Mind to Murder

by P.D. James

Book Overview

When the administrative head of the Steen Psychiatric Clinic is found dead with a chisel in her heart, Superintendent Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard is called in to investigate. Dalgliesh must analyze the deep-seated anxieties and thwarted desires of patients and staff alike to determine which of their unresolved conflicts resulted in murder. With "discernment, depth, and craftsmanship," wrote the Chicago Daily News, A Mind to Murder "is a superbly...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446313955
• ISBN13: 9780446313957
• Release Date: January 1982
• Publisher: Warner Books (NY)
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.31 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A Masterpiece

This is my second James novel. I read The Murder Room which was written by James a few years ago and I thought that it was dreadful. It is a 500 page bore or snore. The present work was written over 40 years ago by a James in her prime. It is short and compact; and, it has a nicely balanced structure with good characters. It is written with straightforward and simple prose and it is a compelling read that is hard to put down. In short, it is what one can describe as a masterpiece. The book opens with the literary hook: a murder in a clinic basement of the Steen Psychiatric Clinic during a busy Friday afternoon in London. On discovery of the murder, the doors of the clinic are sealed, Dalgliesh is called in, and we are off on the hunt for the killer, or killers. The novel has an interesting set of characters, but not too many characters. It appears that there are just a half dozen suspects with a motivation to be involved with the killing. The mystery unfolds slowly, and the reader is given a few clues just ahead of the Dalgliesh. Readers will not be disappointed, and the book demonstrates the fame and ability of James as a crime writer. Most will want to keep the book and set it aside to read again in the future. Also, the book demonstrates again that more is not always better than less. In the elaborate 550 page slow moving story told in The Murder Room, the author has a 95 page introduction and no crime until around page 130. We wait as Dalgliesh does not enter the investigation until almost page 200. Thankfully, all of that type of writing is missing here. In a Mind to Murder, the story is well underway and the reader is fully engaged by page 10. James tells a well balanced and a compelling tale in half the space. Since the book came out in 1963, it has had approximately seven printings by three different publishers including Faber and Faber, and Penguin. It is easy to understand why.

A Very Unique Twist

Having recently read "A Certain Justice" I have set myself to reading all of P.D. James' works. "A Mind to Murder" firmly validated my decision to do so. In only her second mystery, Ms. James has the strength to pull a whopper of a twist. In so doing she provides some very strong character development for her Inspector Dalgliesh. He learns something very valuable in this work and will become a stronger detective for it. A murder mystery set in a mental health facility provides a wealth of opportunities, none of which are wasted in this volume. In reviewing mysteries, one must be cautious not to throw out any spoilers--but what the reviewer can and did note was that Ms. James' writing is exceptional. The characters come to life and the story has something meaningful to say. In a day and age where entertainment is its own reward, it is nice to find an author who is willing to allow the benefits and burdens of moral choice to take center stage.

Another Find From P.D.James!

This is the second of James' books that I've read, and she didn't disappoint! A murder takes place in an out-patient psychiatric clinic, and there are no shortages of suspects. Enter Adam Dalgliesh, James' crackerjack detective, to sift through the evidence and eventually unearth the murderer - surprising even himself! An interesting novel with a satisfying ending!

one of a kind

not a word is wasted as P.D. James unfolded a marvelous whodunit. A real test of ones volcabulary though, so have a dictionary on hand.Very intelligent and freshing. Not only have I experienced a satisfying read but I've also added to my growing word power. I plan on reading all her novels.

Short, but very sweet

A great introduction for readers to the world of P.D. James, this is a serious, literate mystery, though it's still considerably lightweight fare. Not at the same level as her later books, but not as mind-boggling, either. The story features Adam Dalgliesh, who is investigating the stabbing murder of one of the staff at a London psychiatric clinic. Fairly well-developed characters, intelligent use of medical and clinical knowledge (James had a lot of life experience, making her one of today's most realistic writers), a clever whodunit plot with intriguing detection, and a jarring twist ending. That James sparkle is already starting to show at this point.