A review by tomhill
The Private Patient by P.D. James

3.0

P.D. James is always a cut above other crime writers, even in this last Dalgliesh book which has its flaws but is very enjoyable and demonstrates James's usual obsession with violent death and the darkness in people's souls (sounds like a back of the book blurb). I just had some issues with how the mystery was wrapped up, although I suppose it might have been a very purposeful choice for Dalgliesh's last case. Also, Dalgliesh is an interesting character and I would have liked more insight into his character in this last outing. Other novels delve much deeper into his psychology and motivations.