Reading and Discussing P.D. James

[Bill]

I'm starting the 2nd Inspector Dalgleish; looking forward to getting back into these mysteries. A Mind To Murder

[Bill]

Enjoyed A Mind To Murder very much. James is such an intelligent writer, the stories are a pleasure to read.

[David]

I've read several, my problem is that she is too wordy. I lost interest in the last one I was reading, "Devices and Desires", just bored me to death..

[Steven]

I recently discovered some of her books I missed. Quite prolific, and her detective is a complex 3D character!

[Carolien]

If you enjoy James and are looking for a new living, mystery author, I recommend Susan Hill. Her tone is very similar to James.

[Alan]

I love reading novels by P. D. James. If I ever learned to write as well as he writes, I'd be in heaven!

[Kathy]

Alan wrote: "I love reading novels by P. D. James. If I ever learned to write as well as he writes, I'd be in heaven!"

P.D. James was a woman.

[Craig]

As the family breadwinner for decades, venturing into print in the 1950s, perhaps P.D. James thought it wise to stick to surname + initials, for crime writer credibility's sake? (She apparently considered less ambiguous pen names.) Interesting how she often has ended up getting a sex change when commented upon. (On the other hand, the gender of Dorothy Sayers--not to mention Agatha Christie--seems not to have stood in their way when it came to success.)

[Jan C]

Ellis Peters is also often referred to as a man. She's not.

[Bill]

Sometimes I just read the names wrong; like I thought Alexander McCall Smith was in fact Alexandra and I also thought Laurie R. King was Laurier R. King.. lol

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Craig wrote: "As the family breadwinner for decades, venturing into print in the 1950s, perhaps P.D. James thought it wise to stick to surname + initials, for crime writer credibility's sake? (She apparently con..."

Women writing crime started long before Christie and Sayers.

[Craig]

Indeed, they did. Do you happen to know if any others opted for gender-neutral names?

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Craig wrote: "Indeed, they did. Do you happen to know if any others opted for gender-neutral?"

The book I just finished, Paul Ferroll: A Tale from 1855, was written by Caroline Clive, whose pseudonym for that book was "V." What's funny is that I was reading some old, contemporary reviews of the novel and one of the male reviewers noted that "this book had to have been written by a woman."

I haven't run across any other "gender-neutral" author names but I'm only in the 1850s so it's still early days for me. Good research topic -- and I'll be looking into it.

[James]

What I like about PD James is that unique signature in her writing of restrained elegance. She adds to crime writing her gift for description, her astute and in depth use of psychology for her characters, and her gift for understanding the dynamics of the 'enclosed world'. A joy to read - and re-read.

[Kathy]

James wrote: "What I like about PD James is that unique signature in her writing of restrained elegance. She adds to crime writing her gift for description, her astute and in depth use of psychology for her char..."

I love your description of PD James's writing; you nailed it.

[Georgia]

James , I agree with Kathy.

[Bill]

It's been awhile since I've visited with Inspector Dalgliesh. I'm currently over half way through Death In Holy Orders and enjoying very much. It's always enjoyable exploring her intelligent, entertaining story telling.

[Icewineanne]

Must read this series. Loved the pbs shows but I think books are better. Leaving for 2 week vac/business trip next week so won’t be able to join in. But look forward to following your comments 😊

[Alan]

I also love James' writing. It's great. I can't decide which one I like the most!

[Jan C]

I think I'm in the midst of A Taste for Death.

[Bill]

I just finished Death In Holy Orders. So good.. My review is below

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...