WhoDunnits: “Death in Holy Orders” (JCCL)

This month’s book is Death in Holy Orders by P. D. James. On the bleak coast of East Anglia, atop a sweep of low cliffs, stands the small theological college of St. Anselm’s. On the shore not far away, lies the body of one of the school’s young ordinands. He is the son of Sir Alred Treeves, a hugely successful and flamboyant businessman who is accustomed to getting what he wants – and in this case what he wants is Commander Adam Dalgliesh to investigate his son’s death. No sooner does Dalgliesh arrive, however, than the college is torn apart by a sacrilegious and horrifying murder, and the commander finds himself drawn into the labyrinth of an intricate and violent mystery. Once again, P.D. James demonstrates her unrivalled skill in building a fully realized novel, rich in psychological and emotional complexity.

WhoDunnits is a discussion group devoted to mysteries of all kinds and meets the first Tuesday of every month.