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arnith87's review against another edition
3.0
I've read the PD James books very much out of order, and am noticing her plot milestones more and more in each book, but I always enjoy reading the Adam Dalgliesh stories. I recommend for a fast, engaging read.
mainebookworm22's review
3.0
I am glad that I stuck with this book. I almost gave up 100 pages in -- This one did not grab me at first like Cover Her Face. Long chapters - no good breaking points to stop reading for the day. Had to keep going back and forth to remember who some of the characters were. This is definitely a puzzler on par with the Queen herself -- Mrs. Christie. Thought I had figured it out, some new plot points came to light and doubted myself, only to realize at the end that my first inclination was correct. Brilliant use of red herrings. Am excited to continue on with the series.
jlasch's review against another edition
4.0
I started reading this book, the second in P.D. James' Adam Dalgliesh series, before the first book, Cover Her Face, and since I preferred this story, it resulted in a higher rating. Both stories were a typical English mystery, but I found the characters in this book more interesting as they were all flawed (albeit some more than others), even Detective Dalgliesh. The murder took place in a pyschiatric clinic where the rule-following Administrative Officer, Miss Bolam, is found with an art chisel in her heart within the basement records room. Miss Bolam has not made friends during her tenure at the clinic, so there are quite a few suspects to sort through as Dalgliesh investigates.
One of the best things about this book is the reader starts to get a glimpse into the personal life of Dalgliesh, which was my primary complaint in the first book. I hope the series continues to build on his life, since I believe a great mystery series requires a reader's personal connection with the detective.
One of the best things about this book is the reader starts to get a glimpse into the personal life of Dalgliesh, which was my primary complaint in the first book. I hope the series continues to build on his life, since I believe a great mystery series requires a reader's personal connection with the detective.
lauren708's review against another edition
3.0
Satisfied my crime fix, but not my favorite. I felt that outside of Dalgliesh, many of the characters were one-dimensional.
alida_'s review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
3.0
rebeccacider's review against another edition
3.0
Not quite the beginning of the series, but I am surely one of the only people in the universe who reads mystery novels in publication order. Cheesy title and only moderately interesting characters, but this book excelled in plotting. It had a GREAT, creepy, plot-twisty third act, which is exactly what you want in a mystery novel (and so rare in other fiction).
aaronreadabook's review against another edition
3.0
Not quite as good as the first one, but will definitely continue to read this series. Love the setup and the writing style.
mwinslow's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
3.5
smunro's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
lukepadgett's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up this book at the suggestion of several prominent writers hoping to experience the best mystery writer ever. Not exactly what I expected and certainly not Agatha Christie. I will admit to loving her wonderfully english prose; free flowing and high-brow. She does develop her characters nicely giving the reader delicious insights into character emotion, motive and purpose. All necessary to a good mystery. The story waned a bit in the middle (too much exposition), but like an good mystery she threw in a saving wrinkle at the end. Here is the murderer but............A nice finishing spin, but too little too late.
I don't think this is her best effort, however, and I am inclined to try another Adam Dalgliesh novel. Something in her writing, and the fact she has written multiple Dalgliesh novels, suggests she has a thorough understanding of her main character. It is a wonderfully wicked little story with the correct amount of tension it just comes up short for my taste.
I don't think this is her best effort, however, and I am inclined to try another Adam Dalgliesh novel. Something in her writing, and the fact she has written multiple Dalgliesh novels, suggests she has a thorough understanding of her main character. It is a wonderfully wicked little story with the correct amount of tension it just comes up short for my taste.