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A review by mirificmoxie
A Mind to Murder by P.D. James
4.0
4 Stars
*An astute and easy to read classic mystery*
Classic Mysteries make great in-between reads. They are quick, engaging, and easy to read. And there is something comforting in the formula of murder-investigation-justice. So I decided to check out the next book in the Adam Dalgliesh series.
In the first book of the series, I was surprised how little Superintendent Adam Dalgliesh was actually in the story. He was barely more than a cameo. I’m not sure whether or not he was intended to a continuing character. But in A Mind to Murder, Dalgliesh plays a larger role. You also get to learn more about his background and personality, although there is certainly still plenty of room for expansion.
As with [b:Cover Her Face|3832|Cover Her Face (Adam Dalgliesh #1)|P.D. James|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1298412294l/3832._SY75_.jpg|625423], A Mind to Murder is as much about the characters’ reaction to the murder as it is about the actual murder investigation. The cast consists of mostly morally grey characters whose flaws are evident as they simultaneously try to cast aspersions and avoid blame for the crimes committed. Also in keeping with the first book, many issues of the time period are woven throughout the story giving it a bit more depth and reality.
A Mind to Murder is not exactly a locked room mystery, but there is a limited pool of suspects which affects both the investigation and the suspects’ reactions to each other. The actual mystery still kept me guessing although it was not groundbreaking. Overall, this was a solid installment in the series.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars
*An astute and easy to read classic mystery*
Classic Mysteries make great in-between reads. They are quick, engaging, and easy to read. And there is something comforting in the formula of murder-investigation-justice. So I decided to check out the next book in the Adam Dalgliesh series.
In the first book of the series, I was surprised how little Superintendent Adam Dalgliesh was actually in the story. He was barely more than a cameo. I’m not sure whether or not he was intended to a continuing character. But in A Mind to Murder, Dalgliesh plays a larger role. You also get to learn more about his background and personality, although there is certainly still plenty of room for expansion.
“Right and wrong stood for him as immutable as the two poles. He had never wandered in that twilight country where the nuances of evil and good cast their perplexing shadows.”
As with [b:Cover Her Face|3832|Cover Her Face (Adam Dalgliesh #1)|P.D. James|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1298412294l/3832._SY75_.jpg|625423], A Mind to Murder is as much about the characters’ reaction to the murder as it is about the actual murder investigation. The cast consists of mostly morally grey characters whose flaws are evident as they simultaneously try to cast aspersions and avoid blame for the crimes committed. Also in keeping with the first book, many issues of the time period are woven throughout the story giving it a bit more depth and reality.
“She would not wish anyone violently dead but, since it had happened, one might as well make the most of it.”
A Mind to Murder is not exactly a locked room mystery, but there is a limited pool of suspects which affects both the investigation and the suspects’ reactions to each other. The actual mystery still kept me guessing although it was not groundbreaking. Overall, this was a solid installment in the series.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars