The Lighthouse

Author:P.D. James

List Price:$25.95 

Pages: 352

Publisher: Knopf (November 22, 2005)

Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.7 x 1.4

ISBN:030726291X   

Together with Ruth Rendell, P.D. James is one of the most famous British mystery writers. Born in 1920, she worked in the North West Regional Hospital Board in London from 1949 to 1968 and then as home office principal in the police department until 1972 when she moved to the criminal policy department. She retired in 1979. Her first novel, Cover her face published in 1962, featured Scotland Yard man Adam Dalgliesh. However unlike most series, James seems to use her main character just for the needs of the story and not vice versa. She has also written two books starring PI Cordelia Gray but her most successful novel to date is her non-series book Innocent Blood. P. D. James has won many awards: Silver Dagger 1971 for Shroud for a Nightingale; Silver Dagger 1975 for The Black Tower; Silver Dagger 1986 and International Macavity Award for Best Novel in 1987 for A Taste for Death; Diamond Dagger 1987; Grand Master Award 1999. In 1983 she was named Officer of the Order of the British Empire. PD James has also recently been nominated peer in the House of Lords taking the name of Baroness James of Holland Park. She is a widow and has two children.