Sleep No More: Six Murderous Tales by P.D. James

P. D. James, renowned as the 'Queen of Crime,' showcases her mastery of the short story form in 'Sleep No More.' This collection brings together six suspenseful tales, each centered around the dark motive of revenge. From bullying schoolmasters meeting their fate to an octogenarian exacting retribution from his nursing home, James crafts motives and scenarios with complete conviction. The punishments inflicted on the guilty are severe, but they are meted out by the unseen forces of natural justice rather than the institutions of the law. Each story concludes with a satisfying twist, demonstrating James's expert control of the genre./n/nThe six murderous tales in 'Sleep No More' unfold with deep psychological insight, blending motifs of the Golden Age of crime-writing with modern suspense. James's ability to create gripping, suspenseful narratives is on full display, making this collection a must-read for fans of crime fiction. The stories are published together for the first time, offering readers a unique opportunity to delve into the mind of one of the greatest crime writers of our time.

Reviews

Bookmarks Reviews · 2026-02-21

Excellent 4.50

The stories are intelligent, beautifully written, and often surprising, with a darkly humorous edge. They are a great addition to the crime genre.

P.D. James's collection of short stories is a standout in the crime genre. Each tale is intelligently crafted, with a beautifully written narrative that keeps readers engaged. The stories are often surprising, with twists and turns that add to their appeal. There's a darkly humorous edge to many of the tales, which adds a unique flavor to the collection. James's ability to create memorable characters and compelling plots is evident throughout. These stories are a great addition to any crime lover's library, offering a mix of intelligence, beauty, and surprise.

Quick quotes

The stories collected here are variously surprising, sardonic and darkly humorous, and are always intelligent and beautifully written.

As much as any crime fiction, these stories are a great addition to the genre.

James's ability to create memorable characters and compelling plots is evident throughout.

Sherlocked Sharon · Sharon · 2020-12-24

Brilliant 4.75

Every story in this anthology packs a powerful punch with a brilliant twist to the ending. The writing is engaging and the twists are satisfying.

Sharon's review of P.D. James's anthology highlights the powerful impact of each story. Every tale in this collection delivers a satisfying twist, making it a compelling read. The writing is engaging, and the twists are well-crafted, leaving readers with a sense of satisfaction. Sharon appreciates the variety of settings and characters, which add depth to the stories. The anthology is a great choice for those who enjoy mystery and suspense, with each story offering a unique and memorable experience. The powerful punches and brilliant twists make this collection a standout.

Quick quotes

Every story in this anthology packs a powerful punch with a brilliant twist to the ending.

The writing is engaging and the twists are satisfying.

The variety of settings and characters adds depth to the stories.

Fictionophile · 2017-12-07

Mixed 3.00

The collection offers a mix of atmospheric settings and compelling narratives, though some stories may feel less impactful than others. The writing is engaging, but the overall experience is somewhat uneven.

This collection of short stories by P.D. James is a delightful read for mystery enthusiasts. The settings are atmospheric, particularly the Cotswold manor in one of the tales, which adds a layer of intrigue. The narratives are compelling, with each story offering a unique perspective on murder and its consequences. However, some stories may feel less impactful compared to others, making the overall experience somewhat uneven. The writing is engaging, and James's ability to craft suspenseful scenes is evident throughout. While not every story will leave a lasting impression, the collection is a solid addition to any mystery lover's library.

Quick quotes

A mediocre mystery novelist tells the story of how his uncle, Victor Mickledore, was murdered one Christmas Eve in an atmospheric Cotswold manor.

The collection offers a mix of atmospheric settings and compelling narratives.

The writing is engaging, but the overall experience is somewhat uneven.

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