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monsterful_alex's review against another edition
3.0
The usual PD James crime novel, with its clever psychological insights into the characters' minds. This mystery genuinely got me stumped, I could not come up with any one motive for the murders and all suspects seemed equally shady. When the resolution came about, it was all unexpected, nowhere near my half-formed theories. Fun holiday read.
ldv's review against another edition
4.0
One of the earlier Dalgliesh mysteries, but after reading the most recent (and possibly final) story, I appreciate it more. All the characters have some depth to them (okay, not quite all -- the handy-man, the female wheelchair patients, and the nurses are not too deep, but they have enough personality or personal history to give them enough character to fulfill their role in the story). The scenes are all, for the most part, relevant to the plot. That was a complaint of the final mystery -- too many tangents, particularly with the Commander's team.
Several deaths at special home for people with MS type disorders, all seemingly accidental or natural and unrelated actually are all by the hand of the most normal person in the group, who was trying to cover up his heroin smuggling operation. How Dalgliesh knew it was certainly heroin as opposed to some other drug, I'm not sure, but whatever. A good classic who-dunit type mystery with a bit of the PDJames theological hints to boot.
Several deaths at special home for people with MS type disorders, all seemingly accidental or natural and unrelated actually are all by the hand of the most normal person in the group, who was trying to cover up his heroin smuggling operation. How Dalgliesh knew it was certainly heroin as opposed to some other drug, I'm not sure, but whatever. A good classic who-dunit type mystery with a bit of the PDJames theological hints to boot.
janefc's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.5
dailbrae's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
debralewi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kari13's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
pawales's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
thegel's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
ch4rlottesleet's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
3.5
I found this a bit of a slow read, but an enjoyable one nonetheless.
I'd like to read some more P.D. James before I form a solid opinion but the writing style was quite compelling, I just didn't enjoy this particular plot too much.
Dalgliesh is a wonderfully three-dimensional character.
I'd like to read some more P.D. James before I form a solid opinion but the writing style was quite compelling, I just didn't enjoy this particular plot too much.
Dalgliesh is a wonderfully three-dimensional character.
mbondlamberty's review against another edition
5.0
Very enjoyable read that keeps you coming back for more.