Death in Holy Orders

An Adam Dalgliesh Mystery

By: P. D. James

Narrated by: Charles Keating

Length: 15 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

The setting itself is elemental P. D. James: the bleak coast of East Anglia, where atop a sweep of low cliffs stands the small theological college of St. Anselm’s. On the shore not far away, smothered beneath a fall of sand, lies the body of one of the school’s young ordinands. He is the son of Sir Alred Treves, 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.

Although there seems to be little to investigate, Dalgliesh agrees, largely out of nostalgia for several happy summers he spent at St. Anselm’s as a boy. No sooner does he arrive, however, than the college is torn apart by a sacrilegious and horrifying murder, and Dalgliesh finds himself ineluctably drawn into the labyrinth of an intricate and violent mystery.

Here P. D. James once more demonstrates her unrivalled skill in building a classic detective story into a fully realized novel, gripping as much for its psychological and emotional richness as for the originality and complexity of its plotting—and, of course, for the horror and suspense at its heart.

Filled with unforgettable characters, brilliant in its evocation of the East Anglian scene and the religious background against which the action takes place, Death in Holy Orders again offers proof, if proof were needed, that P. D. James is not only the reigning master of the crime novel but also, simply, one of the finest novelists writing today.

©2001 by P.D. James (P)2001 Random House, Inc., Random House AudioBooks, a Division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"There are very few thriller writers who can compete with P. D. James at her best ... One of the things that sets P. D. James apart from other writers in this genre is the intellectual assurance of her work. This is manifest in her use of language - she writes beautifully - but also in the light touch with which she displays her learning ... DEATH IN HOLY ORDERS is pure pleasure." --Charlotte Joll, The Spectator

"DEATH IN HOLY ORDERS is a page-turner ... but it is also so well-written that you linger over James's beautifully-observed descriptions of characters or scenes ... More, please, P. D. James." --Rosita Boland, The Irish Times

"Adam Dalgliesh's latest outing possesses the confident interplay of classical discipline, contemporary morality and strong evocation of place that had hitherto distinguished James's novels. Writing for the most part within the conventions of the detective story, she has again proved its constraints to be a liberating force for the creative imagination, drawing on accepted generic elements to produce a thoughtful, beautifully-written book which is far more complex than the sum of its parts." --Nicola Upson, The Observer

My favorite!

Charles Keating's narration is mesmerizing, a perfect match for PD James' characters, setting, and plot.

Soulful to your bones

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you have ever worked or lived within the Catholic or Anglican seminary systems, you will soar with delight for the memories this story triggers. PD James continues to shine as mistress of mystery, character, and setting.

The narrator Charles Keating deserves an Audie for the audio performance -- deliciously centering, calming, entrancing.

Read it. Listen to it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Death in Holy Orders?

The moment was the entire narration by Mr Keating. A voice of God.

Have you listened to any of Charles Keating’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

The very first, but not the last.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Old Church, New Church -- Who Wins?

a joy to be read to!

pd James is smart, unexpectedly funny and worth ever minute of listening time. order and enjoy.

wonderful reading

Charles Keating,was a wonderful actor and his voice a unique instrument,lending to being able to be engulfed in the story.

The Well Spoken-Written Word

I have greatly enjoyed the works of P. D. James, as read by Charles Keating. In Death in Holy Orders, James truly crafts the scenes and interactions of the characters so that you experience the tale almost as though you are there. Keating's reading, with all of the subtle nuances, accents and inflections were excellent. There are numerous other James titles in audio format. I hope Audible picks them up as well.

Fantastic Mystery

PD James has an uncanny ability to describe things beautifully. Outstanding narrator and brilliant who done it

Great mystery

This wAs my first PD James novel but it won't be my last. Loved the story and the performance. Highly recommend.

Never peaked my interest

Narrator is excellent. The story never got suspenseful. The author switches back-and-forth between first and last names, and that made it hard for me to follow, trying to remember which character had which first and last name. I kept waiting for the story to peak my interest but unfortunately it never did.

First timer

This was my first audiobook crime novel, and it kept me happily entertained for many hours while nursing a sick animal. I found it surprisingly sensitive, intriguing at every turn, so descriptive that I can still SEE the setting, and the plot carrot was always held within reach so I didn't get left behind. It was fun to turn the book off for a while and think about it before going back for more. An engrossing experience.

skillfully read

Terrific book enhanced by Charles Keating's brilliant narration. Keating never gets in the way by over-acting, yet subtly imbues the various characters with distinctive personalities. One of my favorite ever narration jobs.