Death in Holy Orders (2001) is a crime novel by noted British novelist PD James (1920-2014).

The setting is a Church of England theological college, Saint Anselm’s, which trains Anglican priests. Saint Anselm’s is located on a cliff along the Suffolk coast.

There are 3 Care Experienced characters in the story – Ronald Treves, an adoptee; Raphael Arbuthnot, who was abandoned at Saint Anselm’s as a baby; and Kate Miskin, who was raised by her grandmother.

Ronald Treves and Raphael Arbuthnot are ordinands or trainee priests; Kate Miskin is a police office with the Metropolitan police.

The police, let by Adam Dalgliesh (who features in 14 of James’ novels), is investigating the brutal murder of a visiting archdeacon.

*Spoiler Alert* None of the Care Experienced characters are murderers.