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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

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Critic reviews

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

"The Private Patient is classic James." (Allan Massie, Scotsman)
All stars
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As with all P D James, superbly written. Good solid characters, good pacing. You cannot argue with any of that. For me this one lacks a bit of fairy dust that gets it to a 5.

Solid maybe lacking in a bit of sizzle?

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This is the 2nd pair of the book is it definitely is a fantastic book The twist are great. I've relistened to the last 3 chapters cause I was a bit confused at the end but I'd totally missed some of the key points when they were finishing the summary of the case . I totally stand by my comment about it been a fantastic story.

A Private Patient

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I always enjoy P D James and this was no exception. Daniel Weymans excellent narration always makes listening a complete joy and helped me through the more frustrating parts of the book. It took a while to get going for me. The main characters were a bit blurred and I couldn't remember who was who once the story finally got going and this did slightly spoil it for me .

A Good Listen

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Up to usual standard by this writer. Nicely formed characters and plot. The location being my home county kept my interest.

Excellent story, great narration.

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Very good listening. I find .Daniel Wayman such a brilliant reader and P D James can always be relied on for a good story.

Brilliant

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Another excellent book by pd James,intelligent writing,complex plotting,characters made real. I enjoyed it very much.

James' Superb Writing

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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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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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I found it difficult to get into the story or engage with the characters. However, when the murder happened and Dalgleish and team arrived it became more interesting and intriguing. There were many threads and most of the characters had back stories that may or may not have been relevant and in the end this is what spoiled this book for me. I did not guess the murderer or the motive so that came as a surprise but after it had been solved all the other ends had to be tied up and I found it tedious. I have not read many works by the author so perhaps fans will be appalled that I could use such a description: it was very clever and intricate in the extreme but I felt that too many characters had been in PD James’s mind when she started and probably she hadn’t decided who the murderer would be so wove many possibilities until she could choose. I usually read and/or listen to my books several times but I shan’t revisit The Private Patient.

The Private Patient

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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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