A banquet of consequences, by Elizabeth George

I continue to look forward to the release of a new novel in this series, although I have friends who refuse to have anything to do with it after a favorite character was killed off.  As always, the book is long and the action is slowed down by the author’s keen observation of the world around the characters, yet it propelled me along, reading quickly to find out what happens next.  I suspect some readers (not me) are put off by the forward motion of the plot being interrupted by this kind of thing: “India loved what rainfall did to the streets in the waning daylight of autumn, making the headlamps of passing cars seem to flicker like hesitant beacons –“ and on in this vein for a whole paragraph before advancing the action.  “Charlie was waiting for her.”  This passage was selected by simply opening the book at random.  The reoccurring characters of Thomas Lynley, Barbara Havers, and others add to the enjoyment of the series, although George, an American, does rather overdo the Briticisms a bit in an effort to make the book more English.  Could do without Havers’ recurring “clobber” for one thing.  Another feature of George’s books is the frequent use of very odd, often kinky, sexual motivations of the perpetrators of the crimes being investigated.  This book was no exception.  The plot is complex and the ending surprising.  Meanwhile, will Havers get herself back in the department head’s good graces, pull herself together and dress better, or find love?  Will patrician Lynley deepen his involvement with a zoo vet from a poverty-stricken background?  Does punishing the right person for the wrong reason ring true?  Stay tuned for the next installment. 575 pp.