The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
jennydoesnotgetit's review against another edition
3.0
Iâve often wondered how an âold fashionedâ crime writer would translate to the modern day. The answer: not particularly well. This book felt like a complicated, otherwise mostly-fun crime story being told by a fusty grandmother who wanted to work in âmodern twistsâ (e.g. the pretty silly 96).
I donât look to murder mysteries for sharp social commentary, which is why I didnât understand why so many characters felt it necessary to comment skeptically on diversity, or question why solving a single murder is significant given that society could be thrown into turmoil by an act of terrorism. Surely the police of all people would recognize that violent serial murder is a major societal downer.
Will I continue to read every book in the series? Yes. But I will be surprised if any books surpass the earlier peak (#7: A Taste for Death). And like most of the characters, Iâll miss the good old days.
I donât look to murder mysteries for sharp social commentary, which is why I didnât understand why so many characters felt it necessary to comment skeptically on diversity, or question why solving a single murder is significant given that society could be thrown into turmoil by an act of terrorism. Surely the police of all people would recognize that violent serial murder is a major societal downer.
Will I continue to read every book in the series? Yes. But I will be surprised if any books surpass the earlier peak (#7: A Taste for Death). And like most of the characters, Iâll miss the good old days.
emfergus's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Chapter 5 "Emma Lavenham, Lecturer in English Literature..."
kellydgray's review against another edition
5.0
Another great PD James book, I am working my my way through the list.
maplessence's review against another edition
5.0
An undercurrent in PD James Adam Dalgleish novels is that most people are lonely, living their life in neat, compartmentalised boxes & only occasionally coming out to interact with their fellow man.
This was a wonderful mystery about murders at a fictitious London museum, The DuPayne. A lot of clever twists & turns (including a red herring that had me convinced I had guessed the murderer!)Maybe a little too much about the minutiae in the (mostly lonely and/or solitary) characters' lives & I could have done without James getting on her soapbox about education, healthcare for the mentally ill & British social services, but future generations may be fascinated the way I am by the background information in Golden Age mysteries. I thought there were a few rough edges, but everything was explained most satisfactorially &
Nice to have the sleuth in a mystery involved in a love affair that doesn't set my teeth on edge!
This was a wonderful mystery about murders at a fictitious London museum, The DuPayne. A lot of clever twists & turns (including a red herring that had me convinced I had guessed the murderer!)Maybe a little too much about the minutiae in the (mostly lonely and/or solitary) characters' lives & I could have done without James getting on her soapbox about education, healthcare for the mentally ill & British social services, but future generations may be fascinated the way I am by the background information in Golden Age mysteries. I thought there were a few rough edges, but everything was explained most satisfactorially &
Spoiler
the last chapter with Adam & Emma's love story was beautiful - especially the letter Adam wrote to Emma. Romantic & literary.Nice to have the sleuth in a mystery involved in a love affair that doesn't set my teeth on edge!
ahse1dances's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mbondlamberty's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this mystery quite a bit - possibly because of the conceit of the museum and the room in it.
But I think a great part of what made it so enjoyable was Dagliesh's personal life which gives one hope and joy in the midst of the evilness in other quarters.
But I think a great part of what made it so enjoyable was Dagliesh's personal life which gives one hope and joy in the midst of the evilness in other quarters.
yeslek_5's review against another edition
3.0
As a part of my english class, completely devoted to detective fiction. It was my first time reading that genre and I was pleasantly surprised! I thought it might be lame and difficult to find interest but with PD James her writing is pretty enjoyable, I liked the development of her characters, how just enough information was given about each of them to let you form your own suspicions but still leave enough suspense. I think I've found a new interest...
wickedplutoswickedreading's review against another edition
5.0
Very very good book. Thought I had sniffed out the killer but was completely wrong. Very nice twist. Totally going to look for more Adam Dalgliesh mysteries.