Original Sin Paperback – July 14, 2009

Classic James, as always. Impeccable writing with exquisite detailing of the surroundings and the rooms and the buildings. It sounds as if it should be tedious, but it’s anything but. Instead, it sets the atmosphere and the stage as if one is standing right there, beside the characters, peering into their souls. The murders themselves are satisfyingly convoluted, but that isn’t the real point. The joy of reading a great writer is.

The good things - P.D. James has marvelously convoluted plots that I love. Even with perpetrators, she presents them in a sympathetic way as part of human nature.Not so good - started out very slowly and I had nearly given up on it before I was grabbed with the need to find out who did it, how and why. I have read previous books of hers with Adam Dagliesh and would have liked more interaction with him. He is a very deep and many-faceted character. I wonder if she knew some one like him or combined different personalities. And the old woman mystery writer seemed real. That may be one of Ms. James' talents, to make us feel that the characters are real. This was not up to her usual par but I will definitely read more of her books.

Away from the crashing waves, rumbling surf, and somewhat humble cottages of the coast, James moves us into the backyard of her detective protagonist with an excursion into London alongside the Thames for an adventure set in, of all places, a venerable publishing house. The action moves as calmly and inexorably as the Thames itself, making for a very engrossing and satisfying read. Having spent many happy hours in the great city, many of those along the Thames, it was almost a nostalgic experience to read this book. It isn't cluttered by references to the typical tourist attractions, but as always concentrates on the development of the story and the characters within.

My first read of the Dalgliesh series and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. The book was rather long but never did it ever get boring. What made this murder mystery so unique is it took place in the UK with vivid descriptions of the architecture and culture of the English. I used the Kindle dictionary often for definitions of words only used in the UK and learned new words I will probably never use. However, this was not a distraction. I will undoubtedly read another P.D. James novel because I believe he is a brilliant author who writes "classic" and not ordinary mysteries.Robert

It took a long time to get to the point. I felt little sympathy for any of the characters. The story didn’t compel me to keep reading—I got easily distracted by Facebook and Threads and Bobby Flay.

I love P.D. James but as usual she spends way too much time developing her characters. Do I really need to know the shape of their nose and the size of their lips?? After what seemed like interminable character studies the story finally got exciting and the history of the family dynamics was interesting. Looks like young Mandy got herself a good job after finding dead bodies here and there and taking note of the gossip. Adam Dalgliesh is his usual quiet and caring self with the heart and soul of an investigator.

Lady James' detective fiction transcends its genre--it is that good. Her over thirty years of experience have taught her how to craft nuanced plots and characters that will live long after the book is finished. "Original Sin" is about revenge. To say much more risks the plot, but suffice it to say that this book has something of value to leave with the reader. Lady James uses death to teach us about life.Dalgliesh is at his typical best and shares top billing with a House on the Thames--not just a house, a palace. The house is home to a publishing dynasty that is coming to an end as the new director, an evil yuppie type, wreaks havoc in the boardroom. Nice setting. Not only does the book treat revenge, there is also a good deal of thematic material dealing with the satisfaction of various characters with their lives and it is well developed. Our author has much to say about what is truly valuable in life and that is a question far more compelling than who did the murder.

Reading a book by PD James is almost like relishing a favorite food: one takes small bites, delighting in the flavor, the scent, the texture. Each book is a trove of delight and a pleasure to read. England comes alive, the characters are real people with true emotions. This one is so finely written, so beautifully plotted and executed, that I didn't want it to end.

This story unfolds with the elegance and grace of Commander Dalgleish's character. As a murder mystery it has all the elements required by the reader, but so beautifully revealed by PD James. I t is a page-turner, so well told that you will be unable to put it down.

PD James is outstanding and convenient. In reading her books you get the best of a crime novel and a literary fiction. As usual the book lives up to her reputation.

Great book. The Adam Dalgleish series seems to get better with each passing book.

A clever plot. You have to read to the end to get to real killer.More than 600 pages. Can't put it down for long. Finish the book in a week.Not too many books have that pull and effect.Highly recommended.

I must admit I am not a fan of P. D. James' writing style. However, I have enjoyed the plot of her books. This one didn't disappoint me. Although it distracted me with so many irrelevant details.