It is hard to believe, as suggested by other reviewers, Elizabeth George is the author of this book winded, extremely slow to start, or it's time she retired. The first quarter of the book is a real chore to read; then drives the plot but to turn around, embroidering on a scenario not thick enough to warrant the 700 pages that seem to be the bare minimum to which the author is required to each of its publications. The recurring characters of the series do not change, are sparing no surprises and, hence, no longer cause any reader empathy.
I feel that the Linley-Havers vein is permanently exhausted.
