Ginette B. (Niteowl7) reviewed on 3/22/2008 + 242 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

P.D. James writes classic crime-writing novels that are highly literate, filled with complex characters and labyrinth plots. Her mysteries are dark, filled with awful characters and base motives. All these traits are what make P.D. James' novels so fascinating. I read this book awhile ago so I've taken the liberty of writing what's on the back cover:

A young, lower-class tough is accused of murdering his prostitute aunt. His lawyer, Venetia Aldridge, is a woman known for her large talents and small personal charm who works at a venerable London firm. We learn that Venetia is in a position of ruining a number of professional lives and has the temperament to do it. Then she is murdered, discovered in her locked chambers in a gruesome tableau. Dalgliesh is put in charge of the case. He moves with grace and acumen through the blood-soaked crime scene, guiding his more volatile staff through the interviews that unweave the tangled web of multiple deceit and mixed motive.

I remember liking this book as the pieces come together. It's truly like a puzzle. Most of P.D. James' books are dark, filled with heavy atmosphere and irritating characters. Of course what makes the books so entertaining is not just the dark tale itself but also the eccentric, nasty characters
Dalgliesch has to deal with. But he keeps his cool when questioning these characters when I would of probably smacked each and everyone of the creatures. This book is a whodonit and it takes all of Dalgliesch's powers of observation and listening skills to find the answer to that question.

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