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A review by mariahmmm
Sleep No More: Six Murderous Tales by P.D. James
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A collection of six gothic, dreary stories recounting murders fuelled by revenge. Many felt unsatisfactory, with immoral justice and a reliance on the unnecessary silence and corruption of children.
The Yo-Yo - 3 stars
A forgotten yoyo pulls an old man into the past as he remembers the night he witnessed a murder.
An unconvincing story on morals and revenge, with the lingering question of justice and childish capabilities.
The Victim- 3 stars
A divorced husband recounts his "delicious" murder of his ex-wife's new husband.
An interesting viewpoint, peeking into a murderer's motive and walking in his footsteps, but an unsatisfactory ending.
The Murder of Santa Claus- 4 stars
Young Charles Mickledore reflects on a long forgotten Christmas holiday at his uncle's manor where Santa Claus was murdered.
A good atmospheric mystery with a dabbling of clues marred by unjustified childish choices.
The Girl Who Loved Graveyards- 4 stars
A young girl, unloved and orphaned twice over, becomes fascinated with graveyards and the idea of visiting her father's grave.
Such a well written story, but also what a horrid, sad little life.
A Very Desirable Residence- 2 stars
A schoolteacher reflects on the motives behind the crime involving a sadist colleague and his downtrodden wife.
This would have been a great crime retelling of justice and rescue were it not for the sad twist at the very end.
Mr Millcroft's Birthday- 5 stars
Elderly Mr Millcroft makes the case to his stubborn child of his retiring to Maitland Lodge rather than the insipid Meadowsweet Croft.
A fantastic story of cunning with double twists and turns!
The Yo-Yo - 3 stars
A forgotten yoyo pulls an old man into the past as he remembers the night he witnessed a murder.
An unconvincing story on morals and revenge, with the lingering question of justice and childish capabilities.
The Victim- 3 stars
A divorced husband recounts his "delicious" murder of his ex-wife's new husband.
An interesting viewpoint, peeking into a murderer's motive and walking in his footsteps, but an unsatisfactory ending.
The Murder of Santa Claus- 4 stars
Young Charles Mickledore reflects on a long forgotten Christmas holiday at his uncle's manor where Santa Claus was murdered.
A good atmospheric mystery with a dabbling of clues marred by unjustified childish choices.
The Girl Who Loved Graveyards- 4 stars
A young girl, unloved and orphaned twice over, becomes fascinated with graveyards and the idea of visiting her father's grave.
Such a well written story, but also what a horrid, sad little life.
A Very Desirable Residence- 2 stars
A schoolteacher reflects on the motives behind the crime involving a sadist colleague and his downtrodden wife.
This would have been a great crime retelling of justice and rescue were it not for the sad twist at the very end.
Mr Millcroft's Birthday- 5 stars
Elderly Mr Millcroft makes the case to his stubborn child of his retiring to Maitland Lodge rather than the insipid Meadowsweet Croft.
A fantastic story of cunning with double twists and turns!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Murder
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Misogyny, Violence, Death of parent, War, and Classism
Minor: Animal death, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Car accident