|
Death Comes to Pemberley |
It is always dangerous to "create" a follow up to a classic and it very rarely works - not least because it is impossible to "recreate" the original style. P D James does well on that front and I didn't wince. From the title you might expect a "detective" story. In fact, that side is very understated and perhaps more authentic, but it makes for a lack of tension. Enjoyable that's all.
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 64 Spring 2012) |
|
|
Death in Holy Orders |
We find again and with the same pleasure Commander Dalgliesh. He has to return to the theological college he visited when he was a boy to re-examine the verdict of an accidental death. As usual there are many deaths and we're lost till the end. This time, it's going to be more difficult to wait for the next book, because at last Dalgliesh may have found love and we want to know more about it!
(Laurence Martin Euler - bwl 9 June 2001) |
|
|
Death in Holy Orders |
After a long arid summer of boring books it was with pleasure that I became enthralled in this story of murders in an Anglican theological college, on a beautiful but desolate part of the East Anglian coast. Commander Adam Dalgliesh wends his usual thoughtful way through the investigation, and we are even treated to the slightest hint of a future romance for our rather lonely hero.
(Sandra Lee - bwl 21 November 2003) |
|
|
The Lighthouse |
Here is a classic 'closed room' mystery and classic James. Once again Dalgliesh takes charge of a sensitive case. A famous novelist has been found dead on an island retreat favoured by the powerful. The scene is set - a small civilised community but with hidden tensions and secrets; a remote setting and minimal technology. The reader, like Dalgliesh, has to pick up the clues - and James doesn't cheat; they are all there. Very satisfying.
(Ferelith Hordon - bwl 34 April 2006) |
|
|
The Private Patient |
Once again, a beautiful piece of writing; James is the poet of mystery, and therefore a delight to read. Perhaps, at times, she is inclined to over-detailed passages, but I marvel that she uses so many often neglected words of the very rich English language. She kept me on the hook until the end and, sadly, to the last of Commander Dalgliesh.
(Polly Sams Plant - bwl 49 January 2009) |
|
|
Time to Be in Earnest |
This book is really interesting because the author has seen a lot of changes in England in about 70 years. For example, she explains that the idea behind the NHS was that once everybody had access to care, then, they wouldn't need the service anymore! On the other hand, when we see what a social life is expected of a successful author, we can only regret that she doesn't write more for our selfish pleasure!
(Laurence Martin Euler - bwl 9 June 2001) |
|
|
Time to be in Earnest |
The doyenne of current English writers of detective stories, peer and public figure, kept a diary over twelve months in 1998/99. In addition to recording her daily life, she reminisces about her childhood and her life as a civil servant before she was able to live by her pen. Very interesting on her involvement in promoting her books and the writing of detective stories as well as on a host of other topics.
(Jeremy Swann - bwl 15 October 2002) |
|
