is coming to terms with this devastating loss, Angelina suddenly reappears with alarming news: Hadiyyah has been kidnapped from an Italian marketplace. While the Italian police investigate and the Yard remains uninvolved, Barbara, driven by justice, takes matters into her own hands.

Partnered with Inspector Thomas Lynley, they uncover secrets in a case more intricate than a mere kidnapping. As the stakes rise, Barbara faces critical choices, jeopardizing both her career and the life of young Hadiyyah.

19. A Banquet of Consequences

  • Logline: A mysterious and intricate tale unfolding in the backdrop of a crime.
  • Publishing Year: 2015
  • Goodreads Ratings: 3.97 (16,816 ratings, 1,939 reviews)
A Banquet of consequences

In “A Banquet of Consequences”, Elizabeth George weaves a compelling tale centered around the repercussions of unresolved traumas. The story involves the intricate lives of several characters, with the mysterious death of a feminist writer at its core.

As Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and his partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, delve into the investigation, they uncover a web of dark secrets, domestic abuse, and past grievances.

As the two detectives journey deeper, they find that every action, no matter how small, has consequences. In this novel, George masterfully explores the complex human psyche, the challenges of relationships, and the weight of the past on the present.

20. The Punishment She Deserves

  • Logline: Detectives Havers and Lynley dig deep into a medieval town’s secrets when a revered deacon is accused and found dead.
  • Publishing Year: 2018
  • Goodreads Ratings: 4.19 (16,923 ratings, 1,972 reviews)
The Punishment she deserves

In the historic and tranquil town of Ludlow, the community is shaken when Ian Druitt, their esteemed local deacon, faces grave accusations. The shock deepens when Ian is discovered dead while in police custody. Although evidence suggests suicide, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers isn’t convinced.

Sent to Ludlow to piece together the events leading to Ian’s demise, Barbara dives into the lives of the town’s residents, from elderly retirees to college students, realizing that many are harboring secrets. In “The Punishment She Deserves,” Elizabeth George crafts an intricate narrative pitting Havers and Inspector Thomas Lynley against one of their most challenging cases.

Interwoven with characters from prior novels, this story is a testament to George’s storytelling prowess. The tale delves deep into the intricate web of lies, deception, and the quest for redemption.

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21. Something to Hide

  • Logline: Detectives Lynley and Havers investigate a murder within North London’s Nigerian community.
  • Publishing Year: 2022
  • Goodreads Ratings: 4.17 (13,123 ratings, 1,367 reviews)
Something to Hide

In the latest novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth George, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers and Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley find themselves delving into a mystery that takes them into the heart of North London’s Nigerian community.

The enigma begins when a police detective is removed from life support, leading to the shocking discovery that her death was a result of foul play. Having been a part of a special task force focused on this community, the case soon falls to Acting Detective Superintendent Thomas Lynley.

With far-reaching cultural implications unfamiliar to Lynley, he’s aided in his quest by Detective Sergeants Barbara Havers and Winston Nkata. Together, they navigate a web of deception, diving deep into the clandestine lives of individuals whose outward cooperation belies the harm they inflict upon each other.


Whidbey Island Saga: A Series by Elizabeth George


1. The Edge of Nowhere

  • Logline: Becca King, with the ability to hear “whispers”, flees her stepfather’s crimes and finds refuge on Whidbey Island.
  • Publishing Year: 2011
  • Goodreads Ratings: 3.42 (4,814 ratings, 736 reviews)
The Edge of Nowhere

Whidbey Island, only a short ferry ride from Seattle, feels like another world. This becomes Becca King’s unexpected sanctuary after she discovers her stepfather’s illicit activities. Her unique ability to hear “whispers” or the thoughts of others makes her vulnerable, forcing her to flee.

On the island, Becca forms connections with a diverse group: Derric, a Ugandan orphan taken in by locals; Seth, a compassionate musician who left high school; Debbie, a recovering alcoholic who offers her a home; and Diana, with whom Becca shares an enigmatic psychic bond.

This is the first in a sequence of stories set on Whidbey Island, blending mystery, the paranormal, and romance, penned by Elizabeth George, renowned for her Inspector Lynley crime novels.

2. The Edge of the Water

  • Logline: Becca King gets entangled in Whidbey Island’s mysteries involving a mute girl, a recurring seal, and an old feud.
  • Publishing Year: 2013
  • Goodreads Ratings: 3.57 (1,862 ratings, 211 reviews)
The Edge of Water

On Whidbey Island, strange occurrences surround a silent girl, a coal-black seal named Nera that visits annually, and a deep-rooted feud of unknown origins. Becca King, already known to readers from “The Edge of Nowhere”, finds herself in the heart of these events.

However, Becca has secrets of her own. She’s hiding from her criminal stepfather and her hideout must remain undisclosed—even to Derric, the Ugandan orphan she’s romantically involved with.

As the story unfolds, revealing secrets from the past and present, Becca discovers her increasing paranormal abilities, culminating in an unexpected, dramatic climax. Elizabeth George, a renowned author, skillfully weaves mystery with myth in this gripping tale.

3. The Edge of the Shadows

  • Logline: Becca King, hiding on Whidbey Island from her criminal stepfather, confronts a series of mysterious fires.
  • Publishing Year: 2014
  • Goodreads Ratings: 3.67 (1,105 ratings, 102 reviews)
The Edge of Shadows

On Whidbey Island, a realm of secrets and enigmas, Becca King finds solace away from her criminal stepfather. Yet, the island’s serenity is disrupted when a sequence of fires emerges, with the latest leading to a death.

The prime suspects include recent arrivals: Isis Martin’s brother, returning from a school dedicated to problematic youth, and Parker, a musician recently ousted from his band. Amid these tensions, Becca delves deeper into her unique paranormal abilities under the guidance of Diana Kinsale.

Elizabeth George, recognized for her suspenseful narrative in “The Edge of Nowhere”, reinforces her stature as an unmatched suspense writer in this Whidbey Island installment.

4. The Edge of the Light

  • Logline: Seth Darrow navigates family property disputes and relationship issues, while his Whidbey Island friends grapple with personal secrets and identities.
  • Publishing Year: 2016
  • Goodreads Ratings: 3.51 (771 ratings, 111 reviews)
The Edge of the Light 1

Seth Darrow desires simplicity in life. However, ever since his grandfather’s stroke, Seth’s priorities have shifted to bringing his grandfather home to prevent his opportunistic aunt from seizing valuable land. Additionally, Seth’s relationship with Prynne is on shaky grounds; while he loves her, her potential drug relapse worries him.

Meanwhile, the lives of Seth’s Whidbey Island friends are equally tangled. Derric reunites with Rejoice, unaware she’s his sister. Jenn struggles with her emerging feelings for Cynthia, which conflict with her mother’s staunch Christian beliefs. Becca, living under an alias since her island arrival, harbors the most significant secret. As the Whidbey Island saga concludes, heartbreaks ensue, secrets unfold, and life-altering changes are inevitable.


Non fiction Books by Elizabeth George


1. Write Away

  • Logline: Bestselling author Elizabeth George shares insights into the creative process, her journey, and fiction writing.
  • Publishing Year: 2004
  • Goodreads Ratings: 3.96 (1,400 ratings, 169 reviews)
Write Away

Elizabeth George, a celebrated author, offers a deep dive into the world of writing in “Write Away”. Drawing from her extensive experience in teaching the craft, she sheds light on the intricacies of the creative process.

Interspersed with personal anecdotes and her own journey to becoming a published author, George provides valuable advice on fiction writing. The book also delves into how she thoroughly conducts research and crafts her novels. Beyond just advice on craft, “Write Away” offers readers a unique look into the life and world of a renowned novelist, presenting its content in an engaging and storytelling manner.

2. Mastering the Process

  • Logline: Elizabeth George offers a master class in crafting a novel, detailing her personal writing process.
  • Publishing Year: 2020
  • Goodreads Ratings: 3.97 (274 ratings, 70 reviews)
Mastering the process 1

With twenty-four novels under her belt, Elizabeth George stands as a pillar in the realm of writing. In “Mastering the Process,” she delves into the intricate procedure of morphing an initial idea into a full-fledged novel. The challenge for many is transforming a fleeting inspiration into a comprehensive story.

George demystifies this by taking readers through her meticulous writing journey. Using her novel “Careless in Red” as an example, she reveals every facet of her process—from research to character development to writing and revising.

Illustrated with her personal materials such as notes and drafts, George provides an illuminating perspective. She offers hands-on tools and advice, sharing both her successes and pitfalls, making this a vital guide for any writer navigating the novel-writing journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who is Elizabeth George?
    Elizabeth George is an American writer known for her mystery novels set in Great Britain. She is particularly famous for her series of novels featuring Inspector Thomas Lynley.
  2. When was Elizabeth George born and where did she grow up?
    Elizabeth George was born on February 26, 1949, in Warren, Ohio. She moved to the San Francisco Bay Area when she was 18 months old.
  3. What is Elizabeth George’s educational background?
    Elizabeth George studied English and received a teaching certificate from the University of California, Riverside. She also completed a master’s degree in counseling and psychology. Additionally, she received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Cal State University Fullerton in 2004 and an honorary Masters in Fine Arts from the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts in 2010.
  4. What is the Inspector Lynley series?
    The Inspector Lynley series is a collection of mystery novels featuring Inspector Thomas Lynley. The series has over 21 books, with the 21st book being published in January 2022. The first 11 books of this series were adapted for television by the BBC as episodes of “The Inspector Lynley Mysteries.”
  5. Has Elizabeth George won any awards for her writing?
    Yes, Elizabeth George’s first novel, “A Great Deliverance,” won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel in 1988 and the 1989 Anthony Award in the same category. It was also nominated for an Edgar Award in 1988.
  6. What other works has Elizabeth George written outside of the Inspector Lynley series?
    Apart from the Inspector Lynley series, Elizabeth George has written the “Whidbey Island Saga,” short story collections such as “The Evidence Exposed” and “I, Richard,” and non-fiction books like “Write Away” and “Mastering the Process – from Idea to Novel.”
  7. Is Elizabeth George involved in any philanthropic activities?
    Yes, Elizabeth George established the Elizabeth George Foundation in 1997.

Written by

Ambika Mehta

Ambika is a passionate storyteller and avid fan of fantasy and science fiction. With a keen eye for detail and a love for immersive worlds, she brings literary universes to life through her insightful blog posts about beloved books and series.