Devices and Desires

Apart from the intricate plots, which arrest readers' attention, James's novels offer shrewd philosophical observations about life and penetrating insights into human emotions and behavior. These elements of her writing turn murder mysteries, a form of literature designed to mainly provide people with entertainment, into high quality reading. The author breathes life into her stories through the vividness of descriptions and enables readers to become invisible observers of people and events. She successfully captures the multiple facets of her characters' personalities. "Villains" in James's novels are never decernably bad people but, like all the others, complex individuals capable of the acts of good and evil. In most murder mysteries, the fascinating process of discovering the criminal takes precedence over the emotional aspect of the crime itself. Murder becomes a mere word deprived of its horrible meaning. However, at no point during my reading of James's novels, do I feel indifferent to the victims and perpertraitors. As the investigations unfold, the author involves readers into the inner circles of the characters' lives, personalities, and feelings. This is a unique approach which sets James apart from many other writers of the genre. It is a treat to read the author's descriptions of nature. Readers can see the landscapes unfold in their mental vision, smell the air, and feel its movements. Through these descriptions, James gives presentiments of the upcoming events and explores individuals' moods and personalities. This book(as I have read six of her others)is one of my favorite novels. It evokes introspection and broadens the understanding of aspects of reality beyond just "who dun it".

This is only the second P.D. James book that I have read. In my first read, I completely fell for Commander Adam Dalgliesh of the New Scotland Yard, a sensitive detective with a poetic soul and a tragic past. 'Devices and Desires', however, does not focus on Dalgliesh. While he is settling his late aunt's estate in Norfolk, he must sit on the sidelines as Inspector Rickards tries to solve the murders that keep occuring in the small, closeknit community of Larksoken. The story begins with a brilliant introduction of a killing in the making. We get to see the serial killer, The Whistler, at work as he tracks his latest victim and kills her. Upon arriving at Larksoken, which has as its backyard the controversial atomic power station, Dalgliesh finds himself a sounding board for Inspector Rickards and is slowly drawn into the mystery surrounding the inhabitants of the town. Throughout the course of the novel numerous characters are introduced. They are well-rounded and vividly drawn, and when a copy-cat murder strikes too close to home, they are even further developed through their alibis and lies. Since this is not Dalgliesh's case, he does not play a large role in the novel. We are told the story through every characters' eyes and must try to piece together a mystery so tightly woven with tasteful clues spread throughout; the reader will almost feel like one of the inspectors trying to crack the case. In the end, however, Dalgliesh cannot remain on the sidelines and involves himself with solving the case. P.D. James has a brilliant knack for creating characters who seem to come alive and her skills at spinning webs of suspense are to be admired. She keeps her readers guessing until the end; and even if the end may seem a little contrived at times, Ms. James recognizes this and has a little laugh at our/her expense.

Very good! It kept me guessing "who done it" until the very end and I still was surprised. Lots of twists and turns in the plot but easy to stay with all that's happening.

One of P.D. James' best mysteries, DEVICES AND DESIRES features Commander Adam Dalgliesh in an unofficial role, although his character still plays a significant role in the story. The novel has a chilling beginning involving the Whistler, a notorious strangler who has been ravaging the Norfolk countryside; however, since James writes classical English mysteries, the identity of the serial killer is the least interesting question. When the Whistler's latest victim surfaces, evidence shows that Hilary Robarts, who had plenty of enemies, was killed by not by the serial killer but by a person who tried to make circumstances appear that way. This is a clever twist that automatically places suspicion on a closed circle of suspects, whom James probes with her remarkable gift for character development. As the novel progresses, the plot twists are even more ingenious.DEVICES AND DESIRES is not totally faultless. James' characters can at times be extremely wordy, using vocabulary so advanced that it seems improbable to realistic conversation. There is one scene with a beggar who practically utilizes every word in the dictionary in one sentence. Also, the complex solution, which is a great throwback to the days of such Golden Age writers as Agatha Christie, is slightly contrived. The novel's final climax, which I will scrupulously refrain from disclosing, seems at times melodramatic and stagy.But the novel's flaws do not detract from its overall enjoyability. As usual, James' characterizations are first-rate. Her literary style of writing is a bonus in itself. Her plotting is skillful, and her setting, the lonely coast of England, provides a moody atmosphere that is the perfect backdrop for her story. The social and humane issues she presents, including the morality of using nuclear power, are thought- provoking. DEVICES AND DESIRES is a beautifully tailored novel and an enjoyable read, proving once more P.D. James' skill at crafting both an intriguing mystery and a fine novel.

I loved this book. I was in the middle of the story and lost it in my travels. It was such a gripping tale that I backtracked and found it so I could finish it. The several plot lines were very well written and intertwined. The story raced toward the finish and I could not figure out who done it until the police did. The book also presented an interesting contrast between English countryside and the presence of nuclear power. A terrific book and one that readers can discuss forever.