P. D. James, The Private Patient: Adam Dalgliesh Mystery Review

Good Points
P. D. James always offers a well plotted and interesting tale in every book she has written. The Private Patient brings back her well-known series characters: Commander Adam Dagleish, Kate Mishkin and Benton-Smith. When James sets them on a case to find a murderer she always draws the reader into the investigation as much as she draws her fans into the the characters' mind sets. Her prose lures and is no word is superfluous. Interesting to the end.

Bad Points
So very hard to find fault with this book and author. Perhaps a bit less description of the landscape and more history of all the characters since quite a few populate this book.

General Comments
P.D. James has done it again, she's written another mystery that is gripping and pulls readers in with the first sentence. She sets the scene for a murder but it doesn't happen right away. The build-up creates tension and suspense especially since readers don't know when or how the crime will occur. But not to worry, James's series' characters Adam Dalgleish, Kate Mishkin and Benson-Smith are sent from London to Dorset to discover whodunit. This action is unusual in that local police usually tough it out on their own turf. But someone pulled strings which motivated the 'big guys' to call in the best ... Commander Dalgleish. He has years of experience and the trust of Scotland Yard. The read is one that is totally enjoyable for fans and readers new to P.D. James.

Reviewer Barbara Lipkien Gershenbaum