Reviews for Shroud for a Nightingale (Adam Dalgliesh Series #4)

The average rating for Shroud for a Nightingale (Adam Dalgliesh Series #4) based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2016-05-01 00:00:00 Amy Thigpen This is the fourth book in the Adam Dalgliesh series. I have recently been re-reading these novels and, although I have enjoyed the previous books, this certainly represents a seeming increase in ability and confidence in the writing and storyline. "Shroud for a Nightingale," is set in a nurse training school and P D James worked for the NHS for many years, so it is an environment she would have been extremely familiar with. The story begins with Miss Muriel Beale, an Inspector who is setting out for the day of the John Carpendar Hospital inspection. Her first impression, on arriving at the impressive Nightingale House, is that it is highly unsuitable for a nurse training school. However, the inspection begins with a demonstration by the student nurses and, during this, there is a death. When another student nurse is killed, Adam Dalgliesh is called in to solve the crimes. This is an assured mystery, with a closed community and a great cast of characters; from the arrogant surgeon, Mr Stephen Courtney Briggs to super efficient matron, Mary Taylor and the Sisters and Nurses who live and work in Nightingale House. There is little privacy in Nightingale House and Dalgliesh soon gets to hear of the affairs, petty squabbles and secrets that abound in the hospital. As he delves into the past of the inhabitants of Nightingale House, he uncovers the truth, and James gives us an assured, intelligent mystery with a great range of suspects and motives.

Review # 2 was written on 2020-04-04 00:00:00 Elizabeth Lazarz [a hidden Nazi! And such a cliched one that I guessed who it was as soon as the Nazi trial was mentioned. It's a sobering reminder of how close the 70s were to the aftermath of WW2 though. (hide spoiler)]