In the very first sentences of her novel P.D. James engages her readership of this Inspector Dalgleish novel: “Exactly three months before the killing at Martingale Mrs Maxie gave a dinner-party. Years later, when the trial was a half-forgotten scandal and the headlines were yellowing on the newspaper lining of cupboard drawers, Eleanor Maxie looked back on that spring evenings the opening scene of a tragedy. Memory, selective and perverse, invested what had been a perfectly ordinary dinner-party with an aura of foreboding an unease……” Just a few well-chosen words convey the passing of time, a sense of history, and reflections on memory.
The precision of her carefully descriptive prose Is further exemplified by “…. The window gave a view of the main hospital entrance farther along the street. In the distance she could discern the shining curve of the river and the towers of Westminster. The ceaseless rumble of traffic was muted, an unobtrusive background to the occasional noises of the hospital, the clang of the lift gates, the ringing of telephone bell, the passing of brisk feet along the corridor….. “
It is in the reflection of this patient precision in the character of her sleuth that, for me, the story had begun to pall as we were presented with a series of interviews by the unflappable and unemotional Detective Chief Inspector’s gradual peeling away of the inconsistencies in the statements of the various members of the house party; indeed I was becoming bored. Perhaps that was Dalgleish’s essential skill. His technique is to calm rather than threaten.
Just in time we are presented with some surprise witnesses and faster moving action sequences which enliven the previously soporific pace.
The author has a deep knowledge of human nature with its ambivalences and contradictions which are often reflected in her well-presented dialogue with emphasis on tone and body language.
In the highly original perspective of his well drawn illustrations Jonathan Burton collaborates with the author in leaving misleading clues, some of which tricked me.
Here we have the front board and spine; the title page and frontispiece of my Folio Society edition.
I love that the illustrator left misleading clues to echo those in the story. How clever!
Thank you so much, Merril
Love your observations of PD’s observations.
An interesting tale, Derrick, and well illustrated.
Thank ou very much, Lavinia
Derrick, thanks for the review. As a lover of crime mysteries, I’ve missed out on not reading any of P.D. James’ novels. The illustrations are excellent, but I’m ambivalent about their role in the deception.
Thanks very much, Rosaliene
She is one of my favorite authors.
Thank you very much, Cindy
Great review. I’m impressed with the illustrations on so recent a book. Must be your folio society that does such a great job.
Yes. They like to encourage new illustrators and to have illustrations commensurate with the period of the work. Thanks very much, Pat
Fabulous collaboration between author and illustrator. So clever!
Thank you so much, Donna
The illustrations are very striking. My husband and I have been watching Inspector Dalgleish on Acorn. They must have cut out the most boring bits of the novel, although I do at times nod off.
Me, too, Liz. Thank you very much
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Sounds like an intriguing story!
The illustrations are amazing…beautiful, detailed, clever!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you very much, Carolyn XX
I hope to be able to write so well one day. I use too many words and don’t say enough. 😉
Thank you so much, Crystal
I have enjoyed reading most of her novels.
Thank you very much, Anne
Hard not to love P. D. James.
Thanks very much, Ed
I’m fascinated with the perspectives of the illustrations.
Thanks very much, Lindsey. He did do well
Very attractive illustrations.
Thanks very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.