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  • A Certain Justice

  • By: P. D. James
  • Narrated by: Daniel Weyman
  • Length: 14 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (453 ratings)
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A Certain Justice cover art

A Certain Justice

By: P. D. James
Narrated by: Daniel Weyman
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Summary

An Adam Dalgliesh mystery.

In A Certain Justice, the tenth Adam Dalgliesh mystery from P. D. James, the commander is drawn into the treacherous legal world of London when a distinguished criminal lawyer is brutally murdered.

Venetia Aldridge QC is a distinguished barrister. When she agrees to defend Garry Ashe, accused of the brutal murder of his aunt, it is one more opportunity to triumph in her career as a criminal lawyer. But just four weeks later, Miss Aldridge is found dead.

Commander Adam Dalgliesh, called in to investigate, finds motives for murder among the clients Venetia has defended, her professional colleagues, her family - even her lover.

As Dalgliesh narrows the field of suspects, a second brutal murder draws them into greater complexities of intrigue and evil.

P. D. James (1920-2014) was a best-selling and internationally acclaimed crime writer. She was the creator of Adam Dalgliesh and Cordelia Gray and their long and successful series of mysteries. Her works include Cover Her Face (1962), An Unsuitable Job for a Woman (1972), Innocent Blood (1980), The Children of Men (1992), and the Jane Austen-inspired Death Comes to Pemberley (2011).

James was born in Oxford in 1920. She won awards for crime writing in Britain, America, Italy, and Scandinavia, including the Mystery Writers of America Grandmaster Award. She received honorary degrees from seven British universities, was awarded an OBE in 1983, and created a life peer in 1991. In 1997 she was elected president of the Society of Authors and stood down from this role in 2013.

©2014 Faber & Faber (P)2014 Faber & Faber

Critic reviews

"P. D. James is one of the national treasures of British Fiction." ( Mail on Sunday)
"Fiendishly clever.… An accomplished performance by a leader in her field." ( Sunday Times)

What listeners say about A Certain Justice

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

My favourite AD novel so far. Comp!ex and nuanced

I came quite late to P.D.James, and am really enjoying Weyman's narrations.
The plots are always complex and the characters nuanced and likable in some way no matter who they are or what they've done. The characters are set up and introduced independently and beautifully. Subtly and not so subtly, James ensures everyone appears to have strong motive and means, but it never feels contrived. Beautifully done. Quite an art. Like a more complex Agathe Christie!
This book is particularly good in this way. Don't be put off if you are not keen on legal/court room stuff, there is not really that much of it here considering.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Certain Genius for writing thrillers.

Loved the plot, as ever James’ s sure hand at striking the right balance between a challenging plot, perfect length to keep the listener engaged and hoping to reach correct conclusions. The assured author who remained committed to writing thrillers with intellectual, cultural and other references to keep the Opera, Artist, lawyer as satisfied as the readers who are not interested in finding these unobtrusive touches. Daniel Weyman reads beautifully as ever, keeping the pace going yet allowing the passages where the plot is recapitulated given without a sense of repetitive


Pprecap’of the story passages

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • CM
  • 15-08-20

Perfect!

I read this book many years ago and this audio book only added to my enjoyment this time round. Daniel Wayman has a beautiful voice and is the perfect narrator. P D James is the most amazing writer, this book is beautifully written and the plot is taut ,unexpected and of it’s time. A wonderful insight into barristers and Inns of court before technology and the internet . No mobile phones in this book to spoil the plot !

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

P.D James and Daniel Weyman - listening heaven!

This is an interesting departure from the usual suspect being detected and arrested. Some very unlikeable characters feature in a well plotted and satisfying tale of disfunctional relationships.

The exceptional narrating from Daniel Weyman, combined with excellent writing, make this a five star listen. Thoroughly recommended for all who/why-dunnit fans!

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Revisiting an old favourite

Having read all of P.D. James in print form it is great to find an old friend in a new format. This is one of her best. Great characters and intricate plotting. The superb narration demonstrates the quality of her writing perfectly. Daniel Weyman has a voice of just the right timbre for the text and his crystal clear diction and excellent pacing make for a great listening experience. If you are new to P.D. James you are in for a treat.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

perfect reading performance

great characterisations of all characters. the performance is outstanding. together with the skillful writing it is a great pleasure to listen to.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Improved as the book progressed

struggling to keep abreast of all background characters at times but 2nd half easy to follow

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

P D James A certain justice

Very disappointing. Action in court would no happen. Some parts of the story are good but the story fades out.Not worth savng to read again

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A surprising story

Kept me enthralled to the end. Very well read I always enjoy this series of books

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Still very good

Well performed and beautifully written but starting to age. The precious appreciation of art, class, etc. Reflect back on a recent time that seems very long ago.
Still very enjoyable.

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3 people found this helpful