I didn't realize this is the first of Dalgliesh's mysteries, and it was fun to be introduced to the character. Formal, empathetic, thorough, Dalgliesh is wonderful detective whom I appreciate for his rigour and kindness. The plot, however, does read like a first timer: whereas I liked to coziness of a traditional mystery contained in time and space, there were artifices, bizarre complexities and ultimately painful prolonged suspens that read like a beginner novel. Thankfully, James's trademark sense of humour carries the book through; nothing like a crisp, witty observation to lighten the mood.
This is definitely not her best but overall I enjoyed myself greatly.

This copy was found in an Ottawa Starbucks

in the library