P. D. James’ eleventh Adam Dalgliesh novel is set on the wind swept shores of East Anglia, in an Anglican theological college by the name of St. Anselm’s. The church is meant for priests and “ordinands” training in the religious career. James has once again seamlessly put together a novel which is not only a mystery but also James’ efforts in compelling the reader to contemplate about faith, love, loyalty and personal responsibilities.
The novel begins with the death of an ordinand by the name of Ronald Treeves at St. Anselm’s. The father of this student is however not convinced that his son’s death was accidental, and he arranges for Scotland Yard’s Commander Dalgliesh to investigate the murder. However, upon Dalgliesh’s arrival at St. Anselm’s, yet another death takes place, that of Archdeacon Crampton. Matthew Crampton was an ambitious cleric who was extremely hostile in his behavior towards others. Hence, there is no dearth of suspects.
Dalgliesh is retained and asked to investigate Archdeacon’s death as well. Especially since it is widely known that the archdeacon was interested in closing down the college. Dalgliesh calls for assistance and requests DI Miskin and DI Tarrant to join him at Anglia. In typical Dalgliesh style suspects are interviewed and forensic evidence is meticulously collected and organized.
He gradually unearths secrets which are interconnected to the lives of many in St. Anselm’s. Including the fact that one of the students at the college is an unknowing son of a lay lecturer in the college, and upon closure of the college he stands to inherit the place through his mother.
Careful investigation and interrogations reveal the identity of the suspect. Side by side, James has created a love angle for her protagonist who develops a romantic relationship with Dr. Emma Lavenham, a visiting faculty from Cambridge.
Death in Holy Orders is an engaging read which urges the reader to ponder on psychological and moral aspects of the book. Written in James’ Victorian style with beautiful prose, the book yet again displays P. D. James’ mastery over the genre. Where most writers stumble along book after book, once their creativity has run its course, P. D. James is still going strong at the ripe old age of 80. Like every book, she always decides to change her settings, but maintains descriptive narratives of the psychology and personality of her characters.
Moreover, contrary to popular belief, James does not restrict her descriptions to the thinking and mentality of the middle class but moves with ease through all social classes and ages. The book is an interesting and entertaining albeit relaxed read from the Queen of Crime Fiction, P. D. James.
%2B-%2BAuthored%2Bby%2BP%2BD%2BJames%2B-%2B11th%2Bbook%2Bof%2BAdam%2BDalgliesh.jpg "Death in Holy Orders (Published in 2001) - Authored by P D James - 11th book of Adam Dalgliesh")
The novel begins with the death of an ordinand by the name of Ronald Treeves at St. Anselm’s. The father of this student is however not convinced that his son’s death was accidental, and he arranges for Scotland Yard’s Commander Dalgliesh to investigate the murder. However, upon Dalgliesh’s arrival at St. Anselm’s, yet another death takes place, that of Archdeacon Crampton. Matthew Crampton was an ambitious cleric who was extremely hostile in his behavior towards others. Hence, there is no dearth of suspects.
Dalgliesh is retained and asked to investigate Archdeacon’s death as well. Especially since it is widely known that the archdeacon was interested in closing down the college. Dalgliesh calls for assistance and requests DI Miskin and DI Tarrant to join him at Anglia. In typical Dalgliesh style suspects are interviewed and forensic evidence is meticulously collected and organized.
He gradually unearths secrets which are interconnected to the lives of many in St. Anselm’s. Including the fact that one of the students at the college is an unknowing son of a lay lecturer in the college, and upon closure of the college he stands to inherit the place through his mother.
Careful investigation and interrogations reveal the identity of the suspect. Side by side, James has created a love angle for her protagonist who develops a romantic relationship with Dr. Emma Lavenham, a visiting faculty from Cambridge.
Death in Holy Orders is an engaging read which urges the reader to ponder on psychological and moral aspects of the book. Written in James’ Victorian style with beautiful prose, the book yet again displays P. D. James’ mastery over the genre. Where most writers stumble along book after book, once their creativity has run its course, P. D. James is still going strong at the ripe old age of 80. Like every book, she always decides to change her settings, but maintains descriptive narratives of the psychology and personality of her characters.
Moreover, contrary to popular belief, James does not restrict her descriptions to the thinking and mentality of the middle class but moves with ease through all social classes and ages. The book is an interesting and entertaining albeit relaxed read from the Queen of Crime Fiction, P. D. James.
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