P. D. James (1920–2014)

I didn't realize this is the first of Dalgliesh's mysteries, and it was fun to be introduced to the character. Formal, empathetic, thorough, Dalgliesh is wonderful detective whom I appreciate for his rigour and kindness. The plot, however, does read like a first timer: whereas I liked to coziness of a traditional mystery contained in time and space, there were artifices, bizarre complexities and ultimately painful prolonged suspens that read like a beginner novel. Thankfully, James's trademark sense of humour carries the book through; nothing like a crisp, witty observation to lighten the mood.
This is definitely not her best but overall I enjoyed myself greatly.… (mais)

A satisfying read. Cordelia Gray is a young - very young - private investigator launched into an untimely solo career by the suicide of her boss, Bernie Pryde. Her first case is to unpick the circumstances behind a young ex-student's suicide. Or is it suicide? There's more death and destruction before the book's over, but despite this, the book is laced with humour. I like James' precise use of language and her exploration of motive. As one reviewer says, it's 'a why-dunnit rather than a who-dunnit' and all the better for it.… (mais)