I doubt this is James’ best, but it was a good place to start. 3.5/5.
The blurb: When the administrative head of the Steen Psychiatric Clinic is found dead with a chisel in her heart, Superintendent Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard is called in to investigate. Dalgliesh must analyze the deep-seated anxieties and thwarted desires of patients and staff alike to determine which of their unresolved conflicts resulted in murder.
My take:
I’m not sure what exactly I was expecting from P. D. James… perhaps something more spectacular? Anyway, this is a perfectly well-written detective story. In fact, it reminded me of the two Poirot stories I’ve read, although the detective in this case – Dalgliesh – isn’t as much of a “character” as Christie’s Belgian sleuth. In fact, he’s practically personality-free, which isn’t a bad thing, as it means the focus is on the “whodunnit” aspect of the book.
And if you want a “whodunnit” then this story is a “paint by numbers” example of the genre. A character none of the other like much is found dead a few pages from the beginning. The suspects are a reduced group. The detective comes and interviews them all. Then they all go home and we get to learn a bit more about them and start to swell on who we reckon did it. The detective starts to narrow in on the killer, they do something daft and get caught and then there’s a final twist.
As you may gather from that summary, there’s nothing particularly remarkable about A Murder in Mind. However, it’s a solid murder mystery. None of the characters are particularly likeable, but then they don’t set your teeth on edge either. They’re all believable and you also believe in the motive and actions of the killer (or killers? No spoilers here!).
And, for what it is, it’s a good length. My edition was only 240 pages, which felt right. There was no need to drag the story out further or it might have started to become dull.
Overall: fans of a good whodunnit will appreciate this well-constructed tale. I’m glad I finally made the effort to read something by P. D. James and look forward to reading more of her work. Any recommendations?
Claire Huston / Art and Soul
Never quite managed to attune myself to P D James’s writing. Might have another go.
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This is the first one I’ve tried. I will definitely give her another try but first I must read a Miss Marple… I’ve only read Poirot stories so far!
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I use to read her works when I was younger. I think Cover Her Face was her debut book and I remember really enjoying it compared to her more recent novels. Her newer books just stretched and stretched that I forget what the book was all about in the first place. Her non-Dagliesh books are better I think.
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That sounds good, thank you. I did get the impression she could probably have written A Murder in Mind in her sleep! I think I’m going to see what my library has to offer too as I’m sure they have a stack of her books 🙂
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Great review! She’s a solid writer, though I prefer Agatha Christie. I’ve heard her strongest work is A Certain Justice.
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Right! That’s going on my list 🙂 Thank you!
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I enjoyed Death Comes To Pemberley but that’s the only PD James I’ve read. Must try another!
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I saw the TV adaptation of that and enjoyed it 🙂 I imagine the book is better (because it usually is!).
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Oh, I must look that up!
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I think I’ve read them all! I used to wait with bated breath for the next one out. But this was a while ago, so can’t remember which I liked best!
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Wow! They must be good 🙂 I think I’ll have to start alternating James and Christie!
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