The Black Tower (Adam Dalgliesh Mystery Series #5) Paperback – October 2, 2001

What a great cast of characters confront Dalgliesch as he knows what he doesn't know. This was a long journey for the truth as he struggles to make sense of the deaths of people who seemingly weren't quite ready to die. Murder or not murder? That is the question! Please read if you love a complicated plot of a good mystery and a great detective!

Found this P.D. James book that I hadn't read. Evidently written earlier in her career. Of course well written but I get tired of her lengthy definitions of her characters. By the time she gets through I feel like I know every dimple on their face and the color of eyelashes versus hair, etc. etc. Nevertheless this good story of a group of mostly physically impaired people living together in a kind of retirement community where murder suddenly runs rampant holds your interest. I always enjoy her settings somewhere along the English coast.

I seldom decipher the clues that point to the "bad guys" that PD James drops. This time, I was suspicious - and correct - as it turns out, but for all the wrong reasons. Somehow, James always works it out. Strangely, her conclusions often seem contrived, not supported by the evidence although her books are usually characterized as police procedurals. "Thriller" may be a better descriptive. Whatever, I have not been disappointed in this book because the novel is firmly set in the enchanted land that is England and the characters meticulously drawn. I would recommend The Black Tower to anyone who loves PD James, mystery, careful plots, or surprising denouement...I might even read it again, something I seldom do.

I love PD James and regret that the Adam Dalgliesh series seems to be over. I had skipped this book in the series, forgetting about it. Then I happily found it when I was done and was so excited to have one more. It has been a chore to read. None of the supporting characters we have come to love are there. Dalgliesh, recovering from some kind of illness and considering quitting the force, gets a letter from an old friend who is a priest, assigned to something like an assisted-living facility for people with chronic and terminal illnesses. The environment is dreadful and the patients are flat, depressed, and sick. Dalgliesh is sort of depressed himself and the whole thing is dreadful and dreary as someone has said. Even the most sympathetic characters make you feel sad because their situation are so hopeless. Many have been abandoned by their families and are trying to make the best of horrible situations as their lives draw to a close. I can't wait until I finish. This book is depressing, but it's PD James and these book are too rare to just give up. If you haven't read others in the series, just move long and come back when you're desperate for PD James. OR get it over with and enjoy the rest. James is a remarkable writer who crafts incredible, incomparable tales of suspense with engaging and interesting characters. Just not this time.

I enjoyed this book very much. The only thing I found trying was familiarizing myself with the characters. I like James' style of writing and will continue to read her cosy mysteries. Before Jay Leno retired from the Tonight Show he mentioned that he enjoys reading "Cosy Mysteries". P.D. James was one author he mentioned as being an excellent read.

This entry of the Adam Dalgliesh series gives us both more insight and empathy of the man. Recovering from a serious bout of mononucleosis, he is fettered by weakness and not the peak performer we've come to expect. In this story, AD has been invited to the home of an elderly priest for advice on an unspecified situation. Since the priest serves at a quiet, remote hospice for the dying and disabled, AD sees it as an agreeable place to convalesce.But when he arrives, he finds the priest has died, and there’s no clue to the problem for which he was summoned. AD decides take rest at the priest’s cottage and go through the books left to him in the old man’s will. Of course there’s no end of interruptions from nosy neighbors and hospital staffers, and mysteries posed by the institution’s director and patients. Soon AD is unwillingly embroiled in murders and conspiracies right and left.Through it all he persists in his intention to leave the Yard, but his curiosity and desire for justice propel him forward despite his infirmities. In the end, after all the wicked twists and turns, we’re still not sure he’ll return to his position. Obviously he does, because I'm currently reading #6 of the series!

PD James is an excellent writer. But as a mystery writer she breaks rank with the standard form in that it is almost impossible to figure out in advance "who done it". This is because vital information is often reserved for about the first 70% or so, of the book. Also, the characters are not true to how they are described in the book. For example she will describe a character as weak and infirm and then have that same character throttling a younger and much stronger victim. Her writing is what saves the book. Just relax and enjoy the book. Don't try to figure out who the criminal is. PD will reveal this only when she is good and ready.

P.D. James never disappoints me. Old or new, I am a fan. Some of her stories seem to adhere to a formula, but I don't mind. Lots of characters gathered in some mysterious locale, each defined so well with subtleties and ancestry supplied, sneaking about and spying or pouncing out on each other! All done with a wonderful literary style, amazing research, intelligent dialogue, suspense, suspense, suspense, and a whirlwind ending to pull it all together. I reread her frequently.

great read

P. D. James has been a favourite for a long time and Dalgliesh especially.Finding Dalgliesh so vulnerable was a new twist and added another atmospheric layer to this strange, rather disturbing, and compelling story.The last page made me smile, so very Dalgliesh.James has a Austin-like eye for detail and character foibles and loves to drop them in our laps like a bag of acid-drops - tart and sweet and at times witty or downright funny.

I quite like P.D. James, this book was very readable though I guessed 'who did it' about two-thirds through. Enjoyable.

P D James never fails to hit the spot.Her plots are so well thought out and her exquisite use of words is just magical to read,long may she reign.

Alles Prima - Gerne wieder !!xx xx xx xx xx xxx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx