Elizabeth George is an acclaimed American author, best known for her mystery novels that are set in Great Britain. She is the creator of the Inspector Lynley character and series, which have gained significant popularity and critical acclaim. George's books are primarily in the detective and mystery genres, and her meticulous attention to detail and characterization has earned her a legion of dedicated readers.
Born in Warren, Ohio, George moved to the San Francisco Bay Area when she was just eighteen months old. She received her teaching certificate from the University of California and went on to complete an advanced degree in psychology. Initially, she worked as a teacher in the public school system, but her passion for organized labor led to her being fired from her job. She then moved on to El Toro High School in El Toro, California, where she remained for the rest of her teaching career. During her time as a teacher, she was recognized as Orange County Teacher of the Year, a testament to her dedication and commitment to her students.
George's first published novel, A Great Deliverance, was released in 1988 and introduced readers to Thomas Lynley, a Scotland Yard inspector of noble birth, and Barbara Havers, his assistant from a working-class background. The novel was a critical and commercial success, earning George several award nominations and wins, including the Anthony Award, Agatha Award, and France's Le Grand Prix de Literature Policiere. She has also been awarded Germany's MIMI for her novel Well-Schooled in Murder.
In addition to her successful writing career, George's novels have been adapted for television by the BBC as The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, which aired for six years and delighted fans of the books while also creating a new generation of television fans. George's work is a shining example of the power of mystery novels to captivate readers and transport them to new worlds. Her ability to create complex and memorable characters, combined with her meticulous attention to detail, has earned her a place among the great mystery writers of our time.