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Masterfully Written I'm glad I read this without having any preconceived notions. Sometimes I think we mystery fans are spoiled when we finish a new book in a series and think, "Yes, that was just what I was hoping for." This book was most certainly NOT what I was hoping for, and all the better because of it. I couldn't put it down, I had to see what happened even already knowing what happened. The further I got into the book, I wanted to scream at someone in authority to get a clue and help this family. Instead, I watched in dismay as one little boy's world is destroyed along with Lynley's. I was crying by the end, and that almost never happens. This book is also a reminder of just how good a writer Elizabeth George is. She creates a whole new world in London, and none of it seemed implausible to me. I'm in the process of getting rid of most of my books. Only books that I expect to read again, indeed, have to read again, can stay. What Came Before He Shot Her made the cut. rollercoaster of emotions i think this book is so good when you have lived in england you can easily see how this story unfolds the way it does the emotions run so high during the reading of this book i loved it and did not want it to end especially the way it did all i wanted to do was save the children but alas not all children are saved are they? Wish I had read the reviews first I am a HUGE Elizabeth George fan and usually can't put her books down. I got this one as soon as it came out and read several chapters before I decided that I wasn't able to finish at that time because it was just too sad. I finally picked it up again and this time was determined to get through it to make sure I didn't miss important aspects of the continuing story that I would regret when I read her NEXT book. I soldiered through it. I'm fine with the occasionally veering away from the normal that series writers need to do for their own sanity, but this was just so depressing in every way. Most of the characters had redeeming qualities but made the wrong choices over and over and over again. And it was grossly repetitive. I sometimes had trouble finding my place in the book because it seemed like the same cycle just repeated. I guess that might have been purposeful to show how the people were caught in a trap? Regardless, it was just painful to read. I had to know though if poor Joel would make the ultimately wrong choice. I thought I wouldn't be able to bear the family falling apart, but once I was done, I was just relieved it was over and realized that the characters were so consistently screwed in every decision they made that it had become cartoonish and non-believable. The only thing more disappointing in recent EG activity is the PBS Mystery Lynley stories with a black-haired Lynley and pixie-like Havers. I'll be back to checking for her next book and hoping that it is out soon to get the taste of this one out my mouth! Not Lynley But Stands On It's Own It took me about a year to warm to reading this book. I was mad that George decided to write this novel. I wanted only to read about Havers and Lynley and how they were coping with the devastating death of Helen and her baby. But this book was a pleasant surprise. It was intriguing and well plotted. I enjoyed it very much and I found that I have a better knowledge of the city in which Havers and Lynley operate. I absolutely loved this intriguing book! This book was a considerable departure from what we expect from Elizabeth George's Lynley/Havers books because, aside from the inevitable ending, it really didn't involve that cast of characters at all. At first I was confused, wondering when the familiar characters would make their entrances, but as I got into the novel I couldn't put it down. As I read George's stark, somber descriptions of a style of life that I find hard to imagine, I wondered how she researched this book and what led her to write it. I was intrigued by the details, even if they were unpleasant or ugly or made me feel uncomfortable. Ms. George left her comfort zone and gave us a close look at Lynley's London from the criminal's point of view. I thought it was brilliant! Don't get me wrong -- I love the Lynley/Havers series and eagerly anticipate each new installment. Ms. George is a brilliant, literary writer - a rarity these days - whose books are a joy to read. Why limit her to writing Lynley/Havers books? If you can open your mind and release your expectations, forget about the usual cast of characters and then read this book, you will appreciate it for the fine piece of literature that it is. See also:
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