excellent

loved the narration. characters so well drawn in this suspenseful classic PDJames. very highly recommended

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Classic PD James

This book gets off to a very slow and somewhat tedious start. OK, we learn to expect PDJ’s novels to begin with a back story of most of her major characters, which usually proves useful in understanding their relationships, shared histories and motivations. But here the first few chapters are so long drawn out as to test one’s patience sorely!

Perseverance is eventually rewarded, though, and the action hots up in the remaining two-thirds of the book, with a final denouement that is genuinely nail-biting, suspenseful and creepy.

Often in PDJ’s books the first murder victim is someone pretty loathsome, hated by most of the other characters who would have a justification to do away with him/her, and it is just a case of figuring out whose hatred is to prove the most murderous. Here the victim, tho’ complex, conflicted and awkward, presents as actually quite likeable, to most other characters, and to the reader. His decisions cause several others to wish him out of the way or to persuade him otherwise, but not to inflict an extremely grisly death. So you’re left wondering, right up to the end: what on earth prompted this utter savagery; what is the killer trying to say, or prove? The “reveal”, seemingly banal and unexpected, actually coheres with other little hints, allegiances and idiosyncrasies we’ve been shown throughout but not necessarily paid much heed to: as such, classic PD James.

As ever PDJ’s cultural background shines through with detailed & knowledgeable descriptions of art, architecture, landscapes, riverscapes, books, history, facial characteristics - and clearly a plausible knowledge of police procedures and forensics. This gives all her books authenticity and, in some instances, sheer beauty. But, oh, why did the woman never listen to real people talking, how come she didn’t even notice what people were wearing post around 1970? Perhaps she captures the speech of the more upper-class, erudite characters plausibly, but NOBODY talks in whole long paragraphs, one after the other! Moving down the social scale the speech patterns become ever more laughable. Who, since about 1940, says “Miss Caroline” or “Mister Neville” & so forth; who wears “slacks” and puts their hair up in plaits, who had gas fires in the early 2000s?

However, these jarring notes are germane to all James’ books and we learn to expect and put up with them: in compensation we get a great, well plotted story, loads of atmosphere, and (usually) an unexpected but plausible reveal - as one would wish for in the best crime fiction! Grousers like me over the archaicisms and anachronisms can put their quibbles aside and enjoy!

Full praise to Daniel Weyman for his narration of these books. Faultless!

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Enjoyable P D James

The reading of this book is excellent. It is very clear which character is speaking. The storyline kept me guessing, even though Inspectors Dalgleish knew before the denouement who the killer was! I did not and was somewhat surprised to find out. I enjoyed this book very much.

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Lovely to revisit

I'd read this book sometime ago but was tempted to download as a daily deal and revisit. Exceptionally well read by Daniel Weyman was thoroughly enjoyable. Have gone on to listen to some other Dalgleish gems.

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Good page turner

Very slightly dated but a good listen and beautifully read. In the true tradition of British whodunnits.

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Never fails

PD James never fails to deliver. Great storyline, interesting characters, twists and turns.. What more could you want from a murder mystery?

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Wonderful storytelling.

Beautifully written in a gentle style no matter how gruesome the crime. Excellent narration entirely suited to the writing.

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Very enjoyable listen

Really enjoyed this story. The narrator was excellent. Smooth delivery and clearly differentiated voices for each character. It’s an original take on a classic cosy crime set up. I actually didn’t guess at all who the murderer was before it was revealed.

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Not as interesting as it sounds

Rather a slog but it is interesting to see how PD James inspired Susan Hill’s Simon Serrailler books.
Here our copper is into poetry rather than sketching but the story has a similar emphasis on the people rather than the investigation, with life viewed through a nonchalant upper middle class lens.
This is a slight tale, set in a private museum, which focuses more on the lives of the characters than on weaving an intricate plot.
Far too much extraneous detail and not as interesting as the summary suggests, however the narration by Daniel Weyman is superb.

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A Great Story, Well Told

Very enjoyable! I think the reader is particularly good at putting real emotion into the characters, without being hysterical. A soothing, calm voice that tells this excellent work by PD James. The reader is also really good at female voices in dialogue, which is very welcome after so many others think merely speaking in a high pitch will do the job. An excellent narration , all round. Highly recommended.

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