Book Review: I, Richard

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

I, Richard     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Elizabeth George
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Bantam, Nov 2002, $25.98,244 pp.

Crime novelist Elizabeth George provides five excellent tales with a twist.

"Exposure". A college class visits a British estate to see the artwork when one of the students dies. Thomas Lynley, who is visiting too, knows murder occurred. He seeks to uncover the killer in his own indomitable manner. This is an-exciting story reminiscent of Agatha Christie.

"The Surprise of his life". A man suffering from impotence thinks his trophy wife is cheating on him. When he obtains what he thinks is proof, he plans to kill her. However, things don’t go as planned. Readers will love this story for its exquisite irony.

"Good Fences Aren’t Always Enough". When Anfisa moves to 42 Napier Lane, the neighbors hoped she would do needed renovation. Instead her actions attract the rats. When the neighbors complain she ignores them until the night they decide to take matters into their own hands. This is a page-turner with shocking results.

"Remember, I’ll Always Love You". After Eric dies, his wife Charlotte tries to track down his family to inform them of his death, but she has no address or phone number. She learns why her husband kept his past secret but by then it is too late. This poignant tale touches the heart while stimulating the mind.

"I, Richard". Malcolm Cousins believes that Richard III was not responsible for the deaths of his nephews and the town drunk Bernie Perryman has the proof. To get the document, Malcolm has an affair with Bernie’s wife and plans on using her to get it. Malcolm obtains his wish, but it doesn’t give him the pleasure he expects. This is an enthralling story of treachery and deceit.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner