The setting is an isolated island off the coast of Cornwall where guests have the option of total isolation with meals delivered. Interaction with the staff is not recommended unless initiated by the guests. There are 3 guests on the island, a researcher using primates in the quest to cure Parkinson’s Disease, who feels that he is being targeted as an inhumane, arrogant, bastard in the latest novel being written by a second guest, Nathan Oliver, and wants to make his displeasure known. The third guest is an ailing diplomat who also wants to discuss something with Mr. Oliver.

The touching parts of this book make me wonder if I am seeing into the heart of P.D. James. There is discussion at great length about being a novelist and about the fear of aging and deteriorating mentally. Nathan Oliver’s last novel wasn’t as good as most, but his copy editor spent the crucial months in hospital. Is Oliver really responsible for the greatness of his credited work? I wonder if the author was tipping her hat to the hard work that others put into her creations, no matter what the degree.

I loved the narration. I was able to put a face with each character because there was a different voice and personality for each one. The range is extreme: an 85-year old woman, a 19-year-old girl, middle aged and elderly men; London, Cornish, and German accents; fear, grief, pleasure, satisfaction. Mr. Keating’s narration enriches the experience of the story, which is great on its own!

The plot is logical and the scenery detailed; the characters are deep and well developed. I suspected the correct murderer at the beginning, but quickly dismissed the idea. Even with the odds against it, I picked the wrong person and stuck with her. Only P.D. James can make me do that.