Cover Her Face
The first Adam Dalgliesh mystery and James's debut novel.
Author guide
P. D. James Books in Order
P. D. James (1920–2014), born Phyllis Dorothy James White, was an English crime writer whose career began with Cover Her Face in 1962. She wrote fourteen Adam Dalgliesh mysteries, two Cordelia Gray mysteries, three other novels, nonfiction including a co-authored true-crime study and a memoir, a play, and separately published short-fiction collections and stories. She was created Baroness James of Holland Park in 1991.
crime fictiondetective fictionmysterydystopian fictionhistorical fictiontrue crimememoirliterary criticismshort storiesplaywriting
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman
The first Cordelia Gray mystery.
Innocent Blood
A strong standalone crime novel outside the series.
The Children of Men
James's major dystopian standalone novel.
Death Comes to Pemberley
A late standalone historical mystery built around Pride and Prejudice.
Read in order
Books by series
mystery series · completed
Adam Dalgliesh Mysteries
Fourteen crime novels featuring Commander Adam Dalgliesh, a Scotland Yard detective and poet.
- 1 Cover Her FaceAmazon ↗
Book 1 · novel · 1962
- 2
A Mind to MurderAmazon ↗Book 2 · novel · 1963
- 3
Unnatural CausesAmazon ↗Book 3 · novel · 1967
- 4
Shroud for a NightingaleAmazon ↗Book 4 · novel · 1971
- 5
The Black TowerAmazon ↗Book 5 · novel · 1975
- 6
Death of an Expert WitnessAmazon ↗Book 6 · novel · 1977
- 7
A Taste for DeathAmazon ↗Book 7 · novel · 1986
- 8
Devices and DesiresAmazon ↗Book 8 · novel · 1989
- 9
Original SinAmazon ↗Book 9 · novel · 1994
- 10
A Certain JusticeAmazon ↗Book 10 · novel · 1997
- 11
Death in Holy OrdersAmazon ↗Book 11 · novel · 2001
- 12
The Murder RoomAmazon ↗Book 12 · novel · 2003
- 13
The LighthouseAmazon ↗Book 13 · novel · 2005
- 14
The Private PatientAmazon ↗Book 14 · novel · 2008
mystery series · completed
Cordelia Gray Mysteries
Two detective novels featuring private investigator Cordelia Gray.
Outside the series
