This analysis was generated by AI from publicly available reader reviews, literary criticism, and book discussions. It has not been verified by a BookLens community reviewer and may contain errors. Be the first to verify →
Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
Some
A suspicious death and its investigation; some past violence in the backstory
Language
Some
Some strong language
Sexual Content
Some
Adult romantic relationships and an extramarital affair as the case's center
Substance Use
Barely any
Moderate drinking
Emotional Intensity
A lot
The specific psychology of a man who has been turned into a symbol rather than a person; the women around him who were rendered invisible by his fame
What this book is about
Kenneth Fleming, star of the English cricket team and beloved national hero, is found dead in a remote cottage — killed by smoke inhalation in a suspicious fire. Lynley and Havers investigate a case that involves Fleming's wife, his lover, his manager, and the community that built him into a symbol. Elizabeth George's seventh Lynley mystery is her most structurally ambitious to this point — told partly through the journal of a woman who loved Fleming, giving the case an emotional depth that goes beyond the procedural. The cricketing world is rendered in convincing detail.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
seventh of the Lynley series; stands alone but benefits from series context
Reader Verification
Be the first to verify
this rating
Have you read Playing for the ashes? Submit a community rating to confirm or correct the AI estimate. Your review helps other readers make an informed choice.
Rate this book →Free · ~5 minutes · No account required
Similar reads
More Mystery books from the catalog.
Think this AI estimate is off?
Flag an inaccuracy →Where to Buy
Affiliate links — BookLens earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.