A review by meggymoocow
Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Murder Must Advertise draws on Sayer’s own experience in the advertising business in inter-war Britain. While a slightly odd flavour for a detective novel, the discussion of advertising is gently witty and, for a modern reader, brings to mind the sort of charming vintage adverts that people now like to hang framed in their kitchens. Other than a last-minute dark turn for one of the supporting characters, this is a fun read which, in classic Sayers style, leaves all the threads of the mystery neatly tied up by the end. It was the lack of emotional depth that made this one of her less interesting works for me. The Wimsey novels are at their best when exploring class and gender, which this novel touches upon only briefly. Fun, but wouldn’t re-read.
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