50 pages • 1 hour read
P. D. JamesAn Unsuitable Job for a Woman
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1972A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by P. D. James follows rookie private investigator Cordelia Gray as she probes the apparent suicide of a young man named Mark Callender, ultimately uncovering his murder. The novel explores themes of deception, identity, and the gender dynamics in a male-dominated profession while Cordelia navigates skepticism and danger to solve the case.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by P. D. James impresses with its compelling protagonist, Cordelia Gray, and intricate plot. Critics admire the novel's atmospheric tension and intellectual depth. However, some find the pacing uneven and the resolution slightly predictable. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that blends mystery with psychological insight.
Who Should Read An Unsuitable Job for a Woman?
Fans of detective fiction and strong female protagonists will enjoy P. D. James's An Unsuitable Job for a Woman. Readers who appreciate the cerebral mystery style of Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd or the intricate plots of Dorothy L. Sayers's Gaudy Night will find this book compelling.