P. D. James
The Olympics are over but I’m still struggling with sleep deprivation these days. Why? All because of P. D. James. I’ve been staying up way too late reading her books and racing to finish them. I’d been longing for a good series to sink my teeth into, and I found it!
I love British mysteries. Dorothy Sayers’ Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane books reign supreme in my heart and I love watching Miss Marple (although I’ve yet to read Agatha Christie). Now I’ve discovered P. D. James. The only problem is I’ve got to space reading her books out a bit, because I once I get into a series I become obsessed! So far I’ve read Cover Her Face, A Mind to Murder, Unnatural Causes, Shroud for a Nightingale and am now on The Black Tower. The writing is really excellent. They’re also a bit dark at times. They are murder mysteries, after all, but unlike the Peter Wimsey books, these aren’t full of British whit and sparing conversations. And you certainly aren’t going to find any lovable characters in these books, like our dear Miss Marple. Even the “hero”, Detective Adam Dalgliesh is very human and not always the most likable character. He’s dealing with his own demons. However, James really has a handle on human nature and creates fascinating characters and spellbinding plots.
If you’re a mystery lover, what are your favorite books?
I’ve never read P.D. James. I’ll have to check these out.
I can’t believe you’ve never read Agatha Christie! AHHHH!!!! You are missing out! They are even better than most adaptations to film (I’m thinking the recent ones that Masterpiece has done, i.e. last year they ruined a couple of the story plots by changing things around – modernizing some characters, etc. — though I haven’t totally given up on Masterpiece.)
As I think you may have guessed from my blog – I’m reading through all of Christie’s crime novels starting with the first published and moving on. So far my favorites have been Murder on the Links, The Man in the Brown Suit, and The Secret of Chimneys, but I know there are even more good ones coming.
Also, not a book, but have you seen the Masterpiece series “Foyle’s War”? I really enjoyed those. 5 seasons — the last just aired this summer. All are on DVD and might be available through your library.
Sarah, I’ve been lovin’ your blog. And I know, how can I be a British mystery fan without having read Christie, right? I’ll get to her after James. My younger sister reads her all the time and has quite the collection, so I’ll borrow from her.
I’ve never seen “Foyle’s War”. What’s it about, exactly?
Does Nancy Drew count?
No, seriously.
Sure, why not? I’m sure most of us mystery readers got our start with Nancy! I sure did!
I discovered P.D. James this year as well. I’m embarrassed by how many of her novels I’ve read (in comparison with the spiritual books I haven’t read) this year! Her books are so much more than plot driven. Her character development is brilliant in it’s efficiency. I also just love her use of the English language. so clever. anyway, i’m on to my next one very soon. just as soon as i finish “because He loves me” by elyse fitzpatrick.
Laurie, you and Jessica were the ones that got me into James. I know we’ve all got similar tastes in literature, so I decided to giver her a try! So glad I did! I’m never disappointed to read your book suggestions!
ok, you mystery nerds are prompting me to put down my home decor mags
Danielle,
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and have not lately because I moved to Scotland..just got internet in my house..so I’m back. And I can’t believe I just read your post about P.D. James. I just finished reading (today in fact) Death in Holy Orders. Such a good book. I’m looking forward to three years of mystery reading.
Heidi, glad you’re settling in! Where/why did you move to Scotland? For a job? Do you have a blog?
Danielle,
We moved to St. Andrews for my husband to work on his PhD in Divinity. My blog is http://www.hesexton.wordpress.com
Sarah M., I also read Agatha Christie, I LOVE her books as well. They’re SO good, I’ve read all most all of them, and I’m going to be sad when I finish them all.