If you are ready to read some beautiful prose, then check this book out. Garrett's writing is wonderful, but rather thick. Take some time to read this book, as it is not one that can be read in one (or even three) sittings, but is well worth the read. Raleigh is very well portrayed here, with all his character quirks thrown in for good measure.

Garrett's novel is one of the best works of historical fiction I have ever read--and one of the best works of literary fiction. His knowledge of the historical setting, the detailed narrative and his stately pacing make an already fascinating story completely engrossing. His moving depiction of Raleigh the "Fallen Star" living with memories and facing the inevitable is coupled with an unsentimental look at the intricate machinations of Raleigh the "Fox." With the exception of Thomas Flanagan, I can't think of another author who writes historical fiction with so much intelligence and subtlety.

I am planning to be an exchange student at the University of Canberra and of all the travel books I read, this met my needs the best. The book was honest about student discounts and the quality of youth hostels. The features I liked best were the planned walking tours of cities and the special attention to "Fun and Free" attractions. The author writes in a clear, friendly, engaging manner, I feel I know what to expect from Australia after reading this book.

I just got back from a 3-week trip to Australia during which I used this book constantly, though my version is from 1999 and I don't know what version amazon.com is selling right now. I visited many of the places Frommer's recommended and stayed at a few of the lodgings listed as well (specifically, the Sydney Central Youth Hostel and Springfield Lodge, both good choices if you are on a budget and want a place that's clean and comfortable). Some people I travelled with part of the time preferred my guide over theirs (a Fodor, I think) so much that I let them borrow it after I flew home and they stayed behind. If I could change one thing, I would color-code the seperate chapters- it was difficult to locate things in my edition since everything was printed in black or red. Still, this book was extremely handy for me and I'm glad it was the one I chose to buy.

I love this book so much that I have re-read it many times. It is a beautiful story of overcoming obstacles, increasing one's faith, and the redemption of mean-spirited people as they recognize goodness and truth and leave their unkind ways. It makes one's heart leap for joy with its Christian message. The writings of George MacDonald had a major influence on C.S. Lewis, and you will understand why when you read this Victorian classic. This edition is especially good to read to children as the confusing Scottish dialect has been simplified.

Sir Gibbie by George Macdonald
The first time I read this book, I found it long, boring, and dull. I didn't understand why everyone else who read it thought it was so excellent. So I really thought hard about it one night, and made up my mind that I would keep reading it until I understood the message. Finally, it came to me, and it was so overpowering that I broke down and cried.
Gibbie is a young, mute boy with an alcoholic father. He has a kind heart and is extremely gentle. His good friend, Sambo, is murdered, and he runs away. Gibbie is just a small boy in a large, cruel world, and he is treated badly by everyone on his journey but one woman, Janet. The variety of places he lived and the things he had to go through really taught me that not everyone has a full roof over their head, or enough clothes to cover more than a few body parts. This book gave me a lot to think about, such as the fact that some children are abused and don't show it at all to anyone. Or that most people just make assumptions about things that they know nothing about. I realize that I am guilty of these things, as everyone else is.
This book was very compelling and I learned a lot about grace and mercy from it. The forgiveness that Gibbie shows his father towards the end is unbelievable, and I thought it was amazing that a tiny, mute boy could show so much more faith, wisdom, and emotion than anyone I have ever met, or read in a book. The story definitely had an impact on my view of how the world treats people and how the smallest child (who isn't even real) could change your life. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone - it is extremely good!

I am reading a book called "The Sign Of The Beaver. I think it is a great book because of all the excitement it brings to me!!!! This book will take you on adventures that you won`t forget. It will leave you hanging at the end of the chapter so you want to read on. It is a fast book to read but you want to keep reading about Matt`s (the main character in the story) adventures and his troubles with Attean!! I love this suspensful book and would like to recommend it to you. I thought it was boring at first but when Matt came upon the BEES it became more and more exiting when the INDIAN saved his life. (Matt was scared at first but then realized that Indians aren`t bad at all). Matt ended up teaching Attean (the Indian boy) to read and they became very close friends, in fact, almost brothers. Well I don't want to spoil the rest of the story so if this book sounds interesting TO YOU you can go buy this book at any store and I hope you have reading this adventures, exiting and funny book!!!!

Hey I just read this cool book for all you historical fiction lovers. It's called Sign Of The Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare.
In the book there were three things I really liked. I liked how it was crazy and adventurous and how the boy Matt started to make a union between white men and Indians. Also I liked it when Matt finds out that all his beliefs about Indians were wrong. One thing I hated was the ending; Matt's dad doesn't come back.
In the beginning Matt's father goes to get supplies and pick-up the rest of the family. When his father doesn't return Matt gets worried and finds Indian tribe. They are the Beaver Tribe. Well I won't spoil the fun but towards the end Matt creates a special bond with the Indians.
This book takes place in the wilderness of Maine, in 1769. There are many trees; it's very green there, filled with shrubs and plants.

The Sign of the Beaver is a great YA novel that will especially appeal to adolescent boys. After settling on their new homestead, Matt's father must return East to bring back his mother, sister, and newborn baby. He leaves thirteen-year-old Matt to care for the place while he is gone, a journey that shoud take less then two months, but ends up being twice that long. Matt has to tend the crops and the house as well as fend for himself when he runs out of supplies to make meals. Along the way, he learns some valuable--and very hard--lessons, such as locking the cabin door carefully and taking care of his Pa's gun. When his luck has almost run out, Matt meets Attean and his grandfather, Indians who befriend him. Attean patiently teaches Matt the ways of the wilderness, and soon the cultural gap between them is bridged. The Sign of the Beaver is an excellent lesson in not only history and pioneer life, but also in the effects of racism and prejudice. This is a great YA novel and an excellent choice for readers of all ages.

Elizabeth George has managed to meld the standard genres of cozy and police procedural (with a dash of hard-boiled thrown in for spice) into a marvelous series-opening mystery. Sergeant Barbara Havers is from the East End of London and bears resentment against the priveleges of the upper class. Ironically (and to her chagrin), she is teamed with Inspector Thomas Lynley, who also happens to be the Eighth Earl of Asherton, to solve a gruesome axe-murder in rural England. George takes the cozy setting of the English countryside, brings in the inner workings of Scotland Yard, and drops in a few grisly murders to create one of the most readable mysteries I have encountered in years. I intend to read all of George's Lynley-Havers novels.

This is the first book in the Lynley/Havers series, and it is quite a powerful one. Ms. George has very strong characters. She is also not afraid to tread in dark and secretive areas, as this book does. She does not tread softly either. Rather she enters in with "gumboots"! This is one of the best psychological thrillers I've read in some time, and I intend to continue with the series. Lynley and Havers are a great team. Yes, you'll find that you lose patience with Havers as she blunders her way through some very dicey situations, but don't be fooled - she is extemely intelligent under that dumpy exterior. Lynley is a true English gentleman, and a very deep character in his own right. Unrequited love has a place in this book along with other kinds of "love" that are not nearly so wholesome.

The first in this superb mystery series, A Great Deliverance introduces most of the major characters that inhabit Elizabeth George's later books.

George's characters are clearly well fleshed out - care is taken in giving them distinct and memorable personalities. Both DI Lynley and DS Barbara Havers leave strong first impressions - him for being charming and composed, Havers for being just the opposite. The affable Simon St. James makes his first appearance, along with his lovely new wife Deborah. Also, Lady Helen Clyde rounds off the list of characters that readers grow to love in later books.

In this mystery, when Roberta Teys is found clutching her dead father's decapitated body in quiet Keldale, DI Lynley, the eight earl of Asherton, is called in to investigate. Much to her distaste, DS Havers is assigned to work alongside him. They must, however, work together in order to unravel the mystery. They find themselves digging into the past and uncovering hidden family secrets and later enlisting the aid of the St. James'.

Both Havers and Lynley are forced to confront personal demons and come to terms with their own failings before they can resolve the matter. They manage to put aside misconceptions of each other, and take a positive step towards the friendship that characterizes the rest of the series.

After reaching its climax, the mystery ends neatly, with all the loose ends tied together satisfactorily.

Along the way, the book gives tantalizing hints into the relationships between the characters, ensuring that you simply have to read the next book in the series, if only to see the development of these relationships.

All in all, a great beginning to what is later a great series - A Great Deliverance is a must read for all mystery fans!

This is my second foray into the world of Barbara Havers, and what a redemption for her! She certainly showed a far more human side than in "A Great Deliverance", and I welcomed the absence of her partner Lynley and his equally irritating new bride. (They were on Honeymoon and instantly forgotten). I love a book that casts suspicion on everybody, and this one certainly does that. Almost everyone has a motive, and as mentioned previously, a lot of the characters are so unlikeable that you're just begging for them to be guilty of SOMETHING diabolical. I felt that Elizabeth George has done justice to both sides of the race argument, and both the racists and the activists against racism are equally loathsome. I have no idea how accurately this portrayal of a Muslim family is depicted, but it certainly gave me a lot to think about. If this book is far removed from Elizabeth George's usual style then I'll bide my time before reading another. On the other hand, if I knew I'd enjoy it as much as I did this one I'd read the whole series one after another.

This is a must read Elizabeth George. Instead of Linley who is off on his much awaited honeymoon , we get to have our fill of the gritty, prickly, blue collar Sergeant Barbara Havers. Barbara, ordered by Linley to take a much needed vacation after being physically injured during their last case, is at loose ends. It has been so many years since she had any leisure time and anyway her life is her work. So Barbara, becoming aware of a puzzling situation in the life of her Asian neighbors, an endearing father and small daughter, and in her desire to help them heads to the seaside. Instead of a vacation she finds that her old police academy companion is now in charge of a murder investigation that involves her neighbor's family. Barbara, offers to assist on the case which severely challenges her to question her own abilities as detective, her loyalties to her friends and her own moral beliefs. The feel of the book is permeated with the intense and unusual heat of this particular summer at the English seaside and by Barbara's personal and external stuggles to solve a very puzzling case. Race and sex relations and cultural differences in small town England are a major feature of the plot which is complicated and intense enough to satisfy without being filled with intentional red herrings. As usual for George, the characters and their situations are finely drawn and full of depth and character. A really good read and and a good novel.

As far as I'm concerned, Lynley and Helen can stay on their honeymoon, or just stop by for occasional visits. Simon and Deborah can move to Australia. Elizabeth George has found and developed her best character yet! Barbara Havers is becoming more interesting all the time. I especially like it when she occasionally lets her heart out of its cage and her soft side shows through, as happened in this book. There were some fascinating twists her, especially involving the character development of Azhar, whom we will no doubt see more of in future books. The disfigured Rachel was really interesting, and I think George played at her motivations very well. Other characters were just too awful to be believable, I mean, Muhannad and Yumn simply had no redeeming qualities. The map actually came in handy in this book.

This is my first Elizabeth George, which I REALLY enjoyed. While not having read her prior Lynley/Havers books, I was able to pick up on the threads of their previous relationship/experiences w/ no problem. The multiple plots are cleverly woven, and although some reviewers do not like the detective characters, I thoroughly enjoyed the doubting, unforgiving Lord, the croissant-devouring Havers fag-puffing (that's the British slang, there!)--sorry, folks, but that's a VERY accurate portrayal of many women, including myself on a stressful day. I also thought the more minor characters of Winston, Hanken, & Company were well done. This novel kept me guessing until the very end. Yes, the author's venture and depiction of the "underworld" of S+M sex in London was v. gritty, but, I'll postulate, quite accurate--if not, it was certainly interesting. Brought to mind the Helen Mirren "Prime Suspect" PBS series, accents and all. I've a feeling this is more England today than the tourists would like to think.

As always Elizabeth George keeps us guessing until the very end. Her complex, multiple plots all tie together in the end and Barbara Havers redeems herself as Lynley realizes he too is capable of making mistakes. I have enjoyed watching the main characters grow and change and learning about their lives with each new novel by Elizabeth George. This one doesn't disappoint. I can't wait to read the next one but am willing to wait so that we can have more quality writing by this fine author. I have quit reading other authors who rush their books to press just to get another one out. So unlike some of the other reviewers, I say take all the time you need Ms. George so that I will continue be enchanted by your characters, your intricate plots and the settings you describe so magnificently.

I am hooked on Susan Elizabeth George and her wonderful writing. And yes, I too like her new hairdo. I have read all her books. I read them all during the past six months after stumbling onto a paperback edition of "Missing Joseph". I did not read them in the order published but after finishing "In Pursuit of the Proper Sinnner" the ten book chronolgy fell into place with the remarkable display of continuity in the ongoing evolution of the main characters of Linley(love "Tommy"as a nick name), Havers, Lady Helen and the entire gang. This woman writes such good prose that often I forget I'm reading a "potboiler" and find myself in the middle of a marvelous work of fiction. I can't wait to read Mrs. George's first non- mystry novel where she is able to dispense with the gratuitous sex and stay with the beautiful character insights. But, then again, this reader for one will continue to buy her first editions in hardback because I can't wait to see what kind of trouble Barbara Havers is going to get into next!

I devour mystery books, and am especially fond of series that include the same characters over and over. So I was inclined to like this series from the start, but was pleasantly surprised by the way George develops her characters to an unusual degree. However, they are uneven are far as how interesting they seem (which I suppose is true in life as well). Every time the plot involves Deborah I just want to put the book down and snore. She's sweet, she's a photographer, she has curly red hair, she is devastated by her inability to have children; that's all we know. But really, who cares about her? Not me. And would Simon get over his leg already? On the other hand, I find Helen Clyde to be hilarious, very witty. Lynley, a wee bit dry for the central character. But Barbara Havers has now become my favorite mystery character of all time. I am so excited to read Deception on His Mind, where she has an even larger role. Thank you, Elizabeth George, for making this complex, funny, unglamorous and wholly likable person. My only complaints: it makes no sense to me that Barbara has no real friends. Why not? She's very cool. She should have a close gal pal. Second, I hope that life begins to treat Barb a little better pretty soon; I somehow felt personally crushed by some of the things that have happened to her. One last comment about this book: there were absolutely zero clues as to the perp in this book. And no hints in this person's behavior as to their psychotic crimes until they were explained in the end. I like to have at least a slight chance of sussing the mystery out myself!

Elizabeth George has outdone herself in her latest novel, "In the Presence of the Enemy". This novel involves the usual characters - Detetctive Inspector Thomas Lynley, Simon St. James and Barbara Havers as they try to resolve the kidnapping of a young girl. As the reader is drawn deeper and deeper into the plot, Ms. George's talent for creating believable characters becomes apparent. In addition to how each character reacts to news of the kidnapping, there are subplots and twists which keep the reader intrigued. The personality of each character if finely developed and maintained throughout the book. And the ending was a total suprise to me! It left me thinking about human actions and interactions for many days. If you like mysteries which keep you challenged and constantly thinking, then this is a book for you

If you've never read any of Elizabeth George's novels, this is as good a place as any to start. By the way, she writes novels, not just "mystery novels."

This book works as a novel, as a mystery, as a puzzle, as a soap opera, as a sheer entertainment page-turner, and as a travelogue. You get a lot of bang for your reading buck.

Poor, poor Barbara Havers... I think there should be a society for the prevention of cruelty to characters. I feel so sorry for her.

Fantastic (in both senses of the word) plot twists.

As it happens, I am extremely dense about guessing whodunnit. I just read mysteries for the atmosphere, the characters, the story, the procedure, and the background. But Elizabeth George has pulled off what for me is a very rare experience--I didn't guess whodunnit, but at the end I actually feel that I ought have been able to.

In this, the third installment of the Lynley-Havers series, George expands upon her literary approach and succeeds resoundingly. Set at a typical British public school, Well-Schooled in Murder deals primarily with class and the subtle, but sometimes brutal, means by which class distinctions and pecking-orders are maintained. Disappointing however was the de-emphasis upon Havers, except for some interesting insights into her private life. I felt that this book more than either of the previous could have provided Havers with an opportunity to indict the British class system, but she merely slaps it on the hand with a few salty remarks. Regarding the mystery itself, George's skill at plot development increases with each outing in this series. Fans of Simon and Deborah will be pleased to learn that their lives and histories are explored much more fully than before and that these characters have evolved to become as important (if not more) than Havers. While pleased with the ever-improving excellence that George applies toward character and plot development, I hope that she returns to the original theme which made the first novel, A Great Deliverance, shine -- the conflict/cooperation between Lynley and Havers as representative of the evolution of Britain from an aristocracy to a meritocracy.

"Well-Schooled in Murder" is an entertaining and well-written mystery by Elizabeth George. Detective Inspector Lynley and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers investigate the brutal torture and murder of a young British boarding school student named Matthew Whately. As in so many police procedurals by such skilled authors such as Ruth Rendell, George explores the hypocrisy and brutality that underlie the British veneer of politeness. With believable dialogue and careful plotting, George develops her large cast of characters very well. She explores such social problems as class snobbery, abuse by older students against younger students, and the strained relationships between parents and children. George also gives glimpses into the private lives and psyches of Havers, Lynley, Simon St. James, and his wife, Deborah, all of whom have severe personal problems. With compassion and insight, George's novel reveals that when people are grossly dishonest with themselves and with their loved ones, they may destroy not only relationships but often people's lives, as well. I recommend "Well-Schooled in Murder" for fans of British murder mysteries. It has a well-developed plot and interesting and complex characters.

In college I took a class in detective fiction and this was one of the six books that we had to read -- it proved to be my favorite.

The murder of a child from a British boarding school whose parental lineage is a bit of a mystery is found by Deborah St. James. This places a huge emotional strain on her as she recently suffered a miscarriage.

Enter Detectives Lynley and Havers on the scene. (This book also explores their personal lives outside of the crime scene as you get a very clear dichotomy of their social standing -- Lynley with his fine house and surroundings; Havers with her aging and ailing family members. This was heavily debated in our class and it was interesting to see how George pulls it off so well.) They explore the inner sanctum of the all-boys school and learn more than they expected (although something tells me Lynley already knew what to expect and just didn't want to mention it) along with some more than suprising twists that left many a jaw on the floor.

Elizabeth George has always had a deft handling of her characters and their emotions and this book is no different. With this book, she really hit her stride.

FOR THE SAKE OF ELENA is my introduction to Elizabeth George and her detectives Lynley and Havers. I enjoyed the twists in the plot; as soon as I had made up my mind that a certain character was guilty, a new piece of evidence would be discovered to deflect suspicion. All of the suspects were introduced early enough for the reader to ponder the guilt or innocence of each. I look forward to more of George's work.

This was my first Elizabeth George book, and I enjoyed it. She is an intelligent writer, and she knows how to develop characters. I certainly want to read more of her books. The Cambridge touch here is a good one as is the artistic information that comes out during the course of the book. There are enough twists in the plot to keep most people guessing.

This is a good novel. not merely a crime or mystery novel...a good novel.

the writing is good, the characters are great and interesting, the plot is probably her ebst so far, but could well have done with a bit more development.

The way she deals with deafness was quite good, very unpatronising, but if she wanted it to become more of a theme, she should have spent a little more time with the Deaf people assosciated with the story, instead of just glancing over them as she seemed to.

But there is one point where she comes miserably unstuck.

Right at the beginning...the first chapter even. The writer is told the golden rule "never lie to your readers"....which, in this novel, was something Elizabeth george definitely does.

I am trying to think of ways to describe her flawm whilst at the same time not telling you who did it. Let's just say...the way a certain person acts at the start definitely works against the fact that they turn out to be the murderer. It's wrong psychology...the way the characters had acted, when we find out they were the murderer, is just nonsense.

However, in all other aspects, this is a great great book. In this series, it is second only to A Traitor to Memory.

It has one of the best motives of any crime novels i've ever read. some people have said it's very unbelieable and would not have given rise to the sort of feelings shown in the killing of Elena. But those people just do not understand....when i read what Tony Weaver was made to do, i was horrified. Being a "creator" (albeit of a differnt type of art) myself, i can well understand what drove the killer to do the deed.

This is a marvellous book in the fact that by the end of it, almost all your opinions of the characters have compeltely reversed. Well, i certainly found mine doing that.

At the start, i liked Justine, but by the end, i just plain hated her. Anthony Weaver first comes across as quite a nice man...but then his true personality is revealed. I started off disliking Gareth Randolph, but by the end felt very sorry for the poor lad. And Sarah Gordon, who i started off as being completely indifferent to, i came to feel intense sympathy for, and liked a great deal. Glyn Weaver, i started off feeling sympathetic toward, but by the end i just couldn't stand her.

This is a great book, highly reccomeneded. However, you must of course start at the start. With A Great Deliverance.