CRIME
Murder on an island
NIMI KURIAN
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Despite minor changes, the novel is still vintage P.D. James.
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The Lighthouse; P.D. James, Penguin India
WITH The Lighthouse, P.D. James once again does not disappoint. Set on an island off the Cornish coast, the story revolves around a group of people who live there — either permanently or temporarily. Not everyone can hope to stay on Combe Island. It is an elite resort and all its residents are important people and bring with them a host of personal problems. But one thing all of them agree on is that they want their privacy.
The island itself has a bloody history dating back to the 16th century when pirates used it freely. This island is a legacy from the family of Holcombes who were once wealthy but were financially crippled by the war. The last surviving member of the family — Emily Holcombe — is a resident at Combe Island.
The terms and conditions of eligibility to be on the island are strict and worded so that it leaves no room for doubt:
For men who undertake the dangerous and arduous business of exercising high responsibility in the service of the Crown and of their country, whether in the armed forces, politics, science, industry or the arts, and who require a restorative period of solitude, silence and peace.
Motive
It is in this privileged place that a murder takes place. Nathan Oliver, the famous author likened to Henry James, is found killed. Everyone on the island has a motive — everyone disliked the man. And almost any one of them could have murdered him.
Commander Adam Dalgliesh arrives with his team — Kate Miskin and Francis Benton-Smith.
James sets a different tone, with AD's arrival on Combe Island — this time the poet-detective is pre-occupied. He fears he is growing old and it could be time for him to "pop the question" to Emma Lavenham.
The police team set to work with serious handicaps. They can only ask questions not delve too deep, as the people here are too important and hence cannot be offended; but not many answers are forthcoming. Then there is an attack of SARS and another murder.
The pace quickens and just when you think the murderer is about to get caught, AD himself comes down with the dreaded SARS.
Most of the investigation then falls on Miskin and Benton-Smith. Though these two do a lot of work on their own, ultimately it is Dalgliesh who, lying in his sick bed, cracks the puzzle and discovers the murderer.
Dalgliesh is portrayed in a different light — on the sick bed, wandering thoughts, regret at not having told Emma he loves her and in moments of lucidity, trying to solve the crime. James adds an unusual dimension to the investigation by causing Dalgliesh to fall ill. She builds around him a strong team, able to work under pressure, without leadership and at the same time companionably.
The plot shapes up slowly, unerringly, adding twists that keep you on hold. Her introduction of the characters — both the new and the familiar — is remarkable.
An exciting novel, she brings the pieces of the puzzle together skilfully.
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