The Private Patient

By: P. D. James

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Cheverell Manor is a lovely old house in deepest Dorset, now a private clinic belonging to the famous plastic surgeon George Chandler-Powell. When investigative journalist Rhoda Gradwyn arrived there one late autumn afternoon, scheduled to have a disfiguring and long-standing facial scar removed, she had every expectation of a successful operation and a pleasant week recuperating.

Two days later she was dead, the victim of murder.

To Commander Adam Dalgliesh, who with his team is called in to investigate the case, the mystery at first seems absolute. Few things about it make sense. Yet as the detectives begin probing the lives and backgrounds of those connected with the dead woman—the surgeon, members of the manor staff, close acquaintances—suspects multiply all too rapidly. New confusions arise, including strange historical overtones of madness and a lynching 350 years in the past. Then there is a second murder, and Dalgliesh finds himself confronted by issues even more challenging than innocence or guilt.

P. D. James has gained an enviable reputation for creating detective stories of uncommon depth and intricacy, combined with the sort of humanity and perceptiveness found only in the finest novelists. The Private Patient ranks among her very best.©2008 P.D. James; (P)2008 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Brilliant. . . . A jewel in [James's] crown." —Pittsburg-Post Gazette

"No one is better than James at maintaining this tension between the cozy and the frightful." —The Washington Post

"[James is] a master. . . . Nothing is as it first appears." —The Boston Globe

"[I]intricately plotted and suspenseful.... James' clear-eyed, often sardonic prose describes rooms and people exactly as she sees them." —Providence Journal

"Elegant . . . compelling. . . . Continues the James tradition. . . . She comfortably tackles timeless concerns." —Chicago Tribune

"The ghost of literature past haunts P.D. James' newest novel. . . . The novel's pointed descriptions, its gothic settings, and its theme exploring the insidious legacies of family and class violence suggest Charles Dickens may have rested a hand on James' shoulder while she wrote this terrific literary mystery." —Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"James is a wonderful writer." —Chicago Sun-Times

"James is in excellent form. . . . [She] offers her readers intelligence, wisdom, dry humor, knowledge both deep and wide-ranging, humanity, compassion, understanding and a wonderful way with words. . . . James is one of Britain's greatest living writers." —St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Great cozy mystery if you love PD James.

Would you listen to The Private Patient again? Why?

Yes - it's plot and characters are complex enough that a second or third listen could be enjoyed. PD James has a wonderful way with words and I always add to my dictionary when reading her.

Which character – as performed by Rosalyn Landor – was your favorite?

She was good with all the characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It is too long for that one sitting but makes you want to get back to it right away.

Any additional comments?

PD James is my absolute favourite mystery author and this read was great. I have tried to listen to Penelope Dellaportia's reads but they fall far short of the mark so it was pleasant to find a good reader attached to one of the Queen of Crime's books! Please make more!

Her last Dalgleish

a wonderful read. While I so enjoy listening to this book over and over again, I feel a sadness that there will be no more.

The wedding

I liked the story ; however, I was disappointed that the wedding was an after thought. I was expecting Adam to have some deep thoughts about the marriage and his job.

Very British

Great narration, interesting premise for a "closed room" murder mystery, but endlessly drawn out descriptions sucked any suspense out of the story.

Great twists!

Always a good story. Great narration voices and plots twists that keep you engaged. Enjoy!