Inspector Lynley Series by Elizabeth George

I love a good mystery novel. A good one. And I love a good mystery series even better. And I really got into this series. I picked up my first Inspector Lynley novel several years ago at my Mom's urging. And I have to confess, although I thoroughly enjoyed the books from the start, the writing has improved as Elizabeth George has continued her story of Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and Detective Sargent Barbara Havers. You may have seen this series televised (butchered, in my not so humble opinion) on PBS Mystery over the last few years. Some of the things I love best about these: they take me all over England, and I like the way she writes her mysteries. Much less contrived than some. The overarching storyline is as intriguing as each mystery. The last one, This Body Of Death, in my opinion is her best so far. It reminded me of Prime Suspect (I think maybe she based a character on Jane Tennyson). Anyway if you want some books to keep you hooked these are they. Not perfect, but enjoyable.

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

Maisie Dobbs entered domestic service in 1910 at thirteen, working for Lady Rowan Compton. When her remarkable intelligence is discovered by her employer, Maisie becomes the pupil of Maurice Blanche, a learned friend of the Comptons. In 1929, following an apprenticeship with Blanche, Maisie hangs out her shingle: M. DOBBS, TRADE AND PERSONAL INVESTIGATIONS. She soon becomes enmeshed in a mystery surrounding The Retreat, a reclusive community of wounded WWI veterans. At first, Maisie only suspects foul play, but she must act quickly when Lady Rowan's son decides to sign away his fortune and take refuge there. Maisie hurriedly investigates, uncovering a disturbing mystery, which, in an astonishing denouement, gives Maisie the courage to confront a ghost that has haunted her for years.

I loved this book. I thought it was a fun and interesting read. It did however break my heart to think of all those poor men who fought in WWI. If they came home, none of them came home the same!

The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith

This is the fifth book in the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. This is a delightful, charming, easy to read series about Mma Ramatswe - an African woman living in Botswana and her simple but interesting life as a detective. I haven't read all the books but of the few I have read - the first one is my favorite. But all the books are very funny and quirky.

If you want a real treat - get the first book on audio CD read by Lisette Lecat. She is incredibly talented and her accents are lovely! I couldn't help but hear her voice in my head as I read other books in the series. I loved it!

Peter and the Shadow Thieves by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

The book starts three months after the end of Peter and the Starcatchers.^[3] Slank returns to the island with more of the Others, including a certain Lord Ombra, to reclaim the trunk of starstuff lost in the previous book. When they learn that the Starcatchers have taken the trunk back to England, they set sail for London. Peter follows, fearing for Molly's safety, and with Tinker Bell's help conceals himself on their ship.

Once in London, Peter does not know where to find Molly. After unpleasant encounters with beggars, traders and the police, Peter finally gets directions from J. M. Barrie to Lord Aster's house, and rescues Molly from Lord Ombra in the nick of time. However, Louise Aster -Molly's mother- has been kidnapped by the Others, and the children must find Lord Aster who is guarding the starstuff.

Meanwhile, back on the island, the pirates are hunting the Lost Boys. They capture the boys to use as bait for Peter, not knowing he is not on the island. (from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_and_the_Shadow_Thieves)

I Liked the first book more, but, I really did enjoy this story also. I will be reading the third book in the series soon!

Question?

So what was the last great series you read? These don't have to be the best books ever, but, something you enjoyed and were able to be caught up in, with the added bonus of more to come!
I for one have enjoyed Twilight, and Harry Potter. I also loved all of the Anne of Green Gables books and all other books by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The Inspector Lynley Mystery's by Elizabeth George are another I enjoyed.
What about you?