The Murder Room (Adam Dalgliesh Series #12)

Excellent writing style, multifaceted, almost literary

This is a book you can take time with, you really get to know the characters, and the language is lovely.

Very literary and engrossing Read.

My first P. D. James/Adam Dalgliesh novel. I already am shopping for another.

Engaging

Well written, developed characters and satisfying finale. The interesting thing here is the plot. The museum, like a Ripley's B/it or not, devoted to true crime...sounds like a place I want to visit! I didn't guess the murderer, but all the clues were there. P.D. James at her most excellent.

My first PDJames book

Frankly, I was disappointed. For such an impressive introduction to who PD James is ( I originally thought 'her' a 'him') in the front pages, I was expecting a stronger plot, bizarre murders or at least a strong enough motive for a murder to be committed. I'm not saying that I didn't obtain any of the above from the book, I just thought that what WAS there was not convincing enough. There's a lot of repetition, self-explanation.. some of the dialogue weren't even natural and I just lost interest halfway but pushed myself to finish it just to find out who did it. No surprises there either. I have no doubt this is not one of her best works. Any suggestions for one that is?

Who didn't see that coming?

I must admit that after all the hype this book received I was expecting a WOW ending. Apparently the great reviews got my hopes up a little too high and the ending, for me, did not exceed expectations. I would recommend it for avid mystery readers but not for those who may be reading mysteries for the first time.

Intriguing British Puzzle

This was a completely satisfying mystery. It kept me guessing until the end. The plot was well drawn out and characterization impeccable as usual. Ms. James seems to be getting better and better after all these years and that is saying something. I reccommend this book to those who want to be involved in first rate, intelligent mystery reading.

Highly recommended

I love Adam Dalgliesh, possibly because he is a poet, a solitary, erudite figure whose insights make him an emotionally formidable and mythic character. P. D. James's novels move beyond the genre of murder mystery. In fact, the murders are usually beside the point. Her novels are literate, and beautifully crafted. In The Murder Room, the precipitating murder is especially gruesome and the suspects are numerous. They have distinct (dare I say, colorful) personalities, and they all have something to hide. This is a fine addition to the Dalgliesh series. It is lush with sublime descriptions of architecture, and landscape. The interludes about Adam and Emma slow the story down, and their relationship is not as interesting as all the other encounters in the book. Still, the Murder Room is a fantastic read!

FIRST-RATE READING

Popular British author P. D. James never seems to run out of plots, situations and surprises - lucky for us! London born Emmy Award-winning actor Charles Keating gives a bravura performance of her latest Adam Dalgliesh mystery. Taking its title from one of the most popular galleries in the Dupayne Museum, 'The Murder Room' proves to be one of the commanders most challenging cases as each step he takes in solving the mystery seems to distance him from the woman he loves. The Dupayne, a small private family owned museum located by London's Hampstead Heath, is bound for trouble as one member of the family is intent upon selling it and others are not. It's rather an odd museum dedicated to England between the wars (1919 - 1939). The Murder Room is a gallery full of artifacts representing heinous crimes committed during that time period. To sell or not to sell is not a mere family squabble, it's bitter conflict made even more so when one of the family members is murdered. Almost before Dalgliesh and his cohorts can begin their investigation another dead body is discovered. To make matters even more surreal the killings bear a strong resemblance to slayings commemorated in the Murder Room. Now, there are a host of possible suspects, including Museum staff, and a number of possible future victims. Dalgliesh must not only work with his usual intensity but he must work rapidly. P. D. James weaves another spell for mystery aficionados.

A good read, but nothing new to tell

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I didn't enjoy The Murder Room. It's just that a lot of the plot I could 'sense.' For instance, it was no surprise that relationship problems were 'on the horizon' for Mr. Dalgliesh and Emma. To me, this book lacked a lot of the suspense and plot twists that Death in Holy Orders had. The twists and turns are normally why I look forward to reading P.D. James, too, plus why I was so looking forward to this book's release. And why I am somewhat disappointed.

strong British investigative tale

The Dupayne Museum in Hampstead Heath, England provides a deep look at the country¿s culture during the two decades that separated the two world wars. However, the lease on the property is almost expired and renewal requires unanimous approval of the three trustees, the adult children of founder Max Dupayne. The museum¿s manager Marcus Dupayne and his sister Caroline (a school principal) endorse the renewal, but the third sibling psychiatrist Neville wants to shut down the museum.

However, Neville¿s nay saying comes to a quick end when someone kills him using the MO of a famous homicide depicted in the Dupayne Museum. His two siblings are not the only suspects because several people have the motive of keeping the Dupayne Museum open. A widower, Police Commander Adam Dalgliesh would prefer to investigate his growing fondness for Professor Emma Lavenham, but knows he and his Special Investigation Squad must conduct an official inquiry.

The latest Dalgliesh police procedural is a strong British investigative tale that readers of the series and fans of the sub-genre will take pleasure in due to a strong cast of suspects. The story line moves forward as the Commander and his team make inquiries into a host of potential culprits each with viable means, motives, and opportunities so that the audience never quite knows who the killer is until the climax. The romance subplot never takes off and consequently is not a distracter from the lead protagonist working the case and fans don¿t get to see him move forward in his personal life. P.D. James shows once again why she is one of grandmasters of the mystery novel.

Harriet Klausner

p d james at her best

a truly great read. typically slow english murder mystery pace lso you can savior each clue; yet you still never fiqure out who done it. i liked she did not spend a lot of time on the love story of adam and emma. i would definitely recommend this book and all p d james adam deglish mysteries.

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