excellent

loved the narration. characters so well drawn in this suspenseful classic PDJames. very highly recommended

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Classic PD James

This book gets off to a very slow and somewhat tedious start. OK, we learn to expect PDJ’s novels to begin with a back story of most of her major characters, which usually proves useful in understanding their relationships, shared histories and motivations. But here the first few chapters are so long drawn out as to test one’s patience sorely!

Perseverance is eventually rewarded, though, and the action hots up in the remaining two-thirds of the book, with a final denouement that is genuinely nail-biting, suspenseful and creepy.

Often in PDJ’s books the first murder victim is someone pretty loathsome, hated by most of the other characters who would have a justification to do away with him/her, and it is just a case of figuring out whose hatred is to prove the most murderous. Here the victim, tho’ complex, conflicted and awkward, presents as actually quite likeable, to most other characters, and to the reader. His decisions cause several others to wish him out of the way or to persuade him otherwise, but not to inflict an extremely grisly death. So you’re left wondering, right up to the end: what on earth prompted this utter savagery; what is the killer trying to say, or prove? The “reveal”, seemingly banal and unexpected, actually coheres with other little hints, allegiances and idiosyncrasies we’ve been shown throughout but not necessarily paid much heed to: as such, classic PD James.

As ever PDJ’s cultural background shines through with detailed & knowledgeable descriptions of art, architecture, landscapes, riverscapes, books, history, facial characteristics - and clearly a plausible knowledge of police procedures and forensics. This gives all her books authenticity and, in some instances, sheer beauty. But, oh, why did the woman never listen to real people talking, how come she didn’t even notice what people were wearing post around 1970? Perhaps she captures the speech of the more upper-class, erudite characters plausibly, but NOBODY talks in whole long paragraphs, one after the other! Moving down the social scale the speech patterns become ever more laughable. Who, since about 1940, says “Miss Caroline” or “Mister Neville” & so forth; who wears “slacks” and puts their hair up in plaits, who had gas fires in the early 2000s?

However, these jarring notes are germane to all James’ books and we learn to expect and put up with them: in compensation we get a great, well plotted story, loads of atmosphere, and (usually) an unexpected but plausible reveal - as one would wish for in the best crime fiction! Grousers like me over the archaicisms and anachronisms can put their quibbles aside and enjoy!

Full praise to Daniel Weyman for his narration of these books. Faultless!

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Enjoyable P D James

The reading of this book is excellent. It is very clear which character is speaking. The storyline kept me guessing, even though Inspectors Dalgleish knew before the denouement who the killer was! I did not and was somewhat surprised to find out. I enjoyed this book very much.

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Lovely to revisit

I'd read this book sometime ago but was tempted to download as a daily deal and revisit. Exceptionally well read by Daniel Weyman was thoroughly enjoyable. Have gone on to listen to some other Dalgleish gems.

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Good page turner

Very slightly dated but a good listen and beautifully read. In the true tradition of British whodunnits.

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Never fails

PD James never fails to deliver. Great storyline, interesting characters, twists and turns.. What more could you want from a murder mystery?

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Good read

Great story, though a little middle class, in the same way Agatha Christie could only write a certain class of character, James was the same way. Still a good whodoneit, would highly recommend. Weyman's reading was fine.

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I was constantly reaching for the dictionary

Although the book was enjoyable I felt at times the author used 15 words where perhaps only 3 or 4 would have sufficed. Some of his words were unknown to me and I was reaching for the dictionary to confirm what I thought the word meant was correct, it is almost like the author was showing off his knowledge of the English language!

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excellent page Turner didn't want it to end

this was my first pd James book and I can't wait to read others. Every bit kept me intrigued and never guessed the ending. Well narrated aswell

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"A necessary relief."

For readers looking for fast paced action, this is not it. But for beautifully written text, fine characterisation and conversation which is also nicely narrated by Daniel Weyman, this is superb. A classic whodunit style detective story, with the clues there for those who wish to solve it before the reveal, well worth the time invested

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