Something to Hide

I decided to borrow this book from the library as I had seen a good review for it somewhere and was aware that Elizabeth George was a popular author. Something to Hide is the 21st book in the Inspector Lynley series of books which has a faithful following. Elizabeth George is an American author who sets this series of crime novels in England. She has obviously done a great deal of research for this book, especially about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the Nigerian community which features in the storyline of the book. However at 622 pages it is not only far too long but also could have benefited from a good edit

Part one of the book introduces the reader to the variety of characters involved in the story which slowly begins to come together in part two. Acting Detective Superintendent Lynley and his team are called in by Scotland Yard to investigate the murder of a policewoman in her home. Teo Bontempi had been working on a task force investigating FTM in the London area. FTM is illegal in England and in most other countries but is still practised by some communities who believe that FTM cleanses girls and makes them pure for marriage. When Teo was murdered the police hierarchy obviously wanted the crime quickly and quietly solved before the tabloids discovered the story.

The reader follows the events that occurred between 21 July and 16 August. Intertwined with the main story are sections dealing with relationships between some of the characters. The continuation of FTM in some communities is a topic that we should be aware of. However in this book there is too   much repetition and too many characters creating a complex and often tedious reading experience. I can now say that I have read a novel by Elizabeth George but It is highly unlikely that I will read any more.