Cover Her Face (2009) by P.D. James, illustrated by Jonathan Burton and published by the Folio Society, is a exquisite edition of the author’s debut novel—a cornerstone of modern British crime fiction. This meticulously crafted volume presents James’s 1962 whodunit in all its chilling elegance, following the murder of Sally Jupp, a cunning housemaid with secrets, at the aristocratic Martingale manor. Detective Adam Dalgliesh’s first case unfolds with razor-sharp prose, exposing class tensions, hidden desires, and the rot beneath English gentility.
Jonathan Burton’s illustrations amplify the novel’s atmosphere, capturing the claustrophobic grandeur of the setting and the psychological depth of its characters through evocative, period-style artwork. The Folio Society’s production values—full cloth binding, gold foil detailing, and premium paper—make this a visual and tactile delight.
A triumph of both mystery writing and bookmaking, this edition is a must for collectors of crime classics, showcasing James’s genius and Burton’s artistry in perfect harmony.
