Under orders to do more resting this week, I plowed through a bunch of novels I’ve been dying to read. This is the perfect atmosphere for a classic British mystery, my favorite kind.

Today, I’m returning to my favorite mystery author and famous detective: P.D. James and Adam Dahlgleish. In my humble opinion, this is the best and most intelligent of all the great British mystery series.

James died a few years ago, so I’m forced to go backward. I don’t remember reading this one, but I’m sure I did.  It doesn’t matter. I’ve forgotten who did it.

This one is set in a religious collage; one of the students is found dead by the water below the college. I love the feel and atmosphere of this book; it is perfect to tackle in a weekend where I need to be inside. I found this 1961 book in a library’s used bookstore for $5—all the sweeter. It’s in perfect condition.

James’ stories are intelligent, and she plays fair. If you try, you can figure out the killer, but I don’t. I would instead let her do it and trust Inspector Dalgleish, an accomplished poet and a brilliant detective. If the lights are on, I’m starting it tonight after the storm—time for Tylenol.