Helpful Score: 2
James is clearly a very good writer even in her old age. I enjoyed her prose and style and the plot was very clearly and cleverly thought out, however, if you are looking for action, thrills or gore, this may not be the book for you.
Helpful Score: 1
Probably the last book in her series on Adam Dagliesh, James has given us another insight into the human condition beyond the ordinary murder mystery. We see the team handle a less than clear murder case following the steps to uncover the murderer who ultimately eludes them. It is not only about the case in James' book, but the uncovering of the motives of people and why they do the things they do.
I'm a big P. D. James/Adam Dalgliesh fan, and still had to struggle to finish this one. Neither author nor detective were at their best I feel. Still, if you're like me, you'll want to continue the saga of Commander Dalgliesh and what better way than through PBS?
this addition to the Dalgliesh series does not disappoint. P.D. James always develops her characters - never a formula mystery.
I've been a fan of Ms. James for years. She just keeps getting better, "The Private Patient" being one of her best.
Alsie W. (hootsannie) reviewed The Private Patient (Adam Dalgliesh, Bk 14) on + 24 more book reviews
I can not pronounce Dalgliesh but I can truely appreciate his exploits. Another excellent read by the ever talented P.D.James. HootsAnnie
The Private Patient is an intriguing story of murder in an unlikely setting, the recovery ward of a private hospital clinic in the country. The victim, Rhoda Gradwyn, has a reputation of investigative journalism that strikes concern in the heart of many people, great and small. Everyone has a dark secret. Right? Is this patient here in Cheverell Manor for treatment or is she up to something more dangerous? The story of her scarred face that she has finally chosen to repair reveals her dark past. She is found dead in her bed, one day after the successful surgery. Strangled! Now Inspector Dalgliesh and his team is challenged by the case which involves the hospital staff, acquaintances, and village people. A released child killer Has she struck again? When her former boyfriend is also found murdered, the pressure mounts. Who will be next and why?
This story is typical P.D. James with snatches of clues left as bread crumbs for the reader. Don't try to figure it out too soon. You will be wrong.
This story is typical P.D. James with snatches of clues left as bread crumbs for the reader. Don't try to figure it out too soon. You will be wrong.
Dark and brooding, with brilliantly drawn characters and a well constructed story. The veteran mystery author's trademark plotting and fine prose ably demonstrate once again why she is "the queen of crime."
Investigative reporter Rhoda Gradwyn does not have a lot of friends due to her profession. She finally decides to have a disfiguring scar removed in the private clinic of Dr. Chandler-Powell. The operation was a success, but Ms. Gradwyn is murdered the following night.
AS usual you find out that there are several people who might have wanted Rhoda dead: Dr. Chandler-Powell's private clinic employs an aide with a dark past - Rhoda was seen talking to her and could have exposed her secret. The doctor just ended an affair with his head nurse - did she murder Rhoda to damage the clinic's reputation and ruin her ex-lover financially? Rhoda's boy-toy who sponged off her financially might have murdered her to inherit some real money (or was he her boy-toy?). Then there is the sister of the anesthesiologist who both live on the premises, and who harbors a grudge against Rhoda, because of an article she wrote years ago.
This was an enjoyable read, but it dragged a bit; I did not like it as much as I usually like PD James's work.
AS usual you find out that there are several people who might have wanted Rhoda dead: Dr. Chandler-Powell's private clinic employs an aide with a dark past - Rhoda was seen talking to her and could have exposed her secret. The doctor just ended an affair with his head nurse - did she murder Rhoda to damage the clinic's reputation and ruin her ex-lover financially? Rhoda's boy-toy who sponged off her financially might have murdered her to inherit some real money (or was he her boy-toy?). Then there is the sister of the anesthesiologist who both live on the premises, and who harbors a grudge against Rhoda, because of an article she wrote years ago.
This was an enjoyable read, but it dragged a bit; I did not like it as much as I usually like PD James's work.
This is one case where I prefer the books to the TV films. because I can't understand Dalgliesh's accent.
However, I have enjoyed all of her books, including Innocent Blood, and as a fervent Janeite, I am now looking forward to the latest.
Carol Mitchell
However, I have enjoyed all of her books, including Innocent Blood, and as a fervent Janeite, I am now looking forward to the latest.
Carol Mitchell
Interesting until the end. As good as all her books.
Thomas F. (hardtack) -
Wow! I am so glad I discovered P.R. James so many years ago, and will be forever thankful to her and "Adam Dalgliesh" for this delightful and intelligent series. Unfortunately, this is the last book in that series. However, James tied up all the end successfully.
