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Books : The Private Patient (Adam Dalgliesh Mystery)
Back
Binding: Hardcover
EAN: 9780571242443
ISBN: 0571242448
Label: Faber and Faber
Manufacturer: Faber and Faber
Number Of Pages: 416
Publication Date: August 28, 2008
Publisher: Faber and Faber
Studio: Faber and Faber
Related Items:
Editorial Review:
Amazon.co.uk Review:
Given the astonishing length of the writing career of PD James (her first novel was published in 1962), it is perhaps not surprising that her work often consciously refers back to an earlier era of British crime writing -- but it's none-the worse for that. In fact, James' clever and affectionate reinventions of the devices and conventions of that era afford a particular pleasure -- as is the case with her latest, The Private Patient.
Uncompromising investigative journalist Rhoda Gradwyn has booked herself into the Chandler Powell private clinic in Dorset. She has decided to remove a disfiguring facial scar, and is looking forward to what she hopes will be a new life after the surgery. But Rhoda will not leave the clinical alive - she is killed. After her murder, Commander Adam Dalgliesh is summoned to investigate. As he begins to examine suspects, scene and motives, a second death occurs, and Dalgliesh finds himself faced with one of the most complex and challenging mysteries of his career.
In many ways, The Private Patient has the structure of a novel from the golden age of crime fiction, and James is well aware of the very best writing from that era (including Cyril Hare, who James succeeded as premier crime writer for her publisher, Faber). Needless to say, she freights in a very modern level of psychological investigation, more penetrating than that of her great predecessors. If the novel seems less initially engaging than other recent work by the author, there is perhaps a subtle agenda here: James is avoiding the more obvious reader-grabbing tactics to present a low-key investigation of character than she has chosen to deal with in recent books. If a little more patience is required than usual, the result of this understated approach pays dividends. And admirers of James (and her doughty detective Dalgliesh) will be prepared to be flexible for the pleasures of the cogently handled narrative here. --Barry Forshaw
Rating:
- Good plot, shame about the characters
I always read each of P D James's books as it is published and quickly come to the same conclusion each time: although her books are well-plotted, she has a rare talent for populating them with characters that it is very difficult to relate to, whom we never really get inside the skin of, and who are universally dislikeable.
Dalgliesh, Miskin and Benton are far too cold and clinical - they either spend time focussed 100% on the case or else they ruminate on their personal lives in isolation. ... Read More
Rating:
- The Consequences of Love and Its Lack in a Novel Where Crime Outpaces the Investigation
Adam Dalgliesh fans will feel wonderfully rewarded by a deep and long look at his work in diligently investigating this case while attempting to balance his life to leave room for his love of Emma Lavenham. You'll end the book wondering about how that balance might change in future books. These thoughts in many ways make for a better mystery than solving the murder.
The Private Patient is more about love, its effects, and the harm it costs to not receive and give it . . . than about ... Read More
Rating:
- Lost in the Dorset countryside...
I was really looking forward to reading the latest offering from P.D.James and settled down to enjoy her latest mystery. The plot surrounds the death of journalist, Rhoda Gradwyn, who is booked into Mr Chandler-Powell's private clinic to remove a disfiguring scar. Commander Adam Dagleish and his team arrive at the clinic to investigate the murder. All the ingredients are there for an enjoyablable read - the familiar characters, atmospheric setting, characters who have secrets to hide and a murderer to be exposed. ... Read More
Rating: - Loss of Momentum
I wish I could give 5 stars to this, probably the last PD James mystery featuring the stalwart yet sensitive Commander Adam Dalgleish. Most of the book was 5 star material, with the winning PD James formula of isolated setting, cast of improbably named suspects, a gruesome murder or two, and meandering setting description with words like "minatory", "gule" and "subvention" cropping up early and often to establish once again the author's literary bona fides. (Emma wears not a jacket, but a jerkin, as we are reminded ... Read More
Rating: - Not her best
Beautifully written, but as far as the story goes I couldn't have cared who did it as the plot was so unreal and in one glaring obvious way the culprit gave themselves away. Too many unanswered questions - why did she want the scar removed, why did she refuse to see anyone when there was the suggestion of a prearranged meeting?
Antiquarian, Rare & Collectable • Art, Architecture & Photography • Audio CDs • Audio Cassettes • Biography • Business, Finance & Law • Calendars, Diaries, Annuals & More • Children's Books • Comics & Graphic Novels • Computing & Internet • Crime, Thrillers & Mystery • Fiction • Food & Drink • Gay & Lesbian • Health, Family & Lifestyle • History • Home & Garden • Horror • Humour • Languages • Mind, Body & Spirit • Music, Stage & Screen • Poetry, Drama & Criticism • Reference • Religion & Spirituality • Romance • Science & Nature • Science Fiction & Fantasy • Scientific, Technical & Medical • Society, Politics & Philosophy • Sports, Hobbies & Games • Study Books • Travel & Holiday • Young Adult • e-Books •
The Private Patient (Adam Dalgliesh Mystery)
by: P.D. James
Our Price: 184,912.20
Prices excluding shipping charge.Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
EAN: 9780571242443
ISBN: 0571242448
Label: Faber and Faber
Manufacturer: Faber and Faber
Number Of Pages: 416
Publication Date: August 28, 2008
Publisher: Faber and Faber
Studio: Faber and Faber
Related Items:
Editorial Review:
Amazon.co.uk Review:
Given the astonishing length of the writing career of PD James (her first novel was published in 1962), it is perhaps not surprising that her work often consciously refers back to an earlier era of British crime writing -- but it's none-the worse for that. In fact, James' clever and affectionate reinventions of the devices and conventions of that era afford a particular pleasure -- as is the case with her latest, The Private Patient.
Uncompromising investigative journalist Rhoda Gradwyn has booked herself into the Chandler Powell private clinic in Dorset. She has decided to remove a disfiguring facial scar, and is looking forward to what she hopes will be a new life after the surgery. But Rhoda will not leave the clinical alive - she is killed. After her murder, Commander Adam Dalgliesh is summoned to investigate. As he begins to examine suspects, scene and motives, a second death occurs, and Dalgliesh finds himself faced with one of the most complex and challenging mysteries of his career.
In many ways, The Private Patient has the structure of a novel from the golden age of crime fiction, and James is well aware of the very best writing from that era (including Cyril Hare, who James succeeded as premier crime writer for her publisher, Faber). Needless to say, she freights in a very modern level of psychological investigation, more penetrating than that of her great predecessors. If the novel seems less initially engaging than other recent work by the author, there is perhaps a subtle agenda here: James is avoiding the more obvious reader-grabbing tactics to present a low-key investigation of character than she has chosen to deal with in recent books. If a little more patience is required than usual, the result of this understated approach pays dividends. And admirers of James (and her doughty detective Dalgliesh) will be prepared to be flexible for the pleasures of the cogently handled narrative here. --Barry Forshaw
Average Rating: 
Rating:
- Good plot, shame about the charactersI always read each of P D James's books as it is published and quickly come to the same conclusion each time: although her books are well-plotted, she has a rare talent for populating them with characters that it is very difficult to relate to, whom we never really get inside the skin of, and who are universally dislikeable.
Dalgliesh, Miskin and Benton are far too cold and clinical - they either spend time focussed 100% on the case or else they ruminate on their personal lives in isolation. ... Read More
Rating:
- The Consequences of Love and Its Lack in a Novel Where Crime Outpaces the InvestigationAdam Dalgliesh fans will feel wonderfully rewarded by a deep and long look at his work in diligently investigating this case while attempting to balance his life to leave room for his love of Emma Lavenham. You'll end the book wondering about how that balance might change in future books. These thoughts in many ways make for a better mystery than solving the murder.
The Private Patient is more about love, its effects, and the harm it costs to not receive and give it . . . than about ... Read More
Rating:
- Lost in the Dorset countryside...I was really looking forward to reading the latest offering from P.D.James and settled down to enjoy her latest mystery. The plot surrounds the death of journalist, Rhoda Gradwyn, who is booked into Mr Chandler-Powell's private clinic to remove a disfiguring scar. Commander Adam Dagleish and his team arrive at the clinic to investigate the murder. All the ingredients are there for an enjoyablable read - the familiar characters, atmospheric setting, characters who have secrets to hide and a murderer to be exposed. ... Read More
Rating:
- Loss of MomentumI wish I could give 5 stars to this, probably the last PD James mystery featuring the stalwart yet sensitive Commander Adam Dalgleish. Most of the book was 5 star material, with the winning PD James formula of isolated setting, cast of improbably named suspects, a gruesome murder or two, and meandering setting description with words like "minatory", "gule" and "subvention" cropping up early and often to establish once again the author's literary bona fides. (Emma wears not a jacket, but a jerkin, as we are reminded ... Read More
Rating:
- Not her bestBeautifully written, but as far as the story goes I couldn't have cared who did it as the plot was so unreal and in one glaring obvious way the culprit gave themselves away. Too many unanswered questions - why did she want the scar removed, why did she refuse to see anyone when there was the suggestion of a prearranged meeting?
Antiquarian, Rare & Collectable • Art, Architecture & Photography • Audio CDs • Audio Cassettes • Biography • Business, Finance & Law • Calendars, Diaries, Annuals & More • Children's Books • Comics & Graphic Novels • Computing & Internet • Crime, Thrillers & Mystery • Fiction • Food & Drink • Gay & Lesbian • Health, Family & Lifestyle • History • Home & Garden • Horror • Humour • Languages • Mind, Body & Spirit • Music, Stage & Screen • Poetry, Drama & Criticism • Reference • Religion & Spirituality • Romance • Science & Nature • Science Fiction & Fantasy • Scientific, Technical & Medical • Society, Politics & Philosophy • Sports, Hobbies & Games • Study Books • Travel & Holiday • Young Adult • e-Books •
