It has taken me far too long to read my first novel by P.D. James. Unnatural Causes is actually the third in her Superintendent Adam Dalgleish series. Why did I start with this one, rather than the more obvious first book in the series? Really no idea, I just liked the sound of it! And I’m very pleased to say it is a cracking read.
Opening sentence: The corpse without hands lay in the bottom of a small sailing dinghy drifting just within sight of the Suffolk coast.
What an opening sentence!
Yes, it’s one that absolutely draws you in and is important too as it really is the crux of the story.
Unnatural Causes is set in the quaint, sleepy village of Monksmere, Suffolk, where Superintendent Adam Dalgleish is on holiday, staying with his aunt Jane. So when the aforementioned corpse washes up, he isn’t actually there in an official capacity and on the case, but the local police do seek his advice (in a testy way that causes some tension). Adam finds himself embroiled in the drama – whether he wants to be or not.
The October legends. One of a naked woman, pale under the moon, walking through the waves to her death; one of a dead and handless man, drifting out on the tide.
Maurice Seton, a local novelist is the corpse with no hands. He has definitely made his fair share of enemies through the years, so the police have quite a few suspects on their hands (no pun intended).
And what a bunch of suspects they are! To be honest, aside from Adam’s aunt Jane, they all come across as a tad unhinged. Although that works in the favour of both never being able to guess who the murderer is and having an enjoyable experience whenever they pop up in the story.
I’m keeping an open mind on this case. There’s a lot we don’t know yet.
The plot went unexpectedly into high-drama action territory at the end and I wasn’t expecting it – but I mean that in a good way. The curveball sparked my attention and brought a satisfying finale to the story.
I very much enjoyed Unnatural Causes, P.D James has a really readable and sophisticated writing style that’s both fast-paced and laced with dry humour.
I know P.D. James as one of the great writers of crime fiction and I will now definitely be going back to fill in my knowledge on Adam Dalgleish’s life so far – as well as continuing the series. Reference is made to Adam’s published works of prose, so I’m intrigued to learn more about him as a lead character.
I have previously read some short stories by P.D. James – The Mistletoe Murder and other stories are festive themed ones if you’re looking for a topical read at this time of year!
- Get your copy of Unnatural Causes here;
- First published 1967. This edition published by Faber & Faber 2019;
- 288 pages;
- My rating:
Books on the 7:47 
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