I like Dalgleish crime books and this one was as good as any. ( )

Not sure if I actually read the same book as all the other reviewers. Certainly the focus is more on characterization and less on gently doling out clues so the reader can solve the mystery, but that is a positive of the book. Has the irritating, showy quality of the detective finding the body himself - I always hate those sorts of coincidences, but I suppose it was the easiest way to get Dalgliesh involved in a case where he was so far out of his jurisdiction.

The characters are drawn lushly, not only as characters but as people with good motives for murder. One character does combine cunning and strength of character with an almost ludicrous naivete. When I found out the identity of the murderer, I didn't find it to be particularly surprising or predictable, but I thought the way the murderer was revealed to the reader was superbly written, and the murderer's fate was perfectly in character, neatly foreshadowed, and had nice historical touches.

I haven't read all that many of P.D. James's books, but this one might have been my favorite so far. ( )

It begins with a serial killer stalking lone women up and down the coast of Norfolk, England. Commander Adam Dalgliesh is trying to take a holiday in nearby, sleepy Larksoken where his aunt has willed him a quaint windmill/cottage. His vacation is cut short when the killer takes one of Larsoken's own. Adding to the drama is a highly controversial atomic power station, a lover's tryst and blackmail. Dalgliesh does his best to assist the local authorities but there is controversy even there as he has a not so pleasant history with Rickards, the lead on the case.
As with all small towns the entire community is well embroiled in each other's lives. They seem to know everything about one another yet no one suspects the real killer. ( )

Good topics but dull. The detective doesn't do anything and doesn't tell the reader anything. Stuff happends. ( )

Listened to as an audiobook. Odd visual image flashbacks as I listened, so I must have seen this on PBS as well. Enjoyed James, as I always do. This one has an interesting twist because Adam D isn't the detective. He has to remain to quite an extent on the periphery. I was struck this time about how much James lets you into the conciouscness of all the characters and still keeps her secret about who done it. And I never really try to guess. I like the pleasure of not knowing in a mystery.