Something to Hide

Elizabeth George

Penguin Random House

Elizabeth George is one of my favourite authors. Over 30-something years and 20 novels she has created a series that always has loads of mystery, the most memorable characters and some form of social content at its heart. This is her 21st novel in the series featuring Thomas Lynley, Barbara Havers and Winston Nkata. But you can read this as a stand-alone novel.

There are two storylines driving the plot: firstly Lynley’s team is investigating the murder of a fellow police officer who had been working with a team investigating the Nigerian community in north London. The second story concerns a Nigerian family, the Bankoles, who are dominated by the bullying father who has very traditional beliefs in their culture.

At the heart of the story is the controversial practice of FGM – female genital mutilation. When the two stories meet we see this clash of cultural and generational values against those of the so-called modern world.

It’s a confronting topic but the author brings her skills in creating a heart-stopping story.