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jennylimmy's review against another edition
4.0
The mild, thoughtful writing pairs well with the bonkers plot. Such a fun read! I hesitated to read because of the gory opening, but I’m glad I did. This book felt unique (especially the last quarter or so of it), unlike other of James’s novels that feel like Agatha Christie extensions.
It’s strange to see such a strong book appear in the middle of a series. This was nominated for a Booker Award, which was completely deserved, but would have been surprising for many other books in the Dalgliesh series.
This is also the first time I really enjoyed James’s deep dives into many characters’ heads: the private struggles of two secondary characters (Kate Miskin and Mrs. Wharton) are particularly compelling.
It’s strange to see such a strong book appear in the middle of a series. This was nominated for a Booker Award, which was completely deserved, but would have been surprising for many other books in the Dalgliesh series.
This is also the first time I really enjoyed James’s deep dives into many characters’ heads: the private struggles of two secondary characters (Kate Miskin and Mrs. Wharton) are particularly compelling.
mbondlamberty's review against another edition
5.0
Really enjoyed this mystery. Not easily resolved and that makes it more fun in many respects.
cam_torrens's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A classic murder mystery novel--the story follows Commander Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard as he investigates the murder of a wealthy and unpopular aristocrat, Sir Paul Berowne. With a complex web of suspects and motives, Dalgliesh must navigate the intricacies of upper-class British society to unravel the truth behind the murder. As the investigation progresses, secrets and tensions begin to surface, leading to a thrilling and unexpected conclusion. With her distinctive prose and intricate plotting, PD James delivers a well-written tale of murder and intrigue.
kingslam's review against another edition
2.0
Came close to giving up on this a few times. Much longer than it needed to be, with no likeable characters (with the exception of the detectives). Pacing was way too slow.
stinajohanns's review against another edition
2.0
I haven't read a P.D. James book befire and I found it too slow and too much of long descriptions that I didn't see as relevant. I guess I need faster pace.
sumedhaj's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
thetoreadlistpodcast's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
"I can watch this on TV, but do I want to read 450 pages of it? Probably not." - Episode 99, A TASTE FOR A THOUSAND FACES
https://thetoreadlistpodcast.libsyn.com/a-taste-for-a-thousand-faces
https://thetoreadlistpodcast.libsyn.com/a-taste-for-a-thousand-faces
chaifanatic18's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
givnuapeacesign's review against another edition
1.0
DNF The daughter of a friend of mine was given this book to read as an assignment for AP English. She wanted to listen to it during a vacation commute, so I got it on Audible for her. Geez. What a snooze fest. This is a murder mystery with every minute detail of seemingly every character in the village described in painful detail down to the ceramic figurines on the shelves. With all of the quality literature available, why this title would be selected is beyond this English teacher’s conception. A politician has been murdered. He recently resigned his post, had a religious epiphany, and was in a marriage where they both were having affairs. Two policemen interview a plethora of people. After about the tenth person interviewed gave alibis, I gave up. I wasn’t invested in any of the characters.