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The Private Patient

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The Private Patient

By: P. D. James
Narrated by: Daniel Weyman
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About this listen

When the notorious investigative journalist Rhoda Gradwyn booked into Mr Chandler-Powell's private clinic in Dorset for the removal of a disfiguring and long-standing facial scar, she had every prospect of a successful operation by a distinguished surgeon, a week's peaceful convalescence in one of Dorset's most beautiful manor houses and the beginning of a new life. She was never to leave Cheverell Manor alive. Dalgliesh and his team are called in to investigate the murder, and later a second death, which are to raise even more complicated problems than the question of innocence or guilt.

A new detective novel by P. D. James is always keenly awaited and The Private Patient will undoubtedly equal the success of her worldwide bestseller The Lighthouse. It displays the qualities which P. D. James's readers have come to expect: a masterly psychological and emotional richness of characterisation, a vivid evocation of place and a credible and exciting mystery. The Private Patient is a powerful work of contemporary fiction.

©2014 Faber & Faber (P)2014 Faber & Faber Detective Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Suspense Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives

Critic reviews

"Elegantly phrased, plot-driven, multi-layered and laced with menace." (Observer)

"The Private Patient is classic James." (Allan Massie, Scotsman)
All stars
Most relevant
As always from this brilliant writer, the plot twists and turns before......, I'll not spoil the climax. I will say, listen carefully, don't miss any of the clues.

An Unexpected Outcome

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A really good story, very typical of the later Dalgleish stories with a return to the PD James style that has been not so very obvious in the last few novels. Now, that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy those as I thought the homages to the detective fiction greats were good. This however is a truly individual story with the typical PD James backstories for the characters and less red herrings to sift through.

A classic PD James Dalgleish story!

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As with all P D James novels, this story was compelling. The characters come to life through the superb narration.

A great listen

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I have really enjoyed the whole series read beautifully by Daniel Weyman. This doesn't disappoint in any way.

Wonderful

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I enjoyed the intriguing plot, unusual ending, well-drawn characters, satisfying conclusion to the Dalgliesh series

characters

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