book data
420 ratings, 3.90 average rating, 23 reviews
(more data...)
edit
published
October 6th 2005
by Faber and Faber
binding
Paperback, 528 pages
literary awards
Macavity Award for Best Mystery Novel (1987)
isbn
0571229603
(isbn13: 9780571229604)
description
When the quiet Little Vestry of St. Matthew's Church becomes the blood-soaked scene of a double murder, Scotland Yard Commander Adam Dalgliesh faces a...more
Sign in to Goodreads to see your friends' reviews of this book.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »
friend reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.
This book is currently not featured on any Listopia lists.
Add this book to your favorite list »
other reviews (showing 1-20 of 548)
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 ruthle...more
As the plot thickens, we are introduced to the Baronet's family- an elite group of Londoners who all seem ruthle...more
Like this review?
yes
(1 person liked it)
add a comment
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.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
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.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
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.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
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.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
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.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
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.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Two crimes, seemingly unrelated, are solved by Inspector Dalgleish. I like the character development and intelligence reflected in James' writing. A mystery master.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
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.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
i can never put down a P.D. James mystery. and she's a nice little english grandmother too. HA
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in February, 2008
Classic British police procedural style murder mystery. Good, brooding stuff.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
One of the best police procedurals around. I love British mysteries!
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in January, 2006
I actually just re-read this book. It's a great and very dark mystery.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
I read one of PDJ, it could be this one.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in September, 2007
An engaging mystery--as always.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
to-read
(on 52 people's shelves)
mystery (on 36 people's shelves)
mysteries (on 16 people's shelves)
currently-reading (on 12 people's shelves)
fiction (on 8 people's shelves)
crime (on 6 people's shelves)
mystery-suspense (on 3 people's shelves)
british (on 3 people's shelves)
want (on 2 people's shelves)
mystery-thriller (on 2 people's shelves)
More shelves...
mystery (on 36 people's shelves)
mysteries (on 16 people's shelves)
currently-reading (on 12 people's shelves)
fiction (on 8 people's shelves)
crime (on 6 people's shelves)
mystery-suspense (on 3 people's shelves)
british (on 3 people's shelves)
want (on 2 people's shelves)
mystery-thriller (on 2 people's shelves)
More shelves...
