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A psychopathic strangler of young women is at large in Norfolk, and getting nearer to Larksoken with every killing.When murder reaches the headland one moonlit night, Dalgliesh finds himself involved in a particularly horrible crime and in the tangled emotions and motives of the suspects.
P.D. James, OBE, has won many awards for crime writing in Britain, America, Italy and Scandinavia, including the Mystery Writers of America Grandmaster Award and the National Arts Club Medal of Honor for Literature (USA). She received the Diamond Dagger from the Crime Writers’ Association, and was created a Life Peer. In 1997 she was elected President of the Society of Authors.
Michael Jayston is a highly-regarded actor, having appeared in numerous films, among them 'Cromwell', 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream', 'Zulu Dawn' and 'Nicholas and Alexandra'. His many TV credits include 'The Royal', 'Doctors', 'Emmerdale', 'Murder in Suburbia' and 'Only Fools and Horses', while on stage he has been seen in 'Henry V' and 'Hamlet' for the RSC, as well as 'Private Lives' and 'The Rivals'.
Devices and Desires is one of the most highly-regarded in PD James’ Dalgliesh series. What really sets it apart from any others in the canon is that Dalgliesh barely takes part in the investigation itself.
We meet the Inspector as he arrives in Norfolk to go through his Aunt Jane’s personal effects, following her death. Part of the estate he’s inherited is an old, converted windmill, which Dalgliesh is unsure as to what he’s going to with. However, whilst the Inspector tends to his private like, a psychotic mass-killer, the Norfolk Whistler, is making his presence known in the area. The local police enlist Dalgliesh’s help and he is very quickly drawn into a web of intrigue of deceit and copycat killing.
As an audiobook for CD or MP3, this story is very much of its time. Set in the late 80’s, against the backdrop of a nuclear power station, Devices and Desires brilliantly captures the dwindling faith in that form of power, whilst taking an insightful look at those living under its shadow. Michael Jayston’s characteristically clipped and concise delivery reflects the pervading air of paranoia that underscores the story. With tension in bucketfuls and a lead character on unsure ground, this is a great addition to any self-respecting James collection.
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