Where to start with Elizabeth George
Begin with Something to Hide, the first book in the Inspector Lynley series, published in 1988. This novel introduces Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and his partner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, in a case that establishes the series' central dynamic and tone. Proceed through the series in publication order, as each book builds on the evolving relationship between Lynley and Havers, their professional challenges, and the intricate investigations that unfold across England. The series spans 21 novels, concluding in 2022. While In the Presence of the Enemy is also listed as an Inspector Lynley Mystery, it is not the first in the series and should not be read as a standalone entry. No other standalone novels by Elizabeth George are included in the catalog beyond A Woman After God's Own Heart® (1997), which is not part of the mystery series. Focus on the Inspector Lynley series for a complete reading experience.
Series by Elizabeth George
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Buy on Amazon1988 · Elizabeth George
A baby's cry echoes on lonely nights through Keldale Valley in Yorkshire. Into this pastoral web of old houses and older secrets comes New Scotland…
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Buy on Amazon1989 · Elizabeth George
Payment in Blood is the second crime novel by Elizabeth George, published in 1989. Like its predecessor, A Great Deliverance (1988), it features…
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Buy on Amazon1990 · Elizabeth George
This crime novel by Elizabeth George, third in the Inspector Lynley series, begins when thirteen-year-old Matthew Whately goes missing from Bredgar…
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Buy on Amazon1991 · Elizabeth George
It was meant to be a festive engagement weekend, but Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and his fiancée, Deborah Cotter, arrive at Howenstow, Lynley's…
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Buy on Amazon1992 · Elizabeth George
Deborah and Simon St. James travel to Lancashire for a winter holiday, hoping to mend their strained marriage. Upon arrival, they learn that the…
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Buy on Amazon1992 · Elizabeth George
For the Sake of Elena is a 1992 crime novel by Elizabeth George, the fifth in her Inspector Lynley series. It was first published by Bantam Books and…
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Buy on Amazon1993 · Elizabeth George
Playing for the Ashes is a 1993 crime novel by Elizabeth George, published by Bantam Books. It is the author's seventh crime novel featuring…
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1996 · Elizabeth George
In the Presence of the Enemy is a 1996 book by Elizabeth George. It is part of the series Inspector Lynley series. Catalog genres: Crime Literature.
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1997 · Elizabeth George
Deception on His Mind is a 1997 mystery novel by US author Elizabeth George, the ninth novel in her Inspector Lynley series. It follows directly from…
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In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner
1999 · Elizabeth George
In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner is a 1999 novel by Elizabeth George, the tenth in her series featuring Inspector Thomas Lynley of Scotland Yard. The…
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Frequently asked questions
How many books has Elizabeth George written?
We list 23 books by Elizabeth George across 1 series, published between 1988–2025 — each shown in full reading order.
What order should I read Elizabeth George's books?
Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “Something to Hide.” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.
Where can I buy Elizabeth George's books?
Every title links to Amazon from its series page — see our affiliate disclosure in the footer for how that supports the site.
Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.
Some summaries adapted from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.