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P. D. James BBC Radio Drama Collection

Seven Full-Cast Dramatisations

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P. D. James BBC Radio Drama Collection

By: P. D. James
Narrated by: Greta Scacchi, Hugh Grant, full cast, Judi Bowker, Philip Franks, Robin Ellis, Siân Phillips, Richard Derrington
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About this listen

Seven BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations of P. D. James' acclaimed mysteries, plus P. D. James in Her Own Words.

This collection includes:

Cover Her Face

P. D. James' debut novel, introducing her famous detective Adam Dalgliesh. Starring Robin Ellis as Dalgliesh.

A Taste for Death

Dalgliesh investigates when two bodies are found murdered a London church. Starring Richard Derrington as Dalgliesh.

Devices and Desires

Dalgliesh hunts a serial killer in desolate Norfolk. Starring Robin Ellis as Dalgliesh.

A Certain Justice

Dalgliesh probes the murder of a brilliant criminal lawyer. Starring Philip Franks as Dalgliesh.

The Private Patient

Dalgliesh investigates a high-profile murder at an exclusive cosmetic surgery clinic. Starring Richard Derrington as Dalgliesh.

An Unsuitable Job for a Woman

An eminent scientist hires Detective Cordelia Gray to discover why his son committed suicide. Starring Judi Bowker as Cordelia Gray.

The Skull Beneath the Skin

With her life in danger, actress Clarissa Lisle turns to private detective Cordelia Gray. Starring Greta Scacchi as Cordelia Gray.

Among the supporting cast in these classic dramas are Siân Phillips, Hugh Grant, Anna Massey and Geraldine James.

Also included is a bonus audio documentary, P. D. James in Her Own Words, in which the author discusses her professional career and private life.

©2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Crime Thrillers Dramatisations Mystery Thriller & Suspense Funny

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All stars
Most relevant  
I had previously read the books and even so I greatly enjoyed the dramatised stories, the narration and actors are excellent. I also very much enjoyed the interviews with P. D. James at the end of the book, what an admirable woman and writer!

Wonderful dramatisation

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Captivating stories brilliantly portrayed by the actors playing the parts, plus a wonderful bonus of hearing P.D. James in various interesting interviews. I would definitely recommend this audio book.

Excellent Dramatisations

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This is a superb collection of PD Jameses work including seven full cast audio dramatisations of books starring her two most notable characters private investigator Cordelia Gray and detective Adam Dalglish. The books are mainly her earlier works from the 80s and 70s, examples include cover her face, the skull beneath the skin, devices and desires but there are a few of her later works included as well. Audible has included a book by chapter navigation, so you can easily find what you’re looking for by simply tapping the chapters button in the audible app and selecting the play you want to listen to which was something they didn’t do upon release but I’m glad to see fixed. I had many of these on cassette when they were released such as the titles above mentioned however the skull beneath the skin which is by far my favourite play in this collection was not available digitally until now! The bonus interviews and programs at the end of the collection are a nice touch but to be honest PD James was only an author I listened to occasionally; it’s good to have everything the BBC produced in one handsomely presented comprehensive collection. A five star rating from me.

Simply superb!

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Very well played, as preciously read the books so familiar with the stories, most enjoyable

Very well played

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Well narrated and acted
Well written
A wonderful listen and although I've previously read all books by Ruth Rendell this was still gripping and shocking in places. Brilliant stuff!

Excellent

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The books are brought to life and are just the right length. PD James interviews are interesting and worth listening to.

Love These Dramatisations

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Although the main cast does vary a little, each remains true to P D James characters and the plots are skilfully and engagingly conveyed. Touches such as the music choices for each production further enrich the listening experience. A perfect example of the material Audible exists to spread far afield! I only wish that the BBC had produced many more of her works as there is still a huge list of works that have not been so beautifully preserved...

Superb performances of exquisitely crafted pieces!

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I thought they were all really good and well performed. Sometimes I couldn't quite keep up with who each character was and didn't always understand the ending without rewinding a little but I think that's more me not concentrating than the book itself!
I really enjoyed the way it was mini dramas rather than just a book narration as I find it more engaging.
Definitely looking for more dramas to listen to!

Loved it

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Very good adaptations of wonderful plots. Is everything a bit dated, when you come to read them all these years later? Yes. Did I expect that? Yes. Did it detract one ounce from my enjoyment? No, it did not.

Excellent

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But badly put together: no thought of chronological order (unsuitable job for a woman has been stuck after the skull beneath the skin) and edits totally incoherent. Credits are sometimes repeated at the start and end of each episode when put together in one whole recording.

Great collection…

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