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 from Sunday Times bestselling author Elizabeth George.

A Nigerian born detective sergeant working for the Metropolitan Police is found unconscious in her own flat and ends up in hospital where she dies of her injury. The post-mortem reveals that the subdural hematoma is the result of a blow to her head. DI Thomas Lynley, DS Barbara Havers and DS Winston Nkata are called in to investigate a case that touches upon not only the work and the life of the murdered detective but also upon a controversial cultural tradition that damages and often destroys the future of everyone it involves.

What George does so well is to create full portraits of those affected by her chosen theme – New York Times

“Abso-bloody-lutely” good! That would be DS Barbara Havers’ verdict on this one. . . . An unsettling and thoroughly involving narrative – Booklist

A skillfully spun yarn of murder and mayhem – Kirkus Reviews

Superlative . . . This is a memorable addition to [the Inspector Lynley] series – Publishers Weekly (starred, boxed review)

It feels like meeting old friends and that you’re almost solving the crime together – Belfast Telegraph

Praise for Elizabeth George and THE PUNISHMENT SHE DESERVES:

Her crime novels combine Victorian craftsmanship, psychological observation and ingenious plotting. George’s celebrated attention to detail keeps the reader totally immersed. Bliss. – Saga

Rich with descriptive detail and emotional nuance. Several alternating plot threads unspool at length, all of which weave tightly together with pleasing inevitability . . . What has been said before deserves repeating: From suspense to social commentary, from violence to pathos, from villainy to possible redemption, Ms. George can do it all, with style. – Wall Street Journal

Bolstered by George’s polished prose, the twentieth Lynley mystery moves briskly along, showing the author at the peak of her powers. – Booklist