Discover books similar to "Original Sin"

Original Sin cover

P.D. James

Original Sin

3.91

Part of "Adam Dalgliesh" series

In "Original Sin," P.D. James masterfully weaves together a complex and suspenseful tale of murder, power, and manipulation in the world of publishing. The story revolves around the murder of a controversial author, Richard Eliot, who is found dead in his locked office at Peverell Press, a respected but financially struggling publishing house. The investigation is led by Commander Adam Dalgliesh, a poet and experienced detective, who must navigate the web of relationships and secrets among the staff at Peverell Press to uncover the truth. The novel is a classic example of James's ability to create a vivid and atmospheric setting, in this case, the old and crumbling building of Peverell Press, which serves as a metaphor for the state of the publishing industry and the characters who work there. The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, each with their own secrets and motivations, making it difficult for the reader to guess who the murderer is until the very end. One of the strengths of "Original Sin" is James's exploration of the themes of power, ambition, and the corrupting influence of money. The characters are all struggling for power and control, whether it is over the publishing house, their careers, or their personal lives. The murder of Richard Eliot serves as a catalyst for these struggles to come to a head, resulting in a tense and thrilling climax. James also explores the relationship between art and commerce, as the staff at Peverell Press grapple with the financial realities of the publishing industry while trying to uphold their artistic ideals. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where the value of art is often measured in financial terms. In conclusion, "Original Sin" is a brilliant and thought-provoking novel that combines a gripping murder mystery with insightful social commentary. James's masterful storytelling and richly drawn characters make this a must-read for fans of crime fiction and literary fiction alike.

List of books similar to "Original Sin":

The Collector cover

John Fowles

The Collector

If you enjoyed the exploration of obsession and power in 'Original Sin', you might like 'The Collector'. This novel is a psychological thriller about a lonely man who kidnaps a woman he has been obsessing over.

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Cover Her Face cover

P.D. James

Cover Her Face

If you enjoyed 'Original Sin', you might like to explore more of P.D. James' work. 'Cover Her Face' is James' first novel, featuring her famous detective Adam Dalgliesh. Like 'Original Sin', it combines a complex plot with insightful character studies.

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The Daughter of Time cover

Josephine Tey

The Daughter of Time

If you enjoyed the historical aspects of 'Original Sin', you might like 'The Daughter of Time'. In this novel, detective Alan Grant becomes fascinated by the historical figure of Richard III, exploring the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower.

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The Moonstone cover

Wilkie Collins

The Moonstone

'The Moonstone' is a classic mystery novel that, like 'Original Sin', combines multiple narrators with a complex plot. It's considered one of the first detective novels in the English language.

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The Nine Tailors cover

Dorothy L. Sayers

The Nine Tailors

If you enjoyed the mystery and the country setting of 'Original Sin', you might like 'The Nine Tailors'. This Lord Peter Wimsey novel is set in an English village and features a complex plot involving a stolen necklace and a corpse in the church tower.

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The Big Sleep cover

Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep

If you enjoyed the noir elements of 'Original Sin', you might like 'The Big Sleep'. This is a classic hard-boiled detective novel, featuring Philip Marlowe, a private detective investigating a blackmail case.

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The Luminaries cover

Eleanor Catton

The Luminaries

If you enjoyed the complex plot and multiple narrators of 'Original Sin', you might like 'The Luminaries'. This Man Booker Prize-winning novel is a mystery set in 19th century New Zealand, with a large cast of characters and a complex narrative structure.

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The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency cover

Alexander McCall Smith

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

If you enjoyed the detective elements of 'Original Sin', you might like 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency'. This novel is a gentle, warm-hearted mystery set in Botswana, featuring Precious Ramotswe, the first female detective in the country.

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The Name of the Rose cover

Umberto Eco

The Name of the Rose

If you enjoyed the historical and theological aspects of 'Original Sin', you might like 'The Name of the Rose'. This novel is a historical mystery set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, featuring a Franciscan friar and his young apprentice investigating a series of murders.

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The Secret History cover

Donna Tartt

The Secret History

If you enjoyed the exploration of sin and morality in 'Original Sin', you might like 'The Secret History'. This novel is a psychological thriller about a group of classics students at a New England college who become involved in a murder.

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