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Innocent Blood  By  cover art

Innocent Blood

By: P. D. James
Narrated by: Penelope Dellaporta
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Publisher's summary

Adopted as a child into a privileged family, Philippa Palfrey fantasizes that she is the daughter of an aristocrat and a parlor maid. The terrifying truth about her parents and a long-ago murder is only the first in a series of shocking betrayals. Philippa quickly learns that those who delve into the secrets of the past must be on guard when long-buried horrors begin to stir.

©2001 P.D. James (P)2009 Random House

Critic reviews

"P.D. James is “the greatest living mystery writer.” (People)

“As a crime novel, [Innocent Blood is] the peak of the art.” (London Times)

“Flawlessly crafted...profoundly, masterfully moving”. (Cosmopolitan)

What listeners say about Innocent Blood

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    86
  • 4 Stars
    52
  • 3 Stars
    31
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    10
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Performance
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  • 4 Stars
    37
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    13
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    2
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Story
  • 4 out of 5 stars
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    67
  • 4 Stars
    34
  • 3 Stars
    24
  • 2 Stars
    12
  • 1 Stars
    8

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent and sad

Excellent story. Drawn to it over issue of adoption. Hoping for another AD story but this was quite a story. Well developed. The last parts were so sad for everyone but I think a well developed story of the human condition and the young. Well done.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Engaging and unique story!

Enjoyed this unusual plot. Unexpected outcome for an engaging story that keeps you expecting else.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Almost good

I've listened to the whole Dalglish series (which I enjoy), as well as some other P.D. James books, and this is not my favorite. If a few things had been changed about the plot, I think it could have been a much more compelling story, with more relatable characters. Also (I don't want to leave any spoilers) but there are elements near the end that are downright disturbing.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Not a Dalgleish

I like the mysteries so much better. Sad and depressing. Those interested in psychology should love it, for it includes so many damaged people.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Listening

The story has so many twists and turns. The pacing is very well done. The ending was a surprise but very satisfying.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

PD James

Love PD James. Sound was inconsistent on recording. The story was either her best work nor her worst.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Hail Mrs. James!! She never lets her readers down.

As expected I was left with a sense of completeness. No unanswered questions, every dark shadow oh humanness she stumbles upon she eventually casts a beam of revealing light. Wow, I thought I found one of her stories that I actually may not enjoy but I must say she keeps me coming back for more. P D James has earned the title of greatest mystery, suspense, fiction and romance novelist all wrapped into one. I give you four stars all around simply because I hope you will continue to outdo the last book of yours I read. Five stars will leave me with no need to search for your next book. Keep them coming,I will buy them.
Allison from Lansdowne, Pa

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Mesmerizing

Innocent Blood offers realistic characters in unusual circumstances.P.D. James outstanding writing drew me in and kept me fascinated. This is one of those books that stays with one a long time. I would have given 5 Stars but for the incest at the end. It served no purpose and infuriated me. Especially since it was treated like it was OK for that self centered man to take advantage of his adopted daughter when she was most vulnerable.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Not Her Best

Would you try another book from P. D. James and/or Penelope Dellaporta?

I love P.D. James! I would try another book by her. However this book was implausible at times. In the end I really didn't enjoy it that much.

Would you recommend Innocent Blood to your friends? Why or why not?

NO, I would not recommend it to my friends. It was too long and not plausible.

Which scene was your favorite?

The father and daughter interaction when it came time to leave.

Was Innocent Blood worth the listening time?

No

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

One of P.D. James Best - I've now read them all!

If you could sum up Innocent Blood in three words, what would they be?

revenge, identity, hope

What was one of the most memorable moments of Innocent Blood?

when Philippa discovers her true history

What about Penelope Dellaporta’s performance did you like?

She is superb! Dellaporta to me is the quintessential P. D. book narrator. I've gotten
others by mistake and it spoiled my enjoyment of an otherwise great story. Her interpretation of characters is never boring or monotone for she makes them come alive.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

What a desire for revenge can do to the human spirit.

Any additional comments?

I will probably re-read this one in time; it is that good!

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3 people found this helpful