An Unsuitable Job for a Woman
1972 • 256 pages
Ratings9
Average rating3.3
15
Ratings9
Average rating3.3
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman introduces bestselling mystery author P.D. James’s courageous but vulnerable young detective, Cordelia Gray, in a “top-rated puzzle of peril that holds you all the way” (The New York Times). Handsome Cambridge dropout Mark Callender died hanging by the neck with a faint trace of lipstick on his mouth. When the official verdict is suicide, his wealthy father hires fledgling private investigator Cordelia Gray to find out what led him to self-destruction. What she discovers instead is a twisting trail of secrets and sins, and the strong scent of murder.
Featured Series
2 primary booksCordelia Gray is a 2-book series with 2 primary works first released in 1972 with contributions by P.D. James.
Reviews with the most likes.
A quick mystery read between other books for relaxation. I recall reading this as a teenager. Cordelia Gray is a rather solemn 24 year old private detective who is left on her own when her older, more experienced business partner dies suddenly. No sooner does she attend his funeral than her first solo case arrives on her doorstep. There are some dated and appalling attitudes described without irony in this book, but otherwise it's an enjoyable English mystery of the slightly gloomy variety.
I was a little disappointed with this novel. I found it rather slow moving with a lot of detailed descriptions that I didn't feel were necessary. Also I found a few plot points a bit unbelievable which definitely detracted from my enjoyment of this mystery.
