For the Sake of Elena

"For the Sake of Elena" is one of the early Inspector Lynley mysteries, and I liked it. It's hard not to like something when you're looking at Nathaniel Parker, for one thing. For another, I didn't read the book.

A young woman jogger is found dead, and Lynley (Parker) and Havers(Sharon Small) are on the scene investigating. The murdered woman was completely deaf. Her father, a Cambridge professor (Tim Piggott-Smith) is devastated, as is her mother (Selena Cadell). Divorced from her husband, she is both devastated and bitter about the fact that her ex-husband remarried the elegant Justine (Sophie Ward).

As Lynley and Havers go further into the investigation, they find plenty of suspects: a professor at the school whom the victim was reporting for sexual harassment; an ambitious young man whom she rejected; her tutor; and possibly a few others. Elena Weaver loved to party, loved to "shag" and didn't take any of it as seriously as some of her partners.

Secrets are unraveled while the two detectives sort out their personal lives: Parker is trying to work out things with Helen (Lesley Vickerage) - frankly, I think he can do better; and Havers has to make a decision regarding her demented mother.

All in all, very absorbing.

A party loving, smart deaf girl is murdered whilst jogging, Lynley and Havers are on the case, but is it an isolated incident. I think that this is the best of the early Inspector Lynley Mysteries, it's a cracking mystery, with a smart plot, satisfying conclusion, and a terrific set of characters. There is just the right amount of personal problems for both Detectives, with Havers having to try and work, and deal with her poor mum. Cambridge looks magical, fans of the Granchester series will recognise some of the side streets used. The acting is first class, Tim Piggot Smith, Selina Cadell, and Sophie Ward. Twenty years on, and Sophie Ward's character Justine, still looks so very modern, great actress, and so very beautiful. Thoroughly enjoyed this, 8/10.