P. D. James

A mind to murder

P.D. James

The second book to feature Scotland Yard investigator Adam Dalgliesh, A Mind To Murder is a “superbly satisfying mystery” (Chicago Daily News) from bestselling author P.D. James. On the surface, the Steen Psychiatric Clinic is one of the most reputable institutions in London. But when the administrative head is found dead with a chisel in her heart, that distinguished facade begins to crumble as the truth emerges. Superintendent Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard is called in to investigate and quickly finds himself caught in a whirlwind of psychiatry, drugs, and deceit. Now he must analyze the deep-seated anxieties and thwarted desires of patients and staff alike to determine which of their unresolved conflicts has resulted in murder and stop a cunning killer before the next blow.

A Mind to Murder

Colleen

4 Stars

*An astute and easy to read classic mystery*


Classic Mysteries make great in-between reads. They are quick, engaging, and easy to read. And there is something comforting in the formula of murder-investigation-justice. So I decided to check out the next book in the Adam Dalgliesh series.

In the first book of the series, I was surprised how little Superintendent Adam Dalgliesh was actually in the story. He was barely more than a cameo. I’m not sure whether or not he was intended to a continuing character. But in A Mind to Murder, Dalgliesh plays a larger role. You also get to learn more about his background and personality, although there is certainly still plenty of room for expansion. 


  “Right and wrong stood for him as immutable as the two poles. He had never wandered in that twilight country where the nuances of evil and good cast their perplexing shadows.”

As with Cover Her Face, A Mind to Murder is as much about the characters’ reaction to the murder as it is about the actual murder investigation. The cast consists of mostly morally grey characters whose flaws are evident as they simultaneously try to cast aspersions and avoid blame for the crimes committed. Also in keeping with the first book, many issues of the time period are woven throughout the story giving it a bit more depth and reality. 


   “She would not wish anyone violently dead but, since it had happened, one might as well make the most of it.”

A Mind to Murder is not exactly a locked room mystery, but there is a limited pool of suspects which affects both the investigation and the suspects’ reactions to each other. The actual mystery still kept me guessing although it was not groundbreaking. Overall, this was a solid installment in the series.


RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 4 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 4 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 3 Stars

Lisa Miller

The third book I've read in this series and I'm certain I will be plowing through the rest. Cover Her Face was the first I read and had the same flavour as an Agatha Christie mystery being set in a large house in a country village with a fete etc. The second one I read (not in order) was Original Sin which was set in a publishing house - what's not to love about that? This one was set in a psychiatric clinic; not at all appealing to me (feel a bit squicky to be honest about the potential use of psychiatric patients as a murder suspect) and yet I enjoyed every page. Because like Original Sin James focused her attention on the staff not the clients or patients. The staff were all very ordinary people yet every one of them could have had a motive.

A mind to murder

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