Talking about Detective Fiction Audiobook

" James's brief overview of detective fiction at first seems to promise a basic survey of, largely, English entries in the genre, but it turns out to be more a minor, lightly-informative sampling. The book's main value will be to James's fans and to novice readers in the genre, and that value is in some scattered but very substantial insights and a few generous handfuls of places to look for first-rate reads. "

" Although British-cenric, this is still a damn fine read for those interested in how we got from Wilkie Collins to Ian Rankin. P.D. James, it should be noted, is 89, and her powers seem undiminished. "

" Excellent primer on the evolution of detective fiction. Now I have about twenty more books to read as suggested by P.D.James. "

" Very interesting small book from the renowned detective fiction writer, P. D. James. Sort of a history/study of detective fiction, its origins, a review of some its best practitioners - though very heavily oriented to English writers. Interesting how she almost totally ignores Agatha Christie - just a few passing mentions. Obviously, Ms. Christie was not a model for Ms. James. "

" Wonderful book about the Golden Age in mysteries written by the best living- "

" Fascinating - it left me wanting to know more and with a list of books to look for. "

" Enjoyable and witty discussion of detective fiction, mostly the old classics, particularly British ones. I was interested to discover that P.D. James still writes her books by hand and someone else types them up.... "

" interesting overview of the genre "

" Nice quick non-fiction about main themes in mystery literature. More like a long essay, with excellent references. "

" This book was interesting, but it is just such a drag to get through. I have a few group reads coming up, so I have to bail. It did point me to some interesting authors I haven't read. But, I was disappointed with the spoilers. She named the killers in several instances. "

" I lkied this book - even if for no other reason, it lists other authors and books I now want to read. "

" 4.5 stars if I could. A good, quick read surveying the landscape of detective fiction. Some of the chapters are interesting and fun, while others are chock-full of insight (I loved her discussion on the paradoxes inherent in detective fiction). Required reading for any writer of mysteries. "

" A review of the history of (primarily English) detective fiction by a master of the genre. "

" An interesting look 'backstage'... "

" An assured guided tour of detective fiction from Conan Doyle through the Golden Age and up to today's practitioners, given with the contagious enthusiasm and gentle wisdom of Baroness James. "

" Got some good ideas regarding detective fiction books to try. "

" Informative, engaging, and erudite. I laughed out loud a few times from the low-key British humor. A worthwhile read. If I were closing on 90, I wish I would still be able to think and write like P. D. James. "

" I liked this short book describing detective fiction, mainly in a historical context, mainly in a British context. This has convinced me to read some older British detective novels, including James' own. "

" This was a pleasant examination of primarily British detective fiction of the "drawing room murder" variety. Not quite that limited in scope, but along that vein. "

" This is a brief and readable survey of the history and development of detective fiction from one of its masters. "

" The wonderful grande dame of detective fiction speaks eruditely of the genre. "

" LOVED this. A great review of so many titles I need to read and a good survey of the history of this genre. P.D. James is a treasure. "

" Nice quick non-fiction about main themes in mystery literature. More like a long essay, with excellent references. "

" Short and sweet. A survey of detective fiction, how it developed, and its main developers. PD James is over 90 and still writing, which is the most interesting fact about this book. "