Innocent Blood
P.D. James Audio Book

Although PD James made her name as the ‘Queen of Crime,’ firmly establishing characters such as Adam Dalgliesh and Cordelia Gray as firm favourites in the genre. However, Innocent Blood treads new ground; although crime figures in the story, it is not the springboard for the action. Innocent Blood is a tale of the quest for personal identity, irrational love and the strain of duty between parents and their children.

Innocent Blood begins with 18 year-old Philippa Palfrey discovering that she is adopted. After some investigation, Philippa discovers that she was adopted after her parents were imprisoned for the murder of a young girl, Julie Scase. Philippa confronts her adoptive parents and finds out that her mother, Mary, is still alive, shortly due for release from prison. She contacts her mother and, once she is free, goes to live with her in London, hoping to establish a relationship with her. However, the father of the murdered girl has sworn revenge and, through deception and using a less-than-trustworthy private detective, tracks Mary down.

While crime is at the center of the web of plots that are woven so intricately throughout this audiobook, James is more concerned with the lives of the people affected.  Read by Michael Jayston, it will make a wonderful addition to any fan’s collection.