P. D. James (1920 – 2014) was a British crime novelist best known for her detective series featuring Adam Dalgliesh. Her intricate plots, psychological depth, and literary style elevated detective fiction, earning her global recognition. Over her six-decade career, she published numerous bestsellers, including Cover Her Face (1962) and The Children of Men (1992), which was later adapted into a film.
Born Phyllis Dorothy James in Oxford, she left school at 16 to support her family. She later worked in the British civil service, including positions in the criminal justice system, which influenced her writing. Her husband, an army doctor, struggled with mental illness, further shaping the themes of justice and morality in her novels.
James gained widespread acclaim, becoming a life peer in the House of Lords in 1991. Her works often explored closed communities, such as barristers' chambers and hospitals, reflecting her deep knowledge of British institutions. She was a devoted Anglican and a patron of the Prayer Book Society.
Her legacy as a master of crime fiction endures, with her books still widely read and adapted for television. A meticulous storyteller, she remains one of Britain’s most celebrated mystery writers.