Unnatural Causes is the 3rd entry in P.D. James' Adam Dalgliesh detective novels. I like the main character in this series and always enjoy the books. I've been reading these for years, working my way through them as I come across them in the bookstore or get them as gifts. This particular story takes place during the Autumn.
from the back of the book:
Maurice Seton was a famous mystery writer -but no murder he ever invented was more grisly than his own death. When his corpse is found in a drifting dinghy with both hands cut off at the wrists, ripples of horror spread among his bizarre circle of friends. Now it's up to brilliant Scotland Yard inspector Adam Dalgliesh and his extraordinary aunt to uncover the shocking truth behind this writer's death sentence before the plot takes another murderous turn.a quote that struck me:
Autumn had never been his favorite season, but in the moment which followed the stopping of the engine he wouldn't have changed this mellow peace for all the keener sensitivities of spring. The heather was beginning to fade now but the second flowering of the gorse was as thick and golden as the first richness of May. Beyond it lay the sea, streaked with purple, azure and brown, and to the south the mist-hung marshes of the bird reserve added their gentler greens and blues. The air smelt of heather and woodsmoke, the inevitable and evocative smells of autumn
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Patheos says, "I have come to the conclusion that if you have not tried any James at all, you will find ‘Unnatural Causes’ a very good place to have a first go".
I have blog posts on these:
#2 A Mind to Murder
#4 Shroud for a Nightingale
#5 The Black Tower
#7 A Taste for Death
#8 Devices and Desires
#9 Original Sin
#12 The Murder Room
#13 The Lighthouse
and An Unsuitable Job for a Woman, which features an appearance by Dalgliesh.
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I've always enjoyed P.D. James and any book she put in front of me. I was saddened by her death, and am always on the lookout for her books, especially those involving Dalgliesh, Thanks for this review as it is one I haven't read.
ReplyDeleteI love her books and especially Dalgliesh, too :) It was hard to lose her, knowing we were losing Dalgliesh, too :(
DeleteP.D.James is one of Britain's most admired and much loved writers! I love her imagination and writing style 😁. This sounds like a great read, I enjoyed reading the autumn quote you included, she has such a lovely way of painting a picture in your mind - amazing! Wishing you a Happy Sunday! J 😊
ReplyDeleteI love how I can picture what she's describing. She does have a way of making it come to life.
DeleteI am a PD James fan and haven't read one I disliked. I remember this one well. I might have to reread a few because I've kind of forgotten how much I enjoy her and I have been into mysteries lately. I hadn't realized she had died until I read Elizabeth's comment above. That is sad. Happy Sunday. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteI've liked her books for years, and I'm grateful she kept writing as long as she did. I keep her books on the shelf for re-reading. I've watched a few of the Dalgliesh mysteries, but only a few. They were good, too.
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