One of my goals in 2020 is to read more. See other books I've read or listened to here.
The third book in the Adam Dalgliesh series, I’m not sure where I picked up Unnatural Causes by PD James. Maybe a book sale?
Superintendent Dalgliesh is looking forward to some time away from his work and his personal life. He’s looking forward to quiet days and long walks with his aunt. When a body is discovered, Dalgliesh is drawn into the investigation.
Reading this series out of order was not the best idea. I am constantly tyring to remember where in time and Adam’s career we are when I start a book. I liked that in this book Adam was taking some time for himself. Dalgliesh usually is all business, even most of his travels are done out of some sort of obligation. This book starts with him being excited to visit his aunt, but not looking forward to having to dodge writers in the author enclave where she lives. It’s not ideal that she lives in a den of writers, but he hopes he can avoid most of this bookish community. Since Adam is a published poem, he is able to fit right in, but he finds the community opressively gossipy and catty. My favorite part of this book was how hard James' pokes fun at the book and writer’s community. She clearly doesn’t love this community either, but is also a part of it. Another great and unusual aspect of this book is that Dalgliesh is not the copper on this case. He cannot use his talents, skills, and connections to solved this case in his usually expedient manner. In fact, he can only do investigating, despite the lead detective, instead of ordering the lower ranked officer to act. It’s interesting to see Dalgliesh in such a frustrating position. I would highly recommend this book to those who are following Inspector Dalgliesh’s journey, those who like mysteries set in remote towns or communities, and those who like satires or parodies of the writing world.
Have you read any books about authors communities? One that comes to mind is Bimbos of the Death Sun by Sharyn McCrumb. I remember enjoying that book, although I haven’t read it in many years.