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sternbergjulie's review
5.0
There's something about the tone and pacing of P.D. James's mysteries that's helping me with the book I'm working on, though it's far from a mystery. I've liked all of the ones I've read with one exception (I couldn't finish INNOCENT BLOOD). A TASTE FOR DEATH strikes me as particularly good.
krep___'s review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
missbryden's review against another edition
2.0
Seemed unusual that Dalgliesh's subordinates were Inspectors (and Massingham a Chief Inspector), to him as a Commander, whereas most other police dramas seem to be pairs of Inspector and Sergeant. And one Inspector is a woman, who's been in policing for 10 years and is from urban life - not the DS brought in from the country as in the 2021 show.
Everything and everybody seems pretty dismal.
In some stories I like the setting detail, but it just seems excessive (long) and clunky in this.
Characters or their descriptions that irritate: Massingham's (and others') classism, repeated description of Miss Wharton (the woman who works in the church) as a pathetic spinster, somewhat unspecific sexism/misogyny.
Everything and everybody seems pretty dismal.
In some stories I like the setting detail, but it just seems excessive (long) and clunky in this.
Characters or their descriptions that irritate: Massingham's (and others') classism, repeated description of Miss Wharton (the woman who works in the church) as a pathetic spinster, somewhat unspecific sexism/misogyny.
zwe's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
3.0
This book was good when it was focusing on the mystery, but that seemed to be only like, 40% of the book and the rest was useless random details and chapters about characters I don't care about.
And why does everyone clown Dalgliesh for writing poetry??? I don't get it. AND he didn't even write one damn poem in the whole book!!!! Didn't even reference one or anything!!! But just about every chapter we got details about the painting on the wall of the office waiting room or the painting on the wall in the church or the painting on the wall in the old woman author's house. Much too slow paced for me like this book draagggged.
It was surprisingly forward-thinking on abortion issues for a British book from the mid-80s, but of course shared other not so forward views of the time like Kate can't help but being in love with her emotionally unavailable and only-ever-professional-with-her boss, people in serious careers can't engage in creative outlets without being seen as absurd, and women shouldn't be cops or in charge of other cops.
Also no one wanted to mention the plot hole where the old woman said she had to row across to the Black Swan because her phone was down, but then mentions that Berowne came to her house to use her phone... girl isn't your phone down???
It got very dark and creepy towards the end and I wish the entire book had been like that. The chapter with Dominic in Kate's apartment was easily the best section and was super tense and unsettling. His character was very under-developed in my opinion since he turned out to be the murderer. The death of Kate's grandma was also SO unnecessary. Completely not needed. Like why? Very glad Alan figured out to call the police, though. Kate was definitely my favorite character and Massingham was my least favorite. He was so annoying and sexist, and honestly I found it completely tasteless and icky for him to have a chapter like, bagging on her and her grandma's funeral. Like his only character trait was that he doesn't like women.
Another complaint is that we got NOTHING after Dominic was caught; no reactions from anyone. We couldn't get a chapter of that but we got Massingham's sexist-ass attitude again?
Not a very satisfying book - too slow paced and didn't focus enough on the mystery part, like the author forgot what she was supposed to be building to every few chapters and then shoved it all in at the last minute. This book didn't need details like Kate's grandma (rip) or Miss Wharton's bedpan or the stupid poetry! There was so much irrelevant detail mentioned. I wish I enjoyed it more but I didn't.
Addition - and the fact that no one cared Harry Mack was also murdered. Like no effort into helping him get justice at all. For real??
And why does everyone clown Dalgliesh for writing poetry??? I don't get it. AND he didn't even write one damn poem in the whole book!!!! Didn't even reference one or anything!!! But just about every chapter we got details about the painting on the wall of the office waiting room or the painting on the wall in the church or the painting on the wall in the old woman author's house. Much too slow paced for me like this book draagggged.
It was surprisingly forward-thinking on abortion issues for a British book from the mid-80s, but of course shared other not so forward views of the time like Kate can't help but being in love with her emotionally unavailable and only-ever-professional-with-her boss, people in serious careers can't engage in creative outlets without being seen as absurd, and women shouldn't be cops or in charge of other cops.
Also no one wanted to mention the plot hole where the old woman said she had to row across to the Black Swan because her phone was down, but then mentions that Berowne came to her house to use her phone... girl isn't your phone down???
It got very dark and creepy towards the end and I wish the entire book had been like that. The chapter with Dominic in Kate's apartment was easily the best section and was super tense and unsettling. His character was very under-developed in my opinion since he turned out to be the murderer. The death of Kate's grandma was also SO unnecessary. Completely not needed. Like why? Very glad Alan figured out to call the police, though. Kate was definitely my favorite character and Massingham was my least favorite. He was so annoying and sexist, and honestly I found it completely tasteless and icky for him to have a chapter like, bagging on her and her grandma's funeral. Like his only character trait was that he doesn't like women.
Another complaint is that we got NOTHING after Dominic was caught; no reactions from anyone. We couldn't get a chapter of that but we got Massingham's sexist-ass attitude again?
Not a very satisfying book - too slow paced and didn't focus enough on the mystery part, like the author forgot what she was supposed to be building to every few chapters and then shoved it all in at the last minute. This book didn't need details like Kate's grandma (rip) or Miss Wharton's bedpan or the stupid poetry! There was so much irrelevant detail mentioned. I wish I enjoyed it more but I didn't.
Addition - and the fact that no one cared Harry Mack was also murdered. Like no effort into helping him get justice at all. For real??
hoodster's review
3.0
This is not one of PD’s best. The writing is excellent as always, but the plot is pretty stodgy and boilerplate. It got pretty tiresome when she was continuing to introduce new characters and potential suspects three or 400 pages into the book. Enough already. Anyway, if you love reading page-long descriptions of every single room that every single character walks into, you will probably love this book.
susannavs's review
4.0
Love me a good murder mystery. PD James is amazing. I particularly liked seeing more of Kate's home life, since we don't often get a glimpse of that!
tiffanip's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.5
jennylimmy's review
4.0
The mild, thoughtful writing pairs well with the bonkers plot. Such a fun read! I hesitated to read because of the gory opening, but I’m glad I did. This book felt unique (especially the last quarter or so of it), unlike other of James’s novels that feel like Agatha Christie extensions.
It’s strange to see such a strong book appear in the middle of a series. This was nominated for a Booker Award, which was completely deserved, but would have been surprising for many other books in the Dalgliesh series.
This is also the first time I really enjoyed James’s deep dives into many characters’ heads: the private struggles of two secondary characters (Kate Miskin and Mrs. Wharton) are particularly compelling.
It’s strange to see such a strong book appear in the middle of a series. This was nominated for a Booker Award, which was completely deserved, but would have been surprising for many other books in the Dalgliesh series.
This is also the first time I really enjoyed James’s deep dives into many characters’ heads: the private struggles of two secondary characters (Kate Miskin and Mrs. Wharton) are particularly compelling.