An Unsuitable Job for a Woman

by P D James
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 8623
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781451697766
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2012-04-17
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

An Unsuitable Job for a Woman introduces readers to Cordelia Gray, a fledgling private investigator with a sharp mind and a courageous spirit. When a wealthy father hires her to uncover the truth behind his son's apparent suicide, Cordelia finds herself entangled in a complex web of secrets and lies. As she delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a trail of hidden sins and a strong scent of murder, testing her mettle and determination. /n/n Written by bestselling mystery author P.D. James, this novel is a gripping exploration of human nature and the complexities of crime. Cordelia Gray's first case is a top-rated puzzle of peril that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Reviews
Hastings Libraries · 2021-08-25
satisfying 4.00

The reviewer found the character of Cordelia Gray to be smart and tough, making her a compelling protagonist. They appreciated the book's ability to keep them engaged with its fun and exciting story.

The reviewer highlights the character of Cordelia Gray, describing her as smart and tough, which makes her a compelling protagonist. The story is described as fun and exciting, which kept the reviewer engaged throughout. The prose is also praised, adding to the overall enjoyment of the book. The reviewer notes that the book's strengths lie in its ability to balance a gripping narrative with well-developed characters, making it a satisfying read. The setting and atmosphere are also mentioned as adding depth to the story.

Quick quotes

    Mark seems to have had a fairly loveless life all round, yet still seems to have been a really nice guy.

    Cordelia isn't the only one to suspect.

    The prose alone would have kept me reading, but the story was fun and exciting.

Patrick Treardon · 2020-04-17
impressed 4.00

The reviewer appreciated the book's polished prose and the character of Cordelia Gray, finding the novel to be a strong entry in the mystery genre. They noted the book's ability to balance a gripping narrative with well-developed characters.

The reviewer highlights the book's polished prose, which makes it a pleasure to read. Cordelia Gray, the protagonist, is particularly well-crafted, making her a compelling figure in the mystery genre. The reviewer also praises the book's ability to balance a gripping narrative with well-developed characters, creating a satisfying read. The setting and atmosphere are also noted as strengths, adding depth to the story. Overall, the reviewer finds the book to be a strong entry in the mystery genre, with a well-executed plot and memorable characters.

Quick quotes

    It was a horrible room, ill-proportioned, bookless, furnished not in poor taste but in no taste at all.

    A huge sofa of repellant design and two.

    This is the first PD James novel I've read and I was very impressed.

Sandra Danby · 2017-04-15
satisfying 4.00

The reviewer found the book to be a satisfying read with plenty of twists and mysteries. They appreciated the Seventies college setting in Cambridge, which added to the overall atmosphere of the story.

The reviewer describes the book as a satisfying read, with plenty of twists and mysteries that kept them engaged. The Seventies college setting in Cambridge is particularly praised, as it adds to the overall atmosphere of the story. The reviewer also notes the well-developed characters, which make the narrative compelling. The book's ability to balance a gripping plot with well-crafted characters is highlighted as a strength. The setting and atmosphere are also mentioned as adding depth to the story, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    This is a satisfying read with plenty of twists, mysteries and unexplained behaviour.

    The Seventies college setting in Cambridge – student parties, punting on the river, and the like.

    The prose alone would have kept me reading, but the story was fun and exciting.

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