A Taste for Death was described as James's most ambitious work. Devices and Desires is shorter, less complex, and more homogeneous, showing a basic middleclass structure. The issues however, if somewhat contrived, are very contemporary, such as the terrorist element. The family issues are convincing, since they spring from James's own experience. As in the preceding novel, James shows more sensitivity to women's issue, presenting contemporary women who are the equal of men.

Susie Rickards, who chose to abandon her career for marriage, is presented as an exception.

Dalgliesh has again matured since previous novels. He is more controlled, sympathetic, and understanding. Here he is looking for solitude but is disturbed by a murder he literally stumbles upon. He does however allow Investigator Rickards to develop his own case without interfering, although with his experience and intelligence, he is able to see elements unknown to his...