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 is superb!

I like the Linley/Havers stories. But Ms. Porter brings everything to a new level of excellence. Her sensitive interpretation of the text makes it sing.

Loved the depth of character development

Would you listen to Just One Evil Act again? Why?

I would, I would also listen to the other books by Elizabeth George again. Her seamless narrative kept me wanting to do all the activities that I do when i listen to my audio books (go to the gym and driving in the car).

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

The poignancy of Barbara Havers trying to apologize to Inspector Salvatore, explaining why she did not betray him and his response to her.

Which character – as performed by Davina Porter – was your favorite?

her performance of Barbara Havers within this book was "spot on" I always enjoy Ms Porter, I love her in the Outlander series.

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

I had moments of teary eyes and sadness at the end and some spontaneous laughter with the dialogue brought out by Barbara Havers in the frustrations she felt and Salvatore's learning of English through her.

Any additional comments?

Hated to see it end, and with all modern crime fiction, I did not expect some of the plot twists which made the book so much more enjoyable!

Too long!

What did you like best about Just One Evil Act? What did you like least?

Although the Inspector Lynley novels are very interesting, they are TOO LONG and full of unnecessary words. The screen plays for television are much better.

Would you recommend Just One Evil Act to your friends? Why or why not?

NO

Do you think Just One Evil Act needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, I could not bare to slog through it.

one of georges best!

love Barbara havers storylines...she is maddening but so endearing. Davina Porter is consistently good. my only negative comment is that he italian was a bit awkward but, no doubt, reading italian has to be quite challenging.

A Different Kind of Inspector Lynley Book

Elizabeth George is one of my favorite writers. Though very good, this was not my favorite of her books. It was as literary and engaging as all of her others. It's just that the main protagonist (if I can call her that) was Barbara Havers rather than Inspector Lynley.

Barbara is a compelling character when alongside Lynley but in this novel she was on her own. As per the author's design, she made me uncomfortable. In all of us, our strengths can also be our weaknesses. However, Barbara seemed to yield a little too much on the side of situational morality. I can't say more without giving something away.

The story has a wonderful arc. Donata Peters narrates it brilliantly until she has to speak in Italian. Ms. George introduces some fascinating new characters whom I hope will appear in future books.

Just One Evil Act is worth your credit and your time.

Is the plot the "Evil Act"?

I am a fan of Elizabeth George, but the telling of this particular mystery is convoluted and self-conscious. It makes me want to ask the author to reread some of her earlier mysteries. I suspect there will be a follow-up to this involving spiriting her Pakistani friends out of danger in some foreign land, but I hope not. That boat has sailed, and did so a few books ago. I found myself saying aloud: "How can Barbara Havers and Thomas Lynley be so stupid and still have 'jobs'?" At least Lynley is getting over the death of his wife (a few books ago), but a roller-derby veterinarian? Really?

Davina Porter is a wonderful reader. She saves this book.

Annoying

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

Elizabeth George is dependable. She always writes excellent crime stories and this is another.

What didn’t you like about Davina Porter’s performance?

The reader reads well fr most of the book but the reader of this book needs to speak Italian. Davina Porter does not and this is painfully obvious. This makes part of the book most annoying.

Barbara Havers in full glory and/or misery

I have always enjoyed the character of Barbara Havers and she takes front stage here. The story is long but compelling--two mysteries back to back. However I thought the very ending was weak and unrealistic. Nevertheless It's very much worth the listen (and marvelous reading by Davina Porter of course)

Disappointed with details, loose ends

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

Too many or too few details. Thought I'd missed a chapter at times.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I wouldn't make Havers appear to be so lovelorn and losing perspective.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

Davina is always good. She spoke the Italian slowly; otherwise, would've been really lost.

Do you think Just One Evil Act needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Definitely, we need to know what happened to whom. Some characters must be gone for good.

Any additional comments?

This is only Elizabeth George book I've been disappointed with.

Excellent Story -- Could Not Put it down!

I've read all the reviews, and I understand why some people were upset. There is a lot of Italian in the book, but I found it very engaging to try to figure out what was said. George always provides enough context in the next few sentences following the Italian to make it perfectly clear!
I love all the detail she provides about Italy. I thought the plot was very clever, with lots of twists and turns.
I adore Davina Porter - she is my favorite narrator!