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cubist_tubist's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Suicide
meghaha's review against another edition
2.0
I was disappointed by this book because the reputation of Sayers is such that I was expecting something special, when this book (the first I've read by her) was merely ordinary. I have to admit Sayers writes some very witty dialogue, but that's not enough for me to love a book, and she compares unfavorably with Wodehouse. On the whole, this novel felt like it was a very thin surface, with nothing underneath. That last sentence probably sounds I'm dismissing this book out of highbrow pretensions about 'literature', but what I mean is that there was a lack of any heart, or dimensionality. The reason it felt quite so thin, I think, is because the book consisted almost entirely of dialogue/conversations. It reads quickly for this reason, but the end effect was as if I was at listening to some witty, clever person telling me an amusing yet empty story that I'd smile and nod at during the moment, but which would glancingly fly out of my brain the moment she stopped talking. Which is not exactly what I want to feel about a murder mystery. I suppose I can't complain that I guessed early on who did it, since probably time has been unkind to the originality of the plot. Another thing is, I didn't like how the supporting characters ingratiated themselves with witnesses, pretending to offer friendship to some rather lonely-seeming figures in order to milk them for information, rather then just being upfront about their role as detectives. Using people, even for a 'noble' cause, is still using them.
ETA: On further thought, I'd like to add that Wimsey, supposedly a very 'likable' character, irritated me. The whole premise: rich lord goes to a trial, falls in love with the accused, and then pompously decides he'll investigate on his own based on romantic feelings (except mostly he just gets his employees or persuades people in lower social classes to do his work for him) is not a very appealing one. It may be because I started with Strong Poison, but I was unimpressed by how unprofessional and casual the Wimsey is as detective, and how he gets to flounce about and do as he likes just because he is a rich noble and not because of (at least in this book) any demonstrated merit of his own. Like I said, kind of irritating. Whoops.
ETA: On further thought, I'd like to add that Wimsey, supposedly a very 'likable' character, irritated me. The whole premise: rich lord goes to a trial, falls in love with the accused, and then pompously decides he'll investigate on his own based on romantic feelings (except mostly he just gets his employees or persuades people in lower social classes to do his work for him) is not a very appealing one. It may be because I started with Strong Poison, but I was unimpressed by how unprofessional and casual the Wimsey is as detective, and how he gets to flounce about and do as he likes just because he is a rich noble and not because of (at least in this book) any demonstrated merit of his own. Like I said, kind of irritating. Whoops.
zbmorgan's review against another edition
4.0
Still delightful, Sayers is one of the queens of Golden age mystery, and her characters are fantastic, but a bit more backstory helps. So much time is spent on the investigation in this one, it won’t really fly as a stand alone. Read them in order!
lastbraincell's review against another edition
4.0
My first Sayers. What fun! The language is a delight. Really thrust me into the time and place of the novel. Lord Peter is such a character, and the ladies of his Cattery are no slouches either. They had me cheering for them as they went about their missions. And Bunter! I fell into like at first sight for most of the cast. I look forward to seeing more of Harriet Vane. If she's turned him goopy, she must really be something else.
andreacpowers's review against another edition
I read all of these a long time ago.
loudrianvs's review against another edition
4.0
Had to switch to the BBC radio adaptation in order to finish this novel on time. But what a great and true-to-the-novel adaptation!
booksinbedinthornhill's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
3.5/5 - It was fun to read this piece of 'golden era' detective fiction. Even though the protagonist and key sleuth is an aristocratic male (Lord Peter Wimsey), he is helped greatly in his efforts not only by his highly-skilled valet and by the police, but also (and more importantly) by many women from the middle and working classes. Lord Peter claims that women make excellent sleuths because no one suspects them, but this is clearly Dorothy L. Sayers at work, including keenly intelligent and resourceful women amongst her characters. I know this book was published in 1930, but it's always an unhappy shock when confronted with antisemitic passages while reading.
mborer23's review against another edition
4.0
Lord Peter becomes entranced with a beautiful and clever murder suspect. Did mystery writer Harriet Vane kill her onetime lover, a fellow writer, using the method used in one of her stories? Lord Peter takes on two tasks: finding the real killer, and convincing Miss Vane that his intentions are honorable. Great story, with a tricky resolution.
nickimags's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75