book data
462 ratings, 3.87 average rating, 27 reviews
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published
December 1st 1990
(first published 2005)
by Fayard
binding
Mass Market Paperback
literary awards
Macavity Award for Best Mystery Novel (1987)
isbn
221302524X
(isbn13: 9782213025247)
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 611)
Read in March, 2001
In this Adam Dalgliesh mystery, a homeless man and a Baronet are found slain in the vestry of St. Matthew's Church. With this as the beginning of the novel, one can only imagine how quickly the rest of the book unravels. This is one of P.D.'s greatest novels to date. The reader wants to know what brought these unlikely companions in death together, and why did they die so tragically?
As the plot thickens, we are introduced to the Baronet's family- an elite group of Londoners who all seem ru...more
As the plot thickens, we are introduced to the Baronet's family- an elite group of Londoners who all seem ru...more
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Read in June, 2008
This had more twists than the average P.D. James novel. The action really picked up in the last hundred pages. James pays a lot of attention here to providing complete arcs for minor characters, which is a nice touch. The book doesn't just end when the detectives figure out who the murderer is. The characters continue to make choices, trying to make the best of their circumstances, and we get to explore the effects of all these actions. It's even poignant. Good stuff.
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The best P.D. James I've read so far. The last line is perfect, and it brings together every theme in the story. This one isn't just about murder and death, folks. It's also about life and how we choose to live it.
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recommended to Carlos by:
Lucy Lee
I received this book from a friend but had a little trouble getting into it when I first picked it up. I'm hanging on to it because I feel I should perhaps give James' Adam Dalgliesh another shot someday!
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Read in January, 2009
An excellent mystery described from multiple viewpoints. The three detectives involved all have real depth of character as do a number of the supporting characters. Well worth reading.
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Read in November, 2008
Much longer than the others to this point, many more detours about architecture and other things. But by the end still a very potent book, with lots of ideas and emotions crammed into the murder mystery.
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Read in June, 2008
The most "accomplished" James novel I've read yet. Dense descriptions of setting and architecture, twice as many characters as the earlier mysteries, coming from all levels of London society. The victims, a tramp and a recently retired MP, found with slit throats in a church vestry.
Very good in strict literary terms, transcending the genre or whatever. It required more brain exertion than I'm typically hoping for when I pick up a James mystery, though.
Very good in strict literary terms, transcending the genre or whatever. It required more brain exertion than I'm typically hoping for when I pick up a James mystery, though.
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Read in August, 2008
Ahhh...that's what I've been missing. A good ol' fashioned whodunit. PD James didn't disappoint with this one. In my opinion, probably the greatest of many attractions to her books is her main character, Adam Dalgliesh. Reminds me of one of my other favorite characters in creative writing: Special Agent Pendergast. If you don't know who he is, well then, you must find out.
I don't tend to gravitate toward mysteries, but I picked this one up while on vacation with nothing else to read. I'm glad I did. With multi-layered characters and compelling plot, this book was definitely a page turner that kept me hooked until the end.
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Ok so most mystery/suspense books are predictable. However, I liked this. There was some serious effort a character development and did not have a formulaic feel to it.
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Two crimes, seemingly unrelated, are solved by Inspector Dalgleish. I like the character development and intelligence reflected in James' writing. A mystery master.
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Read in January, 2004
recommends it for:
anyone
There are few other writers who are as comprehensive in their descriptions and even fewer who have explored the psyche of their characters.
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Read in December, 2008
This is a great British mystery, 7 books in one, about a baronet's death and the people involved. Good drama, murder and intrigue. Happy reading!
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i can never put down a P.D. James mystery. and she's a nice little english grandmother too. HA
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Read in February, 2008
Classic British police procedural style murder mystery. Good, brooding stuff.
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One of the best police procedurals around. I love British mysteries!
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Read in January, 2006
I actually just re-read this book. It's a great and very dark mystery.
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mystery (on 43 people's shelves)
currently-reading (on 19 people's shelves)
mysteries (on 16 people's shelves)
fiction (on 8 people's shelves)
crime (on 6 people's shelves)
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british (on 3 people's shelves)
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