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- A Taste for Death
For Commander Adam Dalgliesh, now heading a Scotland Yard unit set up to investigate politically sensitive crimes, the case is particularly affecting – he had known Berowne, and the minister had asked for his help regarding an anonymous letter shortly before his resignation.
Could the letter, implicating Berowne in the deaths of two women, be linked to the bodies in the vestry? How are Berowne’s wife and family involved – and what is the relationship between Berowne and the tramp?
Aided by Inspector Kate Miskin and Chief Inspector John Massingham, Dalgliesh must answer these questions to uncover the truth...
PD James is at her most bloody in this tale of double-murder. When St Matthew’s Church becomes a crime scene, it’s up to Adam Dalgliesh to join the dots that somehow connect the local tramp, Harry Mack, and upper-class minister, Sir Paul Berowne.
A Taste For Death is a tale of duplicity, broken hearts and the struggle to reconcile yourself with aspects of religious faith. James also seems to want to remind us that there is always more than one victim to a murder; those that are left behind have to come to grips with something that looks like their old life, but has irrevocably changed. For his part, Dalgliesh is reliably sensitive and complex, observing events through a self-protective telescope. However, we are also introduced to his sidekick, Kate Miskin, a young and enthusiastic detective, whose modern approach highlights to Dalgliesh that he might be in danger of becoming obsolete.
Jayston’s narration serves the text to perfection, creating an air of brooding melancholy that reflects Dalgliesh’s inner state. While fans of James might own the book, the audiobook for CD would make a welcome addition to any collection and a superb introduction for anyone wanting to get to grips with the Queen of Crime.
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