The smell of death

The detective story The Smell of Death was published in 1986, so it doesn't feature modern technological advances such as mobile phones, computers or the latest findings in forensic science, and the procedures of the crime scene may seem somewhat naive. But there are things that do not change over time. Human passions, desires, selfish wishes and the willingness to pursue them at any cost remain the motivation for terrible acts regardless of the times.

P. D. In this book, James takes us into high politics. As a life member of the House of Lords, she knew the environment well. Why would a successful minister and potential prime ministerial candidate give up his political career overnight? Is there any truth to the tabloid gossip about the mysterious deaths of two young women in his vicinity? And who would benefit from his downfall and death? An unfaithful wife and her lover, or a freeloading brother-in-law? The daughter and her leftist cell? The strange housekeeper of his equally strange mother? Political collaborators or rivals? Or is everything different?

Detective Dalgliesh and his new subordinate Kate must untangle this tangle of questions. The investigation leads them from the poor parish of Paddington to the highest circles. You have to tread carefully, because the media is lying in wait for every mistake. And not just the media. A man who has killed at least once will not hesitate to strike a second time. And the investigators themselves may be in danger.