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Innocent Blood
Innocent Blood
Author: P. D. James
Innocent Blood is a novel that goes far beyond the bounds of the mystery story to explore the themes of the growth of love and the search for identity.  Philippa Palfrey, adopted as a child, exercises her legal right to apply for a copy of her birth certificate when she becomes eighteen. Although she has always had a fantasy of being the il...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780684165912
ISBN-10: 0684165910
Publication Date: 3/1980
Pages: 311
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 7

3.9 stars, based on 7 ratings
Publisher: Scribner
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

gsisk avatar reviewed Innocent Blood on + 193 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Philippa was adopted when she was 8 years old and, due to a trauma, does not remember anything about her biological parents. As soon as she turns 18, she requests this information, and learns that her mother is a convicted killer and due to be released in a few weeks' time. She decides she wants to spend some time with her mother to find out more about herself, and rents an apartment for them to live together for a while. Things get interesting when we learn that the father of the murder victim has been waiting patiently for Philippa's mother's release, because he wants to avenge his daughter's death.

I love the way P.D. James ratches up the tension almost imperceptibly; and even though the main characters are almost all loathsome (great characterizations!) I had to finish this book in one weekend. This one is not the typical who-done-it. As usual, James does not "talk down" to the reader, but in addition to a great story, gives him something to think about. Great book!
Dazzle avatar reviewed Innocent Blood on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
An interesting & a bit different kind of book about an adopted young headstrong woman who seeks her birth parents & finds quite a bit more than she expected. I can't say I really liked the book, but it was an interesting & different read.
reviewed Innocent Blood on + 318 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
An absorbing chilling story, told so well, as only P.D. James could do it.
Read All 16 Book Reviews of "Innocent Blood"

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reviewed Innocent Blood on + 83 more book reviews
P.D.James at her best.
romeo avatar reviewed Innocent Blood on + 334 more book reviews
it's an old book but it was pretty good
reviewed Innocent Blood on + 26 more book reviews
You can't beat PD James for psychological analysis. This one's about the reunion of a young woman and her biological mother.
reviewed Innocent Blood on + 670 more book reviews
A rather hard-hitting psychological drama about several unusual characters in unusual situations. The twists near the end convey brutal and unexpected truths about the characters. Overall a difficult yet compelling read. You won't come away feeling good about the human condition...
reviewed Innocent Blood on + 33 more book reviews
Since she was adopted at the age of 8, Philippa wondered about her birth parents. She imagined they were an aristrocat and a parlour maid. What a surprise when she found out who they really were!
reviewed Innocent Blood on + 32 more book reviews
Loved it - PD James is great.

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