Maybe I've just changed in my reading tastes, but I did not enjoy this book a whole lot. The murder mystery did not compel me as past books by PD James have done. I liked none of the characters, there was little suspense or engagement. The side story with Emma's friends Annie and Clare -- what was that for, other than to help Dalgliesh realize he might break the law for someone he loved? Any of the philosophical/theological discussions present in other James' novels only comes at the tail end of this story; it was the only mildly intriguing part. However, it seems like that was written first, and the rest of the novel was the background to help the reader understand the lawyer's story, or to give it a context. It would have been better as a short story on its own.

Anyone else notice that as all the more recent stories have been set outside of London, in the countryside? There's a short piece in this book where the character Lettie considers staying at the Manor or touring the world; her nostalgia for London seems to reflect James' own, if the change in novel setting is an indication.

I don't think there will be another Dalgliesh story; all the loose ends have been tied up. An era is over.