From Publishers Weekly
In George's deftly plotted, highly atmospheric bestseller, forensic analyst Simon St. James investigates the death of an English vicar. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
Elizabeth George's latest mystery involves parents, wives and lovers intertwined in a small English village with Inspector Lynley on his own. Many characters and subplots are laid out quickly at the beginning, but the abridgment doesn't allow much follow-through. The musical interludes obviously cover great gaps of plot and character development. Jacobi delivers a professional, clear narration with feeling for both the male and female characters. His reading of the spiritual passages adds a lyrical aspect, and he projects George's use of weather to set the stage with good effect. The presentation is a tantalizing introduction to Elizabeth George but doesn't succeed on its own. R.F.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Review
"A totally satisfying mystery experience."


"[George] proves that the classiest crime writers are true novelists."


"Layered, intricate...deftly plotted, highly atmospheric."


"Perhaps Ms. George's most satisfying  puzzle yet...this rich, intricate novel is a perfect choice for anyone in the market for first-rate summer fiction."
Baltimore


Review
"A totally satisfying mystery experience."


"[George] proves that the classiest crime writers are true novelists."


"Layered, intricate...deftly plotted, highly atmospheric."


"Perhaps Ms. George's most satisfying  puzzle yet...this rich, intricate novel is a perfect choice for anyone in the market for first-rate summer fiction."
Baltimore


Book Description
Deborah and Simon St. James have taken a holiday in the winter landscape of Lancastershire, hoping to heal the growing rift in their marriage. But in the
barren countryside awaits bleak news: The vicar of Wimslough, the man they had come to see, is dead--a victim of accidental poisoning. Unsatisfied with the
inquest ruling and unsettled by the close association between the investigating constable and the woman who served the deadly meal, Simon calls in his old friend Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley. Together they uncover dark, complex relationships in this rural village, relationships that bring men and women
together with a passion, with grief, or with the intention to kill. Peeling away layer after layer of personal history to reveal the torment of a fugitive spirit, Missing Joseph is award-winning author Elizabeth George's greatest achievement.


From the Publisher
"A totally satisfying mystery experience."
"[George] proves that the classiest crime writers are true novelists."
"Layered, intricate...deftly plotted, highly atmospheric."
"Perhaps Ms. George's most satisfying puzzle yet...this rich, intricate novel is a perfect choice for anyone in the market for first-rate summer fiction."
Baltimore


From the Inside Flap
Deborah and Simon St. James have taken a holiday in the winter landscape of Lancastershire, hoping to heal the growing rift in their marriage.  But in the
barren countryside awaits bleak news: The vicar of Wimslough, the man they had come to see, is dead--a victim of accidental poisoning.  Unsatisfied with the
inquest ruling and unsettled by the close association between the investigating constable and the woman who served the deadly meal, Simon calls in his old friend Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley.  Together they uncover dark, complex relationships in this rural village, relationships that bring men and women
together with a passion, with grief, or with the intention to kill.  Peeling away layer after layer of personal history to reveal the torment of a fugitive spirit, Missing Joseph is award-winning author Elizabeth George's greatest achievement.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Deborah and Simon St. James have taken a holiday in the winter landscape of Lancastershire, hoping to heal the growing rift in their marriage. But in the
barren countryside awaits bleak news: The vicar of Wimslough, the man they had come to see, is dead—a victim of accidental poisoning. Unsatisfied with the
inquest ruling and unsettled by the close association between the investigating constable and the woman who served the deadly meal, Simon calls in his old friend Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley. Together they uncover dark, complex relationships in this rural village, relationships that bring men and women
together with a passion, with grief, or with the intention to kill. Peeling away layer after layer of personal history to reveal the torment of a fugitive spirit, Missing Joseph is award-winning author Elizabeth George's greatest achievement.

SYNOPSIS

Learning of the poisoning of the Vicar of Winslough while on vacation at Lancashire, Deborah and Simon St. James call on Inspector Thomas Lynley to investigate. As Lynley attempts to uncover the murderer, many of the town's darkest secrets are revealed—one of which is witchcraft.

FROM THE CRITICS

AudioFile - Robin F. Whitten