Search - Innocent Blood

Adopted as a child, Philippa Palfrey had the best of everything. But at eighteen, she wanted more: the identity of her real parents. Having always fantasized that she was the illegitimate daughter of an aristocrat and a parlor maid, she wasn't prepared for the shocking truth. And she was even less equipped to meet her mother... and rekindle ties that would trigger an event more terrifying than either of them could have imagined... (publisher's synopsis)

Philippa was adopted when she was 8 years old and, due to a trauma, does not remember anything about her biological parents. As soon as she turns 18, she requests this information, and learns that her mother is a convicted killer and due to be released in a few weeks' time. She decides she wants to spend some time with her mother to find out more about herself, and rents an apartment for them to live together for a while. Things get interesting when we learn that the father of the murder victim has been waiting patiently for Philippa's mother's release, because he wants to avenge his daughter's death.

I love the way P.D. James ratches up the tension almost imperceptibly; and even though the main characters are almost all loathsome (great characterizations!) I had to finish this book in one weekend. This one is not the typical who-done-it. As usual, James does not "talk down" to the reader, but in addition to a great story, gives him something to think about. Great book!

a great english murder mystery with a twist