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I think E George will no longer write about Barb and Tommy I was so happy that "With No One as Witness" Elizabeth George returned to Lynely-Havers. I really did not like "A Place of Hiding." I will not recap the story as it has been done enough already. The following is a spoiler alert to those who have not yet read the book: the ending was unacceptable. How many books did us as readers have to wade through regarding the relationship between Thomas and Helen? They were not yet married a year and what the point was, well, it is beyond me. Sort of like the jump the shark epidsode in Happy Days. Desperation on the part of George? I think, though, that this is the end of line for Havers and Thomas. After all, the story ends with Barbara not only getting her rank back but also in the arms, while in a comforting manner, with her neighbor, who we all know she likes. Thomas will head back to the family pile. He formally left the Yard and prepared Barbara to work without him. So poor rich handsome Thomas ends up alone and Barbara, poor and homely, ends up better off than him. Which is what I am guessing George's point was - see, money and looks can not bring you happiness. But there were other faults in this rather long story. There is no way that in the middle of a serial murder investigation anyone, no matter how inept, would bring in the press to do what Hiller did. Makes no sense!! And Hiller's extreme dislike towards Thomas was almost psycho. He did everthing to get under his skin but as to Thomas's reasons for staying on, I can not figure. When Thomas gets a call from the killer who mentions his pretty wife and what does he do? Ah, he tells silly self-centered Deborah to make sure Helen is not alone cause, well, someone with the flu might be around...I mean, how intelligent is this? No way that would not have been taken serious with Helen receiving 24/7 protection. Then Thomas makes a connection (we think) betwen Hil and Stewart but the story goes no where with possible information. The books ends with the 12 year old being charged with Helen's death but we know it was through the work fo Fu so...Helen is also a victim of his, yes?? But everyone keeps mentioning they are not related but we know they are. On the note of Barbara, enough with the silly T-shirts and red high tops (so 80's anyway). Okay we get the point she is unattractive, poorly dressed, not exactly in shape. Her hair is cut badly, her teeth need fixing. Why make her endlessly unappealing physically? It is not as if I expected Helen to do a make-over with Barbara, but a better hair cut, fix your teeth and get an iron would not have been out of line. She is a walking disaster but while that was once upon a time had charm now, well, everyone eventually takes stock of him or herself and tries to better themselves. AS I said, I think this is the end of the line for this author and this great duo. Where can they go with Tommy not working for the yard?