Just One Evil Act

A Lynley Novel

By: Elizabeth George

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 28 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth George offers the latest in her Inspector Lynley series: a gripping child-in-danger story featuring fan favorite Barbara Havers.

Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers is at a loss: The daughter of her friend Taymullah Azhar has been taken by her mother, and Barbara can't really help - Azhar had never married Angelina, and his name isn't on Hadiyyah's, their daughter's, birth certificate. He has no legal claim. Azhar and Barbara hire a private detective, but the trail goes cold.

Azhar is just beginning to accept his soul-crushing loss when Angelina reappears with shocking news: Hadiyyah is missing, kidnapped from an Italian marketplace. The Italian police are investigating, and the Yard won't get involved, until Barbara takes matters into her own hands. As she attempts to navigate the complicated waters of doing anything for the case against her superior's orders, her partner, Inspector Thomas Lynley, is dispatched to Italy as the liaison between the Italian police and Hadiyyah's distraught parents.

In time, both Barbara and Lynley discover that the case is far more complex than just a kidnapping, revealing secrets about Angelina; her new lover, Lorenzo; and even Azhar - secrets Barbara may not be willing to accept. With both her job and the life of a little girl on the line, Barbara must decide what matters most and how far she's willing to go to protect it.

©2013 Elizabeth George (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Davina Porter RUINED this book for me

What made the experience of listening to Just One Evil Act the most enjoyable?

I love Italy and Lucca. Expected to love this book...

How could the performance have been better?

Davina Porter DESTROYED the Italian language with one mispronunciation after another. What was she thinking ? To even accept this assignment?!!! And is there no such thing as an "editor" in audible books?!! Shame on Audible and shame on her.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Major reaction was exasperation with the mangled Italian... I was also frustrated with the series of idiotic decisions and acts made by Barbara Havers - and that she got away with them. I truly thought that George was preparing to rid the series of Barbara by having her fired. It is incomprehensible that her bizarre behavior would be tolerated.

Any additional comments?

I'm pretty sure that Elizabeth George had nothing to do with writing this book... Come to think of it, maybe the last three books ...

Long-time listner, first-time reviewer

If you could sum up Just One Evil Act in three words, what would they be?

Engagingly complicated story

What was one of the most memorable moments of Just One Evil Act?

Havers viewing the videotape

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

Best I can do is the horridly overused word "Awesome".

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

Based on other reviews, I almost passed this one by. Then I saw Ms. George on a show about authors & books (Well Read) and changed my mind. So glad I did. I'm just hoping that the author will soon address the underlying mystery involving the death of Inspector Lynley's wife.

Great read for Inspector Lynley Fans

Elizabeth George has done it again. She's written another multi-layered and engaging Inspector Lynley novel that explores Barbara Havers' relationship with Taymullah Azhar through the kidnapping of his daughter Hadiyyah. While this crime is solved about midway through the book, George is just getting started. This is one of the best Lynley books, and I can't help but suspect it might be due to her new editor. While long, (it weighs in at more than 700 pages) it's more tightly written than some of her recent books. A great read for ths series' readers (and they must be read in order!)

Several surprises

I love the relationship between Havers and Linley. Narrator excellent, even with Italian language and Scottish and Indian accents. A captivating story.

Not her best

Would you try another book from Elizabeth George and/or Davina Porter?

Yes, I have read all of Elizabeth George's Inspector Linley books. And Davina Porter is excellent.

Would you be willing to try another book from Elizabeth George? Why or why not?

Naturally.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

She is usually just "spot on" in depicting what's happening. I feel like I really know the characters.

Could you see Just One Evil Act being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

NO!

Any additional comments?

This is a story that started out well but then devolved into a story that seemed to be searching for a "point". George has used lots of Italian in the text which is often not translated, [or other wise made clear] so I felt like I was missing the "flavor" of so many lines. And sadly it just ended. It was clear that more was to come re Linley, but B. Havers and Azhar were just left. It was so disappointing.

Perhaps the best ever of Elizabeth George mysterie

What made the experience of listening to Just One Evil Act the most enjoyable?

Many things made this book captivating. I liked the focus on Barbara Havers. I loved that most of the "action" took place in Lucca, Italy. I liked that Lynley had a new love interest. There was just so much about this book that I adored. I liked the new character, Salvatore.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Just One Evil Act?

When Barbara Havers is up all night trying to figure out what to do next. I won't reveal more as no reader wants to know in advance too many details!

What does Davina Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Davinia Porter is one of my favorite readers. As I am legally blind and have no option but to listen to books, the reader is key. Ms. Porter is excellent.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Barbara sees Lucca from the rooftop terrace. Also, the various emotional encounters.

Any additional comments?

A brilliant read. I especially enjoyed that the book was not hurried and that it was long. I liked this very much. As always with Ms. George, the characterizations were marvelous. She is such a grand and enjoyable author.

Thru chaos emerges just one more excellent mystery

For ardent fans of Elizabeth George, you've no choice but to listen to Just One Evil Act and you will not regret it. The excellent writing is there, as is the intrigue and the continuing saga of Lynley, Havers and the Met. And of course eminently listenable Davina Porter.

If you've never read George before, then listen to ANY of the many many Elizabeth George novels except the last three. Best to start with her first Inspector Lynley mystery, A Great Deliverance.

All that said, Just One Evil Act is indeed a bit of a chaotic mess of plot and characters. Reminiscent of Italy, actually, getting lost at every turn. That well may be her motivation, as much of the story takes place in Tuscany. The characters are thrown in so quickly, with few fleshed out and no one soliciting empathy. Like one's first days in Naples. But after a week, being enthralled with everything, including the clothes on the line.

The second half is more of the Elizabeth George fare her readers expect - that perfect blend of character, engrossing personal drama and gritty UK mystery. And an intriguing peek into the Italian police process. Barbara Havers and Thomas Lynley may start out weak, and almost feeble minded, but apparently this particular crime was the catharsis they both needed, as in the end....ok, no spoilers here. For the seasoned Elizabeth George listener, this is another treat.

Just One Act Too Long

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

This book is way too long. Events seem to crawl through time.

If you’ve listened to books by Elizabeth George before, how does this one compare?

I love Elizabeth George, but this is not the book to start with in enjoying her works. I have heard about Barbara's messy life and red trainers too many times now, and her self destruct mechanisms crowned in the end by success is old news.

What aspect of Davina Porter’s performance would you have changed?

This book is not an easy one to perform. There are a host of different characters and accents. Porter did a credible job. I think my ear just got tired.

No Surprises Here

Any additional comments?

If you like this series you will like this book. Just good characters developing as characters do with a familiar plot. Sometimes familiarity is just what you are looking for...in that mood this is the book for you.

Just read it

I debated a long time whether or not to continue through the series with this book. The reviews were so negative. While it is not my favorite Lynley and Havers book, it was worth reading. Some of it I absolutely did not see coming, while the things I feared would happen (and let me down big-time) did not.
Now I can continue on with the series and appreciate how this book has changed the horizon for Barbara Havers.